Name: Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium carrots (peeled and sliced); 2 celery ribs (sliced); 1 medium onion (diced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 cups shredded turkey meat

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm bowl of soup, especially after a big holiday feast. This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe is my go-to for turning those turkey remnants into something cozy, nourishing, and downright delicious. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for those cooler days when you want something homey without the fuss.

A light grey bowl holds a clear soup with layers of shredded chicken, bright orange carrot slices, light green celery pieces, and pale yellow potato chunks, all floating in a golden broth. The soup is sprinkled with small dark green herb bits on top. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, partially covered by a black and white checkered cloth and a white napkin, with a wooden bowl of seeds and fresh green herbs nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This leftover turkey soup is one of those magic recipes that feels like a warm hug. I love how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal, and it’s such a wonderful way to avoid food waste while still enjoying amazing flavors.

Super simple prep: You mostly toss veggies and broth together, so it’s perfect when you want something fast and fuss-free.
Flexible and forgiving: You can customize veggies or herbs based on what you have on hand—no strict rules here.
Deliciously comforting: The combination of tender turkey, potatoes, and fresh herbs creates a cozy, flavorful bowl every time.
Waste-buster: Makes the very best use of leftover turkey, keeping that post-holiday spirit alive!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe plays a part in building layers of flavor and texture, creating a balanced, hearty soup you'll want to enjoy again and again. Plus, shopping tips make your prep even easier.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, three peeled and sliced medium carrots, two sliced celery ribs, one medium diced onion, three peeled whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, two peeled and diced Yukon gold potatoes, two fresh thyme sprigs, one fresh bay leaf, a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a small pile of shredded natural turkey meat, and a small white ceramic bowl with roughly chopped fresh parsley all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: The base for sautéing veggies, it adds richness and helps develop flavor right from the start.
Carrots: Sweet and tender after cooking, they add color and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with turkey.
Celery ribs: Their mild bitterness balances the soup and adds wonderful crunch before they soften.
Onion: Essential for that savory depth; dicing finely ensures it melds smoothly into the broth.
Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic warmth that really lifts the whole dish.
Kosher salt: Seasoning is key here — it enhances all the natural flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and more complexity than pre-ground pepper.
Yukon gold potatoes: They hold their shape nicely while adding creaminess and substance.
Fresh thyme sprigs: A classic herb pairing with turkey, giving earthy, piney notes.
Bay leaf: Adds subtle layers of flavor that you’ll delight in even if you don’t consciously notice.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Our soup's liquid base — low sodium lets you control seasoning better.
Shredded turkey meat: The star ingredient—leftover turkey gets a second life in this soup.
Fresh parsley: Stirred in at the end for a bright, fresh finish that lifts the whole bowl.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I always like to tweak my leftover turkey soup just a bit depending on the mood and pantry stash. You can easily switch up the herbs or veggies to keep it exciting and right for your taste buds.

Variation: Sometimes I swap thyme for rosemary if I want a stronger herb flavor—it's surprisingly lovely and pairs well with turkey.
Vegetable swap: Got kale or spinach? Toss them in near the end for some extra greens and nutrients.
Makes it heartier: Add rice or small pasta shapes like orzo for a more filling meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

A white pot on a white marbled surface holds a mixture of soup ingredients. At the bottom, small chopped pieces of onion and celery are lightly cooked and translucent. Above these, bright orange round carrot slices and green curved celery pieces add color, scattered all around. In the middle, a cluster of pale yellow potato cubes sits on top of the vegetables. Resting on the potato cubes is a green bay leaf and a few sprigs of fresh thyme with small green leaves. On the right side, light golden broth is being poured gently from a measuring cup into the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies with Love

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your carrots, celery, and diced onion, and stir frequently for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and start to smell sweet. This step builds the soup’s flavor base, so take your time and don’t rush. Then add the garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir for another minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn the garlic—too much heat can make it bitter.

Step 2: Potatoes and Broth Join the Party

Next, add the diced Yukon gold potatoes along with your fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and crank the heat until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes. The potatoes should become fork tender but not mushy—just the right texture to soak up all that savory broth.

Step 3: Warm Up the Turkey

Add your shredded turkey into the soup and give it a good stir. Let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes—just enough to warm the meat through without drying it out. This part is quick and keeps the turkey tender and juicy.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serve

Before ladling your soup into bowls, fish out the thyme sprigs and bay leaf—they’ve done their job! Stir in the fresh parsley for that punch of freshness. I like to sprinkle a little extra parsley and black pepper on top just before serving for a pretty, flavorful finish.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple tips that help this soup shine every single time. These little things can really elevate your leftover turkey soup beyond just a quick fix.

Don’t overcook the turkey: Since it’s already cooked, just warm it through to keep it juicy and tender—overheating dries it out.
Use fresh herbs: Thyme and parsley fresh from the garden or store add such a bright, authentic flavor compared to dried.
Sauté veggies first: This builds flavor by caramelizing the onions and softening the carrots and celery, making your broth way tastier.
Watch your potatoes: Yukon golds hold up nicely, but check tenderness to avoid mushy soup.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Leftover Turkey Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper right before serving. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. A handful of grated Parmesan is delicious too if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

A crusty piece of sourdough bread or a warm, buttery roll pairs perfectly with this soup. I also love serving it alongside a simple green salad to round out the meal without making it heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when friends come over, I like to serve this soup in rustic bread bowls. It adds a cozy, homey touch that everyone appreciates. You can also top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra creaminess and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover turkey soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip: Let it cool to room temperature before sealing to keep flavors fresh and avoid soggy veggies.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This prevents the turkey from drying out and ensures the soup heats evenly. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen turkey for this soup?

Yes! Thaw the turkey completely and shred it before adding to the soup. Just warm it through in the final step to avoid drying out the meat.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme can be used as a substitute—use about a teaspoon, but add it earlier during cooking to fully release its flavor.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply swap the turkey for hearty vegetables or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How can I make the soup thicker?

For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes into the broth, or add a slurry made from cornstarch and cold water near the end of cooking. Cook a few more minutes until it thickens.

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe has been such a lifesaver in my kitchen after holiday dinners or big family meals. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and really satisfying. I hope you find it just as comforting and delicious as I do—you’re going to love how it turns those leftovers into something fresh and exciting. Grab your pot, and let’s make some soup magic together!