After the whirlwind of Thanksgiving, there’s something wonderfully grounding about turning what’s left of the feast into something new, nourishing, and comforting. Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles is the perfect way to bring the flavors of the holiday back to the table—this time in a warm, hearty bowl. It’s an effortless, wholesome dish that reduces food waste and stretches your feast even further. Using simple ingredients like turkey, noodles, and vegetables, this Thanksgiving Turkey Soup recipe shows how to make the Best Turkey Soup Homemade—a cozy post-holiday tradition that’s as satisfying as the day itself.
Family Traditions and the Inspiration for Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Soup
Some of my fondest holiday memories begin not on Thanksgiving Day itself, but the morning after. The kitchen would fill with the comforting aroma of simmering broth, vegetables softening in a pot, and tender strips of leftover turkey waiting to transform into something magical. My grandmother believed the celebration didn’t end when the last slice of pie was gone—it continued with her famous Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles.
As kids, we’d gather around the table still in our fuzzy slippers, noses drawn to the smell of thyme, garlic, and rich broth swirling in the air. Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Soup was always a simple affair—just a handful of classic ingredients, stirred with love and care—but every spoonful tasted like an extension of the holiday itself. It felt cozy, grounding, and wonderfully familiar.
I can still picture her stirring the pot, ladle in one hand, warm laughter filling the room. The soup wasn’t just about the food—it was about slowing down after days of celebration and enjoying something nourishing and heartfelt. To me, her recipe was truly the Best Turkey Soup Homemade, not just for its flavor, but for the warmth it brought to chilly November mornings.
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Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Transform leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a warm, hearty soup with noodles and vegetables. This easy stovetop recipe makes a comforting, budget-friendly meal that stretches holiday flavors into the week ahead.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Season with thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper and cook 1 minute.
5. Pour in broth and add shredded turkey, then bring to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
7. Add egg noodles and cook 6–8 minutes until tender.
8. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and stir in parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: leftover turkey soup, turkey noodle soup, thanksgiving soup, homemade soup, comforting soup, leftover recipes
Over the years, that same tradition has carried on in my kitchen. Every time I make Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles, I’m reminded of how food connects generations, turning even “leftovers” into a memory worth savoring over and over again.
Why Making Turkey Soup Is the Ultimate Post-Holiday Tradition
There’s something deeply comforting about the ritual of making Thanksgiving Turkey Soup after the big meal. It’s not just about repurposing leftovers—it’s about embracing a slower pace and savoring the final chapter of the holiday season. After all the roasting, baking, and celebrating, a pot of Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles feels like a well-earned exhale.
Practically speaking, it’s a smart and budget-friendly tradition. Instead of letting extra turkey go to waste, you turn it into a flavorful, nourishing meal that can feed the family again—without the effort of a full dinner spread. It’s a cozy bridge between holiday indulgence and everyday comfort food.
From a health standpoint, the Best Turkey Soup Homemade is also good for you. Turkey provides lean protein, while the broth offers hydration and electrolytes—perfect for rebalancing after days of rich foods. Add carrots, celery, and onions, and you’ve got a wholesome bowl packed with fiber, vitamins, and warmth.
Beyond nutrition, though, this soup brings a sense of nostalgia and togetherness that few dishes can match. It’s a symbol of using what’s already on hand to create something meaningful—just like Grandma did. Whether you simmer it on the stove while playing board games with family or prepare a batch to enjoy during a quiet night in, Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles carries the spirit of gratitude right into the week that follows Thanksgiving.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Turkey Soup Homemade
Creating a delicious pot of Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles starts with gathering a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component brings its own layer of flavor and texture, making every spoonful rich and satisfying. The beauty of this Thanksgiving Turkey Soup is its flexibility—you can adjust quantities and tailor ingredients to what’s already in your kitchen.
- Leftover Turkey (3 cups, shredded): Use both white and dark meat for balance.
- Turkey or Chicken Broth (8 cups): Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works too.
- Egg Noodles (2 cups, uncooked): Choose wide noodles or any shape you prefer. Substitute gluten-free options as needed.
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Add sweetness and texture.
- Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Brings gentle herbal flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): A foundational aromatic.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds depth.
- Butter or Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing and flavor.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon) & Bay Leaf (1): Bring the classic herby aroma of every Thanksgiving Turkey Soup.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a fresh finish.
- Optional: Lemon juice or red pepper flakes for brightness or heat.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover turkey | 3 cups, shredded | Use white & dark meat |
| Broth (turkey or chicken) | 8 cups | Homemade or store-bought |
| Egg noodles | 2 cups, uncooked | Swap with gluten-free noodles or rice |
| Carrots | 2 medium, sliced | Adds color & sweetness |
| Celery | 2 stalks, sliced | Herbal flavor balance |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced | Aromatic base |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Boosts depth |
| Butter or olive oil | 2 tbsp | Sautéing base |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp | Herbal aroma |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Subtle fragrance |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Balance seasoning |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp | For garnish |
Chop all your vegetables and measure out your seasonings before you begin. Preparation makes this process easy and helps build deep, layered flavor in the Best Turkey Soup Homemade.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Turkey Noodle Soup
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, melt butter or warm olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for about 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery; cook another 5 minutes until softened.
- Season Early: Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper so the herbs bloom in the hot oil.
- Add Broth and Turkey: Pour in broth, scraping the bottom to lift flavor-rich bits. Stir in shredded turkey and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce to low heat and simmer 20–25 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Noodles: Add noodles directly into the pot, cooking 6–8 minutes until tender. For leftovers, cook noodles separately to avoid them absorbing too much broth.
- Finish: Adjust seasoning, remove the bay leaf, and garnish with parsley. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor beautifully.
Cooking Tips: Add a splash of wine or turkey drippings for richness. Keep noodles al dente for best texture. To thicken, whisk corn starch into cool water and stir in at the end. You can even use a slow cooker—just add noodles near the end of cooking.
Flavor Boosters and Recipe Variations for Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can make dozens of delicious variations on your Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles. Try folding in cream for richness, spices for zest, or global twists for fun. The Best Turkey Soup Homemade works with whatever you have on hand.
- Creamy Version: Stir in half a cup of cream or coconut milk for silky texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add smoked paprika, cayenne, or a touch of hot sauce.
- Italian Style: Add diced tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan.
- Asian Inspired: Substitute rice noodles and season with soy sauce and ginger.
- Mexican Flair: Mix in corn, black beans, and cumin, then top with cilantro.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir kale, spinach, or peas at the end for color and nutrition.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge 4 days or freeze the broth base up to 3 months. Always cook fresh noodles when reheating to avoid mushiness.
What to Serve with Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup
A steaming bowl of Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup is satisfying on its own, but the right sides make it feel like a full meal.
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up flavorful broth.
- Cornbread or Biscuits: Their slight sweetness complements the savory soup.
- Fresh Green Salad: Light spinach or arugula salad balances the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair well with the hearty stock and turkey chunks.
- Sandwich Pairing: Enjoy with a leftover turkey panini or grilled cheese for lunch.
Whether enjoyed alone or with sides, Thanksgiving Turkey Soup brings comfort and connection to every table. It’s proof that leftovers can turn into something irresistible and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup without noodles?
Yes! Replace noodles with rice, quinoa, or barley, or keep it broth-based for lighter fare. It’s easy to adapt your Thanksgiving Turkey Soup however you like.
How long does leftover turkey soup last?
It keeps 3–4 days in the fridge in airtight containers. Store noodles separately for better texture.
Can I freeze turkey noodle soup?
Yes, but freeze before adding noodles. Keep the soup base in freezer-safe bags up to 3 months, then add cooked noodles when reheating.
What vegetables go best?
Classic carrots, celery, onions, peas, or kale blend perfectly in any Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles.
How can I thicken my soup?
Mash cooked vegetables, simmer uncovered to reduce, or stir in a cornstarch slurry toward the end.
Conclusion
Leftover Turkey Soup with Noodles isn’t just about using every bit of your holiday turkey—it’s about capturing the warmth of Thanksgiving in one restorative bowl. The light broth, tender noodles, and hearty turkey create comfort with every spoonful.
By turning leftovers into the Best Turkey Soup Homemade, you not only minimize waste but also relive the joy of the holiday feast. Simple, thrifty, and full of heart, this Thanksgiving Turkey Soup makes every meal feel like a cozy celebration. So next time the holidays end, don’t let the turkey go to waste—transform it into a comforting bowl that tastes like home.
