Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup: Cozy & Delicious Recipe

The warmth of a cozy kitchen fills the air as you sip on your favorite hot drink, and what better way to complement that moment than with a bowl of Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup? This delightful dish envelops your senses in rich flavors, savory aromas, and the comfort of nostalgia, making it perfect for those chilly autumn evenings.

Imagine the laughter of family gathered around the table, sharing stories while savoring each spoonful of this hearty soup. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the spirit, bringing back memories of holiday feasts and joyful celebrations. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving or just embracing the season’s warmth, this turkey soup is bound to make your kitchen feel like home.

Ingredients for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cooked Turkey Meat: Use leftover turkey from your holiday feast or store-bought rotisserie turkey for convenience.

• Vegetable Broth: A rich vegetable broth adds depth; use homemade or low-sodium options for healthier choices.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness and color; diced evenly ensures they cook uniformly.

• Celery: Celery adds crunch and flavor; opt for crisp stalks for the best texture.

• Onion: Chopped onions provide a savory base; yellow onions work well for their balance of sweetness and sharpness.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses wonderful aroma; use more if you love that garlicky kick!

• Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances flavors beautifully; dried thyme can work too in a pinch.

• Pasta or Rice: Optional additions like egg noodles or brown rice turn this soup into a heartier meal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant—about five minutes should do it.

Step 2: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in your vegetable broth while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in fresh thyme (or dried if that’s what you have) along with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Incorporate the Turkey

Add your cooked turkey meat into the pot. If using rotisserie turkey, shred it into bite-sized pieces first. Let everything simmer together for about ten minutes so flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Include Pasta or Rice

If you’re opting to add some pasta or rice, now’s the time! Stir them into the soup and let them cook according to package instructions until tender—usually around eight minutes for pasta.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Give your soup a taste test before serving. Adjust seasonings as necessary—more salt? A dash of lemon juice? Go wild!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Ladle your delicious turkey soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy—because who doesn’t love looking like a culinary superstar?

Transfer to plates and enjoy every warm spoonful!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add leftover turkey and broth. While it simmers, chop vegetables and prepare herbs to enhance flavor. This sequence ensures everything melds beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like squash or green beans. Add spices like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. You can even toss in some noodles or rice to bulk it up!

Storing & Reheating

Store your soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. For reheating, warm it gently on the stove or microwave until heated through. It’ll taste just as good as fresh!

Sometimes, I whip up this soup and bring it to friends’ houses during chilly evenings. Their smiles say it all, making my heart warm with joy—nothing beats comfort food shared with loved ones!

FAQs :

How can I prepare Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup?

Preparing Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup is simple. Start by roasting your turkey, then use the leftover carcass and meat to create a flavorful broth. Simmer the bones with vegetables and herbs for several hours. Strain the broth, return it to the pot, and add chopped turkey meat, vegetables, and seasonings. Simmer until everything is tender, then cool and store in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.

Can I freeze Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup?

Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to preserve Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space for expansion as it freezes. Label each container with the date, and you can enjoy your delicious turkey soup for up to three months.

What ingredients should I include in my Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup?

A hearty Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup typically includes leftover turkey meat, turkey broth, diced carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and herbs like thyme and parsley. You can also add potatoes or rice for extra substance. Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences or what you have available at home.

Is Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup healthy?

Yes! Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup is a nutritious option packed with protein from turkey and vitamins from vegetables. You can control the ingredients and avoid preservatives that come with store-bought soups. This recipe allows you to create a comforting meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Conclusion for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup :

Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup is an excellent way to utilize leftover turkey while creating a wholesome meal that warms the soul. By preparing this soup ahead of time, you save valuable cooking time during busy holiday seasons. Remember to use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor and nutrition. Whether freezing it for later or enjoying it immediately, this versatile soup is sure to become a holiday staple in your home!

Print

Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Soup is the perfect way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into a warm, comforting dish. This hearty soup combines tender turkey with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a delicious meal that’s ideal for chilly evenings or meal prep. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a delightful experience that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

• Author: Cathy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked turkey meat, shredded
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 cup egg noodles or brown rice (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Add vegetable broth and scrape any bits from the bottom. Stir in thyme and season with salt and pepper.
3. Incorporate shredded turkey and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
4. If adding noodles or rice, stir them in and cook until tender (about 8 minutes for noodles).
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving garnished with fresh herbs.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Swap in seasonal vegetables like squash or green beans for variety. Consider adding spices like rosemary or bay leaves for an aromatic twist. Use leftover turkey bones to create a rich broth for enhanced flavor.