Why You’ll Love this Comforting Turkey Soup
After simmering a turkey carcass into a rich, golden broth, I’m convinced this homemade turkey soup might be even better than the Thanksgiving meal itself.
There’s something magical about transforming leftovers into comfort in a bowl—especially when outdoor temperatures drop.
You’ll love how this soup makes your kitchen smell like a holiday encore. The combination of tender turkey, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs creates a balanced flavor that’s both familiar and fresh.
Plus, it’s economical, using parts you might’ve tossed out.
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Add rice instead of noodles, toss in leftover veggies—make it your own.
What Ingredients are in Comforting Turkey Soup?
Making turkey soup is one of the best ways to stretch your holiday feast into another delicious meal. This recipe transforms your leftover turkey carcass into a richly flavored broth that serves as the foundation for a comforting, hearty soup. The combination of aromatic vegetables, savory herbs, and tender turkey meat creates a bowl of warmth that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day.
- 1 leftover turkey carcass
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 (14½ ounce) cans chicken broth
- About 8 cups water
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 stalks celery
- 2 large carrots
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- Fresh seasonings (parsley, thyme, or your personal favorites)
- Fine egg noodles for serving
When shopping for ingredients, don’t worry if you need to make substitutions. No leftover turkey? A rotisserie chicken works in a pinch. The fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor, but dried herbs can work too—just use about a third of the amount. And while the recipe calls for fine egg noodles for serving, you could easily swap in rice, orzo, or even small shell pasta depending on what’s in your pantry. The beauty of soup is its flexibility, so feel free to adapt based on what you have on hand.
How to Make this Comforting Turkey Soup
Making this soothing turkey soup starts with coaxing flavor from your aromatics. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large soup pot, then add your finely chopped onion, 2 stalks of celery, and 1 clove of garlic. Let these sweat until tender—not browned, just softened and fragrant, releasing their essential flavors into the oil. This initial step builds the foundation of your soup’s flavor profile, so don’t rush it. Those translucent onions are telling you they’re ready for the next step.
Now comes the transformation of your leftover turkey carcass into liquid gold. Add the carcass to your pot along with 2 cans (14½ ounces each) of chicken broth, 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce, and enough water to cover everything—about 8 cups.
Season with 1 tablespoon of garlic salt, fresh ground pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for about an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the turkey bones release their rich flavor.
After an hour, strain the soup into another pot, removing all the bones and spent vegetables. Pick any remaining meat from the carcass and add it back to your clarified broth.
For the final stage, chop your remaining 3 stalks of celery into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup, along with any additional leftover turkey meat you might have. Return to a gentle boil and simmer for another 1½ hours to marry the flavors.
About 45 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add your 2 large carrots, chopped into pieces that match your celery. This timing guarantees they’ll be perfectly tender—not mushy—when the soup is done.
When serving, ladle the hot soup over a small portion of fine egg noodles in each bowl. Those delicate noodles soak up the savory broth while maintaining their texture, creating the perfect vehicle for delivering that comforting turkey flavor.
Comforting Turkey Soup Substitutions and Variations
While the classic turkey soup recipe offers pure comfort in a bowl, this versatile dish welcomes creative adaptations to suit your pantry and preferences.
I often swap chicken broth for homemade vegetable stock when I’m cooking for vegetarian friends. No tomato sauce? Try diced tomatoes or even a spoonful of tomato paste.
The herbs are your playground—rosemary, sage, or dill can replace thyme and parsley. Not a fan of egg noodles? Rice, orzo, or even dumplings work beautifully.
Sometimes I add a splash of white wine or lemon juice for brightness. Who says comfort can’t be creative?
What to Serve with Comforting Turkey Soup
A perfect companion can elevate your turkey soup from a simple meal to a memorable dining experience.
I’ve found that warm, crusty bread works wonders – something you can tear apart and dip into that rich broth. Sourdough or a rustic French loaf? Divine.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds brightness, cutting through the soup’s savory depth.
Sometimes I toss in some dried cranberries for a sweet-tart pop.
Those fine egg noodles mentioned in the recipe? They’re actually optional.
You could serve the soup over rice or with buttery biscuits instead. Personal preference, really. Your choice makes it yours.
Final Thoughts
This comforting turkey soup has become my go-to recipe whenever holiday meals leave me with a picked-over bird carcass.
There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming what might be thrown away into something even more delicious than the original meal.
I love how adaptable this recipe is—add more vegetables if you’re feeling virtuous, toss in leftover stuffing dumplings, or even swirl in a bit of cream for richness.
The humble turkey, once the centerpiece, now plays a supporting role in a dish that honestly might outshine its predecessor.
Isn’t that the magic of good cooking?
