When those chilly days hit and your fridge is humming with post-holiday extras, Leftover Turkey Soup is the ultimate cozy answer. Imagine tender turkey, vibrant veggies, and slurp-worthy noodles swirling together in a savory broth—each spoonful promises comfort and flavor, filled with nostalgia and a wink toward reducing food waste. It’s my favorite way to transform leftovers into something absolutely craveworthy, and I can’t wait to share all the tricks that make this a classic you’ll revisit long after the holidays are over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Leftover Turkey Soup shines because of its simple, nourishing ingredients—each one adds layers of flavor, texture, or color. With just a handful of staples and some leftover turkey, you’ll have everything you need for a pot of pure comfort.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the veggies soften and become sweet and aromatic.
- Onion: Creates a base full of flavor with its gentle sweetness as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Raises the flavor game and adds a warming depth to the soup.
- Carrots: Bring out natural sweetness and a lovely bright color.
- Celery: Gives the classic soup aroma and a satisfying bite.
- Dried thyme: Offers comforting earthiness and a touch of herby complexity.
- Dried rosemary: Elevates the broth with its piney fragrance.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the flavors.
- Turkey or chicken broth: Deepens the savory backbone of the soup—homemade or store-bought both work!
- Cooked turkey: The star ingredient; juicy, shredded or chopped leftover turkey keeps things hearty.
- Egg noodles or cooked rice: Makes the soup more filling and inviting—use what you have!
- Salt: Lets every other flavor sing; add as needed.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness just before serving.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in your favorite soup pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, in go the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Give them a good stir every so often and let them cook for 5–6 minutes until they’re slightly softened and fragrant—this mix is the classic foundation for building a flavor-packed soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper, then cook for another 1–2 minutes. This step is all about infusing the vegetables and oil with herby aromas and that delicious garlicky warmth—the kitchen will start to smell irresistible.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Carefully pour in the turkey or chicken broth, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where all the flavors really start mingling together to create the soul of the soup.
Step 4: Add Turkey and Noodles
Once everything’s simmering, stir in your cooked turkey and egg noodles or rice. Keep the soup at a low simmer for 8–10 minutes—just enough to warm the turkey and let the noodles get perfectly tender without turning mushy.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Give the soup a taste and adjust the salt if needed. Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh parsley for a hit of herbal freshness, if you like. Ladle that Leftover Turkey Soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy the coziest meal of the week!
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top, add a twist of cracked black pepper, or grate a little Parmesan cheese for extra umami. A lemon wedge on the side is magical for brightening the flavors—give it a little squeeze over your bowl just before eating.
Side Dishes
Pair your Leftover Turkey Soup with a thick slice of warm, crusty bread for dunking, or keep it simple with classic saltine crackers. A fresh side salad with a zippy vinaigrette is another perfect partner for balancing out the cozy vibes of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in big mugs instead of bowls for an extra-snuggly, casual touch, or ladle it over a scoop of mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort mash-up. For guests, sprinkle each serving with colorful microgreens or toasted pumpkin seeds for a fun, eye-catching finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Soup is a meal prep superstar! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days—just be sure to cool it quickly and store it properly so you can enjoy the flavors later in the week.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away for busy nights, this soup freezes beautifully. Divide the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. For best results, freeze without noodles and add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat—this keeps them from getting soggy.
Reheating
Reheat your chilled or thawed Leftover Turkey Soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until it’s hot and steamy. If reheating from the freezer, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. A splash of extra broth can help freshen it up if it’s thickened in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in Leftover Turkey Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand—spinach, green beans, corn, or even potatoes work wonderfully. This soup is designed to use what’s left in your fridge, so get creative and make it your own.
What’s the best way to add more flavor to the broth?
If you want to boost the broth’s richness, add a splash of soy sauce for umami, a parmesan rind for savory depth, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. You can also let the broth simmer for a bit longer with the herbs and aromatics before adding the turkey and noodles.
Can I make Leftover Turkey Soup gluten-free?
Yes, it’s easy! Swap the egg noodles for cooked rice, gluten-free pasta, or even silky rice noodles. Just double-check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
What if I have leftover gravy—can I use it?
Absolutely! Stir in a spoonful or two of leftover gravy when adding the broth. It’ll amp up the savory flavor and give the soup an extra touch of richness, making it even more satisfying.
How can I keep noodles from getting mushy in leftovers?
If you know you’ll have leftovers, cook and store the noodles separately. When ready to serve, add them directly to each hot bowl just before eating—this keeps them at their best texture every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring warmth and cheer to your table, Leftover Turkey Soup is your go-to comfort meal. It’s easy, adaptable, and a true lifesaver after a big holiday feast. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in your post-holiday rotation!
Print
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious recipe for Leftover Turkey Soup, perfect for using up holiday leftovers. This hearty soup is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Leftover Turkey Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup egg noodles or cooked rice
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Stir in the cooked turkey and egg noodles or rice. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the soup is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley before serving, if using. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- You can substitute noodles with rice, barley, or potatoes.
- Add in extra vegetables like spinach, green beans, or corn to stretch the soup.
- This soup freezes well and is perfect for using up holiday leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
