There’s something so comforting about a warm, savory bowl of soup, especially when it’s crafted from last night’s feast. This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe transforms simple ingredients and holiday leftovers into pure magic you’ll want to make again and again.

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

I’m a huge fan of turning leftovers into something new and delicious, and this leftover turkey soup is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and uses what you already have on hand—a win-win for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

Simple to Make: You only need a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time to create a hearty meal.
Comfort Food at Its Best: The rich broth combined with tender turkey and fresh herbs makes for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Perfect for Using Leftovers: Made especially to breathe new life into leftover turkey—no waste, just deliciousness.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or herbs based on what you have in your kitchen.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes a balance between savory, herbal, and hearty. The vegetables add texture and flavor depth while the turkey brings protein without overpowering the broth. Plus, a few fresh herbs brighten it all up beautifully.

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: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies during sautéing without overwhelming the soup.
Carrots: They bring a natural sweetness that swings the broth flavor just right.
Celery: Provides that classic aromatic base and a subtle crunch.
Onion: Builds the savory foundation—don’t skip it!
Garlic: Delivers a punch of warmth and depth.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for proper seasoning; enhances all flavors.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and tender, these add body and comfort.
Fresh Thyme & Bay Leaf: The perfect herb combo to infuse complex, earthy notes.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The warm liquid base that ties it all together while letting the turkey shine.
Shredded Turkey Meat: The star that brings leftover turkey back to life with juicy, meaty goodness.
Fresh Parsley: Stirred in at the end for a fresh, grassy lift and color pop.

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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 experimenting with this soup depending on what’s fresh or what’s left in my fridge. It’s so forgiving, I encourage you to personalize yours, too. Add your favorite root veggies or a dash of spice if you want to warm things up.

Variation: One time, I swapped the potatoes for sweet potatoes—gave it a lovely natural sweetness and depth. You might want to try that for a slightly different twist!
Add Greens: Toss in chopped kale or spinach near the end of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add some welcome heat.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to enjoy for many dietary needs.

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 Those Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When you smell that oil warm up, toss in the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Stir frequently for about 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies soften but don't brown—this gentle sauté lets those flavors spark without bitterness. Then, add the minced garlic along with the salt and pepper, stirring for just another minute until fragrant. There’s something so rewarding about that aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Potatoes and Herbs Join the Party

Now add the diced Yukon gold potatoes, two sprigs of fresh thyme, and the bay leaf, pouring in the chicken broth to cover everything. Crank up the heat to bring it to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes, just until the potatoes are fork-tender. Don’t rush this part; the potatoes soften but still hold just enough shape to add texture.

Step 3: Add Turkey and Final Touches

Stir in your shredded turkey meat and let it warm through for a couple of minutes in the simmering broth. Then, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf, and finish by stirring in the fresh parsley. That crisp burst of green really brightens the soup, both visually and on the palate.

Step 4: Ready to Serve!

Ladle into bowls, garnish with a little more parsley and a crack of black pepper, and you’re ready to dive in. This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really bring this leftover turkey soup to life, and I want you to have them too. These simple tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and elevate the dish effortlessly.

Don’t Skip the Sauté: Cooking the veggies first develops layers of flavor that no broth alone can provide.
Keep the Herbs Whole: Using sprigs and bay leaves makes it easy to remove them before serving, preventing any bitter bits.
Add Turkey Last: Overcooking leftover turkey can dry it out, so just warm it through at the end.
Season as You Go: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper gradually for a perfectly balanced bowl.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

leftover turkey soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh parsley here—it adds such a lovely pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon for a tiny zing. A drizzle of good olive oil on top feels indulgent and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup’s hearty enough on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich. Garlic toast also works wonders, especially for dipping into that savory broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive family dinner, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls—that wow factor is always appreciated. Or ladle it over mashed potatoes for a rustic turkey pot pie effect. I once added a swirl of crème fraîche for a creamy garnish when guests came over; everyone loved it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This leftover turkey soup freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags—remember to leave space for expansion! Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, to maintain the texture of the potatoes and turkey. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Both white and dark meat work equally well—just shred or chop the turkey before adding it to the soup. Mixing both will give you a nice variety of textures and flavors.

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

Dried thyme or parsley can substitute if you don’t have fresh herbs. Use about one-third of the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated. Add dried herbs earlier in cooking, while fresh herbs are best stirred in at the end.

Can this soup be made vegan or vegetarian?

You could easily adapt it by replacing turkey with hearty mushrooms or lentils, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs will still make a delicious, comforting soup.

Is it okay to use frozen leftover turkey?

Yes! Just thaw the turkey before adding it to the soup so it warms evenly and doesn’t chill the broth. Frozen turkey can sometimes be a little drier, but the broth helps keep everything moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s like turning yesterday’s feast into a brand new cozy meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s a delicious, practical way to savor every bite of leftover turkey with minimal fuss. So grab that pot, get comfy, and treat yourself to a bowl of warm, homemade goodness. You deserve it!