10 Smokin' Leftover Turkey Ideas
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Once you have cooked and enjoyed your celebratory turkey, whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas or another gathering, the fun does not have to stop. If you planned right you will have plenty of leftover turkey, perfect for a leftover turkey sandwich, leftover turkey casserole, and other great dishes. Read on for some of our best leftover turkey ideas.
10 Best Leftover Turkey Ideas
Here’s an idea for the next time you plan to cook a turkey: cook two—or more! That way you will have enough for the main meal and enough for making sandwiches (of, course). But our leftover turkey ideas don’t end there. Read on for recipes all kinds of sandwiches, casseroles and even a turkey egg roll.
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
When you want your leftovers to be as extraordinary as the original dinner, make Diva Q’s rich and savory turkey pot pie. A store-bought puff pastry crust makes it easy.
Ultimate Traeger Thanksgiving Sandwich
There are all kinds of sandwiches to make with Thanksgiving leftovers, but it’s hard to beat the classic turkey sandwich made with all the fixings.
Traeger Leftover Turkey Soup
Combine your leftover turkey meat with some aromatic vegetables for a soothing next-day soup.
Turkey Stuffing Bacon Balls
For something different, transform your leftover feast into these delicious bacon-wrapped stuffing bombs. Great for a snack or appetizer.
Baked Cornbread Turkey Tamale Pie
This tamale pie is leftover lover’s dream, Mixed shredded turkey, corn, black beans and bell peppers get tossed with spicy sauces and topped with cornbread before cooking in the Traeger until golden brown.
Flat Top Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Another great leftovers sandwich option, this one griddled to perfection on the Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Griddle. Provolone, bacon, and mustard (plus leftover cranberry sauce) sets this turkey sandwich apart from the rest.
Baked Turkey and Stuffing Hash
Start the day after Thanksgiving right with some poached eggs and homemade turkey hash. Just remember to save a sweet potato for it.
Baked Thanksgiving Shepherd’s Pie
Thanksgiving shepherd’s pie gives a twist to the classic Irish dish. Turkey, gravy, green beans, and stuffing are layered, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked on the Traeger.
Baked Turkey Enchiladas
Take your turkey leftovers south-of-the-border with turkey enchiladas. Traeger-roasted veggies meet turkey, cheese, and chiles for a melty, creamy dish that'll satisfy any lingering holiday guests.
Thanksgiving Egg Roll
This recipe is really more of a recipe suggestion because Thanksgiving egg rolls are made with whatever you have leftover making them endlessly adaptable.
How to Store Leftover Turkey
Like most cooked meats, turkey needs to be stores covered and refrigerated (40°F). If possible, leave the meat in larger chunks to keep it from drying out. The USDA recommends keeping it no longer than 4 days. You can also freeze cooked turkey airtight for up to 4 months. That it in the fridge before using it.
How to Reheat Turkey
You don’t have to reheat cooked turkey to eat it from the fridge. Depending on how you are using it the meat may get reheated in the casserole or sandwich. But if you want to enjoy just the meat reheated, place the turkey pieces in a baking dish, add a little stock or water (or even gravy if you’ve got some), cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (in the oven or on the Traeger) until warmed through, usually about 30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave according to your unit’s directions.
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
by Danielle "Diva Q" Bennett
Prep Time
30 Min
Cook Time
25 Min
Serves
6
Pellets
Apple
When Diva Q has leftover turkey, she uses it to make this single-skillet pot pie. But you don't have to wait for a holiday to make it; you can roast a turkey breast any time of year or even sub in cooked chicken. A store-bought puff pastry crust makes assembly easy. It can go on as a whole sheet or cut and woven as pictured. To make the lattice top, use 2 sheets of puff pastry and follow the steps shown in the video.
Ingredients
main
| 2 Ounce | (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter |
| 1 Cup | chopped red onion |
| 1 Cup | diced carrot |
| 1 Cup | diced celery |
| 1 Tablespoon | chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley |
| 2 Teaspoon | fresh thyme leaves |
| 1 Teaspoon | Traeger Chicken Rub or freshly ground black pepper |
| 1/4 Cup | all-purpose flour |
| 3 Cup | chicken or turkey broth |
| 1/2 Cup | heavy cream |
| 12 Ounce | cooked turkey breast, cut 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups) |
| 1/2 Cup | frozen peas |
| 1/2 Teaspoon | kosher salt, plus more to taste |
| 1 | sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed |
| 1 | egg, beaten, for egg wash |
1
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, parsley, thyme, and Traeger Chicken Rub or pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about another 5 minutes. Add the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Continue cooking and stirring until the flour is light golden brown, and has a nutty aroma, 2 to 3 minutes.
2
Add the stock and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high, bring to a boil, then let boil for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cream and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add the turkey, peas, and salt. Stir, then season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
3
When ready to cook, preheat the Traeger with the lid closed to 375°F; this will take about 15 minutes.
4
Just before cooking, roll out the cold puff pastry so it’s large enough to cover the pan. Trim the edges, if desired. Top the skillet with the dough, then very carefully as skillet may still be hot, press the edges of the dough so they stick to the outside of the pan. Use a sharp paring knife to cut a few vents in the dough. (Or, if you are feeling fancy, make a lattice with strips of the puff pasty.)
5
Brush the egg wash all over the puff pastry.
6
Place the skillet directly on the grill grates and bake until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown, about 25 minutes.
7
Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
