Baked turkey soup is the ultimate comfort food. This isn’t just any soup recipe; it’s a celebration of leftover turkey, transformed into a creamy, flavorful delight with a slightly crusty, baked top. My grandmother always said the best meals are born from using everything to its fullest, and this baked turkey soup is a testament to that philosophy. It warms the soul and satisfies the appetite, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Think of it as a cozy blanket, but edible.
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This baked turkey soup is inspired by those simple moments, sharing warm meals with loved ones. Now, let’s get into the recipe and bring a little bit of that warmth to your table. Get ready to experience a new level of easy dinner satisfaction!
Why You Will Love This baked turkey soup Recipe
This baked turkey soup recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s incredibly easy to make, especially if you’re looking for a way to use leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey. The creamy texture and rich flavor will warm you from the inside out. Plus, the baked top adds a delightful crust that takes this soup to the next level. It is much simpler than a Baked Cod Soup, but just as tasty.I remember one particularly cold winter evening when everything felt a little gray. I threw together this soup with some leftover turkey and whatever veggies I had on hand. The aroma that filled the kitchen, and the taste of that first spoonful, instantly lifted my spirits. It truly is a meal that can turn a bad day into a good one. The fact that it’s so quick to prepare is also a huge bonus.
Ingredients Needed for This baked turkey soup Recipe
- For the Soup:
- For the Baked Top:
How to Make This baked turkey soup Recipe
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the turkey broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- 5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the shredded turkey, frozen peas and carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 6. While the soup simmers, prepare the topping. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, egg, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- 7. Pour the turkey soup into the prepared baking dish. Evenly pour the topping mixture over the soup. Want to elevate your soup game? Try a baked tuna wrap recipe for complimentary flavors.
- 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set.
- 9. Let the baked turkey soup cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve This baked turkey soup Recipe
Serve the baked turkey soup warm, straight from the oven. It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs well with a crusty bread for dipping. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream. A simple side salad can complete the meal.How to Store This baked turkey soup Recipe
Refrigerate leftover baked turkey soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer safe container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be aware, the texture of the topping might change slightly after freezing and thawing.Reheating: Reheat the soup in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Tips to Make This baked turkey soup Recipe
- For a richer flavor, use homemade turkey broth.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with half and half or milk, but the soup won’t be as creamy.
- Add other vegetables like potatoes, corn, or green beans to customize the soup to your liking.
- Do not over bake! The topping should be golden brown and set, but not dry.
- Use the broth from my Baked Cod Soup 2 recipe for a bolder flavor.
Helpful Notes for This baked turkey soup Recipe
If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use cooked chicken as a substitute. Turkey broth can sometimes be found at the grocery store, but chicken broth works just as well. For best results, use a good quality baking dish that distributes heat evenly. Using a shallow dish will ensure the topping cooks evenly.Variation of This baked turkey soup Recipe
- Spicy Baked Turkey Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little heat.
- Cheesy Baked Turkey Soup: Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, over the topping before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herbaceous Baked Turkey Soup: Add fresh herbs, like rosemary, sage, or thyme, to the soup for a more aromatic flavor.
What is baked turkey soup?
Baked turkey soup is a creamy and flavorful soup made with leftover turkey, often topped with bread or cheese and baked until golden brown. It’s a comforting and hearty way to utilize leftover turkey.
How do you keep baked turkey soup from being dry?
To prevent dryness, ensure there’s enough liquid in the soup before baking. Adding a layer of cheese or breadcrumbs on top helps to retain moisture and create a delicious crust.
Can I freeze baked turkey soup?
Yes, baked turkey soup can be frozen. However, it’s best to freeze it before the baking process. Thaw completely before baking according to the recipe instructions for the best results.
What kind of bread is best for baked turkey soup?
Crusty bread like sourdough or French bread works well for baked turkey soup, as it absorbs the broth and becomes tender while maintaining some texture. Croutons can also be used.
Conclusion
This baked turkey soup is the ultimate way to use up leftover turkey and create a comforting, flavorful meal. The baked topping adds a unique touch that elevates this soup to a new level of deliciousness. I encourage you to give this baked turkey soup recipe a try and experience the joy of transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you try, so please leave a comment below! Follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes!
Baked Turkey Soup: Easy Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Transform leftover turkey into a creamy, comforting baked turkey soup with a golden brown topping. This easy recipe is perfect for chilly evenings and satisfying appetites.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups turkey broth (chicken broth works too)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in turkey broth, whisking constantly.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in turkey, peas/carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare topping: whisk together milk, flour, egg, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- Pour soup into dish. Evenly pour topping over soup.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: turkey, soup, baked, leftovers, comfort food
