When the holiday season rolls around, many people find themselves with an abundance of leftover turkey. Instead of settling for a simple turkey sandwich, why not elevate your leftovers by making a delicious and comforting dish? Enter Creamed Turkey on Toast, an easy-to-make recipe that transforms your leftover turkey into a decadent and satisfying meal.

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To create this classic dish, you’ll be combining your leftover turkey with a rich and creamy sauce, seasoned to perfection, all served over a slice of warm, toasty bread. This time-tested recipe is perfect for using up those Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey leftovers and presents a warm, scrumptious meal for you and your family to enjoy on cold winter nights.

Whether this is your first time preparing Creamed Turkey on Toast or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to please with its creamy texture, tender turkey pieces, and flavorful sauce that’ll have you wondering why you ever settled for a plain leftover turkey sandwich. So, gather up those leftovers and get ready to create a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Overview of Creamed Turkey on Toast Recipe

Creamed Turkey on Toast is a simple and delicious comfort food dish that’s perfect for using up your Thanksgiving leftovers. With just a few basic ingredients, you can transform your leftover turkey into a satisfying meal in no time.

To start, you’ll need to prepare the main ingredient, which is of course, the turkey. Chopping up your leftover cooked turkey into small, bite-sized pieces is ideal for this recipe. As for the toast, you can choose any bread you like, from basic white bread to whole-wheat or sourdough. Simply toast the bread to your preferred level of crispiness.

Now, onto the cream sauce – the key to this dish’s deliciousness. The recipe calls for a simple, creamy mixture made from butter, flour, and milk (or a combination of milk and cream). This sauce can be easily customized to fit your tastes by adding various seasonings and spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, or even a dash of white wine for a little extra flavor.

Here’s a brief list of the main components needed for this comforting recipe:

Cooked turkey, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Bread for toasting
Butter
Flour
Milk or a mix of milk and cream
Seasonings and spices of your choice

Creating this comforting dish is as simple as following these general steps:

Toast your bread and set it aside.
Melt butter in a pan and whisk in flour until a thick paste forms.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
Add seasonings and spices, adjusting to your taste preferences.
Stir in the chopped turkey, ensuring that it’s coated evenly in the sauce.
Allow the mixture to warm through before spooning it generously over the toasted bread.

The result is a warm, comforting plate of Creamed Turkey on Toast that’ll satisfy your hunger and make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers. And remember, this versatile recipe can be easily adapted to suit your tastes, so feel free to get creative and enjoy this simple, delicious dish.

Ingredients Needed

In this section, we’ll discuss the main ingredients needed for a delicious Creamed Turkey on Toast recipe. We’ve divided the ingredients into three categories: The Bird and Bread, The Dairy, and Seasoning and Vegetables.

The Bird and Bread

To make this classic dish, you’ll need cooked turkey. This is an excellent way to use up any leftover turkey from a big meal or holiday feast. For the bread base of the dish, you can choose any type of bread that you prefer. A good-quality, thick-sliced bread works best to support the creamy mixture.

Here are the key ingredients for this category:

Cooked turkey (leftover or freshly cooked)
Bread of your choice (for toasting)

The Dairy

Several dairy products are essential for creating the rich, creamy sauce in this recipe:

Butter: used for sautéing vegetables and creating a roux.
Whole milk and heavy cream: combine to create the perfect creamy base.
Cheddar cheese: adds flavor and richness to the sauce.

To create a roux, you’ll also need flour. This will help thicken the sauce and provide a velvety texture.

Seasoning and Vegetables

A variety of vegetables and seasonings help round out the flavor of Creamed Turkey on Toast. Consider using:

Onion, carrots, peas (fresh or frozen), and mushrooms: sautéed in butter to develop their flavor.
Salt (preferably kosher) and black pepper: gently added to enhance the taste.
Garlic and dried mustard: for an extra punch of flavor.
Pimientos, parsley, or dill: for a pop of color and freshness.

Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe by incorporating additional vegetables or seasonings that suit your taste preferences. Just make sure not to overpower the main ingredients – the turkey and creamy sauce.

Overall, with these ingredients and the right preparation, you’re well on your way to creating a satisfying and delicious Creamed Turkey on Toast dish.

The Cooking Process

Preparation

First, gather all ingredients and necessary tools. You will need a skillet to cook the dish and a whisk to make the creamy sauce. This recipe utilizes many pantry staples so you may already have most of the ingredients on hand.

For the creamy sauce, gather the following ingredients:

1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of butter
1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
1 1/2 cups of buttermilk

Prepare your turkey by shredding or dicing the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces. Make sure you have the necessary items for your toast and any side dishes ready, such as biscuits, mashed potatoes, or cheese toppings.

Cooking and Combining the Ingredients

Start by creating the roux to form the base of the creamy sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then stir in the all-purpose flour with a whisk. Cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it reaches a light golden-brown color.
Gradually add the chicken broth and buttermilk to the roux. Continue whisking to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
Allow the mixture to cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. A thicker sauce is suitable for serving over biscuits or mashed potatoes, while a thinner sauce works well with toast.
Once the creamy sauce reaches your preferred consistency, taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. You may add salt, pepper, or extra spices if desired.
Stir the cooked turkey into the sauce, combining well and making sure all pieces are coated. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the turkey is heated through.
Lastly, serve your creamed turkey over toast, biscuits, or mashed potatoes. If you are using cheese, sprinkle it on top and melt it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also add any bonus toppings you want, such as chopped parsley, parmesan, or green onions.

Enjoy your delicious creamed turkey on toast, knowing you prepared a comforting and filling meal with ease.

Nutritional Value and Leftovers

Creamed Turkey on Toast is a nutritious and delicious way to use up your leftover turkey. Besides being an excellent source of protein, incorporating diced turkey in this recipe provides essential amino acids to support muscle growth and repair. As a lean meat, turkey is also lower in fat compared to other meats, making it a healthier option.

The dish is also versatile as it can be paired with various sides. If you’re looking to have a balanced meal, you can add vegetables like corn, peas, or even mixed vegetables to the dish. This addition increases the fiber and nutrient content of your meal.

The calories in Creamed Turkey on Toast will mainly depend on the ingredients and serving size. On average, a portion without any added sides contains approximately:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	15 g

To incorporate this dish into your post-thanksgiving repertoire, consider experimenting with various bases such as noodles, rice, or pasta instead of toast. Adding these ingredients will boost the carb content, providing you with the energy needed to power through your day.

When it comes to handling leftovers, reheating is a crucial step to ensure safety and taste. To reheat your creamed turkey mixture, simply add it to a saucepan and heat it on low until it reaches a safe, steamy temperature. You can also use a microwave to warm it up, just be sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid to prevent drying out.

Not just for turkey, this recipe can be easily adapted to use rotisserie chicken instead. By substituting a store-bought rotisserie chicken for the diced turkey, you can have a quick and satisfying meal at any time.

For an even more flavorful dish, you can replace the typical gravy in the recipe with homemade turkey stock or chicken stock. Creating stock from your turkey leftovers is an excellent way to maximize the use of all parts of the bird and add depth to your creamed turkey.

In conclusion, the Creamed Turkey on Toast is a versatile and nutritionally balanced dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to use up your thanksgiving leftovers or searching for a comforting meal, this recipe has got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for creamed turkey on toast?

To make creamed turkey on toast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cooked turkey, diced or shredded
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk or heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Toasted bread

You may also add optional ingredients such as vegetables, cooked mushrooms, or your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.

How long does it take to prepare and cook creamed turkey on toast?

The preparation time for creamed turkey on toast is approximately 10 minutes, including chopping the turkey and vegetables. Cooking time is around 15-20 minutes, as making the roux and cream sauce requires time for thickening. Overall, you can expect to have this dish ready in 30 minutes or less.

What steps are involved in making creamed turkey on toast?

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously, creating a roux.
Gradually pour in milk or heavy cream, whisking to combine and create a smooth sauce.
Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
Add the cooked and diced turkey (and any optional ingredients) to the sauce, and stir until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper, adjusting as needed.
Simmer until the turkey is heated through and flavors meld.
Serve over toasted bread.

Are there any variations or substitutions for creamed turkey on toast?

There are several variations and substitutions you can make for creamed turkey on toast:

Use chicken or ham instead of turkey.
Add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli.
For a different flavor, include sautéed mushrooms or bacon bits.
Experiment with various seasonings, such as garlic powder, dried herbs, or Dijon mustard.
Substitute the toast with a different type of bread or over biscuits, pasta, or rice.

How do you store and reheat leftover creamed turkey on toast?

To store leftover creamed turkey, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer the creamed turkey to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring gently, or in the microwave at medium power, until heated through. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little milk or cream to thin it out. Prepare fresh toast when ready to serve.

What side dishes go well with creamed turkey on toast?

Creamed turkey on toast can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as:

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
Steamed or roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or green beans
Creamy mashed potatoes
Cooked rice or quinoa
Fresh fruit or a nice fruit salad

Choose a side dish based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand, keeping in mind that a lighter accompaniment helps balance the richness of the creamed turkey.