My mom always made turkey soup the day after Thanksgiving with the turkey carcass and all the Thanksgiving leftovers. And I mean right down to adding cranberries and sweet potatoes to the soup, too. What I always liked about her recipe was that it wasn’t based on exact ingredients, but rather what was left over and what she dared to put in it.

Here is an easy recipe for using up all of your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers.

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Like my leftover grilled steak soup recipe, everything can be measured to more or less of what is listed and the result will still be delicious, guaranteed!

How to make the broth with the leftover turkey carcass:

Fill large soup pot 2/3rd full with water

• Turkey carcass
• 3 stalks celery with leaves, cut down just enough to fit
• 3 carrots unpeeled, cut down just enough to fit
• 1 large onion quartered, but  not peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, halved, but not peeled
• 4 sprigs fresh parsley, or two teaspoons dry
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, sage, or basil (crushed)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bring all of the above to a boil, and then simmer for 2-1/2 hours.

Strain broth into another large pot, or several smaller pots (we use a pasta strainer)

Pull out any turkey meat pieces that look good enough to go back into the soup

Discard all of the remaining bones, veggies, etc…

Add the Thanksgiving leftovers into the broth

Pour all broth back into the large soup pot

Cut up any leftover turkey into bite-size pieces and add to the broth

Add 2 more stalks celery and carrots, bite-size,  peeled, no leaves

Add any or all of your Thanksgiving leftovers using your own discretion

Suggested dishes to add to the Leftover Turkey Soup:

• Mashed potatoes
• Turkey gravy
• Turkey dressing or stuffing
• Cranberries
• Green bean casserole
• Greens or spinach

Lastly, add any additional frozen or fresh veggies to your liking.

Bring all to a boil, and then simmer for another 2-1/2 hours.

My mom used to add sweet potatoes and leftover cranberries, and believe it or not, you really don’t taste them specifically. All the flavors blend with each other delightfully. So don’t be afraid to mix these dishes together into the soup.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy ~ Amy

Other Thanksgiving Ideas to Make the Holiday Even Better

10 Crafty Ideas to Help Kids Express Their Gratitude

Turkey Silhouette Printable Labels (great for packaging up leftovers)