Smoked turkey is a great food choice, as it is considered lean meat and has an excellent flavor profile.
Whether you have a leftover whole smoked turkey, or it has already been sliced or pulled, there are plenty of ways to eat it as a leftover.
When I have extra meat, I typically use it in sandwiches or casseroles. To help you out, I gathered a list of recipes so you can see all the different kinds of meals that they can be integrated into! Let’s get started.

Leftover Smoked Turkey Sandwich
I adore this sandwich! Build it by sauteeing your smoked turkey, bell peppers, and onions, then throwing a ton of BBQ sauce on a toasted hoagie roll.
To serve, I typically sprinkle shredded cheese and fresh lettuce to finish it off. It is such a delicious sandwich!
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Although these sliders are typically an appetizer, they are the perfect size for kids, and adults can eat as many as they’d like to fill up! To assemble the sandwich, pile on bacon, turkey, tomatoes, and more.
Make a homemade sauce to complete the dish. I served this alongside garlic potato wedges, and it was divine!
Smoked Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich with Bacon
Your family will love this refreshing sandwich! The apple gives it a nice crunch. Fill the sandwich with crispy bacon, smoked turkey, brie cheese, and more.
You can use ciabatta, although I love using brioche here! Serve with homemade potato salad to make it even better.
California Grilled Reuben Recipe
What exactly is a California Reuban, you ask? Instead of a classic Reuban, this sandwich has turkey meat replacing the pastrami; how scrumptious!
I love using sourdough for this and layering a ton of turkey, pickles, and cheese before smothering it in homemade coleslaw. Grill it in a skillet, and you’re good to go.
Turkey, Smoked Gouda, and Raspberry Chipotle Jam Sandwich
This is one incredibly unique sandwich! Make the jam by simply adding small amounts of chipotle to your raspberry jam until it reaches the spiciness you prefer.
For the sandwich, smother the jam, then place the gouda, tomato, arugula, and turkey on the bun. I enjoy putting this under the broiler for a minute to get the cheese melted and the bread crispy! How delightful.
Smoked Turkey Club
Who doesn’t love a good club sandwich? This is my family’s go-to! Load your bread with bacon, tomato, spinach, cheese, turkey, and more.
Fry the sandwich in a skillet until the bread is lightly toasted. In the past, I have served this with homemade potato chips; it makes for a light lunch!
Smoked Pulled Barbecue Turkey Sandwiches Recipe
If you have pulled turkey on hand, this is the one for you! You can skip the first few steps of the recipe and heat your leftover turkey as preparation.
To assemble the sandwich, layer it with abundant amounts of sauce, smoked turkey, coleslaw, pickles, and any other toppings you prefer.
It is recommended to make the sandwich on a kaiser roll, but I usually use potato buns, and they work just as well. Serve alongside macaroni and cheese for a hearty meal.
Smoked Turkey and Cranberry Croissant Sandwich
Reminiscent of thanksgiving flavors, this sandwich brings together cranberry and turkey. Once your turkey is sliced, it is put in the middle of a lightly toasted croissant.
Spread on fig spread and cranberry sauce to finish this gorgeous sandwich! I love serving this at brunch events; it is always a huge hit!
The Gooey Gobbler - A Perfect Way to Use Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
Could it get any better than having an ooey-gooey grilled cheese? My kids go crazy over this recipe! To start, make your sandwich full of cranberry jelly, smoked turkey, and gouda cheese.
Smother the bread with herb butter and cook the sandwich in a skillet until the cheese is perfectly melted, making the bread slightly crunchy on the outside. I recommend serving this with a side salad; it is a flavorful meal!
Best Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe - How To Make Turkey Tetrazzini
Here is a super simple recipe that the whole family will enjoy. Start by cooking a wine sauce on the stovetop while cooking your noodles in a separate pan.
Once the creamy sauce is finished, it will have mushrooms, garlic, cheese, turkey, and more. Transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until it is golden and bubbly. I served this with garlic bread and green beans! Yum.
Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Stuffing can be enjoyed no matter what time of year it is! Why limit something so tasteful to just the holidays? Make a cream sauce with onion and garlic on the stovetop to make this casserole. Next, stir in the turkey and vegetables.
Place the mixture into a baking dish, topping it with stuffing, then bake it for approximately 30 minutes. To garnish, I generally put fresh parsley and basil. How savory!
Turkey Tetrazzini
This recipe is a breeze for weeknights! Cook your pasta, then combine all the other ingredients (turkey, soup, peas, mushrooms, etc.) in a large-sized bowl.
Fold your cooked pasta into the mixture, layer it in a baking dish and bake until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. To garnish, I commonly sprinkle fresh herbs or chopped micro-greens on top.
The Perfect Leftover Turkey Recipes is a Cajun-Spiced Turkey Pot Pie
Using your leftover turkey in a pot pie is a great idea, especially when it’s Cajun-style! First, make the filling out of celery, onion, jalapenos, tomatoes, and more.
For the crust, it is simply flour, butter, water, and seasonings! Layer the filling in ramekins or a large baking dish, then roll out the crust and cover it. Bake until everything is bubbly, and the crust is baked through.
Since it’s already packed with protein and veggies, I usually serve this on its own! It is excellent with some shredded cheese sprinkled on top.
One-Pot Cheesy Turkey Tamale Pie | Half Baked Harvest
This is a unique recipe that will have you wanting seconds for sure. The casserole has two layers, the bottom layer being freshly cooked polenta.
Layer it accordingly in the pan, then bake for up to 30 minutes. Once baked, I served it with freshly diced tomatoes and avocados as a garnish. It was fantastic!
*EASY* Leftover Turkey Casserole | 6 Ingredients
For this effortless yet flavorful casserole, make your filling with leftover turkey, steamed broccoli, white rice, and cream of chicken soup.
Pour it into the baking dish, then top the filling with cheese and fried onions. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. When done, I recommend garnishing it as I do with fresh parsley and additional cheese.
French Onion Turkey Casserole
Are you looking for a quick and easy fix for dinner? Look no further! For this bake, combine the french onion soup, turkey, bread cubes, cheese, and additional ingredients in a large bowl.
Next, transfer It to your baking dish, sprinkling it with thyme and cheese before baking it for 15 minutes. When I served this, I had it with asparagus as the side, and the flavors paired so perfectly!
Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Although this recipe calls for ground turkey, feel free to use whatever turkey you have on hand. To start, cook your pasta accordingly. Heat your leftover turkey in a skillet with onion and garlic, then add the tomato sauce and seasonings.
Toss the pasta into the mixture until it is fully coated in the sauce. Pour the filling into a baking dish, then bake it for 25 minutes.
The recipe says to put the cheese on at the beginning of baking, but I typically like sprinkling it on halfway through, so it doesn’t get too brown. Serve with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal!
Turkey & Vegetable Pot Pie
I had to include just one more pot pie recipe; this one is too good to pass up! For the filling, cook pancetta, mushrooms, celery, carrots, and other ingredients in a skillet.
Add in broth followed by flour, creating a thickened sauce. Use puff pastry sheets as the crust, covering the filling, then bake in the oven for approximately 30-40 minutes. My kids love eating this meal on rainy days; it is so comforting and hearty.
Turkey Chili
To begin this lovely chili, start by sauteeing the onions and bell peppers in a skillet before adding in your leftover turkey. Add your seasonings, tomatoes, bay leaves, and water.
Simmer the chili for 20 minutes over medium heat, then enjoy. I love garnishing this with sour cream and avocado slices! Delicious.
White Turkey Chili
Have you ever had white chili? It’s incredible! For this easy recipe, all you need to do is combine all the ingredients and simmer them.
Cannellini beans, smoked turkey, milk, cream of chicken, cilantro, onion, chiles, and more make up this chili.
To finish it off, I recommend garnishing it with cilantro and tortilla chips to add a nice crunch!
Smoked Turkey Mango Chili Recipe
Here is a unique recipe you need to try out for your next event! It is super easy, just heat your leftover smoked turkey and combine it in a pot with tomatoes, salsas, spices, and beans.
The mango salsa pairs perfectly with the spices, bringing the flavor to the next level. To serve, I love having jalapeno cornbread on the side!
Turkey and Black Bean Chili
This recipe will impress even the pickiest of eaters! Start by sauteeing your leftover turkey with spices, garlic, and onion. Add the tomato sauce, chiles, black beans, and stock.
Add in the remaining ingredients, then simmer the chili for 15 minutes. I garnished this with scallions and sour cream, then sprinkled on loads of shredded cheese to finish it!
Panera Turkey Chili Recipe (copycat)
If you love Panera’s chili, you will surely love this rendition of it! Although it calls for ground turkey, replacing it with your smoked turkey will create a nice twist.
Heat your meat in a hot pan, followed by the onion, garlic, corn, carrots, edamame, and spices.
Add your tomato paste and broth, then allow it to simmer for 45 minutes. My family has enjoyed this served with fresh buttermilk biscuits on the side!
Ham and Broccoli Crustless Quiche (Keto, Gluten-Free)
This recipe originally calls for the use of ham, but I recently put some of my leftover smoked turkeys in it, and it was to die for. Make the filling with turkey, eggs, onion, cheese, butter, and cream.
Put the chopped broccoli in the bottom of the baking dish, pour the filling over it, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the eggs are set. I love serving this topped with freshly diced tomatoes and sour cream!
Best Keto Spicy Turkey Wings Recipe
If you have turkey wings that you are looking to use up, this is the perfect recipe to do so. Create a unique spice blend of cayenne, garlic powder, cumin, lemon juice, and more.
Rub the spice mixture onto your leftover wings, then cover them and bake them in the oven long enough for them to heat up.
The recipe refers to cooking the turkey from it being raw, so you will not need the amount of time that it recommends. To serve, I love having a garlic sauce with it!
Keto Turkey, Bacon, and Ranch Pinwheels
You will be the star of the show at your next family gathering when you bring these adorable appetizers! To make them, wrap your turkey slices with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon.
To serve, I love having additional ranch dressing on the side! Dipping it in something spicy like buffalo sauce is excellent as well.
Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey "Nachos"
Here is a fun and creative way to use up your leftovers! Make a filling inside mini bell peppers that includes jalapeno, onion, turkey, cheese, and more.
Sprinkle with cheese and bake the ‘nachos’ in the oven for 10 minutes. I served this with cauliflower rice and garnished it with sour cream! It was heavenly!
Smoked Turkey, Black Bean, Bell Pepper and Corn Salad
Salad recipes are an excellent way to nourish your body refreshingly and lightly. This salad combines turkey, beans, corn, peppers, and tomatoes to make a yummy meal.
Mix olive oil, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and sherry vinegar for the dressing. Fold the ingredients into the sauce to evenly coat all the components. I love serving this with a bowl of berries or even a fruit smoothie!
Turkey Apple Pasta Salad
I love pasta salads because they’re incredibly yummy while also being nice and filling! To make this recipe, start by combining your smoked turkey with celery, cheese, chopped apples, cranberries, and cooked pasta.
For the dressing, blend Caesar dressing with balsamic, then fold it into the ingredients. I personally like setting this aside in the refrigerator for a while to let all the flavors marry before serving it! Delish.
Smoked Turkey Salad Recipe
This is a great lunch idea and is super easy to put together! For the salad toppings, load smoked turkey, cherry tomatoes, onions, olives, and cooked couscous on a layer of mixed greens.
Personally, I love using a mix of spinach and kale, but you can use arugula too! Drizzle Greek salad dressing on to finish it off.
Smoked Turkey Pasta Salad Recipe - Food.com
This salad contains fresh ingredients such as celery, grapes, green onion, and tarragon. Stir the turkey in with the vegetables. Next, coat your cooked pasta in dressing and then combine with the rest of the ingredients.
I enjoy putting walnuts and other nuts into this salad; it gives it a nice crunch! Serve it chilled.
If you love macaroni salad, this recipe will blow you away! Simply cook your pasta off and let it cool before adding it to the other ingredients.
This recipe has a nice blend of flavors, including lemon juice, Swiss cheese, almonds, smoked turkey, and seasonings. I love bringing this dish to cookouts; I usually have to double the recipe because it is so popular!
Smoked Turkey and Apple Salad
With hints of Dijon mustard and lemon pepper, this recipe is a showstopper for sure. For the salad, I combine all the ingredients (smoked turkey, apples, walnuts, carrots, and tomatoes) before putting it on a bed of romaine lettuce.
The Dijon gets mixed with vinegar and olive oil before drizzling or tossed in the salad. Additionally, I usually serve this alongside a BLT sandwich. Yum!
Smoked Turkey, Pomegranate, Brussels & Bacon Salad
This salad is for pomegranate lovers; I know you’re out there! It is packed with nutrients because Brussel sprout shreds are mixed with the other greens.
Layer the smoked turkey, chopped bacon, pomegranate seeds, and croutons onto your greens.
Then, garnish the salad with shaved parmesan. Although the recipe calls for Italian dressing, I love to use a raspberry vinaigrette here! It pairs so well with the pomegranate.
Smoked Turkey Wing Soup
If you’ve got some leftover wings to use up, this soup will certainly please you! It only has a few ingredients, which makes it so convenient to make!
Throwing your turkey wings in with some seasonings and water will essentially make a stock, then you can add potatoes, green beans, garlic, and whatever other products you have on hand! I commonly put carrots, celery, and corn in my soup as well. Serve with crackers!
Creamy Smoked Turkey Chowder - Great Leftover Turkey Recipe!
Classic chowder is definitely yummy, but this one is even more delicious! Chicken broth, half and half, and soy sauce make up the base for this creamy chowder.
Simmer bacon, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, smoked turkey, and more in the liquid for 20 minutes. Serve warm french bread alongside it. This is my favorite soup to enjoy on gloomy days, and I love garnishing it with fresh parsley.
Smoked Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Pot pie in soup form? I know it sounds wild but hears me out! It’s amazing! Start by sauteeing the onions, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Add in your flour, followed by your broth.
Next, add your turkey, potatoes, and peas, and simmer the soup for 40 minutes. To make it as complete as a classic pot pie, you must serve it alongside some biscuits! My kids love putting their biscuits in the bowl first, then pour the soup on top. It’s such a good idea!
Crock Pot Smoked Turkey Lentil Soup
Crockpot meals are my favorite because they’re so easy! Dice all of your ingredients (celery, carrots, onions, tomatoes, lentils, broth, and more) into your crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours.
Since you are using leftover turkey, I suggest pulling or chopping the meat and waiting until the last hour to throw the turkey in, so it doesn’t get overcooked. To serve, top with fresh parsley and shredded cheese.
Smoked Turkey and White Bean Soup
Similar to a white chili, this soup is hearty and flavorful! You can use up leftover turkey legs for the meat. Saute the meat with garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Mix in the beans, seasonings, and chicken broth.
Simmer the soup for about 45 minutes! The recipe suggests serving it alongside rice, but my family liked having the rice mixed in! It’s phenomenal.
Cheesy Smoked Turkey and Corn Chowder
Now, this is the good stuff! Cheesy and creamy with loads of vegetables. To begin, cook the first several ingredients together for about 20 minutes (stock, potatoes, celery, carrots, and onion).
Next, add the last few ingredients: milk, cheese, and corn. Add your already cooked smoked turkey, and you’re good to go! I love adding a dash of cayenne pepper to this to give it a little kick, then finishing it off with sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Eat Cold Smoked Turkey, or Do I have to Heat It?
With already cooked smoked turkey, you can eat it cold If it has been under proper refrigeration. Many of the salad recipes above integrate cold turkey instead of hot!
2. What is the Difference Between Smoked and Cured Turkey?
The main difference is that when a turkey is smoked, it is cooked in the process. Meanwhile, cured turkey just means it has been preserved, usually with salt and other seasonings, therefore it has not necessarily been cooked before you buy it.
3. What is the Best Way to Reheat Smoked Turkey?
I recommend cooking the smoked turkey at a lower temperature and having it covered. Low and slow is the way to go, mainly to prevent it from drying out!
4. Is There Any Way to Revive Dry Smoked Turkey?
Yes! Don’t toss it just yet. First, try cutting it and putting it in a shallow pan. Next, pour chicken or beef stock over it, then cover it before reheating. This should moisten the meat and give it life again!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, smoked turkey is such a yummy delicacy that having leftovers is lovely, rather than being a chore! If you use it up within a few days of cooking it, it will be perfectly tasty!
I love making all types of salads and sandwiches with my leftover smoked turkey, but as you can see, there are plenty of other options.
Whether your family is more into comfort food, healthy food, or snacky bites, I am confident you will find a way to utilize your leftovers.

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