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Best Leftover Turkey Recipes

The Top Ten

By , About.com Guide

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving and Christmas is the leftovers. And leftover turkey can provide the most challenges and the most rewards. Even if the turkey is perfectly cooked, leftovers can be dry. But you can fix that with some judicious tinkering. When turkey is rewarmed properly, it will be more moist. And using turkey in these recipes adds moisture. These ten recipes transform that meat into some pretty spectacular main dishes and appetizers.

1. Turkey Fingers with Cranberry Dip

Turkey Fingers with Cranberry DipLinda Larsen
Turkey fingers are just like chicken fingers, that entree so beloved by kids. But this cranberry dip makes this recipe more sophisticated! You'll love the sweet and sour taste of the dip with the zing of horseradish.

2. Turkey Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites

Turkey Cranberry Puff Pastry BitesLinda Larsen
I love the flavors and textures of this easy recipe. It turns leftover turkey and cranberry sauce into a gourmet treat!

3. Turkey Fried Rice

Turkey Fried RiceLinda Larsen
The secret to the best fried rice is to use rice that has been cooked and completely cooled. Then keep the mixture moving while you cook. Sesame oil is the final secret; it adds that wonderful little extra bit of flavor to this dish.

4. Updated Turkey Mornay

Updated Turkey MornayLinda Larsen
Turkey is reheated in a cheesy and creamy sauce, served over toasted English muffins with a cool tomato and basil topping. Yum.

5. Turkey Pesto Casserole

Turkey Pesto CasseroleLinda Larsen
Fresh vegetables combine with turkey and pesto in a creamy sauce. This casserole recipe is hearty, yet updated. I love the combination of textures and flavors.

6. Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches

Turkey Cranberry SandwichLinda Larsen
This delicious and easy sandwich is rich with cheese and turkey, flavored with mustard and cranberry sauce, wrapped in crisp kaiser rolls. Yum!

7. Turkey Club Pizza

Turkey Club PizzaLinda Larsen
This pizza with a twist is rich and flavorful. It tastes like a club sandwich, but it's easier to eat and I think has more flavor.

8. Santa Fe Turkey

Santa Fe Chicken CasseroleLinda Larsen
This excellent casserole is spicy and super easy to make. Just layer turkey (instead of the chicken) with salsas, black beans, tortillas, and taco sauce and bake until bubbly.

9. Turkey and Stuffing Sandwiches

Turkey Stuffing SandwichLinda Larsen
This delicious hot sandwich tastes like Thanksgiving dinner on a bun. It's a wonderful way to use up all those leftovers.

10. Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey TetrazziniLinda Larsen
Mushrooms and tomatoes add texture and flavor to this simple one dish meal. You can use fresh tomatoes, or drained canned diced tomatoes; whatever is easier.

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