Easy Leftover Thanksgiving Day Turkey Ideas

The best part of Thanksgiving Day is that it keeps on giving and giving, even after the holiday has come and gone. We are talking about all the tasty leftovers, of course! But of all the typical leftover Thanksgiving dinner foods, turkey is by far the most universal, capable of being repurposed into a variety of delicious snacks, lunches, and more. To top it all off, turkey is healthy, making it a good choice for a meal, any time of day.

So rather than settling for the standard, cold turkey refrigerator grazing tradition this year, think about all the other goodies you can make with your leftover holiday bird. Continue reading for some easy recipes to get your own ideas flowing!

Downtown Indianapolis Eatery 317-822-5070
Downtown Indianapolis Eatery 317-822-5070

Thanksgiving Day Tips to Get You Started

First and foremost, if you know you’re not going to be able to consume all your leftover turkey within 5 to 7 days, the best tip to follow is to freeze it in a freezer-acceptable bag or container. After 5 to 7 days, bacteria can begin to grow within the proteins of the meat, and therefore begins to reduce the quality, taste, texture, and more. By freezing your leftover turkey, you can extend its life and ensure it’s healthy to eat. Cooked turkey can be frozen safely for 2 to 6 months.

Thawing Frozen Turkey

If frozen, turkey needs to be completely thawed before it can be seasoned or cooked. There are three primary methods of thawing meat, safely: refrigeration, cold water, and microwaving. The safest and most recommended method is to thaw your meat in the refrigerator. Simply keep the turkey in its packaging and place it on a plate to thaw overnight. If you need a faster option, the next best method is to thaw frozen turkey in cold water.

Just place the meat in an enclosed waterproof plastic bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every half hour until the meat is entirely thawed. To thaw frozen meat in the microwave, you will need to understand your appliances defrost settings since make and models vary in operation and performance. Refer to the owners’ manual for instructions on how to defrost frozen meat in your particular make and model microwave. If you choose this method, it is important that you immediately cook the meat once it is thawed.

Turkey Ideas You Can Try

    🦃 Turkey Sandwiches and Wraps
    🦃 Turkey Casseroles
    🦃 BBQ Pulled Turkey
    🦃 Turkey Tacos
    🦃 Turkey Stew/Soup
    🦃 Turkey Gyros
    🦃 Turkey Samosas
    🦃 Turkey Salad (w/ Mayonnaise)
    🦃 Turkey Enchiladas
    🦃 Turkey Quesadillas
    🦃 Turkey Frittata
    🦃 Turkey Pot Pie
    🦃 Turkey Nachos
    🦃 Turkey Chili

Where to Get Tasty Eats in Downtown Indianapolis

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to ask about our dinner menus and holiday specials we are offering this season. We offer a seasonal-inspired, multi-cuisine menu that is locally-sourced and curated by our chef. From classics like wings and burgers, to specialty entrees like prime rib and baked scallops, and everything in between, you will find exactly what your taste buds crave this Thanksgiving on our exclusive holiday menus. With neighborhood prices and the nicest service around, you will enjoy every minute you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant!

317-822-5070

Festive Thanksgiving Day Inspired Cocktails

If you are planning a holiday party for this year’s Thanksgiving Day, add some seasonal delight to your catering spread with these creative and tasty cocktail inspirations!

Indianapolis Thanksgiving Day Specials
Indianapolis Thanksgiving Day Specials 317-822-5070

Thanksgiving Day Cravings

When you think of Thanksgiving, you might imagine the luxurious aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon, the creamy flavors of pumpkin and other seasonal squashes, and even the cooling sensations of a strong, fall breeze. So why not incorporate these charming seasonal elements into your Holiday cocktails? Here are some of the trending 2019 Thanksgiving Day cocktail recipes you might want to consider!

Pumpkin Latte Martini

1.5 oz. Pumpkin Pie Vodka
1 oz. RumChata
8 oz. Coffee
0.5 oz. Cream or Milk
1 tbsp. Sugar
1 tsp. Cinnamon

Optional: Crushed Graham Crackers

Fill shaker with ice. Add all ingredients. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon and sugar. Optional: graham cracker rim

Cranberry Moscow Mule

8 oz. Ginger Beer
1 Lime, Squeezed
1 oz. Vodka
1 tbsp. Cranberry Cocktail Juice
1 oz. Raw Cranberries
Lime Slices

Fill copper mug with ice. Add vodka, lime juice, and cranberry cocktail juice. Stir. Top with ginger beer. Wipe rim of mug with lime wedge. Garnish with raw cranberries and lime wedge.

Bourbon Pecan Pie

1.5 oz. Pecan Praline Liqueur
1 oz. Bourbon
0.5 oz. Vodka
Roasted or Candied Pecans

Fill rocks glass with ice. Add all ingredients. Garnish with pecans.

Spiced Apple Cider Toddy

1.5 oz. Spiced Rum
3.0 oz. Apple Cider
1 Orange wheel
1 Cinnamon Stick

Warm your apple cider up. Fill glass coffee mug with rum. Top with warm apple cider. Garnish with orange peel and cinnamon stick.

Get a Seasonal Thanksgiving Day Cocktail at English Ivy’s!

English Ivy’s is open on Thanksgiving Day from 5PM and Midnight this year! Call 317-822-5070 to ask about our dinner and drink holiday specials we are offering this season. We offer a seasonal-inspired, multi-cuisine menu that is locally-sourced and curated by our chef. From classics like wings and burgers, to specialty entrees like prime rib and baked scallops, and everything in between, you will find exactly what your taste buds crave this Thanksgiving on our exclusive holiday menus. With neighborhood prices and the nicest service around, you will enjoy every minute you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant!

317-822-5070