Leftover Turkey Soup
A hearty and comforting leftover turkey soup packed with vegetables and grains, perfect for a cozy family dinner or to use up holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the bones and trimming from 1 turkey, salt, poultry seasoning or sage, chicken bouillon cubes, and water; simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove bones and cut off the meat, then return the meat to the broth.
- Add barley or rice, carrots, celery, and onions to the broth.
- Simmer, covered, for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, roast the turkey bones before adding them to the broth. You can substitute the barley with rice or quinoa if you prefer. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or peas to the soup. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey after your holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your leftover turkey soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Broccoli Rice Casserole, making it a great option for a comforting dinner. For added flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover turkey soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leftover Turkey Soup contains roughly 1499 calories, with 50g protein, 304g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (211% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2591mg per serving (113% 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 pre-cooked turkey for this soup?
Yes, you can absolutely use pre-cooked turkey. Just add it during the final cooking stages instead of simmering it with the bones. This will help retain the moisture and flavor of the turkey, making your soup even more delicious.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the turkey bones and bouillon cubes. Instead, use vegetable broth and add more vegetables like mushrooms and spinach for depth of flavor. You can also include lentils or chickpeas to add protein.
What can I do if my soup is too salty?
If your soup turns out too salty, you can balance it by adding more water or low-sodium broth. Adding diced potatoes or rice can also absorb some of the excess salt. Simmer until the potatoes are tender for best results.
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).