Got more leftover turkey than you know what to do with? Try something different this year and instead of turkey sandwiches, make this Leftover Turkey Quesadilla recipe. Shredded turkey, an easy homemade BBQ sauce, leftover veggies and some cheese. A really easy snack or lunch, and easy to feed a crowd.
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A quesadilla is always our go-to quick and easy lunch that can be made with whatever we have in the fridge. An added bonus is that kids love eating and making them.
This is our festive twist on a quesadilla and it's a fun way to use up leftover turkey (and cheese and veggies). There are lots of ways to adapt these turkey quesadillas, so everyone gets a quesadilla they like.
Ready in just 5 minutes this is a new way to enjoy leftovers this festive season and a Christmas quesadilla ensures that nothing goes to waste.
If you are looking for some other recipes with leftover turkey, then why not try our Leftover Turkey Soup, Leftover Turkey Curry, Leftover Turkey Sandwich and Leftover Turkey Pie?
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Turkey - We used leftover turkey from our Christmas dinner to make this, however you could use up leftover roast chicken or even grill some chicken fresh to put in this. You could use meat from our Roast Turkey Breast or Slow Cooker Turkey Crown.
- BBQ Sauce - This is what makes these turkey quesadillas really special I think. Our Homemade BBQ has a really tangy flavour that goes perfectly. You could use a store bought BBQ sauce if you prefer or even a salsa for something a bit different.
- Tortilla - We used large soft wholemeal tortillas for this. You could make mini ones for kids by using small soft tacos.
- Vegetables - Make the most of those Christmas or Thanksgiving leftovers by chopping up leftover roast vegetables and adding it in. Anything goes, but we love roasted root vegetables.
- Cheese - We used a mature cheddar as it has a strong flavour so you can get away with using less of it.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
Variations
There are so many options when it comes to a quesadilla with turkey. Keep it simple with the sauce, turkey and cheese, or you can add leftover vegetables like roasted carrot and parsnips and some broccoli too. You can give them a green boost by adding some shredded spinach. Sliced red bell pepper works well too.
When it comes to cheese, a cheddar is always a good idea, but you could use a mixture of cheeses and then it makes it a good recipe to use the leftovers from a cheese board. We love the addition of Stilton in this leftover turkey quesadilla recipe. We also love our Homemade Pickled Red Onions in these.
Leftover turkey can sometimes be a little dry, so you need some kind of sauce with it. You have a few options here - you could go for a traditional salsa, or use BBQ sauce like we have. We have used our Healthier Homemade BBQ Sauce too. You could also use a Pizza Sauce.
If you have loads of hummus leftover from Christmas, spread that on the tortillas instead - it gives it a bit of a protein boost too. We also like adding black beans for extra protein.
Want to make it even MORE festive? Use some leftover cranberry sauce or chutney and put some brie in there too. This is a favourite variation of ours and just screams Christmas quesadilla.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Quesadilla
- Step 1: Mix the turkey and BBQ sauce together.
- Step 2: Spread on half of each of the tortillas.
- Step 3: Top with chopped vegetables.
- Step 4: Sprinkle with cheese.
- Step 5: Repeat with the second. Fold them over and then put them in a dry frying pan.
- Step 6: Gently cook over a medium heat for 2 minutes each side and carefully flip.
Cooking Quesadillas in the Oven
If you are making a big batch of quesadillas, then the best option s to do them in the oven.
- Brush both sides of the quesadilla with butter or spray with oil and put on a lined baking sheet..
- Bake at 220°C/200°C(fan)/425°F/Gas 7 for about 8-10 minutes or until golden.
Serving Suggestions
We love these turkey quesadillas as a quick and simple lunch, so there is no need to serve them with anything (other than some sour cream and chive dip or our guacamole recipe to dip them in) if you want something light. However, if you are making these for a few people, the you might want to serve up some sides. Here are some that so really well:
Dannii's Top Tips
- Swap the BBQ sauce for some salsa or cranberry sauce for even more of a festive twist.
- You can use cheddar, or add some other cheeses leftover from the cheeseboard.
- Give these a green veggie boost by adding some shredded spinach.
- Don't have turkey? You can use leftover shredded chicken instead.
- You can also make quesadillas in the air fryer. It will take about 5-6 minutes at 180°C, flipping halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because this recipe uses leftover turkey, these should be eaten straight after making and not stored.
Whilst we love using corn tortilla in Mexican dishes, mainly tacos, they just won't work for quesadillas. You need to use flour tortillas, as they are much more pliable, they won't crack when cooked and they hold the cheese and filling together really well. You can also find flour tortillas in a range of sizes which is a bonus.
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
If you've tried this turkey quesadilla recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Leftover BBQ Turkey Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 2 Soft flour tortillas
- 100 g (0.5 cups) of Shredded turkey
- 4 tablespoon of Homemade BBQ sauce
- 40 g (0.33 cups) of Cheddar cheese - grated
- 150 g (1 cups) of Leftover vegetables - chopped
Instructions
- Mix 100 g of Shredded turkey and 4 tbsp of Homemade BBQ sauce together.
- Spread on half of each of 2 Soft flour tortillas.
- Top with 150 g of Leftover vegetables.
- Sprinkle with 40 g of Cheddar cheese.
- Fold them over and then put them in a dry pan.
- Gently cook for 2 minutes each side and carefully flip.
Recipe Tips
- Swap the BBQ sauce for some salsa or cranberry sauce for even more of a festive twist.
- You can use cheddar, or add some other cheeses leftover from the cheeseboard.
- Give these a green veggie boost by adding some shredded spinach.
- Don't have turkey? You can use leftover shredded chicken instead.
- You can also make quesadillas in the air fryer. It will take about 5-6 minutes at 180°C, flipping halfway.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Traci says
This is the perfect use for leftover turkey! So easy, quick, and delicious. Thanks for sharing :)
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
Quesadillas are a secret guilty pleasure of mine -- and you've taken it over the top with the leftover turkey and brie! Cranberry sauce was even better than the typical salsa, too!
David says
Always like to find new recipes for leftover turkey, plus I haven't made quesidillas in awhile so this is perfct timing for me! And I need to check out your BBQ sauce recipe, too.
Veena Azmanov says
This is definitely a yummy snack and a mini meal option. Delicious and flavorful and crunchy and cheesy too.
thisiswholesome says
I love the ideas of turning leftovers into a yummy recipe. I can't wait to make these.
Laura says
This does look like a great recipe to make before the year ends. Great alternative to sandwiches and a wonderful way to save those leftovers.
Alison says
The BBQ sauce in these quesadillas are awesome! It's not something I think to add when making a quesadilla but it was amazing.
kim says
Love this recipe! This was super tasty and so easy! Will definitely make again!
Tonje says
Yum! This looks amazing. Definitely trying this recipe after our New Year's turkey dinner.