Don't ruin your leftovers by making them dry! Our methods for reheating turkey will keep the bird as juicy and moist as it was for Thanksgiving dinner.
It’s so hard to estimate the right amount when you’re cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving. With all the filling side dishes and desserts looming in the background, sometimes the main dish earns a smaller-than-expected portion on the plate.
The good news is that turkey leftovers taste great—we can think of all kinds of clever ways to enjoy them. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overcook leftover turkey, resulting in a dry and unappetizing bite. You don’t have to suffer from this sad fate, though, if you know the best ways to reheat turkey.
Here’s how to reheat other Thanksgiving leftovers.
How to Reheat Turkey Without Drying It Out
To not dry out a turkey, you need to add moisture when you reheat the meat. You’ll see in our reheating methods that we add homemade gravy, chicken stock or butter to the turkey before heating it up low and slow. This ensures that juices in the turkey won’t escape as steam when they’re exposed to heat. Cutting the meat into smaller pieces also helps.
We also recommend covering turkey as it reheats. Use an aluminum foil pouch in the oven or a microwave-safe dish in the microwave. If the juices stay in the turkey instead of evaporating off into your kitchen, the leftovers will taste so much better!
How to Reheat Turkey in the Oven
This is our preferred reheating method because leftovers almost always taste best when they’re reheated using the original cooking method. That said, you won’t want to turn the oven up as high as you did for the original roasting. When reheating large pieces of turkey, it’s a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to make sure each piece reaches 165°F.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 300°—low enough to prevent the heat from drawing moisture away from the meat, but high enough that it won’t take hours to reheat.
Step 2: Add moisture
Place your leftover portions in aluminum foil and add a few spoonfuls of gravy or chicken stock over the meat. Add a pat of butter and close the foil tightly. Alternatively, you can use a casserole dish, but make sure to cover it tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the steam from escaping.
Step 3: Reheat the turkey
Cook the turkey for 30 to 45 minutes, until it’s warmed all the way through.
How to Reheat Turkey in the Microwave
This method is great if you’re reheating one or two servings of turkey. It’s really best to cut the turkey into bite-size pieces first, which decreases the chances of the outside drying out before the inside heats all the way through.
Step 1: Put turkey in container
Place the turkey pieces in a microwave-safe container.
Step 2: Add chicken stock
Add a few spoonfuls of chicken stock and a pat of butter. Cover the container with a lid.
Step 3: Reheat the turkey
Cook the turkey on 70% power for one minute for each reheated pound.
Turkey Reheating FAQs
How do you store turkey properly?
Don’t just toss it on a plate and stash it in the refrigerator; exposing the meat to air overnight is the quickest way to create a dry crust on the surface. Once cooled, keep leftover turkey tightly covered or—better yet—in a sealed container. If you’re looking to keep it in the fridge longer, turkey is also luckily one of those Thanksgiving leftovers you can freeze.
How many times can you reheat turkey?
It’s not a good idea to reheat turkey more than once. Technically, as long as it reaches 165° each time, it’s safe to eat. That said, it’s a food safety hazard to some degree, since every time you heat and cool food, it passes through the danger zone (between 40° and 140°). Bacteria thrive in this range, and giving them multiple opportunities to grow just isn’t a good idea. It’s best to err on the side of caution and reheat leftover turkey only once.
Can you cook a turkey the day before and reheat it?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a stress-free Thanksgiving, go ahead and roast the turkey and let it rest like normal, or use our flavorful method for grilling turkey. Then, carve it and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. Reheat it using one of the methods above, and dinner is served.
The oven method works best here, mostly because it fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cooked turkey. Your dinner guests will think you spent all morning cooking!
Our Best Ideas for Leftover Turkey
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Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Leftover Turkey TetrazziniI make this recipe with leftover turkey, and it's a whole new meal! We look forward to having it after Christmas and Thanksgiving and other times when I roast a turkey for a family gathering. —Susan Payne, Corner Brook, NewfoundlandGo to Recipe
Turkey Sandwich with Raspberry-Mustard SpreadMy hearty sandwich has different yet complementary flavors and textures. It is filled with flavor and nutrients, without all the unhealthy fats, sodium and added sugar many other sandwiches have. And it’s absolutely delicious! —Sarah Savage, Buena Vista, Virginia
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TLC (Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole)Turkey, stuffing and veggie leftovers come together into a fabulous casserole. There’s comfort in every bite. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
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Turkey Potpies Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Turkey PotpiesWith their golden brown crust and scrumptious filling, these comforting turkey potpies will warm you down to your toes. Because the recipe makes two, you can eat one now and freeze the other for later. They bake and cut beautifully. —Laurie Jensen, Cadillac, Michigan
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Air-Fryer Turkey Croquettes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Air-Fryer Turkey CroquettesI grew up with a family that looked forward to Thanksgiving leftovers. But we didn't just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes like these air-fryer turkey croquettes. Serve them with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal. —Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Turkey Shepherd’s PieWe live way out in the county, and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away. So I've become quite skilled at turning leftovers into second-time-around successes like this turkey shepherd's pie. —Linda Howe, Jackman, Maine
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Taste of Home
Crescent Turkey CasseroleHow do you make a dinner of leftover turkey and vegetables really appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic, but won’t take much time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota
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Anytime Turkey ChiliI created this dish to grab the voters’ attention at a chili contest we held in our backyard. With pumpkin, brown sugar and leftover turkey, it’s like an entire Thanksgiving dinner in one bowl. —Brad Bailey of Cary, North Carolina
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Bistro Turkey SandwichAs a turkey lover who can't get enough during fall and winter, I was inspired to come up with a restaurant-worthy sandwich. I love it with a soft, rich cheese like Brie. —Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut
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Homemade Turkey SoupYou can make the most of even the smallest pieces of leftover turkey with this homemade turkey soup. I simmer the bones to get the rich flavor, then easily remove any meat that remains. I add rice, vegetables and cream soup for a hearty turkey soup that's tasty and economical. —June Sangrey, Manheim, Pennsylvania
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Bistro Turkey Calzone Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Bistro Turkey CalzoneLeftover turkey, cheddar and bacon harmonize well with the apple in this family-friendly fare. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
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Turkey Curry with RiceWhen I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Weeknight Turkey Tortilla SoupThis is now my family's most requested soup—so much so that they will make sure I have leftover turkey. You can spice up this soup and make it more hearty by adding smoked sausage or andouille and some Cajun seasoning to taste. —Gail Lucas, Olive Branch, Mississippi
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Turkey Alfredo PizzaA longtime family favorite, this thin-crust pizza is both tasty and nutritious. It's an excellent way to use up leftover turkey, too. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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Turkey a La King Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Turkey a La KingThis is a smart way to use up leftover turkey. You might want to make a double batch! —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
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Taste of Home
Turkey-Stuffed Acorn SquashWe stuff acorn squash with leftover turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. Make as much or as little as you need to use everything up. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario
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Turkey Salad on Wheat BreadWhen one of my favorite lunch spots closed, this recipe let me hold on to more than just good memories. The peas, bacon and cheese are such a fun and springy combo. I make big batches of the salad for parties—turns out I'm not the only fan! —Merrijane Rice, Kaysville, Utah
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Turkey Macaroni BakeA co-worker gave me this recipe when we were discussing quick and easy ways to use leftover turkey. The mild, cheesy casserole is a hit with my family. And it doesn't get much easier than this—you don't even have to cook the macaroni first! —Cherry Williams, St. Albert, Alberta
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Turkey Lattice Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Turkey Lattice PieWith its pretty lattice crust, this cheesy baked dish looks as good as it tastes. It's easy to make, too, since it uses ready-to-go crescent roll dough and leftover turkey. —Lorraine Naig, Emmetsburg, Iowa
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Curry Turkey Stir-FryJust open the fridge and go to town making this throw-together curry. We prefer leftover turkey, but if you like chicken, shrimp, even bean sprouts and carrots, by all means, add them. —Lauren Rush, Clark, New Jersey
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Taste of Home
Hot Brown Turkey CasseroleIf you've ever tried the Hot Brown Sandwich at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, you'll love this version. It can be assembled ahead and refrigerated; just adjust baking time accordingly if cold. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
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Turkey Enchiladas VerdesPlanning a fiesta night? These authentic-tasting enchiladas in spicy green sauce will please the whole family and you’ll be thankful for turkey leftovers. —Karyn Power, Arlington, Texas
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Taste of Home
Dilly Turkey MeltThis is a hearty grilled sandwich with a distinctive and delicious combination of ingredients. The pickle slices add a bit of fun, and the barbecue sauce provides a hint of sweetness that's irresistible. —Henry Mujica, North Riverside, Illinois
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Turkey Biscuit Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Turkey Biscuit SkilletMy mother always made this with leftover turkey while we were growing up. Now I make it for my own husband and kids. I use the small-size biscuits because they brown up so nicely on top. I also add mushrooms to this recipe sometimes because my family loves 'em. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
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Ham Cobb Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Classic Cobb SaladMaking this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I plant everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
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Turkey Corn ChowderThis thick and rich turkey corn chowder uses up Thanksgiving leftovers. Every so often, my grandmother would even add chopped hard-boiled eggs to this chowder to give it a nice richness. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
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Grandma’s Thanksgiving Leftover RollsGrab that leftover turkey and roll it up with some sausage, cheese and vegetables to make a savory roll. To add an over-the-top touch, drizzle each roll with turkey gravy. —Kellie Braddell, West Point, California
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Turkey CurryI'm always looking for new and interesting ways to use leftover turkey—especially around the holidays. Make this skillet meal as spicy as you'd like by varying the amount of curry powder. —Martha Balser, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Southwestern Turkey BakeI make this turkey bake as a way to get my husband and nieces to eat their vegetables. It's also perfect if you're wondering what to do with leftover turkey. This creamy entree will fill you up fast. —Crystal Kolady, Henrietta, New York
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Taste of Home
Minestrone with TurkeyI remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover turkey and vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
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Turkey Spaghetti CasseroleMy mom made this creamy comforting dish when I was growing up. Whenever I have leftover turkey or chicken, I look forward to making this simple, yet tasty, filling dish. —Casandra Hetrick, Lindsey, Ohio
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Sourdough DressingWhile we love our traditional Thanksgiving recipes, sometimes we want to change things up. This sourdough stuffing is a fun twist on an old favorite. Whenever we make it after the big feast, we like to add a cup or more of leftover cubed turkey. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Taste of Home
Avocado Turkey SaladGrape tomatoes and avocado chunks add pretty color and fresh flavor to this main-dish salad. In a pinch, substitute half-and half or milk for the whipping cream, adding a teaspoon at a time until you get the desired consistency. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Butternut Turkey SoupAlthough chock-full of lots of nutritious vegetables and turkey, this soup is also light on calories. —Denise LaRoche, Hudson, New Hampshire
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Slow-Cooked Turkey Sandwiches Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Slow-Cooked Turkey SandwichesThese sandwiches have been such a hit at office potlucks that I keep copies of the recipe in my desk to hand out. —Diane Twait Nelsen, Ringsted, Iowa
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Taste of Home
Italian Turkey SkilletIt's a challenge to find imaginative ways to use leftovers, especially for turkey after Thanksgiving. Here's a favorite of mine that you can easily make ahead for another dinner option. Prepare the recipe as directed, then transfer to a casserole dish and freeze up to three months. —Patricia Kile, Nokomis, Florida
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“Thanksgiving’s Not Over Yet” Enchilada SoupPumpkin adds richness and depth of flavor to this warm and wonderful soup. Chock-full of turkey, it makes the perfect Thanksgiving curtain call. —Denise Pounds, Hutchinson, Kansas
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BLT Turkey SaladThis variation of a BLT salad is great with a side of garlic bread or garlic toast, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. —Sherry Conley, Noel, Nova Scotia
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Talk about a fun way to use holiday leftovers! Making this turkey and stuffing patty is so fast. The family looks forward to this breakfast treat every year. —Kellie Ferea, Casa Grande, Arizona
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Mexican Turkey Roll-UpsThis is the perfect recipe when you're hungry for a dish with Mexican flavor and want to use turkey. These roll-ups are fun and so tasty, even kids like them. It's a different use for leftover turkey. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota
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Turkey Bundles Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Turkey BundlesThis recipe is definitely a must-try, and all you do is bundle up creamy filling and leftover turkey in crescent dough. I usually double the recipe so I have extra for lunch the next day. —Lydia Garrod, Tacoma, Washington
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Turkey a la King with RiceI like to make this dish with our leftover turkey. It's a nice change from casseroles and so simple. Serve over rice, noodles, biscuits or toast. —Pat Lemke, Brandon, Wisconsin
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Turkey Biscuit Stew Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Turkey Biscuit StewThis chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It's also a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
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Fiesta Turkey Tortilla SoupI'm always thankful when I have leftovers and can pull such a delicious soup together in under 30 minutes. —Amy McFadden, Chelsea, Alabama
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Cashew Turkey Salad SandwichesOne bite and you'll be hooked on this slightly sweet turkey salad sandwich. It's protein-packed so you can feel good while you munch! —Mary Wilhelm, Sparta, Wisconsin
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Turkey CrepesThis savory crepe recipe has been passed down through many generations in my family. You can also use any leftover turkey filling for turkey pot pie. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
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Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin ChiliMy family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
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