Everyone focuses on the initial feast, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because. But figuring out what to do with leftover smoked turkey is part of the fun, too!
You can feed your family for up to a week after you’ve cooked your turkey if you have enough leftovers, simplifying meal planning while helping you reduce waste and make the most of your bird.
The only tricky part is finding unique smoked turkey leftover recipes so you can keep things fresh - after all, eating the same turkey 5 days in a row can get pretty boring, even though our smoked turkey online is a one-of-a-kind, delicious variety!
Don’t stress - we’ve pieced together 8 of our favorite leftover smoked turkey recipes below to help you use every last bit of the bird, from the legs to the carcass.
Sure, sandwiches and soups are a classic choice - but we’ve got some really fun ideas to share with you, like pizzas, stir-fries, breakfast dishes, and more. First, though, we need to talk about storage so you can preserve the turkey in its best condition for as long as possible.
First, Understand Proper Storage for Leftover Smoked Turkey
Proper smoked turkey storage will help you maintain the flavor, texture, and most important, safety of the meat so you can enjoy it to the fullest in the coming days. So, how long is smoked turkey good for?
There’s never a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to food safety, which is why understanding the signs of spoilage is so important. Watch out for changes in texture, smell, color, or taste.
That being said, 3-4 days is generally the rule of thumb in the refrigerator. This can be stretched up to a few months in the freezer. But, it all comes down to how you store the turkey.
Immediate Storage After Serving
We know you want to kick back and relax as soon as the meal is over, but it’s important to first store any leftover smoked turkey to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
That doesn’t mean you have to rush to get up the moment you finish your plate. The general guideline is to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving. If the room temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this window shortens to just one hour. Here’s our advice on storing the meat:
- Allow the Turkey to Cool Slightly: Let the turkey cool for 10-15 minutes after serving to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess.
- Wrap It Properly: Use aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or airtight containers to wrap the turkey. Tight wrapping helps maintain moisture and prevents the meat from drying out.
- Portioning: If you have a bunch of leftover turkey, consider portioning it out before storing. This makes it easier to reheat only the amount you need later, and it cools down faster in the fridge.
- Label and Date: Always label your leftovers with the date they were stored. This helps keep track of how long they’ve been in the fridge or freezer, ensuring you consume them within a safe timeframe.
Refrigeration vs Freezing
Since you’re here wondering what to do with leftover smoked turkey, we suggest keeping it in the fridge so that it’s ready to be consumed in the coming days. Place it on a shelf where the temperature is consistent, ideally at or below 40°F (4°C).
However, the freezer is an option as well. Smoked turkey can last up to 6 months here if stored properly. Use heavy-duty freezer bags or vacuum-sealed bags to protect the meat from freezer burn. When freezing, it’s also a good idea to portion the turkey so you can thaw only what you need.
When it comes time to thaw your frozen leftovers, we suggest starting in the refrigerator. Place the turkey in a shallow dish to catch any juices that may leak during the thawing process.
Depending on the size of the turkey, it may take 24 to 48 hours to thaw completely. This keeps the turkey at a safe temperature throughout the thawing process.
Just make sure you never thaw turkey at room temperature, as this can allow bacteria to multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
All that being said, let’s figure out what you’re actually going to do with those leftovers.
What to Do With Leftover Smoked Turkey: 8 Great Recipes for Leftover Smoked Turkey
There are no right or wrong answers for what to do with leftover smoked turkey, as long as you’re reducing your waste by consuming as much of the bird as possible. That being said, we’ve put together 8 of our personal favorite recipes for leftover smoked turkey below.
Sandwiches and Wraps
The most classic leftover smoked turkey recipes tend to involve sandwiches and wraps - they’re easy and delicious. The smoky flavor of the turkey pairs well with a variety of breads, cheeses, and condiments. There are a few directions you can take this:
- Classic Turkey Sandwich: Layer slices of smoked turkey on your favorite bread with lettuce, tomato, and a slice of cheddar cheese. Add a smear of mayo or mustard for extra flavor.
- Turkey Club Wrap: Use a large tortilla and fill it with smoked turkey, bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato. Roll it up tightly and enjoy a portable meal that’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
- Turkey and Cranberry Panini: Combine smoked turkey with cranberry sauce and brie cheese between two slices of sourdough bread. Grill it until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted for a gourmet twist on a classic sandwich.
Soups and Stews
This is another classic choice, and one of our personal favorite smoked turkey leftover recipes for the fall and winter season when cold weather rolls in. You can create some delicious, hearty soups and stews. Here are three recipes for leftover smoked turkey we constantly go back to:
- Smoked Turkey and Wild Rice Soup: This comforting soup combines the smoky flavor of turkey with the nutty taste of wild rice. Add carrots, celery, and onions for a complete meal that’s perfect for cold days.
- Turkey and Bean Chili: Replace the ground beef in your chili recipe with chopped smoked turkey. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with beans, tomatoes, and chili spices, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
- Creamy Turkey Potato Soup: The smokiness of the turkey enhances the mild flavor of the potatoes, while a touch of cream adds richness.
Salads
If you’re looking for something less calorie dense but still want plenty of protein, you can’t go wrong with smoked turkey salads. These are perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch:
- Turkey Cobb Salad: Top a bed of mixed greens with chopped smoked turkey, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, and blue cheese. Drizzle with your favorite dressing for a hearty, satisfying salad.
- Smoked Turkey Caesar Salad: Add slices of smoked turkey to a classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. The turkey’s smoky flavor complements the tangy Caesar dressing perfectly.
- Turkey and Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa with chopped smoked turkey, cranberries, almonds, and mixed greens. Toss with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy meal.
Casseroles
These traditional smoked turkey leftover recipes are always a hit, and they’re really easy to prepare as well. In fact, this is one of our favorite leftover smoked turkey recipes when we have a significant portion of turkey to use up:
- Turkey and Stuffing Casserole: Layer leftover smoked turkey with leftover stuffing and a creamy sauce made from turkey gravy or cream of mushroom soup. Bake until golden and bubbly for a dish that brings all the flavors of Thanksgiving into one pan.
- Turkey Tetrazzini: Mix chopped smoked turkey with cooked pasta, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown for a comforting casserole that’s perfect for dinner.
- Turkey and Vegetable Bake: Combine smoked turkey with roasted vegetables and a cheese sauce. Top with mashed potatoes or biscuit dough and bake until the top is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Tacos, Quesadillas, or Enchiladas
Looking for a more unique approach to what to do with leftover smoked turkey? Replace the more traditional choice of beef or chicken with smoked turkey in your tacos or quesadillas! You can infuse your favorite Mexican meals with a smoky twist:
- Smoked Turkey Tacos: Fill soft tortillas with shredded smoked turkey, slaw, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or chipotle sauce. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Turkey Quesadillas: Layer smoked turkey, shredded cheese, and sautéed onions between two tortillas. Cook on a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve with salsa and guacamole for dipping.
- Turkey Enchiladas: Roll smoked turkey in corn tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro
Breakfast Dishes
You know the clock is ticking on your smoked turkey, so why not get started using it the very next morning in your favorite breakfast dishes? Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast by incorporating smoked turkey into one of these meals:
- Smoked Turkey Omelette: Fold smoked turkey, sautéed onions, and your favorite cheese into a fluffy omelet. Serve with toast or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Turkey Hash: Combine diced smoked turkey with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet. Cook until the potatoes are crispy and the turkey is heated through. Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
- Smoked Turkey Breakfast Burritos: Fill a tortilla with scrambled eggs, smoked turkey, cheese, and salsa. Roll it up and enjoy a portable breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Pizza Toppings
You may not have considered the possibility of making pizza with smoked turkey, but hear us out. This can add a really unique flavor to homemade pizzas, making them extra special:
- BBQ Turkey Pizza: Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce on a pizza crust and top with smoked turkey, red onions, and mozzarella cheese.
- Turkey and Pesto Pizza: Use pesto as the base sauce and top with smoked turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
- Turkey and Mushroom Pizza: Combine smoked turkey with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and goat cheese on a pizza crust.
For each of these leftover smoked turkey recipes, be sure to bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Stir-Fries and Skillet Meals
Finally, here are a few last smoked turkey leftover recipes to consider when you’re in a rush and just want to throw a bunch of ingredients together for a quick, nutritious meal:
- Turkey Stir-Fry: Sauté smoked turkey with a mix of fresh or frozen vegetables in a hot skillet. Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a flavorful and healthy meal that’s ready in minutes.
- Turkey Fried Rice: Use leftover rice and smoked turkey to create a quick fried rice dish. Add peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs, and season with soy sauce and sesame oil for a satisfying meal.
- Smoked Turkey Skillet Dinner: Combine smoked turkey with potatoes, green beans, and a light gravy in a skillet. Cook until everything is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
Make Your Next Meal a Breeze With Mahogany Smoked Meats!
There you have it, all our favorite recipes for leftover smoked turkey! Now that you know what to do with leftover smoked turkey it’s time to plan out your next few breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
We have more tips on reheating a smoked turkey and how long let turkey rest to help you make the most of mealtimes and enjoy all the delicious flavor and tender texture smoked turkey has to offer.
But if you haven’t already tried out pre-smoked turkeys here at Mahogany Smoked Meats, you’re seriously missing out. We’ve been slow-smoking meats to perfection since 1922 using the time-honored tradition of deep pits paired with mahogany logs for a unique flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
The best part is our whole smoked turkeys arrive at your door ready to warm and enjoy, simplifying meal time and allowing you to focus on spending time with your guests rather than slaving in the kitchen.
From smoked turkey to beef jerky for sale, we’ve got it all for you here at Mahogany Smoked Meats so you can keep your meals fresh and fun. Here are some other popular meats we’re known for:
- Smoked bacon online
- Canadian bacon for sale
- Smoked bone-in ham for sale
- Smoked boneless ham for sale online
- Smoked sausages for sale
- Smoked pork chops for sale
- Premium jerky online
Everything we sell is backed by our satisfaction guarantee - after all, we’ve been doing this for more than 100 years. We’re confident you’re going to love our products, and if not, we’ll make it right! Order your next meal today and taste the difference yourself.
Parting Thoughts on the Best Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes
These are just a few of the endless possibilities you have at your fingertips when it comes to what to do with leftover smoked turkey. From chowder to shepherd's pie, jambalaya, and more - all that matters when choosing smoked turkey leftover recipes is you are using the entire bird and enjoying your meals!
You can learn more about preparing your meats in our blog, with tips on how to reheat pork chops, how long do pork chops last in the freezer, how to smoke ham steaks, how long to cook boneless ham per pound, how to cook smoked sausages, and many more.
Hungry for more? Bring home the best smoked turkey from Mahogany Smoked Meats and let the culinary creativity begin! You won’t be disappointed.
