Tasty Leftover Turkey Soup

Turn that leftover turkey into something cozy and delicious with this easy homemade soup. It’s warm, hearty, and just the thing for chilly nights when you’re tired of turkey sandwiches!

Every year after Thanksgiving, I stare at that container of leftover turkey and think, what on earth am I supposed to do with all this?

Sandwiches are fine for a day or two, but then everyone’s over it.

That’s when I pull out my big soup pot and make this delicious leftover turkey soup!

It’s cozy, smells amazing, and makes me feel like I’ve got my life together, even when the kitchen’s a mess.

The broth gets so good with the turkey, veggies, and a few herbs tossed in.

Plus it freezes super well so you can enjoy Thanksgiving all year round!

Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Soup

This soup is my favorite way to clear out the fridge after Thanksgiving and still get something delicious on the table!

Here’s what you need to make it:

• Olive oil – gets everything sizzling and adds a nice depth of flavor right from the start.
• Onion – builds that perfect base aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking what’s cooking.
• Carrots – add a little sweetness and color that make the broth feel extra homey.
• Celery – gives that classic soup crunch and balances all the flavors.
• Garlic – because no soup should exist without at least a little garlic.
• Broth – turkey or chicken broth both work; use what you’ve got on hand.
• Cooked turkey – the star of the show, shredded up and ready to soak in all that flavor.
• Thyme – adds that warm, herby note that makes it taste like comfort in a bowl.
• Parsley – brightens everything up at the end.
• Rosemary – just a pinch gives it that cozy holiday feel without overpowering.
• Bay leaf – adds a subtle depth that makes the broth taste like it’s been simmering all day.
• Noodles – whatever kind you like; I usually grab egg noodles because they soak up the broth perfectly.
• Salt and pepper – the finishing touch to pull all those yummy flavors together.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup

1. Start with the Base

Heat up a big pot with a splash of olive oil and toss in the onion, carrots, and celery.

Let them cook until they start softening and smelling amazing (it’s the start of all good soups!).

If the veggies start to stick, add a tiny splash of broth to loosen things up.

2. Add the Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the garlic, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and the bay leaf.

Keep it moving so the garlic doesn’t burn, just enough to wake up those herby flavors.

Crushing the dried herbs a bit in your hand before adding them helps release more aroma.

3. Pour in the Broth and Turkey

Pour in your broth and add the shredded turkey.

Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer so the flavors have time to mingle.

If you’ve got a turkey bone left, toss it in to make the soup richer.

4. Cook the Noodles

Add your noodles once the soup smells too good to ignore.

Let them cook until they’re soft but not falling apart, soaking up all that yummy broth.

5. Season and Serve

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper until it’s just right.

Pull out the bay leaf before serving and ladle it into big bowls.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look and taste extra good.

Tasty Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

A simple and hearty way to use leftover turkey after the holidays.

This soup is loaded with vegetables, tender turkey, and comforting flavor for an easy family meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup egg noodles or pasta of choice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in broth and add turkey, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add noodles and cook according to package directions until tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Remove bay leaf and serve hot.

One More Taste of Thanksgiving!

Even though it started with leftovers, this soup still feels super special and festive.

I usually serve it with a few slices of buttered bread, and everyone ends up going back for seconds.

There’s just something about a pot of warm, delicious turkey soup that makes the holiday stretch a little longer!