Don’t fret about what to do with the leftover bird. Here are six recipes and some eco-tips on how to turn used turkey into wonderful new epicurean delights.



I’m going to have a lot of leftover turkey this year. And I do mean a lot. 

What started out as an intimate family dinner for eight turned into a stress-filled dash to host a buffet for 20 last Friday. And yesterday, it returned to a small affair—for four. These things happen. What can you do?  But I’d already bought an 18 pound turkey.

So I started thinking about what to do with all those leftovers and decided, really, it’s an upcycling opportunity. I mean, I’m taking something that might be thrown out and turning it into a wonderful new creation. So I reject the whole "oh–no–not–more–leftovers–idea," in favor of a new idea. I’m going to upcycle my gently-used cooked turkey into something delicious. You might want to do the same. Below are a few suggestions. 

Cut up the bird. Portion your leftovers into manageable serving sizes. Set some turkey aside for sandwiches or any soup, etc, you want to make right away. Store the rest in the freezer. 

Share. Send some turkey home with family and friends. Ask your guests to bring their own reusable containers and send home a “turkey bag.”

Make a list. Once you freeze your leftovers, it’s a good idea to keep track of what you have on hand.  Especially if you have quite a bit leftover, as I will have this year, a list will help you make the most of it.  When portioning up your turkey leftovers, think about what you’ll use it for. Example, wings will make a great broth for cooking a pot of collard greens or a delicious soup base. Breast meat can be sliced and upcycled into Turkey Bake With Whole Wheat Pasta.

Get healthy. Replace the beef normally used in traditional dishes like lasagna with turkey and add a little health to your new year. Turkey is lower in fat and calories that beef. And poultry makes a nice change of pace. Check out a great Turkey and Vegetable Lasagna recipe at Cooks.com.



Try something new. Like Open-Faced Turkey Croissant with Pan-Fried Oysters The Japanese panko breadcrumb-crusted oysters give a crunchy twist to a turkey sandwich.

Have turkey for breakfast. Not your ordinary Turkey Hash, this recipe takes a family favorite to a whole new level by using flavorful Cubanelle peppers instead of green bell peppers.

Wrap it up. With family-friendly Crispy Ginger-and-Garlic Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps. Replace ground turkey with finely chopped cooked turkey, and you have a quick, kid pleasing meal in no time.



And now for something completely different. Herbed Turkey and Waffles is a unique dinner featuring a parmesan cheese sauce. Topped with a tart cranberry relish, it’s a wonderful week night change of pace.

Good bones. Last but not least, and I know this is a routine suggestion, but don’t ever throw out those wonderful turkey bones. Put them in a large pot along with some carrot, celery and onion, a little sage and thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and let simmer for an hour or so. Strain out the solids and use for your favorite soup, stew or as a base for cooking vegetables. Or fill an ice cube tray with the broth and freeze for later use. One ice cube is equal to about 2 tablespoons of broth.