Leftover turkey recipes for Boxing Day and beyond

Cut turkey meat from the carcass into small, even pieces so it cools down as quickly as possible, then store leftover turkey in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. Keep the meat separate from stuffing and any other leftover sides. To freeze, divide into portions and store in an airtight container for up to three months.

Once cooled, add leftover stuffing to an airtight container to prevent drying out and store in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to one month. To reheat cooked stuffing, bring to room temperature, spread it out in a baking tray, and bake covered for 30–40 minutes until heated through. You can also turn leftover stuffing into croquettes and stuffing balls or hero leftovers in a tart.

01

Stack it in turkey sandwiches

Savvy sandwich fans are probably already committed to the classic turkey-and-cranberry sauce combo of a club sandwich, but having leftover turkey in the fridge enables many creative sandwich options.

Add a smoky hit by spreading chipotle mayonnaise on wholegrain bread, then layering it with slices of turkey, crisp bacon (or even leftover Christmas ham!) and cheddar cheese. Or combine your Christmas roast leftovers to make the ultimate meat-lovers toastie.

02

Turn it into party food snacks

Turn your Christmas main into summer holiday snacks. And if you’re planning a party, making a selection of these recipes will stretch out your turkey leftovers — a great way to avoid waste and cut costs when you’re feeding a crowd.

These air-fryer croquettes help use up turkey as well as leftover stuffing, veggies and cranberry sauce. No air fryer? You can also bake them, or you can try this dutch baby topped with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. Frozen pastry on hand makes these turkey and cheese pasties a breeze, and you can simply replace mince with shredded turkey in these cherry and pistachio sausage rolls.

03

Mix into turkey salads and bowls

Use up leftover Christmas turkey in a spicy turkey and cashew noodle dish, a bowl of turkey chow mein noodles or a veggie-packed stir-fry. Using leftover turkey breast means you can cut down on your stir-fry prep time: simply shred your meat and toss it in a garlic, ginger and chilli marinade, before stir-frying.

For a selection of summery salads to keep things cool, shred turkey into a salad bowl with Mexican flavours, try a winning turkey Waldorf salad, and use up more Christmas leftovers including turkey, veggies and cranberry sauce in this potato salad.

04

Shred into turkey pasta bakes and sauces

For an easy way to add some protein to your pasta dishes, stir shredded or diced leftover turkey into your favourite sauce. You can then serve it over pasta or use it as the base to a cheesy pasta bake.

Turkey Tetrazzini is a popular baked pasta dish used for Thanksgiving leftovers in the USA, so why not give it a try? Or if you’re after something with more of a kick, make this turkey lasagne with Mexican flavours. In this recipe, you can easily swap turkey mince for shredded turkey and stir it into the sauteed onions and garlic to coat it with the spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just before you add the black beans and chopped tomatoes.

05

Make turkey casseroles, soups and stews

While you may not feel like warming, hearty meals in the summer, you can plan ahead for the school year and meal prep some soups, stews or casseroles to freeze. Save these recipes and use your frozen leftover cooked turkey later on, or make a batch during the holidays to freeze for up to three months.

Shredded leftover turkey can be an easy swap in any soup, stew or casserole that calls for chicken, or stir it through a hearty vegetable soup. It’s a great way to add flavour and keep your turkey moist. You can also add turkey to a stew to then be used in a pot pie and pasties, or try it stewed in a French cassoulet with veggies, beans and bacon.