Turkey Leftover Noodle Soup (Post-Thanksgiving)
Nothing beats a comforting bowl of soup after the whirlwind of Thanksgiving festivities, especially when you can transform your turkey leftovers into something warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying. This Turkey Leftover Noodle Soup (Post-Thanksgiving) recipe is your go-to for turning those leftover turkey bits into a soul-soothing meal that your whole family will love. With simple ingredients, classic flavors, and a touch of kitchen magic, this soup is a testament to how delicious and versatile leftovers can be.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and tender egg noodles. This Turkey Leftover Noodle Soup (Post-Thanksgiving) hits all the right notes – it’s flavorful but light, filling but not heavy, and perfect for any day when you crave a little warmth and nourishment. The familiar aroma of thyme and rosemary combined with garlic and fresh parsley creates a rich, inviting broth that invites everyone to the table.
What makes this soup truly crowd-pleasing is how effortlessly it repurposes your Thanksgiving turkey into a fresh, new meal. It’s perfect for those chilly fall or winter evenings when you want something homemade but quick to prepare. Plus, the egg noodles add a delightful texture that transforms the soup into more than just a starter – it’s a wholesome, satisfying main dish.
If you love recipes like Turkey Noodle Soup, this post-Thanksgiving version will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded – the star ingredient, leftover from your Thanksgiving feast
- 8 cups chicken broth – rich and flavorful, the base of your soup
- 2 cups egg noodles – adds heartiness and texture
- 1 onion, diced – builds depth and sweetness
- 2 carrots, sliced – for a touch of natural sweetness and color
- 2 celery stalks, diced – classic flavor and crunch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic and savory
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – earthy and fragrant herb
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – adds a piney, robust flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing vegetables
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – brightens and freshens the soup
Cook’s Kit
- Large pot or Dutch oven – for simmering the soup
- Chef’s knife – for dicing and slicing vegetables
- Cutting board – keeps your prep neat and safe
- Ladle – for serving your delicious soup
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the seasonings just right
- Colander – to drain the cooked noodles
Turkey Leftover Noodle Soup (Post-Thanksgiving) Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step is crucial for developing the base flavor of your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the garlic become aromatic but not burnt. The herbs will infuse the oil and veggies with their wonderful scents, setting the stage for a hearty broth.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Carefully pour the 8 cups of chicken broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Turkey and Noodles
Add the shredded turkey to the simmering broth, stirring to combine. Then, add the egg noodles directly into the pot. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 7-8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still firm.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the broth might already be salted, so add gradually. When the noodles are perfectly cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley. This little touch adds color and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of your Turkey Leftover Noodle Soup (Post-Thanksgiving).
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Turkey: If you don’t have turkey, shredded cooked chicken works beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
- Egg noodles: Substitute with rice noodles, gluten-free pasta, or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb twist.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary can be swapped for Italian seasoning or sage.
- Olive oil: Use avocado oil or a mild vegetable oil if preferred.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
- Adding the noodles too early can make them mushy – always add them toward the end of cooking.
- Not seasoning gradually can lead to an overly salty soup – taste as you go.
- Skipping the sauté step reduces depth – cooking the veggies and garlic first creates a richer broth.
- Using cold turkey straight from the fridge can cool down the broth – let the turkey come to room temperature before adding.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
This soup is fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the broth and veggies up to a day in advance. Store the broth separately from the noodles to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the broth with turkey, then add freshly cooked noodles. This keeps everything tasting fresh and vibrant.
Ask the Chef
Can I use leftover turkey bones to make the broth?
Absolutely! Using turkey bones to make your own homemade broth adds incredible depth and richness to your soup. Simply simmer the bones with water, onion, carrots, celery, and herbs for several hours, then strain. This homemade broth will elevate your Turkey Leftover Noodle Soup (Post-Thanksgiving) to the next level.
What if I want to make this soup vegetarian?
Swap the turkey for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. While it won’t have the same meaty richness, the herbs and aromatics will still create a comforting and delicious soup.
Can I freeze this soup for later?
Yes, you can freeze the soup without the noodles. Freeze the broth and turkey mixture in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw and cook fresh noodles to maintain texture.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too salty?
Start with low-sodium broth or homemade broth, and add salt in small increments. Remember, you can always add more salt later but can’t take it out once added.
Don’t Miss These
- For another comforting turkey recipe, try this Italian Wedding Soup With Turkey Meatballs – a flavorful twist on a classic.
- Explore more ways to use turkey leftovers with our Turkey Noodle Soup recipe for a slightly different take.
Final Bite
This Turkey Leftover Noodle Soup (Post-Thanksgiving) is the perfect way to extend the joy of your holiday feast. It’s simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor that brings warmth to any day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort in a bowl, this recipe is an effortless way to transform your turkey leftovers into a memorable meal. Don’t let that turkey go to waste – bring it back to life with this delicious soup that everyone will ask for again and again.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s a post-holiday favorite that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Happy cooking!
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Turkey Leftover Noodle Soup (Post-Thanksgiving)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the garlic become aromatic but not burnt.
- Carefully pour the 8 cups of chicken broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shredded turkey to the simmering broth, stirring to combine. Then, add the egg noodles directly into the pot. Cook according to package directions, usually about 7-8 minutes, or until noodles are tender but still firm.
- Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. When the noodles are perfectly cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Freeze the soup without noodles to maintain texture; add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
- Add noodles at the end of cooking to prevent mushiness.
- Season gradually to avoid overly salty soup.
- Prepare broth and veggies a day ahead for easy meal prep.
