There’s something deeply satisfying about turning holiday leftovers into a warm, comforting meal. This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is exactly that — a cozy, easy-to-make soup that transforms your turkey scraps into something truly special.

A light gray bowl filled with clear broth soup containing several layers of ingredients: the first layer shows soft chunks of orange carrots and pale yellow potatoes, the second layer has light green celery slices, and the top layer contains pieces of shredded white chicken meat sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper dots. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a folded white and black cloth napkin partially visible near its base, and a wooden bowl with some seeds is blurred in the background. The overall look is fresh and healthy with a home-cooked feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this leftover turkey soup is one of my favorite ways to keep the holiday spirit going after all the festivities. It’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen, making it super convenient.
Comfort in a Bowl: The mix of tender turkey, potatoes, and fresh herbs creates the perfect balance of flavors.
Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or herbs based on what you like or have on hand.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes enough soup to serve the whole family or save for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe lies not just in the turkey, but how the ingredients complement each other with warmth and freshness. Each adds something special—whether it’s flavor, texture, or color.

Flat lay of a few peeled and sliced bright orange carrots, two celery ribs cut into thin slices with fresh green hues, one medium diced white onion, three minced garlic cloves scattered neatly, two whole clean-shelled brown eggs (for visual balance though not in recipe), two peeled and diced golden Yukon potatoes, two fresh green thyme sprigs, one whole dark green bay leaf, a small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of pale golden low-sodium chicken broth, a small heap of shredded white and brown turkey meat, and a small mound of roughly chopped vibrant green fresh parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate and small bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds a smooth base for sautéing the veggies and enhances the overall flavor.
Carrots: They bring natural sweetness and a bit of crunch that balances the savory elements.
Celery: Celery adds a subtle herbal brightness that lifts the soup.
Onion: A foundational aromatic, onions deepen the soup’s flavor when softened.
Garlic: Just the right amount to add warmth without overpowering the turkey.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning—start light and adjust at the end.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy and sturdy, they soak up the broth and make the soup heartier.
Fresh thyme: Adds a woodsy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with turkey.
Bay leaf: Infuses a subtle earthy flavor throughout the broth.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things flavorful without being too salty or heavy.
Shredded turkey meat: Your leftover star ingredient—adds protein and satisfies hunger.
Fresh parsley: Stirred in at the end for brightness and a pop of color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how forgiving this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is—there’s room to tailor it to what you love or what’s in your fridge. It’s your soup; feel free to get creative!

Variation: Sometimes I toss in a handful of kale or spinach toward the end for a green boost—it softens nicely without overwhelming the flavor.
Dietary swaps: If you want it lighter, swap potatoes for cauliflower florets; they'll cook just as tender and lower the carb count.
Seasonal twists: In the fall, try adding diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes instead of Yukon gold potatoes for an autumnal touch.
Spicy kick: A pinch of red chili flakes stirred in with the garlic makes a lovely, subtle heat that wakes up the soup.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with layered vegetables and herbs on a white marbled surface, with one layer of bright orange carrot rounds and green celery slices at the bottom, topped by a layer of pale yellow potato cubes. Fresh green thyme sprigs and a single large bay leaf rest on top. A clear light yellow broth is pouring from a metal cup into the pot, causing the vegetables to glisten slightly. The scene is shot from above, showing the colorful textures and shapes clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies until Soft and Fragrant

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your peeled and sliced carrots, celery ribs, and diced onion. Stir them gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant—this is when the base flavors really start to build. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper next, stirring for another minute to awaken those aromatics without letting the garlic burn.

Step 2: Add Potatoes, Herbs, and Broth, Then Simmer

Once the veggies are soft, it’s time for the potatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring everything up to a boil, then turn the heat down low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. You’re aiming for potatoes that are just fork tender—soft enough to enjoy but not mushy.

Step 3: Stir in the Leftover Turkey and Warm Through

After the potatoes cook, add your shredded turkey meat straight into the pot. Let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes—just enough to warm the turkey without drying it out. This quick heat helps keep the juicy tenderness of your leftover bird intact.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve

Before serving, remove those thyme sprigs and the bay leaf—you don’t want anyone biting into them accidentally! Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish. I like to add a sprinkle more parsley and a crack of black pepper right before spooning the soup into bowls. It just lifts everything up beautifully.

Top Tip

After making this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe numerous times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference in the final dish:

Don't Overcook the Turkey: Add your shredded turkey last and only warm it through for a couple of minutes to keep it tender and juicy.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley bring a brightness you just can’t get from dried herbs; if possible, avoid substitutes here for the best flavor.
Simmer Gently: Keep your soup at a gentle simmer to meld the flavors without breaking down the veggies too much.
Season as You Go: I like to season while cooking, but always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end to avoid oversalting.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

leftover turkey soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always top my turkey soup with extra fresh parsley since it adds that lovely pop of green and fresh flavor. A few twists of freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan can also lift the whole bowl if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

To make a full meal, I’ll serve this soup alongside crusty bread or my favorite garlic butter toast. Sometimes a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness and adds texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or cozy dinners, serving this soup in rustic mugs or mini crocks is a charming touch. I’ve also ladled it over wild rice in bowls for a deconstructed, hearty presentation that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually lasts about 3 to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weekdays.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well. I like to cool it completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Just leave some room for expansion, and it will thaw beautifully when you’re ready.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the turkey tender and prevents the potatoes from getting mushy. If reheating in the microwave, do it in short bursts and stir between intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use white or dark turkey meat for this soup?

Absolutely! This soup works great with either white or dark meat. I usually mix both for extra flavor and moisture.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme or parsley?

While fresh herbs add the best flavor, you can use dried thyme and parsley if needed. Use about a third of the amount and add it earlier during cooking to allow the flavors to develop.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

This particular recipe relies on turkey and chicken broth for flavor, but you can swap the turkey for hearty vegetables like mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead. Keep in mind the flavor will change, but it will still be delicious and comforting.

How long does the soup keep in the fridge?

Leftover turkey soup will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Always store it in airtight containers and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe feels like passing along a little kitchen magic that helps stretch those turkey leftovers into something vibrant and comforting. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable, especially when made with a bit of love and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.