Turkey and Dumplings From Leftover Turkey

Oh my goodness, friend, if there’s one dish that just wraps you up in a big, warm hug, it’s gotta be a big bowl of Turkey and Dumplings! I swear, the first time I made this after a big holiday feast, using up all that gorgeous leftover turkey, it was like magic. The whole house smelled incredible, and that first spoonful of tender turkey and fluffy dumplings in a rich, savory broth? Pure bliss. Trust me, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a feeling. It’s hearty, surprisingly easy, and the absolute best way to transform those delicious leftovers into something brand new and utterly comforting. You’re going to want to keep this one in your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey and Dumplings Recipe

Okay, so why *this* Turkey and Dumplings recipe? Because it’s just so darn good, that’s why! Seriously, I’ve tried a few, and this one hits all the right notes. It’s incredibly forgiving, perfect for those days when you need something delicious without a lot of fuss. It’s also fantastic for using up that leftover turkey – no waste, just pure comfort! Plus, those dumplings? Oh my goodness, they’re little clouds of joy floating in that rich broth. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together.

• Super Simple: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to nail this one.
• Leftover Hero: Transforms cooked turkey into a brand new, exciting meal.
• Pure Comfort: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any weather.
• Fluffy Dumplings: My secret to light, tender dumplings every single time.
• Flavorful Broth: Rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying.

The Comfort of Turkey and Dumplings

There’s just something about a big bowl of Turkey and Dumplings that screams “home.” It’s that classic, soul-warming dish that brings back memories of cozy evenings. The tender turkey, the soft, pillowy dumplings, and that savory broth – it’s the ultimate comfort food, no doubt about it!

Essential Ingredients for Delicious Turkey and Dumplings

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You know, sometimes folks think comfort food means you can just throw anything in, but for *the best* Turkey and Dumplings, a little attention to your ingredients makes all the difference. Don’t worry, it’s nothing fancy, just good, honest stuff!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a touch to get things started!
• 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded or diced: This is where your leftover holiday bird shines! Make sure it’s already cooked, because we’re just warming it through.
• 1 cup chopped carrots: Fresh is best, and chopped into nice, bite-sized pieces.
• 1 cup chopped celery: Same deal here, good and fresh, chopped up.
• 1 cup chopped onion: A classic base for so much flavor!
• 6 cups chicken broth: This is the heart of our soup, so grab a good quality one.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Such a beautiful, earthy flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground if you can, it makes a difference!
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: For those dreamy dumplings.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Our little secret for fluffy dumplings.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup milk: Any kind works, just not too watery!
• 1/4 cup butter, melted: Oh, butter, you make everything better!

Key Ingredients for Your Turkey and Dumplings

For Turkey and Dumplings that truly sing, you really want to focus on fresh vegetables – they build that amazing flavor foundation. And for the turkey, using a good quality, already cooked bird (hello, leftovers!) is key. And for those dumplings, don’t skimp on the baking powder; it’s what makes them so wonderfully light and fluffy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Turkey and Dumplings

Okay, friend, now for the fun part: actually making this magic happen! Don’t be intimidated; I’m going to walk you through every step of this Turkey and Dumplings journey. It’s super straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you go from ingredients to a steaming bowl of deliciousness. Just follow along, and you’ll have perfect Turkey and Dumplings in no time!

Preparing Your Turkey and Dumplings Broth

First things first, let’s get that amazing base going! Grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven, because we’re making a good amount of Turkey and Dumplings. Heat that olive oil over medium heat, then toss in your chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Stir them around for about 5-7 minutes until they’ve softened up nicely – you’ll start to smell that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen! Now, pour in your chicken broth, add the dried thyme and black pepper, and bring it all to a happy simmer. Finally, add your cooked turkey to the pot, turn the heat down low, and let it hang out while we make those dreamy dumplings!

Crafting Fluffy Dumplings for Your Turkey and Dumplings

This is where the real trick for amazing Turkey and Dumplings lies – those fluffy dumplings! In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure it’s all combined. Then, in a separate small bowl, whisk your milk and melted butter together. Now, pour the wet ingredients *into* the dry and mix it *just* until everything is combined. Seriously, don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine; overmixing is the enemy of fluffy dumplings, trust me on this one. This simple step makes all the difference in your Turkey and Dumplings.

Cooking Your Turkey and Dumplings to Perfection

Alright, time for the grand finale for your Turkey and Dumplings! Take spoonfuls of your dumpling batter and gently drop them into the simmering turkey mixture. They don’t need to be perfectly shaped, just dollops. Now, here’s the crucial part: put the lid on that pot and *do not lift it* for 15-20 minutes. Seriously, no peeking! That trapped steam is what makes those dumplings cook through and get all wonderfully fluffy. Once the time’s up, you’ll have perfectly cooked, tender dumplings in a rich broth. Serve it up hot, and get ready for some serious comfort!

Tips for Perfect Turkey and Dumplings

Okay, so you’ve got the basic steps down for your Turkey and Dumplings, but I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that’ll take your dish from “good” to “oh-my-gosh-can-I-have-more?” Trust me, these aren’t big, complicated things, just small adjustments that make a huge difference in the final product. We want those perfect, pillowy dumplings and that rich, savory broth every single time, right?

Maximizing Flavor in Your Turkey and Dumplings

Want to really make your Turkey and Dumplings sing? Don’t be afraid to add some fresh herbs at the very end! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or sage just before serving brightens everything up beautifully. Also, taste your broth before adding the turkey and dumplings – if it needs a little more oomph, a dash of onion powder or a tiny bit of garlic powder can do wonders. It’s all about building those layers of deliciousness!

Common Questions About Turkey and Dumplings

I get a lot of questions about this Turkey and Dumplings recipe, and I totally get it! Sometimes you just want to make sure you’re doing everything right for that perfect, comforting bowl. So, let’s tackle some of the most common ones I hear. Don’t be shy; we’ve all wondered these things!

Can I use chicken instead of turkey in Turkey and Dumplings?

Absolutely, my friend! This Turkey and Dumplings recipe is super versatile. If you don’t have leftover turkey, cooked chicken works beautifully. Just shred or dice it the same way, and you’ll still get that amazing, comforting flavor. It’s a fantastic chicken and dumplings too!

How do I prevent my Turkey and Dumplings from becoming tough?

Ah, the age-old dumpling dilemma! The key to tender, fluffy dumplings in your Turkey and Dumplings is all about *not* overmixing the batter. Mix it just until combined, and a few lumps are perfectly fine. Also, make sure you don’t lift the lid during cooking; that steam is crucial for softness!

Can I make Turkey and Dumplings ahead of time?

You can definitely do some prep for your Turkey and Dumplings ahead! You can chop your veggies and even make the broth base. For the best results, though, I highly recommend making and cooking the dumplings fresh right before serving. They’re just so much better that way!

Storing and Reheating Turkey and Dumplings

Got leftovers of your glorious Turkey and Dumplings? Lucky you! To keep them tasting great, let the dish cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for more comfort, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash more broth or water if it seems a little thick. You can also microwave individual portions, but the stovetop really helps keep those dumplings tender!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Turkey and Dumplings

Okay, for those of you who like to keep an eye on what you’re eating (and I totally get it!), here’s a little peek at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this Turkey and Dumplings recipe. Remember, these are just estimates, since ingredients can vary a bit. But it gives you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re getting!

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Share Your Turkey and Dumplings Experience

So, you’ve made my favorite Turkey and Dumplings! I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how it turned out for you. Did you use leftover turkey? Did your family rave about it? Drop a comment below, give the recipe a star rating, or even better, snap a photo and share it on your favorite social media. Don’t forget to tag me!

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