There’s nothing better than a big, steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup is the ultimate way to transform holiday leftovers into something truly special. Every spoonful is packed with tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth that feels like a warm hug. If you’re tired of reheating plain turkey or making the same old sandwiches, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s cozy, comforting, and incredibly easy to whip up in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner solution, this soup is a fantastic way to bring new life to your holiday leftovers.
What makes this soup so special is its creamy, smooth texture combined with perfectly seasoned flavors. The turkey remains juicy and flavorful, while the broth gets a boost from aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or even make it dairy-free for a lighter version. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to cut down on food waste—no more tossing out turkey scraps when you can turn them into a delicious homemade meal!
I started making this soup after one too many leftover turkey sandwiches, and it quickly became a post-holiday favorite in my home. It’s now a tradition to gather around the kitchen after Thanksgiving or a big holiday meal and turn our leftovers into this soul-warming dish. Trust me, once you try this, you might start roasting a turkey just to make this soup afterward!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Reduces Food Waste – Instead of letting turkey leftovers sit in the fridge until they go bad, this soup gives them new life in the most delicious way possible.
Quick & Easy – With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this soup ready in just 30 minutes. No complicated techniques required!
Rich, Creamy Texture – The combination of broth, milk, and a touch of heavy cream makes the soup luxuriously smooth and satisfying.
Customizable – Whether you prefer a chunkier soup, extra veggies, or a dairy-free version, this recipe is incredibly flexible to fit your taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep – This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal choice for leftovers or freezing for later.
Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the creamy, comforting flavors of this dish. Serve it with bread, crackers, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories Per Serving: ~350 kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the broth.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a deep, savory flavor as the base of the soup.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Enhances the flavor with a warm, slightly spicy kick.
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced – Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced – Brings a slight crunch and fresh flavor.
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped – The star of the dish, bringing protein and heartiness.
For the Broth:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Helps to thicken the soup, giving it a creamy consistency.
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth – The base of the soup, adding rich depth of flavor.
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half – Provides creaminess without making the soup too heavy.
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional) – For an extra indulgent, velvety finish.
Seasonings & Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A warm, earthy herb that enhances the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary – Adds an aromatic, slightly woodsy flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional) – Adds sweetness and extra texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant. This step helps release their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall depth of the soup. If the onions begin to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.
Step 2: Thicken the Soup
Once the vegetables are softened, sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over them, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste. This step is key for thickening the broth, giving the soup its rich, creamy consistency.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in 4 cups of chicken or turkey broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Then, add 2 cups of milk or half-and-half, keeping the mixture moving to ensure it blends smoothly. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors can begin to meld together.
Step 4: Season & Add Turkey
Stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, add the 3 cups of shredded leftover turkey along with 1 cup of frozen peas or corn if you’d like to include extra vegetables. Let the soup continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to fully develop.
Step 5: Simmer & Finish
Once the soup has thickened to your liking, reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream (if using) for extra creaminess. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, or even a side salad. This soup pairs wonderfully with buttery biscuits or grilled cheese sandwiches for an extra comforting meal.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Dairy-Free – Swap out the milk for unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Boost Nutrition – Add greens like kale or spinach for extra vitamins and fiber.
- Thicker Soup – Use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
- Spice it Up – Add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
What to Serve with Turkey Soup
- Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Simple Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich soup.
- Grilled Cheese – A classic comfort food pairing.
- Rice or Quinoa – To make the soup extra filling.
How to Store & Reheat
This soup is perfect for meal prep because it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. If you’re making a big batch and want to store some for later, here’s how to freeze and reheat it properly.
How to Freeze:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to containers.
- Use airtight freezer-safe containers or zip-top freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. If using bags, lay them flat in the freezer for easy stacking.
- Label each container with the date so you know how long it’s been stored.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for the best flavor.
How to Reheat:
-
- From the fridge: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to the right consistency.
- From the freezer: Let the soup thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. If you’re in a hurry, you can warm it gently on the stove from frozen, but it will take longer.
FAQs
Can I use turkey stock instead of broth?
Yes! Homemade turkey stock adds even more depth of flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap flour for cornstarch (mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water before adding).
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Cook turkey breast separately and shred it before adding.
This Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup is the perfect way to turn holiday leftovers into a delicious, warming meal. Give it a try, and let me know how you customize yours!
Final Thoughts: Try This Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup!
This Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup is one of the best ways to turn holiday leftovers into a cozy, satisfying meal that everyone will love. With its rich, velvety texture, tender turkey, and perfectly seasoned broth, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making year after year. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and completely customizable—you can add extra veggies, swap out the dairy, or spice it up to match your preferences.
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! If you made any fun variations or have a favorite way to serve this soup, let me know in the comments. And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with family and friends—it’s too good to keep to yourself!
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Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup – Easy & Cozy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup is the best way to transform holiday leftovers into a warm, comforting dish. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy one-pot meal is perfect for quick dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add shredded turkey and peas or corn (if using).
- Simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- For extra creaminess, stir in heavy cream just before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits and enjoy!
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond or coconut milk.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American