Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to cozy up after a holiday feast, Leftover Turkey Soup is the answer. This comforting bowl is a celebration of everything wonderful about home-cooked meals: tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs swimming together in a rich, savory broth. Whether you’ve got a fridge full of turkey or just crave something wholesome and satisfying, this soup transforms leftovers into a new family favorite—no one will ever guess it started with yesterday’s roast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, letting each ingredient shine and contribute its own unique flavor, texture, or color. These staples come together effortlessly, creating a soup that’s both nourishing and full of character.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps the vegetables sauté to perfection.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the soup’s overall flavor.
- Garlic: Brings subtle warmth and a signature savory note to the broth.
- Carrots: Infuse the soup with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: Offers crunch and a classic, earthy backbone to the flavor profile.
- Dried thyme: Delivers a woodsy, herbal aroma that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- Dried rosemary: Gives a touch of piney freshness, elevating every spoonful.
- Bay leaf: Adds a subtle, complex depth that ties all the flavors together.
- Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth: Forms the savory, comforting base for the soup without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Cooked leftover turkey: The star of the show, bringing heartiness and delicious flavor to every bite.
- Egg noodles or small pasta: Makes the soup extra satisfying and perfect for soaking up all that tasty broth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the final dish with a burst of green and fresh flavor.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften and the kitchen smells amazing. This step builds the foundation of flavor that makes Leftover Turkey Soup so irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Herbs and Broth
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and toss in the bay leaf. Stir everything together so the herbs bloom in the hot oil, releasing their fragrant oils. Next, pour in the low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to capture every bit of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld all the flavors.
Step 3: Incorporate the Turkey and Noodles
Add your shredded or chopped leftover turkey along with the egg noodles or pasta. Let the soup simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender. This transforms the broth into a meal, with each ingredient soaking up the savory goodness.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Give the soup a taste and season generously with salt and black pepper. Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish. Serve the Leftover Turkey Soup piping hot, right out of the pot, and get ready for some happy smiles around the table.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a dash of grated Parmesan for extra comfort. Crusty bread croutons or a swirl of olive oil make a lovely finishing touch when serving Leftover Turkey Soup to guests or family.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm, buttered rolls, a crisp green salad, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich. The light broth and hearty ingredients mean you can go as simple or as indulgent as you like for the sides—whatever makes your meal feel complete!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Leftover Turkey Soup in oversized mugs for a cozy, fireside vibe, or ladle it into bread bowls for a fun twist. If you’re entertaining, garnish each bowl with extra herbs and set out small bowls of toppings (like shredded cheese, hot sauce, or lemon wedges) so everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a perfect option for meal prep or easy lunches during a busy week. The flavors deepen as it sits, so each bowl is just as good as the first!
Freezing
Leftover Turkey Soup freezes beautifully. If you plan to freeze, consider leaving out the noodles until you reheat, as they can get a bit soft after thawing. Store cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge first, then proceed as above. The soup tastes just as wonderful the next day, making it a fantastic leftover solution in itself!
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! Any small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is tender but not mushy.
What’s the best way to make this soup gluten-free?
Swap out the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free noodles may cook a bit faster or slower depending on the brand.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is a fantastic canvas for whatever veggies you have on hand. Try adding diced potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, or even spinach for extra color and nutrition.
How can I make the soup more filling?
For an extra-hearty version, stir in a can of drained white beans or add some diced potatoes along with the other vegetables. Both options will make your Leftover Turkey Soup even more satisfying.
Is it possible to make this soup with turkey breast only?
Yes, you can use just turkey breast if that’s what you have left. Dark meat adds more flavor and a bit of richness, but breast meat works perfectly and still delivers a delicious, comforting bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something warm, nourishing, and easy to make, give Leftover Turkey Soup a try. It’s the perfect way to transform holiday remnants into a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new favorite tradition for the days after a big feast!
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Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting and easy leftover turkey soup is a perfect way to use up post-holiday turkey. Packed with tender vegetables, flavorful herbs, and tender turkey, this hearty soup is both nourishing and delicious. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Liquids and Broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
Proteins and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 1/2 cups egg noodles or small pasta
Seasonings
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5 to 6 minutes until they start to soften, releasing their natural flavors.
- Add Herbs and Broth: Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour in the low-sodium chicken or turkey broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Turkey and Noodles: Add the leftover shredded or chopped turkey and the egg noodles or small pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Season and Garnish: Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the fresh chopped parsley, and serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, try adding diced potatoes or white beans along with the other vegetables.
- This turkey soup freezes well and can be stored for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
- To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- Leftover turkey can be substituted with cooked chicken if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
