Best Turkey Recipes from Thanksgiving Leftovers

photo by Tuchodi

The Thanksgiving turkey was succulent, the gravy without lumps and pumpkin pie sweet. Now that it's over, the refrigerator is stuffed and people are hungry again.

The day after Thanksgiving, what can be served for dinner that will use up the leftover turkey? Everyone usually takes the turkey to make sandwiches, but there is a better way to recycle all that leftover poultry. For the whole family, turkey noodle casserole makes a delicious entree. Or simple quesadillas are great for even children to concoct.

Leftover Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe

This recipe is similar to tuna noodle casserole, except for using turkey instead of tuna. It is a hit every year and will delectably use up turkey leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz. medium noodles (3 cups dry)
• 10 1/2 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz. chopped turkey meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sliced celery or 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, optional

Directions:

1. Cook the noodles using the package directions.
2. While the noodles are boiling, put the cream of mushroom soup in a saucepan. Add the cheese and heat on medium heat until the cheese melts, stirring occasionally.
3. In a big bowl, combine the noodles, soup mixture, turkey, mayonnaise, celery or mushrooms, and onion.
4. Turn the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish and top with the slivered almonds.
5. Bake at 425* for 20 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Makes six servings.

Turkey Quesadillas

This recipe is easy and can be made short order style for one up to several people. If Mexican food is usually eaten, the other ingredients should already be in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:

• tortillas, small or large
• shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (or mixed cheeses, if preferred)
• chopped turkey
• red pepper to taste, optional
• chopped onions, optional
• ripe avocado, sliced or mashed
• sour cream
• salsa

Directions:

1. Put a small tortilla on a microwaveable plate.
2. Top one half of the tortilla with desired amount of cheese and sprinkle with red pepper.
3. Top the cheese with turkey, then onions and then with more cheese.
4. Fold the empty side of the tortilla over the filled half. The cheese will hold the ingredients in place when heated.
5. Pop into the microwave and heat on high for 40 seconds or just until the cheese melts. Or put a little oil in a frying pan and fry the tortilla until the bottom is golden and the cheese is starting to melt. Flip it with a spatula and fry the other side until the cheese is melted.
6. Top with avocado, sour cream and salsa. Serves one person.

If large tortillas are used, put the ingredients on the entire tortilla, and then instead of folding it, place a fresh tortilla on top. When done, cut it into wedges like a pie. Serves two people.

Read more:

• Best Ever Stuffing Recipe and Thanksgiving Turkey
• Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner