Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, spending quality time with loved ones, and of course, indulging in a delicious turkey dinner. But after the big feast, what do you do with all the leftover turkey? While many people enjoy reheating the leftover turkey and sides for days to come, there are plenty of creative and delicious ways to use that leftover turkey in cold dishes. Here are some ideas to help you jazz up your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers and turn them into tasty, refreshing meals.
If you're tired of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, why not spice things up with a Mexican twist? This recipe calls for marinating the turkey in a flavorful blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in a tender and juicy bird with a kick of heat. Serve it with homemade salsa and guacamole for a festive and delicious holiday feast.
For a classic Thanksgiving turkey with a crispy and golden skin, this roasted turkey recipe is a must-try. The key to achieving a perfect bird is to brine the turkey overnight in a mixture of salt, sugar, and herbs. This will infuse the turkey with moisture and flavor, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that will impress all your guests.
Don't let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! This easy pot pie recipe is a fantastic way to use up any leftover turkey, vegetables, and gravy. Simply mix everything together in a pie dish, top it with a layer of flaky puff pastry, and bake until golden and bubbly. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in after a busy Thanksgiving.
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Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
For a no-fail juicy and flavorful turkey, this recipe is a game-changer. The secret ingredient? A can of beer. By placing a can of beer in the turkey's cavity, the steam from the beer helps to keep the turkey moist while it cooks, resulting in a juicy and tender bird. Plus, it adds a delicious hint of flavor to the meat.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
If you're looking for a stress-free way to roast a Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. By brining and roasting the turkey in the oven, you'll end up with a tender and flavorful bird without any fuss. The brine mixture of salt, sugar, and spices works its magic to lock in moisture and enhance the natural flavors of the turkey.
For those who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with family and friends, this no-fuss turkey recipe is the way to go. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe still delivers a juicy and delicious turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner.
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Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
This mouth-watering turkey recipe combines two of the best flavors – maple and bacon – for a sweet and savory twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. By wrapping the turkey in slices of bacon and brushing it with a maple glaze, you'll end up with a crispy and flavorful skin and tender and juicy meat.
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Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
If you love garlic and butter, you'll love this Thanksgiving turkey recipe. By rubbing the turkey with a mixture of garlic, butter, and herbs, you'll infuse the meat with rich and flavorful aromas. The result? A moist and tender turkey that pairs perfectly with a homemade gravy made from the pan drippings.
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How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh
If you're a beginner when it comes to cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you'll learn how to roast a turkey like a pro. From prepping and seasoning the bird to carving and serving it, this recipe will ensure you end up with a perfectly cooked and delicious turkey every time.
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How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions, Garlic Cloves
If you're looking for a foolproof way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is a must-try. By using a digital thermometer and following the recommended cooking times, you'll be able to cook a turkey that is fully cooked and safe to eat. No more guessing if the turkey is ready or not – this recipe takes the guesswork out of cooking a turkey.
Looking to switch things up from the traditional Thanksgiving dinner? This recipe for Thanksgiving turkey gumbo is a delicious and unique way to use up any leftover turkey. With a flavorful broth, tender turkey meat, and spicy Cajun flavors, this gumbo is the perfect soul-warming dish on a cold fall evening.
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Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Brown Sugar, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire
For a tried and true Thanksgiving turkey recipe, look no further. This classic and simple recipe calls for a turkey brined overnight in a mixture of salt, sugar, and herbs, then roasted in the oven until golden and crispy. The result is a perfectly cooked and delicious turkey that will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table.
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Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Lemon, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme
If you're short on time but still want to serve a delicious Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. By using a store-bought turkey and pre-made seasoning, you can have a stress-free and delicious turkey on the table in no time. And no one will even know you took a shortcut!
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Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika
If you can't get enough of bacon, this Thanksgiving turkey recipe is a must-try. By wrapping the turkey in bacon and brushing it with a honey-bacon glaze, you'll end up with a flavorful and crispy skin and tender and juicy meat. Plus, the aroma of bacon will fill your kitchen and have everyone's mouth watering.
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Best Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
For a foolproof and delicious Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is a winner. By brining the turkey in a mixture of spices and herbs, then roasting it in the oven, you'll end up with a flavorful and juicy bird that will impress all your guests. Don't forget to save the pan drippings to make a delicious gravy to serve alongside the turkey.
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Dry Brine your Thanksgiving Turkey this Year
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Kosher Salt, Dried Thyme, Marjoram, Smoked
For a less messy way to brine a turkey, this recipe is a game-changer. Instead of using a wet brine, this recipe calls for a dry brine made from a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices. This will still infuse the turkey with flavor and moisture, resulting in a tender and juicy bird without the hassle of a wet brine.
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Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley, Sprigs Fresh
If you have a smoker, this recipe for a smoked Thanksgiving turkey is a must-try. By smoking the turkey with hickory or applewood, you'll add a delicious smoky flavor to the meat. And the best part? Your oven will be free for all the other Thanksgiving dishes, making it a win-win situation.
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No-Fail Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper
If you're looking for a foolproof way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is a lifesaver. By using a slow cooker, you'll end up with a moist and tender turkey without having to constantly check on it in the oven. Plus, it frees up your oven for all the delicious sides and desserts.
For many, Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without their mom's famous turkey recipe. If you're looking to recreate that nostalgic and comforting taste, this recipe is for you. With a simple brine and traditional seasoning, this Thanksgiving turkey will taste just like mom used to make.
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Spatchcocked Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Softened Butter, Fresh Herb
If you're looking for a quicker way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is a game-changer. By spatchcocking the turkey – or removing the backbone and flattening it – you'll reduce the cooking time and end up with a crispy and evenly cooked turkey. Plus, it's a fun and impressive way to serve the turkey at the table.
1. Turkey Cobb Salad
Ingredients:
Leftover turkey, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Romaine lettuce, chopped
Tomatoes, diced
Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
Avocado, diced
Bacon, cooked and crumbled
Blue cheese, crumbled
Favorite salad dressing
In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, turkey, tomatoes, eggs, avocado, bacon, and blue cheese. Toss with your favorite salad dressing and serve cold for a refreshing and protein-packed meal.
2. Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
Ingredients:
Leftover turkey, sliced
Bread or rolls
Cranberry sauce
Mayonnaise
Lettuce
Tomato, sliced
Spread mayonnaise and cranberry sauce on one slice of bread or roll. Layer on sliced turkey, lettuce, and tomato. Top with the other slice of bread or roll and enjoy a tasty and easy turkey sandwich.
3. Turkey and Cranberry Wrap
Ingredients:
Leftover turkey, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Tortilla wraps
Cranberry sauce
Spinach leaves
Red onion, thinly sliced
Feta cheese, crumbled
Spread cranberry sauce on a tortilla wrap. Add a layer of spinach leaves, red onion slices, and crumbled feta cheese. Top with chopped turkey and roll up the wrap. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a flavorful and colorful turkey and cranberry wrap.
4. Turkey and Apple Salad
Ingredients:
Leftover turkey, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Apples, diced
Celery, diced
Dried cranberries
Almonds, sliced
Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped turkey, diced apples, celery, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the turkey mixture and toss to coat. Serve chilled for a light and flavorful salad.
5. Turkey and Vegetable Wraps
Ingredients:
Leftover turkey, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Tortilla wraps
Hummus
Cucumber, thinly sliced
Carrots, shredded
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Spread hummus on a tortilla wrap. Add a layer of sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and red bell pepper. Top with chopped turkey and roll up the wrap. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a healthy and flavorful turkey and vegetable wrap.
Conclusion
Don't let your leftover Thanksgiving turkey go to waste. With these cold recipe ideas, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and refreshing meals using your leftover turkey. Get creative and have fun with your Thanksgiving leftovers!
