Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Christmas Turkey: From a Tasty Curry to a Hearty Stew

After the Christmas feast, there’s often one star of the show that lingers in the fridge—turkey. Whether you’ve roasted a whole bird or gone for a crown, there’s usually plenty of meat left to play with. 

The beauty of leftover turkey is its versatility; it’s a blank canvas for a range of comforting and flavourful dishes.

Here are some delicious ideas to transform your leftover Christmas turkey into meals that will keep the festive spirit alive while avoiding waste.

1. Classic Turkey Curry

A turkey curry is a post-Christmas tradition in many households. It’s warming, flavourful, and a great way to feed a crowd.

How to Make It

Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until soft.

Add your favourite curry paste or spices (such as garam masala, turmeric, and cumin) and cook until fragrant.

Stir in a tin of chopped tomatoes and coconut milk, then simmer.

Add shredded turkey and cook until heated through.

Serve with rice, naan bread, and a dollop of yoghurt.

For a twist, try a Thai-style turkey curry with red curry paste, lime juice, and fresh coriander.

2. Turkey and Vegetable Soup

A hearty soup is perfect for using up turkey and any leftover vegetables from Christmas dinner.

How to Make It

Sauté onions, celery, and carrots in a large pot.

Add chopped turkey, leftover roasted vegetables, and a splash of white wine or sherry.

Pour in chicken or turkey stock and bring to a simmer.

Add herbs like thyme or parsley, and season with salt and pepper.

Blend part of the soup for a thicker texture or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.

Serve with crusty bread for a cosy meal.

3. Turkey and Leek Pie

A creamy turkey and leek pie is the ultimate comfort food.

How to Make It

Sauté sliced leeks in butter until soft.

Stir in leftover turkey and a splash of white wine or stock.

Add double cream or a cheese sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Transfer to a pie dish, top with puff pastry, and bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden.

For extra flavour, mix in leftover ham or stuffing.

4. Turkey Enchiladas

Bring some spice to your leftovers with turkey enchiladas.

How to Make It

Mix shredded turkey with sautéed onions, peppers, and a dollop of sour cream or salsa.

Roll the mixture into tortillas and place them in a baking dish.

Top with enchilada sauce and grated cheese, then bake at 180°C (350°F) until bubbling.

Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.

5. Turkey and Sweetcorn Chowder

This creamy chowder is a comforting way to use up turkey and any leftover corn or potatoes.

How to Make It

Sauté onions, celery, and garlic in butter.

Add diced potatoes, sweetcorn, and turkey.

Pour in chicken stock and simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Stir in cream or milk, and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

6. Turkey Stir-Fry

A quick stir-fry is a light and tasty way to use up turkey.

How to Make It

Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry chopped vegetables (like peppers, carrots, and broccoli).

Add shredded turkey and a splash of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce.

Toss in cooked noodles or serve over rice.

Top with sesame seeds and spring onions for extra flavour.

7. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Give a classic dish a festive twist by swapping beef or lamb for turkey.

How to Make It

Sauté onions, carrots, and celery, then add shredded turkey and a splash of gravy or stock.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes (add a sprinkle of cheese if you like).

Bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden and bubbling.

8. Turkey Stew with Dumplings

A rich stew is the perfect winter warmer.

How to Make It

Sauté onions, garlic, and root vegetables in a large pot.

Add turkey, leftover gravy, and chicken or turkey stock.

Simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top and cook until the dumplings are fluffy.

Serve with a side of steamed greens for a complete meal.

9. Turkey Caesar Salad

If you’re craving something lighter after the indulgence of Christmas, a turkey Caesar salad is a great choice.

How to Make It

Toss shredded turkey with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.

Drizzle with Caesar dressing and top with a soft-boiled egg or anchovies for extra richness.

10. Turkey Sandwiches, but Elevated

The classic turkey sandwich gets a gourmet makeover with the right ingredients.

Ideas

Turkey Club: Layer turkey with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on toasted bread.

Festive Twist: Add stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a slice of Brie for a Christmas-inspired sandwich.

Hot Turkey Melt: Toast turkey with cheese and caramelised onions on sourdough bread.

A Dish for Every Mood

Leftover turkey is the gift that keeps on giving, offering endless possibilities for comforting meals. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy curry, a creamy pie, or a simple salad, these recipes ensure no morsel of your Christmas feast goes to waste.

Happy cooking!