Simple Recipes to Use Up a Turkey

Spiriteds, if we’re going to roast a turkey, then let’s also eke out every last drop of it, if we are so inclined. Like, let’s get the turkey and then make turkey gravy, turkey broth, and turkey soup. By the time we’re done with our turkey, there won’t be much left to throw away.

Ooh, and these simple recipes to use up turkey also call for many of the same vegetables, herbs, and oil. So, no, you don’t need to make four separate trips to the grocery store to concoct four delicious turkey recipes.

Save the leftovers from one to be used in another. When you can’t always control the price of meat, at least take solace in knowing you can extract every last bit of flavor from your purchase. It reminds of the confirmation dress Mom bought me. It cost a pretty penny, by our standards. And I wore it for EVERYTHING. So that by the time I stopped wearing it, well into college, we had spent, maybe $2…per wearing.

But isn’t that just exactly how the math is supposed to work? For turkeys AND dresses? Well, either way, here are simple recipes to use up a turkey. They are worth a permanent spot in the virtual recipe tin on Spirited and Then Some.

Herb-Roasted Turkey

One of my all-time favorite recipes, Herb-Roasted Turkey features crispy outsides and tender insides. Tent your turkey after it’s done cooking to get that crispy-tender balance in each bite. Focus on the herbs, sea salt, and olive oil. Because the flavors in this recipe will inspire the flavors of the next three to follow.

Spiriteds, the sky is the limit once you’ve cooked a turkey. By the time you have leftovers to even think about, most of the work has already been done. The deliciousness already added. You’re just taking the flavors up a notch by tweaking them for this recipe or that recipe. And with each creation, you’ll see the mouthwatering results of all your culinary efforts.

Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy

Is gravy a food group? Asking for myself. I love gravy so much, I’ll enjoy it unplanned lumps, clumps, and all. But let’s say you don’t want clumps in your gravy, if you can help it. Then I’m here to tell you, the key to clump-free gravy is to add the flour to COOLED pan drippings from your cooked turkey. If the drippings (or any other liquids used) are hot when you add the flour, then the window for clump-free gravy has very likely closed. You can still enjoy your Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy, as it will taste quite delicious, but it won’t look or feel like a smooth gravy.

But, if you have your heart set on a smooth consistency, then work from cooled drippings from the Herb-Roasted Turkey mentioned above, and once the liquids heat up, avoid adding more flour to the saucepan.

Homemade Turkey Broth

Honestly, you can make this Homemade Turkey Broth in a stock pot or a slow cooker. And the only reason I never use my slow cooker for this one is because I can’t fit all my desired ingredients into it and still get the lid on. So stock pot it is. Lots of herbs, lemons, onion, and garlic. Break the carcass down into manageable pieces that will fit whichever cooking unit you’re using. This broth is an absolute favorite of mine. So much so I use it in (gasp!) non-turkey recipes and LOVE it.

Leftover Turkey Soup

If this isn’t a throw-it-all-together-and-call-it-done kind of recipe, then I don’t know what is. This soup definitely qualifies in the simple recipes to use up a turkey category. Let’s not kid around. By this point, most of the work has been done, probably by you. So high-five yourself and enjoy the savories of your efforts. 

Leftover Turkey Soup is so absolutely delicious and completely unscientific. I mean, sure, you can try to measure precisely how much of each ingredient you’ll need. But this is a leftovers recipe, so it really is “a little of this and a little of that.” Salt generously, if desired, and serve warm.

And there you are, Spiriteds. One main recipe that is easily morphed into several other simple recipes that use up turkey. Also none of these everlasting recipes even take into account the deliciousness of turkey wraps and turkey sandwiches. Lettuce, tomato, vinaigrette, and you’re set! 

Enjoy, Spiriteds! Stay well and stay wild. I’m glad you’re here! 🩷