If you’re looking for a comforting, easy, and flavor-packed way to give your Thanksgiving or holiday bird new life, this Leftover Turkey Soup is going to be your delicious answer. With tender turkey, aromatic vegetables, cozy herbs, and either egg noodles or rice all swimming in a savory broth, this soup transforms odds and ends from a feast into pure magic. Not only does it help minimize waste, it’s also the best kind of next-day comfort food that actually gets better as the leftovers sit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how a few simple, everyday ingredients come together to create a pot of Leftover Turkey Soup that tastes like home. Each one plays its part—adding depth, color, and irresistible texture.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies for a more savory base.
- Onion: Brings classic mellow sweetness and depth to your soup.
- Garlic: Infuses the whole pot with essential warmth and aroma.
- Carrots: Offer color, subtle sweetness, and gentle crunch.
- Celery: Balances out the sweetness of carrots and brings bright, herbal notes.
- Dried thyme: Gives subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey.
- Dried parsley: Pumps up freshness with a gentle herbal lift.
- Dried rosemary: Adds woodsy, aromatic character—just a little goes a long way!
- Turkey or chicken broth: The flavorful backbone; use homemade if you’ve got it.
- Leftover cooked turkey: Shredded or chopped, this is your soup’s star ingredient.
- Egg noodles or cooked rice: Choose your favorite; both soak up flavor wonderfully and make the soup hearty.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
- Lemon juice or fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh finish that wakes up all the flavors.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they’re softened and the kitchen smells inviting. This foundation sets up the soup for layered, rich flavor from the very beginning.
Step 2: Add the Herbs and Garlic
Sprinkle in the minced garlic, dried thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Stir everything together and cook for just one more minute. This quick moment unlocks the fragrance of the herbs and lets the garlic infuse the oil, so every sip of your Leftover Turkey Soup bursts with cozy aroma.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the turkey or chicken broth, then turn up the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat so it simmers steadily for 10 minutes. This step gives the veggies and herbs time to meld into the brothy base, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Add Turkey and Noodles (or Rice)
Now’s the time for the star! Stir in your leftover turkey along with egg noodles or cooked rice. Let the soup simmer for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the noodles are tender or the rice is warmed through and the turkey is happily heated. The soup transforms into a hearty, soothing meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Give the soup a taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed—don’t be shy, seasoning is what brings it all together. For a finishing touch, top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a gentle squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve your Leftover Turkey Soup hot and get ready for comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate how a handful of fresh parsley or that drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon can perk up your bowl. The green pop and citrus zing add brightness and visual appeal, turning every serving of Leftover Turkey Soup into something you genuinely look forward to enjoying again and again.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with buttery toast, warm biscuits, or a crusty baguette for dunking—that irresistible combo makes leftovers feel like something brand-new. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling your soup into mason jars for easy, grab-and-go lunches, or serve in individual soup crocks topped with crunchy croutons. For a cozy family meal, set up a toppings bar with extra herbs, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream so everyone can customize their own Leftover Turkey Soup masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the soup cools to room temperature, transfer any extras into airtight containers. Your Leftover Turkey Soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners during busy weeks.
Freezing
Packed with hearty ingredients and flavorful broth, this soup freezes like a dream. Ladle cooled soup (without noodles for best texture) into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat until steaming. If you’ve opted for noodles, you might want to add a splash of extra broth during reheating to loosen things up. Quick, easy, and just as delicious the second (or third) time around!
FAQs
Can I use other leftovers in this soup?
Absolutely! Leftover Turkey Soup is a fantastic clean-out-the-fridge meal. Toss in extra roasted veggies, corn, spinach, potatoes, or even a can of white beans to bulk it up and add more flavor.
What’s the best way to keep noodles from getting mushy?
If you plan to store or freeze the soup, cook the noodles separately and add them right before serving. This keeps them springy and prevents them from soaking up too much broth.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap egg noodles for cooked rice or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Double-check that your broth is gluten-free, and you’ll have an equally hearty, satisfying bowl.
What can I substitute for turkey?
No turkey? Cooked chicken works beautifully here, or even shredded rotisserie chicken from the store. The soup will be just as tasty and comforting.
How do I make the soup richer or more filling?
To bulk up your Leftover Turkey Soup, stir in a can of rinsed white beans, add diced potatoes, or drop in handfuls of baby spinach at the end. A splash of cream or a swirl of butter right before serving also adds extra richness if you’re feeling indulgent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s both easy and soul-satisfying, give this Leftover Turkey Soup a spot in your post-holiday routine. It’s a wonderful way to make the most of those special meals, offering cozy comfort that everyone will rave about. I hope you enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Print
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Leftover Turkey Soup recipe is the perfect way to enjoy those post-Thanksgiving scraps. With a flavorful broth, tender turkey, and hearty vegetables, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Broth:
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
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 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup egg noodles or cooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, and rosemary; cook until fragrant.
- Add Broth: Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Add turkey and noodles/rice. Simmer until noodles are tender and turkey is heated through.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley or lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- This soup freezes well.
- Customize with leftover vegetables or grains.
- For a heartier version, add white beans or potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
