The Ultimate Guide to Reheating Turkey

Let’s face it — one of the best parts of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners is the leftovers. Turkey remains a beloved holiday tradition, just like creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, leftover turkey is the perfect treat for the next day.

While turkey leftovers are convenient and delicious, they taste best when reheated properly. Even the juiciest turkey can become dry and tough if reheated incorrectly.

To ensure you enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey at its best, we tested several reheating methods, from slow roasting in the oven to a quick zap in the microwave. Whether you're serving turkey on its own or piling it into a sandwich, follow these expert tips for perfectly reheated, tender turkey leftovers:

Reheating Turkey Like a Pro: In the Oven

Our tests revealed that the most effective way to reheat turkey leftovers is by using the low-and-slow oven method. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Let the turkey rest at room temperature

Allow your turkey leftovers to sit on the counter for 10 to 30 minutes before reheating. This helps the meat return to room temperature, ensuring it heats more evenly.

3. Carve and Arrange in a Baking Dish

If you haven’t done so already, carve the turkey into smaller, evenly-sized pieces before reheating. Try to keep the cuts as uniform as possible to avoid drying out the smaller pieces. Remove the meat from the bones, leaving drumsticks intact, and arrange the turkey in a single layer on a baking dish.

4. Add Moisture

Drizzle the turkey with some leftover broth or stock and cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. The foil will trap moisture, while the low heat prevents the turkey from losing its flavor.

Alternative Method: Reheat Turkey in the Microwave

After all the effort you put into preparing and cooking your holiday feast, it’s easy to reach for the microwave to reheat turkey leftovers. Our tests show that reheating turkey in the microwave is a good option for a Thursday night meal. However, the longer the turkey sits in the fridge, the more moisture it loses. As you get further from Thanksgiving, the oven method is best to preserve the flavor.

1. Let the turkey reach room temperature

Allow the turkey to sit at room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes before reheating. Reheating turkey at room temperature in the microwave will result in more even heating.

2. Slice and Microwave

Cut the turkey into small, even pieces and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of leftover broth or stock and cover the plate with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid. Heat on low power for 2 to 5 minutes, or until fully warmed through.

How to Store Leftover Turkey

To set yourself up for success when reheating or repurposing your turkey leftovers, it’s important to store it properly. Before refrigerating, carve the turkey into smaller, more manageable pieces. This not only saves you time later but also helps the turkey fit easily into your fridge. Store the turkey in airtight containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible.

For maximum flavor, consider placing the turkey bones in a slow cooker to make fresh turkey stock overnight. The stock will be perfect for reheating the turkey and can also be used in future recipes.

How to Keep Leftover Turkey Moist

Turkey tends to dry out easily, and if it was overcooked to begin with, don’t hesitate to add a little extra butter or gravy during the reheating process. Dry turkey lacks both moisture and fat, and butter or gravy can help restore both. Here are two great ways to add moisture back to your turkey leftovers:

1. Brush the turkey with a mixture of butter and gravy before reheating.
2. Cover the leftover turkey with a blend of equal parts gravy and stock, then pour it over the meat before reheating in the oven or microwave. This not only adds flavor and texture but also helps reintroduce the fat content, as the liquid is thin enough for the turkey to absorb.
   

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

When it comes to using up turkey leftovers, the options are nearly endless.

Turkey makes a great substitute for beef or pork. Use your leftovers in a turkey pot pie, turkey enchiladas, or turkey tetrazzini. For a comforting, cold-weather meal, transform it into Southwestern turkey soup or a rich turkey curry. Looking for a breakfast idea? Combine it with sweet potatoes for a delicious turkey hash.

Skip the reheating and get creative by turning your leftovers into a cranberry turkey sandwich or a Thanksgiving leftover salad. These easy dishes are so simple that even the non-cooks in your family can put them together. Plus, they'll keep the festive flavors alive long after the holidays.