Leftover Turkey Soup is the cozy, wholesome meal we all crave when the holiday chaos winds down. Every year, after the big family gatherings and festive feasts, I find myself staring into my fridge, thinking, “What now?” That’s when this creamy, savory bowl of comfort makes its way to the table. Packed with tender turkey, hearty veggies, and perfectly seasoned broth, it transforms leftovers into something you’ll actually look forward to. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or feeding hungry little bellies, this soup is a lifesaver—and yes, it absolutely fits into your healthy, real-food kitchen.
Table of Contents
Leftover Turkey Soup: From Holiday Leftovers to Nourishing Comfort
Why This Leftover Turkey Soup Became a Family Classic
Leftover Turkey Soup became one of those cozy dishes I couldn’t imagine the post-holiday week without. After Thanksgiving or Christmas, when the fridge is stuffed with turkey no one wants to touch again, I reach for this recipe. I remember the first time I threw it together—it was cold, I was exhausted, and I just needed something warm and simple.
What came out of that pot wasn’t just food; it was comfort in a bowl. The tender pieces of turkey, buttery potatoes, and fragrant herbs came together like magic. I watched my kids slurp it up without a word. That’s when I knew: this soup was here to stay.
These days, I’ve made it even better—lighter but still satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even more delicious the next day, just like this Tuscan White Bean Soup which also gets better with time.
The Nourishing Power of Real Ingredients
Every spoonful of this Leftover Turkey Soup brings warmth and balance. What makes it shine is its simplicity: real vegetables, wholesome broth, and a roux-thickened milk base that feels creamy without being heavy.
Even better, it’s highly adaptable. You can swap in noodles or stir in kale, peas, or corn. Just like my Spanish Potato Soup with Chorizo, this recipe encourages you to use what you already have and waste nothing.
For anyone wanting to cook meals that feel healing, this soup fits right in. It’s fast, flavorful, and gives you a moment of peace in a busy kitchen. If you’ve got little ones running wild or guests still lingering around the house, this will feed everyone and keep you sane.
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Leftover Turkey Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and comforting leftover turkey soup is packed with hearty vegetables, tender turkey, and savory seasonings. It’s the perfect way to make use of post-holiday leftovers while nourishing your body.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 large carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 ribs celery (finely chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups turkey stock (or chicken broth)
- 1 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes (cut into ¾” pieces)
- 2 cups cooked turkey (chopped)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (any kind)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until onions are translucent.
- Add garlic, salt, parsley, thyme, pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in turkey stock, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Add potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth.
- Whisk in milk until well combined. Microwave in 45-second intervals until thickened.
- Add thickened milk and turkey to the soup. Stir and heat through.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze due to the dairy and potatoes.
- Use chicken instead of turkey if desired.
- Make it gluten-free with cornstarch instead of flour.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup Work for Every Kitchen
Nutritional Highlights of Leftover Turkey Soup
When it comes to comfort food that still supports your wellness goals, Leftover Turkey Soup hits the mark. It’s protein-packed, thanks to the lean turkey, and rich in potassium and fiber from the carrots, celery, and Yukon gold potatoes. The milk-based roux adds a satisfying creaminess without needing heavy cream or processed thickeners.
Each bowl delivers around 19g of protein and 5g of fiber, which makes it filling and nourishing—especially helpful during those post-holiday days when you’re ready to return to lighter, balanced meals.
If you’re tracking sodium, just be mindful of the broth you use. Opt for a low-sodium turkey stock or make your own with leftover bones and herbs from your holiday roast. Homemade broth not only lowers the sodium but also adds essential minerals like magnesium and collagen.
Want a vegetarian variation on this nourishing bowl? My Creamy Potato Soup skips the meat but still delivers that same warming satisfaction, especially for meatless Mondays or when you’re running low on leftovers.
Easy Customizations for Any Diet
This soup is beautifully versatile. Want it gluten-free? Skip the flour-based roux and thicken your milk with a cornstarch slurry instead. Prefer noodles over potatoes? Just add dry pasta directly to the broth and cook until tender—like in my Hearty Tortellini Soup, which brings a similar comfort with a pasta twist.
For added greens, toss in spinach, kale, or even a handful of frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking. Need a bit of spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika will take the flavor up a notch.
No matter how you tweak it, the base of this Leftover Turkey Soup remains comforting, creamy, and quick to make—ready in under 45 minutes. It’s a clean-out-the-fridge wonder and a family favorite for a reason.
Mastering the Process of Making Leftover Turkey Soup
Step-by-Step: Bringing the Soup to Life
Making Leftover Turkey Soup is incredibly simple—just one pot and a few pantry staples. Start by sautéing your aromatic base: carrots, celery, and onions in a little oil until soft and fragrant. Add garlic, dried herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika. This layering of flavor is key.
Next comes the broth—turkey stock if you’ve got it, chicken broth if you don’t. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added depth. Then, add diced potatoes and simmer until tender. While they cook, make a quick roux with butter, flour, and milk. This mixture thickens the soup and gives it that signature creaminess.
Finally, stir in chopped leftover turkey and the thickened milk. Let it all come together over gentle heat, and you’re done. This process takes just 40 minutes from start to finish—less time than most takeout and far more nourishing.
It’s a method that works so well, I use similar steps in my Shepherd’s Pie Soup, which also turns leftovers into a one-pot masterpiece.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Tricks
If you’re meal prepping or just want leftovers for later, Leftover Turkey Soup is a dream. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. Store it in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing.
Avoid freezing this one, though—the dairy and potatoes don’t thaw well and can get grainy. If you’re looking for freezer-friendly recipes instead, my Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls freeze like a charm and reheat beautifully.
You can also prep the soup base—chopped veggies and seasonings—in advance and store them in a zip-top bag. Then just dump, simmer, and stir in the turkey and milk when you’re ready.
More Than Just Leftovers: Why This Soup Feels Like Healing
Leftover Turkey Soup as Nourishment for Body and Mind
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning leftovers into something fresh and nurturing. Leftover Turkey Soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a form of self-care. After holiday indulgence, this soup gently resets the body. It’s light without being bland, hearty without being heavy, and full of ingredients that support digestion and energy.
The turkey provides lean protein, while potatoes and vegetables replenish essential nutrients. The herbs—especially thyme and parsley—aren’t just for flavor. They help soothe inflammation and support immune health, which is especially welcome during cold and flu season.
This kind of soup fits beautifully into any real-food lifestyle. It’s the same reason I created my Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels—because healing food should also be flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re caring for a tired body, feeding your family, or just looking for balance after big meals, this soup always delivers.
Let the Leftovers Work Harder for You
You don’t need to keep eating dry turkey sandwiches or reheated casseroles. With a little imagination and a great broth, you can create something new and crave-worthy. And this Leftover Turkey Soup proves it.
If you’ve got a bit of turkey left but not quite enough for soup, you can stretch it with white beans, rice, or noodles. Or try pairing it with a light side like my Spicy Cucumber Edamame Salad for a refreshing contrast.
It’s meals like these—practical, quick, and deeply nourishing—that keep us grounded after the chaos of celebrations. They remind us that food isn’t just about feeding hunger—it’s about comfort, care, and restoring balance in everyday life.
Variations to Make Leftover Turkey Soup Year-Round
Cozy Winter, Light Summer: Seasonal Swaps That Work
While Leftover Turkey Soup was born from holiday tradition, it’s far too good to limit to just November or December. With a few easy tweaks, it can be enjoyed year-round.
In winter, stick with the classic: rich stock, buttery potatoes, and warming herbs. Add in kale or mushrooms if you want more earthiness.
But when the seasons shift, lighten it up. Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or spiralized zucchini to cut down on starch. Use fresh herbs like dill or basil instead of dried ones for a brighter finish. You could even stir in lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar to give it a lift.
These kinds of season-adaptive meals are how I designed my Roasted Veggie Chickpea Bowls, which also shift beautifully depending on what’s in season.
Ingredient Add-Ins You Didn’t Know You Needed
One of my favorite things about Leftover Turkey Soup is that it never has to be exactly the same twice. Have leftover corn or green beans? Toss them in. Want to add some cream cheese for a velvety finish? Go for it. Craving heat? Stir in a spoon of harissa or cayenne.
For a gut-friendly boost, swirl in a spoonful of miso or a splash of coconut aminos at the end. And don’t skip garnishes: cracked pepper, chopped parsley, or even crushed crackers can bring great texture.
You can also add grains like quinoa or wild rice to bulk it up—just like I do in my protein-packed High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice, which is another great use-up-what-you-have recipe that feels indulgent without going overboard.
However you make it, this soup will welcome your creativity—and your fridge’s odds and ends—with open arms.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup for Maximum Comfort
Family-Friendly Tips and Kid-Approved Ideas
Leftover Turkey Soup is more than a way to use leftovers—it’s a dinner that actually makes everyone happy. When I serve it to my kids, I keep it simple: soft potatoes, shredded turkey, and just the right amount of creaminess. For picky eaters, blending part of the soup smooth can make vegetables “disappear” into the background.
Want to make it feel like something brand new? Serve it in a bread bowl or with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. You could even offer a toppings bar—crumbled bacon, herbs, or crunchy garlic croutons.
If you’re serving guests or prepping for lunch the next day, try pairing it with my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo or toast points for dipping. It turns a simple bowl into a well-rounded meal that feels special but takes very little effort.
Smart Sides and Creative Pairings
To keep the meal light yet satisfying, pair Leftover Turkey Soup with a fresh salad or a side that adds crunch and contrast. One of my favorite combinations is this soup alongside my crisp, tangy Chickpea Peach Salad with Honey Lime Dressing. It’s sweet, vibrant, and balances the warmth of the soup perfectly.
If you’re leaning toward cozy, crusty sourdough or a skillet cornbread works great too. For brunch-style leftovers, serve the soup with a fried egg on top or a slice of avocado toast.
This soup gives you options. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a hungry crowd, or prepping for the week ahead, it makes everyone feel cared for—which, at the end of the day, is what real nourishment is all about.
FAQs
How long is leftover turkey good for in soup?
Once you’ve made Leftover Turkey Soup, it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For best taste and texture, reheat only the portion you need instead of the whole batch.
Can you freeze leftover turkey soup?
While you can freeze turkey soup, it’s not always ideal with dairy and potatoes. The milk-based roux and soft Yukon golds can separate or become grainy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, skip the milk and potatoes, then add them fresh when reheating.
What can I use instead of turkey in this soup?
If you’re out of turkey or want to make this year-round, try shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover roasted veggies. For a vegetarian spin, white beans or lentils offer great protein and texture without needing meat.
Can I make this leftover turkey soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just replace the flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend or use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed into the milk. Stir it in at the end and simmer gently until thickened.
What vegetables go well in leftover turkey soup?
Classic picks like carrots, celery, and onion are perfect, but feel free to add kale, peas, corn, or green beans. Even diced bell peppers or spinach make great additions. It’s flexible and forgiving, so use what’s fresh or already in your fridge.
How do I thicken turkey soup without cream?
You can thicken Leftover Turkey Soup with a butter-flour roux or a cornstarch slurry. Blending a cup of the soup (veggies and all) and stirring it back in also works well and adds a creamy texture without needing any added dairy.
Conclusion
There’s something deeply comforting about transforming leftovers into a warm, nourishing dish that feels brand new. This Leftover Turkey Soup is more than a recipe—it’s a ritual. It’s how we honor what we already have, cook with purpose, and still feed our families well when energy is low and time is short.
Whether you’re curled up on a winter night, resetting after the holidays, or just making space in the fridge, this soup brings everyone to the table with a smile. Keep it simple, make it your own, and enjoy every spoonful.
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