Cozy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe Perfect for Cold Days

The aroma of hearty turkey soup simmering on the stove is like a warm hug for your senses—it’s comfort in a bowl. Imagine a chilly winter evening, the kind where the air bites your cheeks, and you’re curled up with a steaming bowl of soup that feels like pure nourishment. That’s exactly the magic of this Cozy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe. The first time I made it, I was trying to use up holiday leftovers, and let me tell you—this recipe turned out to be the star of the season. My family couldn’t get enough, asking for seconds (and thirds). It’s now a tradition after any turkey dinner, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Honestly, this soup is the perfect way to give new life to your holiday turkey. It’s loaded with tender turkey, a medley of vegetables, and a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you pair it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, it’s the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-spoonful and just savor the moment. It’s a recipe I’ve tested time and again, tweaking it until it’s nothing short of perfection. If you’re looking for a go-to recipe to make your leftovers shine, you’re going to want to bookmark this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Perfect for Cold Days: It’s the ultimate comfort food when the temperature drops or you’re feeling under the weather.
• Great Use of Leftovers: Perfect for using up that extra turkey from Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples or things you likely have in your fridge.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of tender turkey, aromatic herbs, and hearty veggies creates a flavor-packed soup that’s hard to resist.

This isn’t just your ordinary turkey soup—it’s a bowl of homey goodness that hits all the right notes. With its rich, savory broth and nourishing ingredients, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or even for impressing friends who come over for a casual dinner. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand, making it uniquely yours every time you make it.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses wholesome, fresh ingredients that work together to create a comforting and flavorful soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked turkey, shredded or diced: Your leftover turkey is the star of this dish. Dark meat works especially well for its deeper flavor, but white meat is just as good.
• Turkey or chicken broth: Homemade or store-bought, this adds depth and richness to your soup.
• Carrots, diced: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
• Celery, sliced: For crunch and fresh flavor.
• Onion, chopped: Essential for that aromatic base.
• Garlic, minced: A must-have for added flavor.
• Potatoes, diced: Russet or Yukon Gold work beautifully to create a hearty texture.
• Frozen peas: A touch of sweetness and color; you can use fresh peas if you have them.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds brightness and a herby kick.
• Bay leaves: For that subtle earthy flavor.
• Dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with turkey.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

Feel free to make substitutions based on what you have handy. Don’t have potatoes? Use rice or noodles. No peas? Green beans or kale work just fine.

Equipment Needed

To make this soup, you won’t need a fancy setup. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large soup pot: A sturdy pot is key for even cooking and enough room to stir without spills.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For all your veggie chopping needs.
• Ladle: Makes serving a breeze.
• Vegetable peeler: Optional, but helpful for peeling carrots or potatoes.

If you don’t have a soup pot, a large Dutch oven works beautifully too. Just make sure your pot is big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably—you don’t want it to overflow when it’s bubbling away!

Preparation Method

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in the turkey or chicken broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Add the shredded or diced turkey and frozen peas to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes to warm the turkey through and allow the peas to cook.
7. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with a slice of crusty bread or crackers.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your Cozy Leftover Turkey Soup is a hit every time:

• Use homemade broth: If you have the time, making your own turkey broth from the leftover carcass will take this soup to the next level.
• Cut vegetables evenly: This ensures that everything cooks at the same rate, avoiding overcooked or undercooked veggies.
• Don’t skip the parsley: That fresh pop of flavor really brightens up the soup and balances the richness of the turkey.
• Go low and slow: While this soup can be ready in 30 minutes, letting it simmer a little longer will deepen the flavors even more.
• Adjust the consistency: If you like thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot to create a creamier texture.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Make it dairy-free: Swap out regular butter for vegan butter or olive oil if desired.
• Low-carb version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini for a lower-carb alternative.
• Seasonal spin: Add diced butternut squash in the fall or fresh green beans in the summer to give a seasonal flair.
• Spice it up: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or red chili flakes for a kick of warmth.
• Vegetarian adaptation: Replace turkey with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a plant-based option.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This soup is best served piping hot, ladled into deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or even a side of simple salad for a complete meal. It’s also delightful with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency as needed.

Pro tip: The flavors deepen and meld together as the soup sits, so it might taste even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This Cozy Leftover Turkey Soup is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome nutrition:

• Protein-packed: Turkey is a great source of lean protein, helping you stay full and energized.
• Loaded with vegetables: Carrots, celery, and peas contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low in fat: Using leftover turkey and broth keeps this soup light but satisfying.

Plus, it’s a great way to stay warm and nourished during the colder months. Whether you’re looking for a post-holiday detox or just a feel-good meal, this soup has you covered.

Conclusion

This Cozy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple, comforting, and perfect for making the most out of your leftovers. Whether you’re customizing it with your favorite veggies or sticking to the classic version, this soup is sure to warm your soul.

Cozy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe Perfect for Cold Days

Print Recipe

A comforting and flavorful soup made with leftover turkey, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for chilly days.

• Author: paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• Turkey or chicken broth
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, sliced
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Potatoes, diced
• Frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Bay leaves
• Dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in the turkey or chicken broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Add the shredded or diced turkey and frozen peas to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes to warm the turkey through and allow the peas to cook.
7. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with a slice of crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade turkey broth. Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking. Adjust the soup’s thickness by mashing some cooked potatoes or adding a cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4
• Sodium: 800
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Carbohydrates: 20
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 25

Keywords: Turkey soup, leftover turkey recipe, comfort food, winter soup, easy soup recipe