Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup
Turn your holiday leftovers into something cozy and delicious with this Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup! Loaded with tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and a velvety broth, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal everyone will love. Perfect for chilly days or post-holiday dinners!
Ingredients
- Core Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded or cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups turkey chicken, or vegetable broth
- Creamy Elements:
- 1 cup heavy cream half-and-half, or milk
- 1 tbsp flour or 1 tsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- Seasonings & Herbs:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup diced potatoes cooked rice, or small pasta
- ½ cup peas corn, or green beans
Instructions
- Step 1 – Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 2 – Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in broth and add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 3 – Add Turkey and Vegetables:
- Stir in shredded turkey and any optional ingredients like potatoes, rice, or peas. Simmer until everything is tender and heated through.
- Step 4 – Make It Creamy:
- Stir in cream, half-and-half, or milk. For a thicker texture, whisk flour or cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry and add it to the soup. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until creamy.
- Step 5 – Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of cream, or shredded cheese. Serve with crusty bread or biscuits.
Notes
- Use homemade broth for richer flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the taste.
- For extra creaminess, blend part of the soup before adding turkey.
- Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.