Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup is a comforting, practical way to transform holiday leftovers into something fresh and nourishing. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with tender turkey, vegetables, and a clean, flavorful broth. This soup feels familiar and soothing—perfect for the days after a big feast when you want warmth without heaviness.

What is Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup?

Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup is a classic broth-based soup made with cooked turkey, onions, carrots, celery, herbs, and stock. It’s gently simmered to bring everything together, creating a balanced soup that tastes homemade and thoughtful rather than like an afterthought.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Leftover Chicken Soup
• Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Casserole

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup

• Smart use of leftovers – Turns extra turkey into a fresh meal.
• Light but filling – Comforting without feeling heavy.
• Simple ingredients – Mostly pantry and fridge staples.
• Quick to make – Ready in under an hour.
• Freezer-friendly – Ideal for meal prep.
• Soothing flavor – Perfect for cold days or tired appetites.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups turkey stock or chicken stock
• 2–3 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: 1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or barley

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Soup

• Sauté the vegetables – Heat olive oil in a large pot, add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
• Add garlic and herbs – Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf; cook briefly until fragrant.
• Pour in the stock – Add turkey or chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add the turkey – Stir in the cooked turkey and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
• Add grains if using – Mix in cooked rice, pasta, or barley during the last few minutes.
• Finish the soup – Remove bay leaf, stir in parsley, and adjust seasoning.
• Serve warm – Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup

• Crusty bread slices – Ideal for dipping into the broth.
• Simple green salad – Adds freshness to the meal.
• Grilled cheese sandwich – Classic comfort pairing.
• Crackers or rolls – Easy and satisfying on the side.
• Roasted vegetables – Complement the light soup base.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup

• Use good stock – Flavor depends heavily on the broth.
• Don’t boil aggressively – Gentle simmer keeps turkey tender.
• Cut vegetables evenly – Helps everything cook at the same pace.
• Add turkey later – Prevents it from drying out.
• Season gradually – Turkey stock can already be salty.
• Skim if needed – Removes excess fat for a cleaner soup.
• Finish with herbs – Fresh parsley brightens the flavor.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup

• Turkey noodle soup – Add cooked egg noodles.
• Creamy turkey soup – Stir in a splash of cream or milk.
• Lemon turkey soup – Add lemon zest and juice for brightness.
• Vegetable-packed version – Add peas, spinach, or corn.
• Spiced variation – Add paprika or a pinch of chili flakes.
• Herb-forward style – Use rosemary, sage, or dill.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Soup

• Refrigerator storage – Keeps well for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
• Freezing option – Freeze without pasta or rice for up to 2 months.
• Portion before freezing – Makes reheating easier.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup

• Stovetop reheating – Warm gently over low heat.
• Microwave method – Heat in short intervals, stirring between.
• Add liquid if needed – A splash of stock refreshes the soup.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

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FAQs

How do I keep leftover turkey from becoming dry in soup?

Add the cooked turkey during the final 15–20 minutes of simmering, not at the beginning. Gentle heat keeps the meat tender and prevents it from overcooking or drying out in the broth.

Can I make Ina Garten’s leftover turkey soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it fully, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve after resting overnight.

What’s the best stock to use for leftover turkey soup?

Turkey stock gives the richest flavor, especially if made from leftover bones. If unavailable, good-quality chicken stock works well. Avoid overly salty stock since leftover turkey already contains seasoning.

Should I add rice or noodles directly to the soup?

It’s better to cook rice or noodles separately and add them when serving. This prevents them from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy during storage or reheating.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup is simple, comforting, and deeply practical. It turns leftovers into a meal that feels intentional and nourishing, not repetitive. With clean flavors and gentle warmth, this soup is the perfect way to stretch holiday cooking into something fresh and satisfying for days to come.