Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It makes excellent use of leftovers while creating a dish that feels entirely new. The stuffing dumplings add a unique twist, soaking up the rich broth while staying soft and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for chilly days when you want something nourishing and filling.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cooked turkey (shredded)
leftover stuffing
chicken or turkey broth
carrots (sliced)
celery (chopped)
onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
butter or olive oil
flour (optional, for thickening)
milk or broth (for dumplings if needed)
salt
black pepper
thyme or parsley (optional)
Directions
Start by heating butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the shredded turkey and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs, then let the soup cook for about 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Meanwhile, prepare the stuffing dumplings. If your leftover stuffing is dry, mix in a little milk or broth until it holds together. Form the mixture into small balls.
Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let them cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and tender.
If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in a small amount of flour mixed with water or broth and simmer until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serve hot, making sure each bowl gets plenty of dumplings.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time is around 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 30 minutes, making the total time approximately 45 minutes.
Variations
Add noodles or rice for an even heartier soup.
Include vegetables like peas, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Use herbs like sage or rosemary to enhance the holiday flavor.
Make it creamy by adding a splash of cream near the end of cooking.
For a richer broth, simmer with a leftover turkey carcass if available.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much.
Freezing is possible, but dumplings may soften further after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought stuffing?
Yes, store-bought stuffing works well if you don’t have leftovers.
How do I keep dumplings from falling apart?
Make sure the stuffing mixture is moist enough to hold together before forming balls.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but for best texture, freeze the soup without dumplings and add fresh ones when reheating.
What broth works best?
Turkey broth adds the most flavor, but chicken broth is a great substitute.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
How do I make the soup thicker?
You can add a flour slurry or reduce the broth slightly by simmering longer.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes, diced potatoes make a great addition for extra heartiness.
What herbs go best with this recipe?
Thyme, parsley, sage, and rosemary all pair beautifully.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply avoid adding milk or cream and use oil instead of butter.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild, comforting, and easy to enjoy for all ages.
Conclusion
Leftover Turkey Soup and Stuffing Dumplings is a cozy, flavorful way to transform leftovers into a hearty meal. With its rich broth, tender turkey, and soft dumplings, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to every spoonful. Perfect for making the most out of your holiday ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to recipe.
PrintLeftover Turkey Soup and Stuffing Dumplings
Leftover Turkey Soup and Stuffing Dumplings is a cozy, hearty dish featuring tender turkey in a savory broth with soft, flavorful dumplings made from stuffing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups leftover stuffing
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk or broth (if needed for dumplings)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add shredded turkey and pour in the broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and let cook for 10–15 minutes.
- If stuffing is dry, mix with milk or broth until it holds together. Form into small dumplings.
- Gently drop dumplings into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes until tender.
- If a thicker soup is desired, stir in flour mixed with water or broth and simmer until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Serve hot with dumplings in each bowl.
Notes
- Add noodles or rice for a heartier variation.
- Include vegetables like peas, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use herbs like sage or rosemary for deeper flavor.
- Add a splash of cream for a richer broth.
- Freeze without dumplings for best texture when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
