After a big holiday feast, one of the best ways to use up extra turkey is to make a comforting pot of Leftover Turkey Soup. Warm, hearty, nourishing, and full of wholesome ingredients, this classic soup transforms day-old turkey into a delicious meal that tastes even better than the original roasted bird. Whether your fridge is filled with Thanksgiving leftovers or you simply cooked too much poultry, this recipe helps you stretch ingredients, reduce food waste, and feed your family something truly satisfying.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making the perfect Leftover Turkey Soup—from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations, storage tips, freezing guidance, meal-prep ideas, and creative ways to customize the recipe to your taste.

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🥣 Why Leftover Turkey Soup Is the Perfect Post-Holiday Meal

✔ A Delicious Way to Use Up Leftovers

Turkey sandwiches are great, but this recipe transforms leftover turkey into something completely new and exciting.

✔ Hearty, Healthy & Filling

Packed with vegetables, protein, and comforting broth, it’s a nourishing meal—especially after indulging in heavy holiday feasts.

✔ One-Pot Convenience

Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

✔ Budget-Friendly

Using ingredients you already have keeps costs low.

✔ Customizable

Swap veggies, include pasta or rice, change the seasonings—this soup adapts to your pantry and preferences.

✔ Freezer-Friendly

Make a big batch now and freeze leftovers for easy winter meals.

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🥕 Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Soup

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, but here is the classic version:

Base Ingredients

• 2–3 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

Broth & Seasoning

• 8 cups turkey stock or chicken broth
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1–1½ cups uncooked noodles, rice, or barley
• 1 cup frozen peas or corn
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or sage
• A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Use what you have on hand—this recipe is one of the most forgiving soups you’ll ever make.

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🍲 How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup (Step-by-Step)

This recipe comes together in under an hour and fills your home with cozy, comforting aromas.

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Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add:

• Chopped onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

This creates the flavor foundation for your soup.

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Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in:

• Turkey stock or chicken broth
• All dried herbs
• Bay leaves

Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.

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Step 3: Add Potatoes or Grains (Optional)

If you’re using rice, pasta, potatoes, barley, or quinoa, add them at this stage.

Simmer until tender:

• Rice: 15–20 minutes
• Pasta: 8–12 minutes
• Potatoes: 12–15 minutes
• Barley: 25–30 minutes

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Step 4: Add the Leftover Turkey

Stir in the shredded turkey.

Simmer for 10–15 minutes to warm through and blend flavors.

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Step 5: Stir in Peas or Corn (Optional)

Frozen vegetables thaw quickly in hot soup. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking.

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Step 6: Taste & Adjust Seasoning

Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste.

Remove the bay leaves.

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

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Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and serve with:

• Crusty bread
• Homemade biscuits
• Crackers
• Fresh herbs
• Parmesan cheese

This soup is just as soothing as it is delicious.

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🍽 Expert Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey Soup

⭐ 1. Use homemade turkey stock for richer flavor

Boil the turkey carcass with onion, herbs, and scraps for 1–2 hours to make deep, rich broth.

⭐ 2. Add pasta at the end

If you add pasta too early, it may overcook and absorb too much broth.

⭐ 3. Don’t overcook the turkey

Adding turkey too soon can make it rubbery. Warm it gently toward the end.

⭐ 4. Brighten with lemon or fresh herbs

A splash of citrus or chopped parsley heightens flavor instantly.

⭐ 5. Make it creamy

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a luxurious finish.

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🧄 Flavor Boosters You Can Add

To customize your soup, try adding:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds savory depth)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (adds color + antioxidant benefits)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste for richness
• A parmesan rind while simmering

Small additions can dramatically elevate flavor.

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🍜 Variations of Leftover Turkey Soup

This soup is incredibly versatile. Try one of these delicious twists:

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1. Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup

Add:

• 1–1½ cups egg noodles
• A pinch of poultry seasoning

This tastes like cozy turkey-and-noodle comfort in a bowl.

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2. Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

Stir in:

• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk

Rich, hearty, and perfect for winter evenings.

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3. Turkey Vegetable Detox Soup

Load it with vegetables like:

• Kale
• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Mushrooms

Skip the cream for a light, nourishing option.

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4. Spicy Turkey Soup

Add:

• Jalapeños
• Red chili flakes
• Cayenne pepper

Create a warming soup with a little kick.

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5. Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup

Add:

• Black beans
• Corn
• Rotel tomatoes
• Chili powder
• Lime juice
• Tortilla strips on top

A zesty, Tex-Mex twist.

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6. Turkey Potato Chowder

Add:

• Potatoes
• Corn
• Cream
• Bacon pieces

A thicker, more indulgent soup.

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🧊 How to Store Leftover Turkey Soup

This soup is perfect for make-ahead meals.

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Refrigerator

• Store in airtight containers
• Keeps 3–4 days

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Freezer

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags
• Lasts 2–3 months

Tip: Freeze in portion sizes for easy reheating.

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How to Reheat

• Reheat on the stove over medium heat
• Add a splash of broth if needed (grains absorb liquid)
• For microwave reheating, use 60–90 second intervals

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🍞 What to Serve With Leftover Turkey Soup

This soup pairs wonderfully with:

• Buttery cornbread
• Garlic bread
• Soft dinner rolls
• Biscuits
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables

The mild flavor of the soup complements a wide range of sides.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with leftover chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely—use any leftover chicken in place of turkey.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add everything except pasta and turkey. Cook 4–6 hours on LOW, then add turkey and noodles for the last 30 minutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles or rice and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Is it okay to freeze the soup if it has noodles?

It’s best to add noodles fresh after thawing because frozen noodles can get mushy.

What if my soup is too thick?

Add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

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📌 Printable Recipe – Leftover Turkey Soup

Ingredients

• 2–3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• ½ tsp rosemary
• 1–2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: noodles, rice, potatoes, peas, corn

Instructions

1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in oil.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in broth, herbs, and bay leaves; bring to a boil.
4. Add potatoes or grains if using; cook until tender.
5. Add turkey; simmer 10–15 minutes.
6. Add peas or corn; cook 2 minutes.
7. Season to taste; remove bay leaves.
8. Serve warm.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Leftover Turkey Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition of turning holiday abundance into cozy, satisfying meals. This warm, hearty soup reduces food waste, feeds a crowd, and brings nourishing comfort during the chilly months. Whether you like it simple, creamy, spicy, or loaded with noodles, it adapts beautifully to any preference. Once you try making it, you’ll want to save turkey just for this recipe!

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