As I stood in my kitchen, the rich scent of sautéed garlic and sweet onions filled the air, a comforting embrace on a chilly evening. I had stumbled upon the perfect solution for those leftover turkey pieces lingering in the fridge after the holiday feast. That’s the beauty of this Leftover Turkey Soup; it wraps up everything you love about homemade cooking into a cozy bowl.
When you tire of the mundane fast-food options, this hearty soup emerges as a delightful way to savor the essence of comfort food, filled with vibrant vegetables and spices that dance on your palate. Every spoonful is not just a meal—it’s a way to cherish the memories of gathering around the dinner table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when time is short, this dish transforms what could have been waste into a hearty delight that warms the soul. Join me as I show you how to create this simple, delicious bowl of goodness that will turn even the most reluctant leftover into a star!
Why is Leftover Turkey Soup so comforting?
Cozy and inviting, this Leftover Turkey Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that warms your heart and home. Deliciously hearty, it combines tender turkey with a medley of fresh veggies and aromatic spices. Quick and easy, you can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Nutritious and satisfying, it transforms those holiday leftovers into a dish that’s not just a meal, but a family favorite. Crowd-pleasing, it’s a recipe that everyone will love, ensuring no leftover goes to waste—so go ahead and make this delightful bowl of goodness today!
Leftover Turkey Soup Ingredients
Dive into this cozy dish with essential flavors!
For the Soup
- Canola oil – This oil is light and perfect for sautéing the veggies.
- Large carrots – Peeled and diced, these add sweetness and color to your turkey soup.
- Ribs celery – Finely chopped, celery gives a lovely crunch and aromatic flavor.
- Medium onion – Finely diced, onion enhances the soup’s base with its savory richness.
- Garlic – Minced to infuse a warm, robust flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Salt – Essential for enhancing all the individual flavors in the soup.
- Dried parsley – A dash of this herb brightens the dish and adds a touch of freshness.
- Dried thyme – Offers earthy undertones that beautifully complement the turkey.
- Black pepper – A pinch adds an inviting warmth.
- Paprika – This spice lends a subtle smokiness and a lovely color.
- Homemade turkey stock – Using stock is key for maximum flavor; it’s the heart of your soup!
- Yukon gold potatoes – Cut into pieces, these add heartiness and texture to the dish.
- Leftover cooked turkey – Chopped turkey helps create a comforting, filling soup.
For the Roux
- Salted butter – Adds a rich base for thickening the soup.
- All-purpose flour – Essential for creating the roux that gives the soup its creamy texture.
- Milk – Any kind works! This keeps the soup smooth and comforting.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup
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Heat oil – Start by adding canola oil to a large dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Toss in your peeled and diced carrots, finely chopped celery, and diced onion. Cook them, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Sauté aromatics – Stir in the minced garlic, salt, parsley, thyme, pepper, and paprika. Cook everything together for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
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Add stock – Pour in the homemade turkey stock while giving the pot a good scrape with a wooden spoon. This helps lift any browned bits stuck to the bottom, adding depth to your soup.
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Incorporate potatoes – Add the cut Yukon gold potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
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Make the roux – Meanwhile, prepare the roux. In a large glass bowl or measuring cup, melt the salted butter in the microwave on high for 30-45 seconds.
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Combine flour – Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour until it’s completely absorbed by the butter, creating a smooth paste.
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Whisk in milk – Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Make sure all the flour is fully integrated to avoid lumps.
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Thicken the mixture – Microwave the roux mixture on high in 45-second intervals, whisking each time, until it thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes, ensuring a creamy consistency.
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Final blend – Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the cooked turkey and the thickened milk. Heat everything through, taste, and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Serve it warm, inviting everyone to gather around the table!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Leftover Turkey Soup?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that complement the warmth of this nourishing soup.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, the hearty texture of a good crusty bread adds a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy soup.
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with vibrant greens and a zesty vinaigrette brightens the meal, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic are irresistibly indulgent, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots; their caramelized goodness brings delightful sweetness to the table.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Flaky, savory cheese biscuits are a crowd-pleaser, soaking up the leftover turkey soup’s broth perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a sweet and light counterpoint, cleansing the palate after each hearty spoonful.
- Cider: A glass of warm apple cider enhances the cozy atmosphere, complementing the savory and sweet notes of the soup.
- Pumpkin Pie: End the meal on a sweet note with a slice of spiced pumpkin pie, a classic pairing that echoes holiday flavors.
- Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice with fresh herbs adds a subtle, comforting flavor that rounds out the meal without overwhelming it.
Leftover Turkey Soup Variations
Feel free to make this soup your own with wonderful tweaks and swaps that awaken your taste buds!
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Herb Swap: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or sage instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Just chop finely and add them at the same stage as the dried herbs.
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Creamy Vegan: Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based options like almond milk and coconut oil for a creamy yet dairy-free version. You won’t miss the richness!
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Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to invigorate the flavor and bring a gentle heat that livens up every spoonful.
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Protein Boost: Include other proteins, like white beans or chickpeas, for added texture and nutrition. They’ll complement the turkey beautifully, making your soup extra hearty.
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Colorful Veggies: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale right before serving for a burst of color and a nutritional uplift. It’s an easy way to elevate your soup and make it feel even more wholesome.
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Citrus Zing: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors and bring out the depth of the herbs. It’s a simple trick that adds an unexpected twist.
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Gourmet Touch: Top your soup with a sprinkle of crumbled feta or freshly grated parmesan to create a rich umami flavor that takes this comforting dish to the next level.
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Noodle Delight: Add a handful of egg noodles or whole grain pasta for a heartier twist that satisfies and makes for a delightful, filling meal. Perfect for those colder nights!
Make Ahead Options
These Leftover Turkey Soup preparations are perfect for busy cooks wanting to save time during the week! You can chop all your vegetables (carrots, celery, and onion) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the roux and thickened milk ahead; just make sure to refrigerate it in a separate container to maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply sauté the veggies, add the stock and potatoes, then stir in your prepped turkey and roux mixture, heating it through for delicious results! By prepping these elements ahead, you’ll have a comforting bowl in no time, transforming your leftovers into a heartwarming meal.
Expert Tips for Leftover Turkey Soup
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Sauté patiently: Take your time sautéing the vegetables. This enhances the flavors and creates a aromatic base for your soup.
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Stock choice: Opt for homemade turkey stock if possible. It’s richer in flavor compared to store-bought alternatives and makes a significant difference in your leftover turkey soup.
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Avoid mushy potatoes: Cut the Yukon gold potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
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Roux perfection: Whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly before adding milk. This step avoids lumps, leading to a wonderfully creamy consistency in your soup.
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Season adjust: Always taste before serving! Adjust the seasonings to your liking, especially after adding the turkey, as it can influence the overall flavor of your leftover turkey soup.
How to Store and Freeze Leftover Turkey Soup
Fridge: Store your leftover turkey soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezer: Freeze the soup in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of milk if needed to refresh the creamy texture of the leftover turkey soup.
Portioning: Consider portioning the soup before freezing so you can easily defrost individual servings for a quick and cozy meal anytime!
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe FAQs
What kind of leftover turkey is best for the soup?
Absolutely! Any leftover cooked turkey works well, but I recommend using the breast meat for its tenderness and flavor. Dark meat can also be used for a heartier taste and richer texture.
How should I store leftover turkey soup?
You can keep your leftover turkey soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just ensure you let it cool to room temperature before sealing it to preserve its flavor and quality.
Can I freeze my leftover turkey soup?
Very much so! To freeze, ladle the soup into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat leftover turkey soup without losing its creaminess?
The key is to reheat it gently! After thawing, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to refresh that velvety texture.
What can I do if my turkey soup is too salty?
If your leftover turkey soup ends up a bit salty, don’t worry! Simply add a few diced potatoes or a cup of water to dilute the saltiness. Let it simmer for a few minutes, and those potatoes will absorb some of the excess salt while providing marvelous flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for my dog?
While some ingredients are dog-friendly, it’s best to avoid serving this soup to pets. The seasoning and especially the onions can be harmful to dogs in large amounts. Stick to meat and plain vegetables if you want to share!
Cozy Up with Leftover Turkey Soup in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a large dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, parsley, thyme, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in turkey stock and scrape the bottom to lift any browned bits.
- Add Yukon gold potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Melt salted butter in a measuring cup in the microwave (30-45 seconds).
- Stir in all-purpose flour until absorbed by butter, creating a paste.
- Whisk in milk gradually until smooth.
- Microwave roux mixture in intervals, whisking each time, until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in cooked turkey and thickened milk, heat through, and adjust seasonings as necessary before serving warm.