Name: Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken or turkey broth; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooked noodles or rice, as desired

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If you find yourself with some extra turkey from a holiday feast, you’re in for a treat with this fantastic Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe. This soup brings together tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth for a dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple leftover turkey into a comforting, flavor-packed meal that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re craving something soothing on a chilly day or looking for a smart way to use every bit of that turkey, this soup fits the bill flawlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl is divided into four sections of ingredients: diced cooked chicken, chopped white onions, sliced orange carrots, and chickpeas all neatly placed next to each other. Around the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there are small white bowls containing clear liquid, olive oil, and fresh green herbs. A white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves sits next to the main bowl. A gray cloth napkin is beside the bowls, and a cup of light brown broth or stock is also present. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients together for this soup is a breeze because each one plays a key role in building depth, texture, and color. Plus, many of them are probably already waiting in your kitchen.

2 cups cooked turkey, shredded: The star of the show that adds hearty protein and a wonderful meaty flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics, adding richness without overpowering the soup.
1 small onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and a fragrant base to the broth.
2 carrots, sliced: Provide bright color and a sweet earthiness to balance the savory elements.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Adds subtle bitterness and crunch that rounds out the vegetable mix.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with warm, inviting aromatic notes.
6 cups chicken or turkey broth: The liquid backbone that ties all ingredients together into a comforting soup.
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A classic blend that complements turkey perfectly with herbs like sage and thyme.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor layer.
Optional: cooked noodles or rice: Add these if you want your soup extra hearty and filling.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness blooms. This creates a flavorful foundation for your soup that will deepen the broth’s taste.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds to release its aroma without letting it burn. This brief step is important because garlic adds a tantalizing pop of flavor that elevates the whole dish.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Turkey

Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, then add the shredded turkey and sprinkle in the poultry seasoning. Give everything a good stir to mix the ingredients evenly. This step ensures your soup is generously flavored and loaded with tender turkey pieces in every spoonful.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow simmer melds all the flavors, tenderizes the vegetables further, and creates that soul-satisfying warmth we all crave from a homemade soup.

Step 5: Add Noodles or Rice (Optional)

If you want to make this soup even heartier, add cooked noodles or rice now. Let them cook in the simmering broth just until tender so they soak up all the savory goodness. Before serving, taste and adjust the soup with salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

The image shows a deep white bowl filled with creamy chicken soup placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has two main layers: a light creamy broth base speckled with herbs, and chunky pieces floating on top. The floating pieces include bright orange carrot slices, small yellow potato halves with soft skins, pale green celery dices, and shredded white chicken meat strips. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled across the soup, adding tiny specks of color. The textures vary between the smooth broth and the firm vegetables and chicken pieces, giving a rich, hearty feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can make your bowl of soup pop with freshness and color. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions on top. A tiny drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a wholesome, complete meal but pairing it with crusty bread or a warm buttered biscuit makes it downright irresistible. A crisp, green salad can add texture contrast and lighten the meal, balancing the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving your Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe in rustic mugs or bowls makes it feel cozy and inviting, perfect for casual family dinners or a laid-back lunch with friends. For a special touch, top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or toasted nuts for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup is fantastic as leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with noodles or rice if added, as they can get mushy; add those fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the soup looks too thick, splash in a little extra broth or water. For a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir between each to keep the soup evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use white meat and dark meat turkey for this soup?

Absolutely! Both white and dark meat turkey work wonderfully in this soup. Using a mix just adds to the depth of flavor, so feel free to combine whatever you have on hand.

What can I substitute if I don’t have poultry seasoning?

If you’re out of poultry seasoning, you can mix your own with a pinch of sage, thyme, rosemary, and a little black pepper. This DIY blend will mimic the flavor perfectly and keep your soup delicious.

Is it gluten-free if I add noodles?

It depends on the noodles; traditional wheat noodles contain gluten. To keep the soup gluten-free, skip noodles or use gluten-free pasta varieties. Otherwise, enjoy without noodles for a naturally gluten-free meal.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, substitute the broth with vegetable stock and use a plant-based protein instead of turkey. While it won’t be a traditional leftover turkey soup, it will still be hearty and comforting.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this soup?

This recipe is wonderfully quick, with about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, totaling 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a nourishing meal without a long wait.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about transforming leftover turkey into this cozy, flavorful soup. The Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is a fantastic way to savor every bite of your holiday bird while enjoying a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a big comforting hug. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy turkey any time of year!