creamy turkey soup, leftover special

jacksonville, FL
Updated on Oct 21, 2025

I started making this soup as a leftover special utilizing my leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner for what my family and friends call our "Cold Turkey Party" (held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Our friends and family gather after the holiday to share our favorite foods, recipes, and stories that make the meal and the holiday so special. Everyone leaves with great memories, and best yet... no more leftovers!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Sue's way to use leftover turkey is delicious! The soup is creamy with robust flavor and a little kick of spice from the cayenne. Simple to prepare, your family will love this soup. An easy way to reinvent leftover holiday turkey.

prep time 15 Min
cook time 40 Min
method Stove Top
yield 6-8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 2+ cups shredded, cooked turkey (leftover white and dark meat)
  • 2 cups turkey or chicken stock
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 sticks celery stalks, chopped
  • 4-5 medium red potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly shaved (sub packaged shredded carrots)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon thyme, dried
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1-2 pinch salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil for sauteing

How To Make creamy turkey soup, leftover special

  • Prepping the ingredients.
    Step 1
    Prep: Roughly chop onion, celery, and carrots (or sub the packaged shredded carrots). Peel and cube the red potatoes. Shred the leftover turkey into bite-size pieces.
  • Sauteeing onion, celery, and carrots in a pot.
    Step 2
    Over medium-high heat melt butter and oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot and saute the onion, celery, and carrots for 3-5 minutes until softened.
  • Adding stock and potatoes.
    Step 3
    Add stock and potatoes and bring to a boil 3-5 minutes then reduce to simmer.
  • Adding the cream, turkey, salt, and pepper and simmering.
    Step 4
    Add the cream, turkey, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 40+ minutes. Turn to lowest setting and it can stay warm until your ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 437kcal, carbohydrates: 31g, cholesterol: 92mg, fat: 33g, fiber: 3g, protein: 8g, saturated fat: 19g, sodium: 179mg, sugar: 7g, unsaturated fat: 14g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

Discover More

Category: Turkey
Category: Turkey Soups
Category: Cream Soups
Keyword: #holiday
Keyword: #leftovers
Keyword: #creamy
Keyword: #Leftover
Keyword: #Turkey
Keyword: #soup
Ingredient: Turkey
Culture: American
Method: Stove Top
Collection: Thanksgiving 2.0

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