With my barbecue crazy family, smoked turkey is a pretty common occurrence at Thanksgiving dinner. As we also tend to cook far more food than we can possibly eat in one sitting, I have also gotten quite good at coming up with leftover smoked turkey recipes over the years.
Here are a list of my top ones for you to try out!
How to Use Leftover Smoked Turkey?
In reality, there is no limit to how you can use this ingredient. Use it as a filling for sandwiches, quesadillas, rolls, and anything else that you can fancy.
Smoked turkey also goes beautifully with soups – it adds flavor and also some heft. Throw in veggies such as black beans and mushrooms and seasonings such as fresh cilantro, fresh thyme, rosemary – any flavor combination that you desire.
It is also great to bake with. Leftover smoked turkey works well in a pot pie, casserole, Shepherd’s pie, and so much more. As I mentioned, you are only limited by your imagination. So, don’t let that perfectly good, delicious smoked turkey go to waste!
Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes
Here are the leftover turkey recipes that you can try:
Smoked Turkey Pot Pie
Ingredients
1lbs. of leftover smoked turkey, chopped
1/4 cup of butter
4 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups of carrots, cubed
1 medium sweet onions, minced
1 tbs. of steak seasoning or dry rub
1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of full fat milk
2 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of frozen peas
1 cup of frozen corn
2 pie crusts
1 egg, beaten
Method
Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet. Once it begins to bubble, add the vegetables and combine so that they are covered in the butter. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat.
Sprinkle the seasonings and combine thoroughly.
Add the flour and keep stirring to prevent the flour from burning. Pour in the milk and continue to stir so that clumps don’t form.
Slowly pour in the stock, stirring all the while. Add the peas, corn, and leftover turkey. Taste and add more seasoning if desired. Take off the heat.
Preheat the oven to 475°F.
Cut the pie crust into strips and place over the filling in a desired pattern. Brush with beaten egg and place in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Smoked Turkey Sandwiches
Ingredients
1/4 cup of cranberry sauce
3 tbs. of unsalted butter
1 tsp. of honey
1 tsp. of Dijon mustard
8 slices of rye bread
1lb of smoked turkey leftovers
12 oz. of cheese, sliced
lettuce leaves
tomatoes
stuffing
Method
In a food processor, combine the sauce, butter, honey, and mustard on high speed for a minute.
Apply this spread on one side of each slice of bread. Layer the leftover smoked turkey, cheese, stuffing, lettuce, and tomatoes. Close the sandwich.
Smoked BBQ Sandwiches
Ingredients
Barbecue Sauce
1 cup of cider vinegar
1/4 cup of brown sugar
2 tbs. of red pepper flakes
2 tbs. of hot sauce
2 tsp. of kosher salt
For the Sandwiches
1lb. of leftover smoked turkey breast, shredded or pulled
8 potato rolls
Coleslaw
Method
In a mixing bowl, make the BBQ sauce. Combine the ingredients until the salt and sugar crystals have dissolved. You can adjust the sweetness and the heat according to your taste at this point.
Heat the shredded turkey until it is warmed all the way through. Then, place in a bowl and add the sauce, little by little. After every drizzle, use your hands to thoroughly mix the leftover turkey and the sauce.
Split the buns, stuff with the turkey leftovers mix and top off with coleslaw.
Lentil Soup
Ingredients
1 tbs. of olive oil
3 garlic cloves
1 celery stick, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 can of whole tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 cup of lentils
3/4lb. of smoked turkey leftovers, including wing
4 small red potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup of chopped parsley
salt and pepper
Parmesan rind
Freshly grated parmesan
Method
Heat the oil in a large pot. Cook all the veggies except for the potatoes for 7 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, smoked turkey, and 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer. Add the rind in at this point. Simmer for an hour, add the potatoes, and simmer for another 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Pick out the turkey from the soup, remove the bones and return the leftover poultry meat to the soup. Take out the bay leaf as well. Season with salt and pepper and add the parsley. Serve and top with parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Freeze Leftover Smoked Turkey?
Yes, you can freeze leftover smoked turkey. First slice the meat and place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
How Do You Keep a Smoked Turkey from Drying Out?
Make sure to reheat the turkey with sauce or broth. Also, use a recipe that has plenty of liquids such as stock, milk, cream, etc. to help keep the turkey nice and moist.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it – the best ever leftover smoked turkey recipes! These are delicious, easy to make and guarantee that your leftover smoked turkey will never go to waste again. With these ideas, you will be able to extend the life and flavor of your smoked turkey for quite a while!
By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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