It’s hard to deny — one of the most exciting parts of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners is the leftovers. Turkey leftovers are just as much a part of the holiday tradition as fresh mashed potatoes and warm gravy. They make the perfect next-day lunch, dinner, and even (if you’re brave enough to keep eating) midnight snack.
As much as we love turkey leftovers for convenience, they are best enjoyed when reheated the right way. Even a perfectly cooked turkey can easily become over-zapped in the reheating process.
To make the most out of Thanksgiving food, we tested multiple ways to reheat turkey, from a slow cook in the oven to a quick reheat in the microwave. Whether you’re eating turkey as-is or stuffing it into a sandwich, use these tips on reheating your turkey leftovers for a tender, mouthwatering treat:
The Best Way to Reheat Turkey: In The Oven
Our testing found that the best way to reheat turkey leftovers is to use the low-and-slow oven method. Here’s how:
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Let the turkey come to room temperature
Leave your turkey leftovers out on the counter for 10 to 30 minutes before reheating. This will return the meat to room temperature and help it reheat more evenly.
3. Carve and place in a baking tray
If you haven’t already, carve the turkey up into smaller pieces before reheating it. Keep your cuts as uniform as possible to prevent the smaller bits from drying out. Remove what you can from the bone (drumsticks are fine as-is) and place the turkey in a single layer on a baking tray.
4. Add moisture
Splash the turkey with a bit of leftover broth or stock and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. The aluminum foil will prevent moisture from evaporating too quickly and the low temperature will help prevent the turkey from losing flavor.
Runner-Up: Reheat Turkey in the Microwave
With all the effort you put into preparing, planning, and cooking your holiday meal, it’s tempting to turn to the microwave to reheat turkey leftovers. Our testing found that reheating turkey leftovers in the microwave for a later meal on Thursday night is perfectly fine. But the longer the turkey sits in the fridge, the more moisture it loses. So the further away you get from Thanksgiving, opt for the oven method to hold on to as much flavor as possible.
1. Let the turkey come to room temperature
Allow the turkey to come to room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes before reheating it. Reheating room-temperature turkey in the microwave will give you a more even cooking experience.
2. Slice and microwave
Slice the turkey into small, even pieces and place it onto a microwave-safe plate. Splash the turkey with a bit of leftover broth or stock and cover with a paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Heat on low power for 2 to 5 minutes, or until warm.
How to Store Leftover Turkey
Depending on how you want to reheat or repurpose your turkey leftovers, set yourself up for success by storing your turkey properly. Carve any turkey into more manageable pieces before storing it. This will save you some work the next day and will help you fit it easily in the fridge. Place turkey leftovers in airtight containers or zip-top bags, pushing out as much air as possible.
Another way to ensure maximum flavor is to place the turkey bones into a slow cooker and make fresh turkey stock overnight. The stock will help with the reheating process. and it can be used in future recipes as well.
How to Prevent Leftover Turkey From Drying Out
Turkey is a naturally dry meat. If your turkey was a bit overcooked to begin with, don’t be afraid to introduce a little extra butter or gravy to the reheating process. Dried-out turkey isn’t just lacking moisture, it’s also lacking fat — something that butter or gravy can help restore. Here are two ways to add moisture to your turkey leftovers:
- Add butter to gravy, and brush it over the turkey before reheating.
- Smother your leftovers in equal parts gravy and stock and pour it over the turkey before reheating in the oven or microwave. This mixture adds flavor and texture (it’s thin enough for the meat to absorb), and it revitalizes the fat content.
How to Use Leftover Turkey
When it comes to repurposing turkey leftovers, the possibilities are endless.
Turkey is an excellent substitute for beef and pork. Try baking your leftovers into turkey pot pie, turkey enchiladas, or turkey tetrazzini. For the perfect cold-weather dish, use your leftovers in a Southwestern turkey soup or a creamy turkey curry. Want turkey for breakfast? Toss it with sweet potatoes for a turkey hash.
Forgo reheating all together and combine turkey and other leftovers in a cranberry turkey sandwich or a leftover Thanksgiving salad. Both are so easy, that even the non-cooks in the family can whip them up on their own. Plus, they’ll keep the holiday flavors alive and well.
