Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup
A comforting turkey soup perfect for using leftover turkey, featuring a rich, creamy broth with vegetables and fresh herbs, ideal for a cozy post-holiday meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat butter in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until the onion is translucent.
- Transfer the sautéed mixture into a slow cooker.
- Add the leftover cooked turkey, turkey stock or chicken broth, carrot, celery, potato, white pepper, and salt to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or bay leaves when cooking the soup. If you don't have turkey stock, chicken broth works well as a substitute. You can also use leftover vegetables from your Thanksgiving feast, such as green beans or corn, to enhance the soup's texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting dessert, consider following up with a slice of Hummingbird Pie to round out the feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover turkey soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. The soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup contains roughly 605 calories, with 52g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (104% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1054mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute leftover chicken or even ham if you have it. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat used to ensure everything is heated through and tender.
Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk can add creaminess without the dairy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).