Hearty & Comforting Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Post-Holiday Meal
There’s something uniquely comforting about a steaming bowl of homemade soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. As soon as the crisp autumn air or winter chill sets in, my mind immediately goes to simmering pots and the wonderful aromas that fill the kitchen. While we cherish classics like Verde Posole and Chicken Tortilla Soup throughout the year, there’s one particular soup that holds a special place in our hearts and on our holiday menu: Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup.
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a cherished tradition, eagerly anticipated after the feasting of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s the perfect answer to the age-old question, “What do we do with all this leftover turkey?” More than just a practical solution, it’s a soul-warming dish that transforms holiday remnants into a deeply satisfying and nourishing meal. Packed with tender turkey, an abundance of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and soft noodles, this soup is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting way to extend the joy of the holidays.
Why Leftover Turkey Soup is a Must-Try
If you’re a fan of classic chicken noodle soup, then this turkey version is going to be your new favorite. It takes all the familiar flavors and comforting textures you love and elevates them with the rich taste of leftover holiday turkey. Beyond its deliciousness, this soup offers a wonderful opportunity to load up on nutritious vegetables, making it a wholesome and guilt-free meal – a welcome change after the often indulgent holiday feasts.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and its ability to bring a sense of home and warmth. For years, my mother-in-law has been the mastermind behind our holiday turkey, expertly roasting it in her beloved Nesco Roaster. As soon as dinner concludes, the turkey carcass and some water go straight back into the roaster to create a rich, homemade turkey broth. The very next day, without fail, a magnificent pot of leftover turkey soup is simmering on the stove, ready to nourish us all. This tradition perfectly captures the spirit of turning humble leftovers into something extraordinary.
Crafting Your Flavorful Turkey Broth
While making your own broth from the turkey carcass adds an unparalleled depth of flavor, it’s perfectly understandable if you’re not up for more extensive cooking after a holiday marathon. The good news is, you have options! You can certainly use store-bought chicken broth, or if you’re lucky enough to find it, turkey broth, as a convenient and delicious alternative. There’s absolutely no judgment here – after spending hours preparing a holiday meal, taking shortcuts where you can is a smart and often necessary move.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to maximize the flavor potential, making broth from the turkey carcass is a rewarding experience. The bones and any bits of meat clinging to them release incredible savory notes during a slow simmer, creating a foundation for your soup that is rich, complex, and deeply satisfying. This homemade broth contributes significantly to the overall hearty character of the turkey noodle soup, setting it apart from versions made with less flavorful bases.
The Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Turkey Noodle Soup
Beyond the star ingredient, leftover turkey, this soup relies on a blend of classic aromatics and simple seasonings to bring it all together. The combination of carrots, celery, and onion – often referred to as a mirepoix – forms the flavorful base, sautéed until softened to release their sweet and earthy notes. These vegetables not only add flavor but also contribute essential nutrients and vibrant color to the soup.
For the seasonings, we keep it simple yet effective: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Thyme, in particular, pairs beautifully with poultry, lending an herbaceous warmth that complements the turkey perfectly. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can always adjust the amounts of these seasonings to suit your personal taste preferences, or even introduce other herbs like sage or rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
And, of course, no turkey noodle soup would be complete without the noodles! Dried egg noodles are a traditional choice, absorbing the rich broth and adding a comforting chewiness. Their porous texture makes them ideal for soaking up all the wonderful flavors of the soup, creating a truly satisfying spoonful every time.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Leftover Turkey Soup
Creating this delicious leftover turkey soup is straightforward, whether you opt for homemade broth or a store-bought alternative. The process is designed to be efficient, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal without unnecessary fuss.
- Prepare Your Broth (if using carcass): If you’re utilizing the turkey carcass to make your own broth, place it in a large pot. Add 8 cups of water and a bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for a minimum of 60-75 minutes (1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes), allowing all the rich flavors to extract from the bones. Once done, strain the broth, discarding the carcass and bay leaf, and set the liquid aside. This step creates a deeply flavorful foundation for your soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a separate large soup pot or Dutch oven, add a tablespoon of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) over medium-high heat. Swirl to coat the bottom of the pot evenly.
- Soften the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, celery ribs, and peeled and chopped carrots to the hot oil. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial for building the soup’s flavor base.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the prepared turkey broth (or store-bought chicken/turkey broth). Stir in the shredded leftover turkey, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Noodles: This is a critical step for perfect texture. If you plan to consume the entire pot of soup in one sitting, add the dried egg noodles directly to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions until they are tender. However, for best results with leftovers, boil the noodles separately in a different pot of salted water while the soup continues to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Drain them once cooked.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and make any necessary adjustments to the seasonings. You might find you need a little more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on the flavor of your turkey and broth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot, flavorful broth and turkey into individual bowls. If you cooked the noodles separately, add a portion of cooked noodles to each bowl just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
To truly elevate your leftover turkey soup and ensure every bowl is as delicious as the first, consider these expert tips:
- Noodles and Leftovers: This is perhaps the most important tip for optimal leftover soup. If you don’t intend to eat the entire batch of soup immediately, always cook the noodles separately. Store the cooked noodles in a separate airtight container from the broth and turkey mixture. Noodles tend to absorb a significant amount of liquid and can become mushy or bloated when stored directly in the soup. Keeping them separate ensures that both the soup and the noodles maintain their ideal texture for future servings. Add freshly cooked or separately stored noodles to individual bowls just before reheating or serving.
- Seasoning is Key: The amount of herbs and seasonings needed for your soup will largely depend on how seasoned your original roasted turkey was. If your turkey was heavily seasoned with herbs and spices, some of that flavor will transfer to the leftover meat and even the broth if you made it from the carcass. Always taste the soup after it has simmered for a bit and adjust the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme to your preference. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more of what you love!
- Embrace Vegetable Variety: While carrots, celery, and onion are classic choices, feel free to get creative with your vegetables. This soup is a fantastic way to use up other lingering holiday produce. Consider adding diced roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness. Green beans, peas, corn, or even a handful of spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
- Broth Consistency: The beauty of homemade soup is that you can tailor it to your liking. Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker, more stew-like soup, rich with chunks of meat and vegetables, you can slightly reduce the amount of broth. If you enjoy a lighter, more brothy soup perfect for slurping, feel free to add a bit more. This recipe provides a wonderfully flexible base for you to customize and make truly your own.
- Fresh Herbs at the End: For a bright finish, stir in a handful of fresh chopped parsley or dill just before serving. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and a burst of aromatic flavor that enhances the overall experience.
Customizing Your Turkey Soup: Endless Variations
One of the joys of this leftover turkey soup recipe is its incredible versatility. While the base recipe is fantastic as is, it also serves as a canvas for endless culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Add a Touch of Creaminess: For a richer, more indulgent soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving (ensure it’s tempered to prevent curdling). This adds a luxurious texture and mellows the flavors beautifully.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing of the vegetables, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to individual bowls. A hint of smoked paprika can also introduce a delightful warmth and depth.
- Different Noodle Types: Don’t limit yourself to egg noodles! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti can work wonderfully. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- Hearty Grains: For a thicker, more substantial soup, consider adding cooked rice (brown or white), quinoa, or even barley. These grains absorb the broth and add a lovely texture. If adding uncooked grains, they will require more liquid and longer cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
- Herb Boost: Beyond thyme, experiment with other herbs. A sprig of rosemary simmered in the broth, or fresh sage stirred in at the end, can introduce different aromatic dimensions.
- Lemon Zest Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving can brighten the entire soup, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing tang.
Storing and Freezing Your Turkey Soup for Future Enjoyment
Having a batch of this comforting turkey soup ready to go in the fridge or freezer is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights. Proper storage ensures you can savor its deliciousness long after the holiday buzz has faded.
For Refrigeration:
Once the soup has cooled completely (do not put hot soup directly into the fridge), transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply pour your desired portion into a saucepan and warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl until warm. Remember, if you followed our tip to cook noodles separately, add them to your bowl only after the soup is reheated to maintain their best texture.
For Freezing:
This turkey soup is incredibly freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep! Once the soup has cooled entirely, pour it into freezer-safe bags (leaving a little headspace for expansion) or airtight containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 4 months. Freezing the soup without the noodles is highly recommended. The reason for this is that pasta, once cooked and frozen in liquid, tends to break down and become mushy upon thawing and reheating. By adding fresh noodles or separately frozen noodles when you’re ready to eat, you ensure a superior texture.
To Thaw and Reheat Frozen Soup:
The easiest way to thaw frozen soup is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s simmering and heated through. If you froze it without noodles, cook a fresh batch of noodles and add them to your hot soup just before serving. This method guarantees that your soup retains its comforting, homemade quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Turkey Soup
- Can I use dark meat turkey in this soup?
Absolutely! Both white and dark meat turkey work wonderfully in this soup. Dark meat often adds a richer flavor, so feel free to use a mix or whatever you have leftover. - What if I don’t have a turkey carcass for broth?
No problem at all! You can easily use 8 cups of good quality store-bought chicken broth or vegetable broth. While homemade broth adds depth, store-bought options are perfectly acceptable and still result in a delicious soup. - Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After sautéing the vegetables, combine all ingredients (except noodles) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add cooked noodles just before serving. - How can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan (without turkey)?
While this recipe focuses on turkey, you could adapt it by using vegetable broth and adding a plant-based protein like chickpeas or white beans, and omitting the turkey. The core vegetable and herb flavors would still be delicious. - Can I add potatoes to the soup?
Yes, definitely! Diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled) make a great addition. Add them along with the carrots and celery and cook until tender. You might need to add a little extra broth as potatoes absorb liquid. - What kind of noodles are best?
Egg noodles are traditional and excellent because they hold up well and absorb flavor. However, small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even thin spaghetti broken into pieces are also great choices. Remember to cook them separately if you plan on having leftovers.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting embrace of this turkey noodle soup, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our favorite warming recipes. There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup to chase away the chill and bring everyone to the table.
- Carrot Ginger Soup
- Egg Drop Soup
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Lasagna Soup
- Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Leftover Turkey Soup
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Ingredients
- 1 turkey carcass
- 8 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 1/2 cups leftover turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 10 oz dried egg noodles
Instructions
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Add turkey carcass to a large pot with the water and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 60-75 minutes to make turkey broth. Strain the broth and discard the carcass and bay leaf.
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In a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or preferred cooking oil) and swirl to coat.
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Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the oil. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are starting to get soft and fragrant.
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Stir in the prepared broth, shredded turkey, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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If you are cooking the noodles directly in the soup and consuming it all at once, add them now and cook until they are soft according to package directions. Otherwise, boil the noodles separately in a different pot of salted water while the soup simmers for an additional 10 minutes, then drain.
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as desired.
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Serve hot, filling bowls with broth and mixing in separately cooked noodles just before eating.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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