What to do with leftover turkey?

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to gather with family and enjoy a feast of deliciously roasted turkey. However, there is often that same question we ask ourselves after the party: what to do with the leftover turkey? Rather than letting that succulent meat sit bored in the back of the fridge, let's discover creative ways to reuse them and extend the Thanksgiving fun.

 

1. Turkey Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 cups macaroni (or another pasta of your choice)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of milk
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a pop of color)
• Breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy crust)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Cook macaroni according to package directions, leaving slightly al dente. Drain and reserve.

3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir to form a roux. Cook for one minute while stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to stir. Simmer until the sauce thickens, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add salt, pepper, mustard powder and paprika (if using). Next, remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced turkey and cheese sauce. Make sure everything is well coated in the cheese sauce.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top. If desired, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.

6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

7. Remove the dish from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

2. Turkey pizzas

Turkey and Pineapple Pizza

Ingredients

For the pizza dough (you can also use pre-made pizza dough):

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt tea
• 2/3 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

For garnish :

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or more depending on your preference)
• 1 1/2 cup cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup chopped pineapple (drained or fresh canned pineapple)
• 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the dry yeast, sugar and lukewarm water. Let sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy. Then add the flour, salt and olive oil. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in volume.

2. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and place a pizza stone or baking tray in the oven while preheating.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough.

4. Spread the tomato sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around it. Then add the cooked turkey, pineapple pieces and mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Season.

5. Transfer the topped pizza to the hot pizza stone or hot baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

6. Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and let cool slightly before cutting.

Turkey pizza and buffalo sauce

Ingredients :

For the pizza dough (you can also use pre-made pizza dough):

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt tea
• 2/3 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

For garnish :

• 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (or more depending on your preference)
• 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons celery, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons green onion, cut into thin rings

For the ranch sauce (optional):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions :

1. Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended on the instructions for your pizza dough (generally between 220°C and 250°C).

2. Lightly dust the work surface with corn or wheat flour. Spread the pizza dough ball.

3. Transfer the rolled out dough to a pizza pan or pizza stone previously floured or covered with parchment paper. Spread the buffalo sauce evenly over the dough. Add the diced cooked turkey and cheese.

4. Place pizza in preheated oven and bake according to pizza dough instructions or until crust is golden brown and cheese melts, usually 12 to 15 minutes.

5. While the pizza is cooking, prepare the ranch sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt and pepper.

6. Remove pizza from oven and sprinkle with celery and fresh green onion. If you have prepared the ranch dressing, serve as a side dish.

7. Cut the pizza into slices, serve hot and enjoy!

3. Turkey Tacos

Ingredients :

For the turkey filling:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lime

To assemble the tacos:

• 8 hard corn shells
• 2 cups iceberg lettuce, torn into pieces
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa of your choice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Lime slices to garnish (optional)

Instructions :

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes. Then add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Add the diced cooked turkey to the pan with the onion and garlic. Season with chili powder, cumin powder, salt and pepper. Cook the turkey for about 5 minutes. Add the lime juice for a little freshness and mix.

3. Reheat corn husks or according to package directions. Take a shell, add a portion of the cooked turkey filling, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa and fresh cilantro. Add lime juice.

4. Enjoy!

4. Turkey salads

Turkey Caesar Salad

Ingredients :

For the salad:

• Leftover cooked turkey, cut into strips or diced
• 1 romaine lettuce, washed and shredded into pieces
• 1/2 cup garlic croutons
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Caesar dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions :

1. In a large salad bowl, arrange the shredded romaine lettuce. Add leftover turkey cut into strips or dice on top of the lettuce.

2. Prepare the garlic croutons by browning them in a pan with a little olive oil until they are crispy. Add to salad.

3. To prepare the Caesar dressing, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and chopped garlic. Season. Mix.

4. Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad.

5. Serve: Serve as an accompaniment to a meal or as a main course for a delicious light meal.

Turkey Soba Noodle Salad

Ingredients :

Sesame Ginger Dressing

• 60 ml soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons chopped ginger
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• Juice of half a lime

Assembly

• 1 package (9.5 ounces) dried soba noodles
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• 2 cups leftover turkey meat, shredded
• 2 stalks of celery, cut into thin slices
• 1 cup purple cabbage, cut into strips
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 red pepper, cut into bite-sized thin strips
• 2 tablespoons coriander, roughly chopped
• 1 sprig of green onion, roughly chopped
• ½ cup chopped salted cashews
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds

Instructions :

1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add oil to the water, then add the soba noodles. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender, drain and rinse with hot water.
3. In a large salad bowl, add the drained soba noodles, turkey, celery, purple cabbage, carrot, pepper and vinaigrette.
4. Mix. Garnish with cilantro, green onion and sesame seeds and salted cashews .

5. Turkey Quiche

Ingredients :

For the dough:

• 1 pie crust base

For garnish :

• 200 g cooked and diced turkey
• 1 1/2 cups small greenhouse tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 onion, chopped
• 150g grated cheese (such as gruyere or cheddar)
• 3 eggs
• 250 ml of milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Herbs (such as basil, thyme or oregano), to taste

Instructions :

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prick the bottom of the pie crust with a fork to prevent it from swelling during baking.

3. Spread the diced cooked turkey on the bottom of the pie. Add the tomatoes on top of the turkey. In a pan, brown the chopped onion with a little olive oil until golden. Spread the browned onions over the tomatoes. Sprinkle grated cheese over topping.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk, salt, black pepper and aromatic herbs of your choice . Whisk well.

5. Assemble the quiche: Carefully pour the beaten egg mixture over the turkey filling in the pie pan.

6. Baking: Place the tart pan in the preheated oven. Bake the quiche for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until puffed and golden on top, and the center is set.

7. Cooling and serving: Allow the quiche to cool slightly before cutting it into pieces and serving. It can be served hot, at room temperature or even cold.

6. Turkey, cheese and spinach panini

Ingredients :

• 4 panini breads (or ciabatta, baguette, or other breads of your choice)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, cut into thin slices
• 1 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and drained
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions :

1. Using a panini grill, preheat according to manufacturer's instructions. Using a grill pan or non-stick pan, preheat over medium heat.

2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Season.

3. Divide the mayonnaise-mustard sauce between the four panini buns. Spread on both inside sides of each loaf. Spread the turkey on half of the buns. Add the grated Swiss cheese on top of the turkey, then the fresh spinach.

4. Close the buns with the fillings to form sandwiches. Press lightly to compact the ingredients.

5. Place the paninis on the preheated panini grill or in the hot grill pan. Using a panini grill, follow manufacturer's instructions for cooking until paninis are golden brown and cheese is melted, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using a frying pan, cook the paninis on both sides until nicely toasted and the cheese is melted, turning once.

6. Remove the paninis from the grill or pan, cut in half and enjoy!

7. Noodle, Turkey and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 carrots, cut into slices
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 8 cups chicken (or turkey) broth
• 2 cups of noodles of your choice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, to add freshness)

Instructions :

1. In a large saucepan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the chopped garlic, carrots and celery, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

2. Pour the chicken broth into the pan with the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Add the diced cooked turkey and egg noodles to the pan. Continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente.

4. Season the soup with dried thyme, salt and black pepper. Add lemon juice to add freshness to the soup.

5. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

6. Serve the soup hot in bowls and enjoy this comforting meal made with leftover turkey.

If you haven't enjoyed our delicious fresh Quebec turkey fed with 100% vegetable grains, it's not too late to order! Plus, if you have leftovers, you now have plenty of ideas for cooking them! Click here to order your turkey: https://reservelocale.ca/products/dinde-entiere

You're not at home much, but you still want to try these recipes with smaller pieces of turkey? We have several individual grain-fed turkey products from Quebec to offer you!