Warming hearty soup with leftover turkey – BEST EVER!

I don’t know about you but after stuffing my face over the festive period with mountains of cheese and crackers, boxes of chocolates, and a huge Christmas dinner, I’m looking to eat something lighter. And I always have tons of leftover turkey (who doesn’t?).

If like me, you’ve been slaving over a hot stove preparing a feast for the whole family and would prefer to cook something super easy, then this delicious soup with leftover turkey is the perfect option. It’s become my Boxing Day tradition – I make a huge pot that feeds us for days.

Why you’ll love this leftover turkey soup

This leftover turkey soup recipe is brilliant because you can leave it to cook all by itself. There’s no stirring or standing around.

You don’t have to just use up the leftover turkey – you can use leftover roast potatoes, leftover vegetables, and even leftover gravy. It all adds to the flavour. Nothing goes to waste, and you get the most comforting soup imaginable.

It literally takes around 10 minutes of preparation time. Just grab all your leftovers and throw them in a huge pot and cover with water.

What ingredients you need for turkey soup

Here’s what makes this soup so flexible – you can use whatever Christmas leftovers you have:

• 500g leftover cooked turkey (including the carcass if you have it – adds amazing flavour)
• 1.5 litres of water (you may need more)
• Leftover roast potatoes (or fresh peeled potatoes)
• Leftover carrots and parsnips
• Leftover cauliflower cheese (optional but delicious)
• 200ml leftover gravy (helps thicken the soup)
• 150g frozen peas
• Salt and pepper for seasoning

The gravy really helps to thicken the soup and adds depth. If you have leftover stuffing, throw that in too!

How to make leftover turkey soup

Step 1: Get everything in the pot

Get a deep large pot and add 1.5 litres of water. Put it on a low simmer.

Carefully add the turkey, vegetables, gravy, and any other meat to the water. Bring to the boil.

Step 2: Simmer and skim

Once the water is boiling, turn to a low heat and simmer for one hour. Check the water level and give the soup a stir.

Skim off any scum or foam that has formed on the top. This keeps your soup clear and clean-tasting.

Step 3: Add potatoes and finish

Add the potatoes and cook for another 30 minutes. Then add any frozen peas or sweetcorn and simmer for another 30 minutes.

If you’ve used the carcass, carefully remove the bones now. Skim the final layer and add seasoning to taste before serving.

Total cooking time: About 2 hours (mostly hands-off).

Can you use other meat for leftover soup?

Absolutely. Nothing should go to waste. If you have any meats, including ham, pork, lamb, or beef, throw it in too.

It will only add to the intensity of the flavours. You can even throw in leftover stuffing – it adds a lovely herby flavour and helps thicken the soup.

What other vegetables can you use?

Any vegetables at all. You can even add mashed potato if you have some, as this acts as a lovely thickening agent. The same goes for cauliflower cheese.

There really are no rules – you can make this leftover soup completely your own. I would advise not to add peas or sweetcorn until nearer the end of cooking so they retain their vibrant colours and form.

Great additions:

• Leftover Brussels sprouts (halved)
• Leftover roasted parsnips
• Fresh celery and leeks
• Leftover mashed swede

Common mistakes when making turkey soup

Not using the carcass: The turkey carcass adds incredible depth and flavour. If you have it, use it!

Adding delicate veg too early: Peas, sweetcorn, and spinach should go in during the last 30 minutes or they’ll turn mushy and lose colour.

Not skimming the foam: That scum on top makes the soup cloudy and affects the taste. Skim it off for clear, flavourful broth.

Underseasoning: Taste before serving and add salt and pepper. Leftover ingredients vary in saltiness, so adjust accordingly.

What to serve with leftover turkey soup

With the meat and potatoes, this soup is healthy, comforting, and pretty filling. But I do love to get some fresh, crusty bread to mop up the delicious stock.

Or if you wanted to go a little more indulgent, even some garlic bread would be a great accompaniment. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch, too.

Try it with:

• Garlic bread
• Cheese toasties on the side
• Fresh crusty sourdough
• Or even some chips!

Storage and freezing instructions

Can you freeze leftover turkey soup?
Of course! If you have tons left, I highly recommend doing this.

Let the soup cool completely before transferring into suitable freezer containers. You can store the soup in the freezer for up to three months.

Before eating, take the leftover turkey soup out of the freezer and let it thaw for a few days in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly on the hob until piping hot throughout.

Storing in the fridge:
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat portions as needed.

Can you make leftover soup any time of year?

Yes! Any time you have a roast dinner or leftover chicken to use, throw it all in a big pot. You’ll have a tasty and wholesome meal the next day where nothing has gone to waste.

It’s the perfect way to do a leftover turkey soup carcass or chicken carcass soup. If your kids like particular flavours or you want to bulk it out with pasta or pulses, add those in too.

This leftover soup is comforting, filling, frugal, and most importantly, delicious!

FAQs about leftover turkey soup

How long does leftover turkey soup take to make?
About 10 minutes prep, then 2 hours of hands-off simmering. Perfect for Boxing Day when you want something easy.

Do I need to use the turkey carcass?
No, but it adds incredible flavour and makes the soup richer. If you have it, definitely use it!

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This works brilliantly with leftover roast chicken or any roasted poultry.

What’s the best way to thicken turkey soup?
Leftover gravy is ideal. You can also add mashed potato, cauliflower cheese, or even blend half the soup and stir it back in.

How do I stop the vegetables going mushy?
Add delicate vegetables like peas, sweetcorn, and greens in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Heartier veg can go in from the start.

Can I add pasta or rice to turkey soup?
Yes! Add pasta or rice about 20 minutes before the end of cooking. They’ll absorb the lovely stock flavours.

How do I know when the soup is done?
When all the vegetables are tender and the broth tastes rich and flavourful. Usually, after about 2 hours of simmering.

What if my soup is too thin?
Simmer with the lid off for 20-30 minutes to reduce and concentrate. Or add a cornflour slurry (mix cornflour with cold water) and stir through.

Can I use this recipe for leftover ham?
Definitely! Leftover ham makes a fantastic soup. Use the ham bone if you have it for extra flavour.

Is leftover turkey soup healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and nutrients. It’s low in fat if you skim the broth and very filling.

Did you make this leftover turkey soup recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you or what variation you made of my leftover soup. Leave a comment below and tag @cooksimplyathome on Instagram. If you’d like more food inspiration, check out my index.