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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    Easy Leftover Turkey Soup

    Published: Nov 13, 2017 / Updated: Aug 9, 2023 / 92 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is fast, simple to make, and healthy. It's loaded with vegetables and has a silky and irresistibly seasoned broth!

    You may also like my Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup.

    a bowl of leftover turkey soup

    Why you'll love it

    This easy turkey soup recipe hits the spot on a cold day. The potatoes melt in your mouth and make this soup extra comforting. A splash of cream makes the broth taste even better without going overboard! It's a light but creamy turkey vegetable soup.

    This is a low-effort, quick soup that won't feel taxing after making a Thanksgiving feast with Roast Turkey. Here in Canada our Thanksgiving is in October, so being a food blogger, I'm all turkey'd out by the time American Thanksgiving rolls around!

    What you'll need

    • Olive oil - for sautéing
    • Onion, garlic, celery, and carrots - the aromatic base to any great soup
    • Potatoes - I use baby potatoes
    • Chicken broth - for more savory depth in the broth
    • Italian seasoning - this delicious blend of dried herbs comes in a single jar
    • Turkey - we're adding already cooked turkey meat near the end so it doesn't further dry out
    • Heavy cream - just a hint of cream gives this soup a special something-something. You could leave it out, but I don't recommend it.
    ingredients for leftover turkey soup in prep bowls

    Tools for this recipe

    Check out Natasha's favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!

    • I use this Le Creuset Dutch oven for this soup.
    • Easily mince garlic with a garlic press. No peeling cloves is required!
    • This Henckels chef's knife makes chopping vegetables a breeze.

    How to make leftover turkey soup

    This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

    sautéing onions and adding potatoes and broth to a soup pot

    In a soup pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion until golden. Add in the garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add in the celery, carrots, potatoes, broth, water, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil.

    adding leftover turkey to a soup pot and mixing in cream

    Reduce the heat, partly cover, and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes. Add in the turkey meat, and let it simmer more until the potatoes are cooked through. Stir in the cream and season with salt & pepper as needed.

    Substitutions and variations

    • This recipe would work well with cooked chicken as well. It doesn't have to be turkey! Or even leftover turkey breast meat will work.
    • I chose little potatoes, but you can definitely use the same weight of regular-sized potatoes.
    • This is a flexible soup. Throw in whatever veggies you have on hand that need using up.

    What to serve with turkey soup

    • This is a hearty and filling soup, so all you need is a slice of some fresh crusty bread to go with it.
    • For a soup and salad combo, try spring mix with my Creamy Balsamic Dressing or this homemade Italian Dressing. No blender is needed for either of them!

    Leftovers and storage

    • Store leftover turkey soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
    • Reheat over a slow heat slowly until warmed through, taking care to not dry out the turkey.
    • You can freeze this one for up to 3 months.

    More leftover turkey recipes

    • Leftover Turkey Chili
    • Thai Turkey Soup
    • Leftover Turkey Pasta Bake
    • Quick and Easy Turkey Noodle Soup
    • Easy Creamy Leftover Turkey Pasta
    a pot of leftover turkey soup with a ladle

    If you made this leftover turkey soup, please leave a star rating and review below! Ask any questions not answered above. Tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram with your creations.

    a bowl of leftover turkey soup

    Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

    This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is fast, simple to make, and healthy. It's loaded with vegetables and has a silky and irresistibly seasoned broth!
    5 from 25 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Soup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 263 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 medium onion chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 4 sticks celery chopped
    • 3 large carrots peeled & sliced
    • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes cut into halves
    • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
    • 2 cups water
    • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 2 cups cooked turkey meat or more, to taste
    • 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until it's lightly browned (5-7 minutes).
    • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    • Add the celery, carrots, potatoes, broth, water, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot with the lid slightly open. Simmer for 10 minutes.
    • Add the turkey meat and allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes or so. 
    • Stir in the cream and season with salt & pepper to taste. 

    Notes

    • You don't need to use baby potatoes... regular ones are fine as long as the weight is similar. I just find them easy. 
    • I used 2 cups cooked turkey, but you could definitely add a lot more if you need to!
    • Serves 4-6.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
       

    Nutrition

    Calories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 15gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 699mgPotassium: 842mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 6448IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword creamy leftover turkey soup, easy leftover turkey soup
    Author Natasha Bull

    This recipe was originally published on November 13, 2017. It's been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!

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    1. Kris says

      December 1, 2022 at 9:53 AM

      If freezing for later use should I wait to add cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 1, 2022 at 11:22 AM

        I don't think this one is too big of a deal... it's not like Alfredo sauce, for example, but if you feel more comfortable when adding it after thawing, that would be fine too. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Pat C says

      November 28, 2022 at 1:37 PM

      5 stars
      I added portobello mushrooms. Used Mediterranean oregano instead of Italian seasoning. Used about 1/3 of potatoes, added bok choy chopped with Turkey. Only added 1 cup water. Absolutely delicious flavor. There was a bit of bacon wrapped Turkey in fridge that I threw into onions to get that flavor helped too

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 28, 2022 at 1:48 PM

        Sounds good to me!!

        Reply
    3. Gaylene says

      December 27, 2021 at 6:10 PM

      5 stars
      This was very easy and very delicious!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 27, 2021 at 9:59 PM

        Fantastic!! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Gloria says

      December 2, 2021 at 6:45 PM

      5 stars
      Thanks so much! Delish! I left out the celery and added noodles. Next time I’m going to try adding some shredded Parmesan cheese to thicken it up and add some extra flavor!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 3, 2021 at 11:17 AM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it and it worked to modify it, Gloria!

        Reply
    5. Leah says

      November 28, 2021 at 5:31 PM

      5 stars
      Best turkey soup recipe EVER! I found this last year and repeated this year! It’s just so amazing.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 28, 2021 at 9:37 PM

        I'm so pleased to hear that, Leah!! Thanks for coming back. 😀

        Reply
    6. Alyssa says

      November 26, 2021 at 5:51 PM

      5 stars
      Day after thanksgiving leftover recipe win!! So I made this recipe today and ir was awesome. However, I did change a little something about it. Instead of using cream I whisked in leftover mashed potatoes and it was amazing! Will be making this again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 26, 2021 at 5:59 PM

        That's a great idea!

        Reply
    7. Anne Kee says

      November 15, 2021 at 2:29 PM

      5 stars
      I made this soup. Very good. I used some left over smoked turkey. The turkey flavor really came through.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 15, 2021 at 3:25 PM

        Excellent!! So pleased to hear that, Anne! 😀

        Reply
    8. Molly says

      November 4, 2021 at 4:46 PM

      Could Turkey Broth be used instead of Vegetable or Chicken?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 4, 2021 at 5:58 PM

        Absolutely 🙂

        Reply
    9. Michele Liddick says

      February 9, 2021 at 6:17 PM

      5 stars
      This came out sooooo yummy!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 9, 2021 at 8:51 PM

        Awesome!!

        Reply
    10. Alyce says

      January 9, 2021 at 11:52 AM

      Suggestions for use a different cream other than heavy cream .

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 9, 2021 at 1:46 PM

        There's a chance half-and-half or something with a lower fat content will curdle... so heavy (or whipping cream) is probably your best bet unless you want to do a little experimenting.

        Reply
      • Alyssa says

        November 26, 2021 at 5:54 PM

        I used leftover mashed potatoes! It was awesome

        Reply
    11. Morgan S. says

      December 30, 2020 at 11:45 PM

      5 stars
      Yummy recipe, I make it ahead of time and freeze it and leave our the cream and add it in when I’m heating it up for dinner later when I need a good soup for a cold day. You can do that with any soup which requires milk, sour cream etc.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 31, 2020 at 10:29 AM

        I'm so glad you like the soup and great tip for making it ahead! XO

        Reply
    12. Jennifer Allen says

      December 29, 2020 at 5:11 PM

      5 stars
      I’ve made this several times now. Had to make my own Italian seasoning which was fine. Oregano, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, basil and pepper. Very tasty. I used chicken this time and it’s amazing. I will always make my “turkey soup” this way from now on. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 29, 2020 at 8:31 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Jill says

      December 3, 2020 at 5:43 AM

      5 stars
      Great recipe. I used some small russet potatoes I had left over from Thanksgiving. I also used unsweetened coconut milk less calories and we don’t do much diary. I added some dried sage, basil, and red pepper flakes. Very yummy soup

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 3, 2020 at 9:55 AM

        I'm so glad it worked out for you, Jill! 🙂

        Reply
      • Debbie says

        January 8, 2023 at 7:20 PM

        This is a very easy recipe to follow and make! Definitely a winner. I did add cabbage and less potatoes.. Added coconut milk with no sugar for creaminess!!
        Very delicious!
        Thank you

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          January 8, 2023 at 7:50 PM

          You're welcome!

          Reply
    14. Krystal says

      November 27, 2020 at 7:50 AM

      5 stars
      I made this recipe last year, wanting to just try something different.....OMG it was absolutely amazing and my picky daughters, and their best friend have raves about it all year waiting for the day when I would make it again. I’m so glad I found the recipe so thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 27, 2020 at 9:59 AM

        That's great!! I'm so glad to hear that. 🙂 You're very welcome. I hope your daughters and their friend enjoy it this year too!

        Reply
    15. Jk says

      January 3, 2020 at 1:07 PM

      Can you reheat soup with the cream in it?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 3, 2020 at 1:10 PM

        Absolutely. Just try not to boil it. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Laureen says

      December 4, 2019 at 11:35 AM

      Hi!!! Could I substitute Milk for the Heavy Cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 4, 2019 at 3:31 PM

        Hi! That should be fine in this recipe. 😊

        Reply
    17. Lynette says

      December 3, 2019 at 8:37 PM

      Very good . I think adding Tarragon will really help boost the flavor.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 4, 2019 at 3:31 PM

        Good idea!!

        Reply
    18. Jenny L. says

      December 2, 2019 at 9:25 PM

      5 stars
      So easy and delicious! I used frozen carrots, added leftover ham and turkey and used fat free half and half. Plus a bay leaf!
      Thanks for your inspiring recipes 😊

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 2, 2019 at 9:44 PM

        You’re very welcome!! ❤️❤️

        Reply
    19. Leanne says

      December 2, 2019 at 12:37 PM

      This was so good ! Just enough creaminess. Making another batch with the rest of the leftover turkey
      since my family loved it so!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 2, 2019 at 2:27 PM

        Excellent! So pleased to hear it, Leanne. Thanks for leaving me a comment. 🙂

        Reply
    20. Liz L says

      December 1, 2019 at 9:12 PM

      5 stars
      Loved it! Simple and tasty. Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 1, 2019 at 9:38 PM

        Excellent! Thanks for letting me know! So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    21. Mark Pursley says

      November 30, 2019 at 9:48 PM

      5 stars
      Made this tonight and the wife was thrilled, mother in law also enjoyed. I love the cream element.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 1, 2019 at 10:09 AM

        That's great!! Thanks for letting me know, Mark! 🙂

        Reply
    22. Monika says

      November 30, 2019 at 8:22 PM

      Could you add zucchini and corn to this for extra heartiness? How is it without any milk or cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 30, 2019 at 8:59 PM

        I haven’t made this in a couple years, but I think any of those would work fine. It’s a pretty forgiving soup. 😊

        Reply
    23. Debbie says

      November 30, 2019 at 4:41 PM

      Can this be frozen??

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 30, 2019 at 4:44 PM

        Yes, it should be ok frozen. Just thaw it on a low heat.

        Reply
    24. JMP says

      November 20, 2019 at 4:16 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy for left over night!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 20, 2019 at 4:30 PM

        So glad to hear it!

        Reply
    25. Teri says

      January 3, 2019 at 12:31 PM

      Do you have the nutritional info for this recipe?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 3, 2019 at 2:23 PM

        Sorry, Teri, I do not. You could try plugging the exact ingredients you use into a calorie calculator like My Fitness Pal. The calculators aren't always super accurate, so I tend not to post nutritional info on my recipes (only calorie counts on a select few recipes where I'm confident I can get it right).

        Reply
    26. Jennifer says

      December 31, 2018 at 4:03 PM

      5 stars
      I substituted sweet potatoes for white potatoes! Such a delicious soup for a cold, rainy night!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 31, 2018 at 8:27 PM

        Excellent, so happy it worked well! 🙂

        Reply
    27. Cher says

      December 29, 2018 at 8:32 PM

      5 stars
      Very yummy! Nice to do something without noodles or rice. I did make it with coconut milk as I had no cream, seasoned it with extra veggie seasoning and added a tablespoon of light cream cheese. Also topped with green onion and seasoned croutons! Thank you

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 29, 2018 at 9:07 PM

        I'm so happy you liked it, Cher!! Your adaptations sound delicious.

        Reply
    28. Bev Whaley says

      December 28, 2018 at 4:35 PM

      5 stars
      Great soup recipe, was soooi yummy!!!! Thanks for sharing, I hate casseroles but love soup!!!! Perfect and probably freezable.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 28, 2018 at 7:07 PM

        Awesome!! I'm so pleased you liked it. I think it'll freeze although I haven't tried.

        Reply
    29. Iris says

      December 26, 2018 at 9:08 PM

      5 stars
      Just made this soup it was delicious! Great way to use up leftover turkey.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 27, 2018 at 12:52 PM

        Yay! So happy you liked it, Iris!

        Reply
    30. Rosemary says

      December 7, 2018 at 5:39 AM

      5 stars
      This was Delicious!! My family and my neighbors gave it rave reviews. Nice change from the usual turkey noodle soup after the holidays. I sautéed the onions and garlic in a Tuscan herb infused olive oil. Thank you so much for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 9, 2018 at 10:56 AM

        I am so happy you liked it! And Tuscan herb olive oil sounds so tasty!

        Reply
    31. stephanie holmes says

      November 28, 2018 at 4:40 AM

      don't have celery so can I use celery seeds or salt to give it that taste of celery being in it

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 29, 2018 at 11:22 AM

        You could add a pinch or just leave it out altogether 🙂

        Reply
    32. Lisa says

      November 27, 2018 at 4:46 PM

      Excited to make this tonight!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 27, 2018 at 8:45 PM

        Hope you like it! 🙂

        Reply
    33. Doris says

      October 15, 2018 at 8:25 PM

      Hi,
      Would it be okay to use Almond Milk? Haven't made this yet but it looks really good.

      Thanks,

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 16, 2018 at 8:12 AM

        Hi Doris! I haven't tried it with almond milk, but if it's something you're comfortable adding to soups (I don't often cook with it), then I don't see why it wouldn't work. 🙂 Hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    34. Michelle Lowell says

      January 6, 2018 at 11:57 AM

      5 stars
      This was amazing!!!! I made it with leftover chicken. So simple but so good!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 6, 2018 at 11:59 AM

        So happy you liked it, Michelle!!

        Reply
    35. Danielle says

      December 2, 2017 at 3:11 PM

      Hi, instead of whipping cream could I use cream of chicken soup or would that change the recipe? (I'm just looking in my cupboard for a substitute).

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 2, 2017 at 3:53 PM

        Hi Danielle! I wouldn't add the cream of chicken soup, but do you have milk?

        Reply
    36. Robert Henderson says

      November 28, 2017 at 8:57 PM

      5 stars
      I MADE THIS TONIGHT AND IT WAS DELICIOUS. MY WIFE LOVED IT. THANKS FOR THE RECIPE.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 28, 2017 at 9:26 PM

        So glad to hear it! Thank you

        Reply
    37. Amanda says

      November 28, 2017 at 12:45 PM

      5 stars
      Trying this today with half and half because that’s all I have in the fridge. Hope it turns out as well as yours looks. Thank you so much for the recipe! Happy Holidays

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 28, 2017 at 12:50 PM

        Half and half will be delicious, I'm sure. 🙂 Thanks, Amanda. Hope you like the recipe. Happy holidays to you as well.

        Reply
    38. Jennifer Farley says

      November 15, 2017 at 12:34 AM

      Thanks for this awesome leftovers idea!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 15, 2017 at 9:49 AM

        You’re welcome! ☺️

        Reply
    39. Natasha's Sister says

      November 13, 2017 at 7:40 PM

      5 stars
      Can you make this without turkey and bring it to me at work?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2017 at 11:05 PM

        No.

        Reply
        • Magz says

          December 27, 2019 at 5:13 PM

          Hahahahahah!!! 😂😂😂

          Reply
    40. Leigh Ann says

      November 13, 2017 at 5:16 PM

      Looks so comforting and delicious! What a great way to use leftovers!

      Reply
    41. Leslie says

      November 13, 2017 at 12:46 PM

      Could I use coconut cream instead if heaven cream?

      I'm lactose intolerant.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2017 at 11:05 PM

        You could definitely try that, Leslie! Enjoy.

        Reply
    42. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says

      November 13, 2017 at 11:52 AM

      My fave way to use leftovers!

      Reply
    43. Matt Robinson says

      November 13, 2017 at 11:47 AM

      I want a big comforting bowl of this the day after Thanksgivinf!

      Reply
    44. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      November 13, 2017 at 11:28 AM

      Love how hearty and comforting this looks! So PERFECT for all those leftovers Natasha!

      Reply
    45. Marissa says

      November 13, 2017 at 10:36 AM

      5 stars
      I was just talking with my mom about what we'll do with leftover turkey this year - this looks perfect!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2017 at 10:58 AM

        Thanks so much!! I hope you like it. 💛

        Reply
      • Robin says

        November 27, 2018 at 3:58 PM

        marvelous turkey soup recipe. Thank you so much!

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          November 27, 2018 at 8:45 PM

          So happy you liked it, Robin!

          Reply

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