Leftovers You Will Actually Want to Eat!

This time of year there’s always one leftover you have lurking in your fridge: turkey. Instead of pushing it out of sight every time you walk into the kitchen, embrace it! And transform it into 5 new delicious dishes.

Turn that turkey into another holiday classic: croquetas. Smoky Turkey Croquettes are made with smoked paprika sweet potato, creamy Yukon Golds, and of course, left over turkey. They’re crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside and they’re so good you can’t stop at one.

For turkey themed snacks, whip up Spicy Turkey Empanada! Spinach, jalapeño, pepper jack cheese, and turkey come together in a delicious empanada that is gluten-free thanks to its friendly arepa crust. 

For more filling fare make a batch of mini Turkey Pot Pies. These pies have all the traditional fixins’, with carrots, peas, onions, and celery. The twist comes in the hint of cumin and ground ancho in its creamy filling. Topped off with jalapeño cornbread, it’s as filling as it is flavorful.

For a cold winter’s night make a big pot of Turkey Chili. Combining unique flavors including fresh jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, and a hint of caraway, this chili is beefed up with white beans, grits, and turkey for a dish that gets heartier and tastier as the days go by.

Finally, whip up the classic post holiday meal: a turkey sandwich. This Tangy Turkey Melt layers cranberry sauce, peppery arugula, and shredded mozzarella on a hearty baguette, then it’s warmed to a gooey perfection.

Don’t let your left over turkey wither away in your fridge. Try one of these recipes and enjoy that turkey in a whole new way. 

Smoky Turkey Croquettes 

• 1 cup sweet potato, cooked
• 1 cup yukon gold, cooked
• 1 1/2 cups turkey meat, rough chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg, whisked
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

Get the full recipe.

Spicy Turkey Empanadas 

• 1 1/2 cups turkey meat, rough chopped
• 2 cups raw spinach, packed
• 2 garlic cloves, halved
• 1 tabespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, fresh cracked
• 3 ounces pepper jack cheese, diced
• 1/2 tablespoon minced jalapeño
• 2 cups pre cooked yellow cornmeal 

Get the full recipe.

Turkey Pot Pies 

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup rough chopped onion
• 1/2 cup rough chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup rough chopped celery
• 1/2 cup sweet peas, frozen
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups vegetable broth, warm
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ancho

Get the full recipe.

Next, two more terrific turkey recipes… [pagebreak]

Turkey Chili 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced jalapeño
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon white peppercorns
• 1/8 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 5 medium tomatoes, chopped

Get the full recipe.

Tangy Turkey Melt

• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 baguette, cut into 4 equal pieces
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups packed arugula
• 4 cups thickly sliced turkey meat

Get the full recipe.