Traditions: Turkey Leftovers


Thanksgiving was fantastic. I enjoyed visiting with family and stuffing myself full of turkey and all the trimmings. This year, we went to Grammy Thompson's, so we don't have any leftovers. But normally, we have tons of turkey lurking in our fridge.

What do you do with all that meat?

We'll, here's what I do. I bag about half of the leftovers into quart-sized freezer bags, label with Thanksgiving Turkey, and (you guessed it) I freeze it. Amazing concept, eh? Over the next three months, I will pull the turkey out for sandwiches, soups, casseroles, stir-fry recipes, etc.

The day after Thanksgiving (or Christmas), I usually put together a Turkey Vegetable soup in the crock pot. Bake up some rolls, and you have an easy and delicious meal ready.

I also love to make Hot Turkey Sandwiches. My very favorite layering technique is (from bottom to top):

Gravy, slice of bread, turkey, gravy, slice of bread, turkey, gravy, slice of bread, gravy.

Mmm . . . Add a side of potatoes, pop it in the microwave until it all toasty and warm and you're in Turkey Leftover Heaven.


If you're looking for something a little lighter, try these delicious wrap recipes. Just replace the chicken with turkey.


I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving. Now I'm off to start my Christmas decorating!

Would you like to comment?

Cathy said...

Thanks for the recipe ideas Danyelle. We like to make Hawaiian haystacks with our turkey left overs. You make turkey gravy with lots of turkey in it and put out lots of toppings like chopped celery, peppers, coconut, crushed pineapple, shredded cheese, chinese noodles and marashino cherries. Put a half cup or so of steamed rice on your plate, add toppings that you like and pour on the gravy. Sounds kind of oogy, but it's way good.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

I'll have to try that with our Christmas leftovers! Another leftover favorite I forgot to mention - Waffles with Turkey & Gravy. You make the gravy with turkey in it, like you said, but then you pour it over homemade waffles. Soo yummy!

nikkicrumpet said...

I'm such a kitchen dork...I never thought of freezing it...that is brilliant....I won't feel like I have to eat Turkey sandwiches for every meal...including breakfast! Thanks for the tips!

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Nikki - don't feel like a dork. It took me several years to figure it out, too. I'm a learn as I go cook. :)