Leftover Turkey Quesadillas

Leftover Turkey Quesadillas combine leftover turkey meat with gooey melted cheese for a molten taste explosion. So easy to make and utterly addictive.

With a few simple ingredients these delicious quesadillas with turkey and cheese can be yours in minutes.

They're always a huge hit with my family and perfect for using up turkey leftovers. Definitely more exciting than a limp turkey sandwich!

Start with turkey and cheese quesadillas then get creative on the toppings to serve alongside. I like to serve a selection, that way everyone can load them their favorite way. I've given you some ideas later in the post.

This recipe can be easily adapted for celiacs or anyone following a gluten free diet by using either gluten free tortillas or 100% corn tortillas.

Why You'll Love These Leftover Turkey Quesadillas

• I hate waste. Leftover quesadillas work just as well with leftover chicken from the Sunday roast too.

• We all need Turkey leftover ideas! Save this recipe for leftover Thanksgiving turkey and/or leftover Christmas turkey when you can't think of anything to make.

• This recipe is easily doubled or trebled, so ideal to serve when you have a houseful of hungry mouths to feed.

• My kids love any food that's wrapped up in a tortilla and this is a great alternative to a turkey and cheese sandwich.

• The recipe is totally flexible, start with the turkey and cheese as a base then add in some chopped veggies for added crunch.

• Try some of my other quick and easy Mexican inspired dishes, like my oven baked Black Bean & Sweet Potato Quesadillas , Fish Stick Tacos, Leftover Pulled Pork Tacos, or my Grilled Corn & Black Bean Tacos.

Leftover Turkey Quesadillas Ingredients

Find the full list and quantities in the recipe below.

Leftover Turkey - I use leftover turkey from the Thanksgiving or Christmas roast. However, you could also use any other leftover meat from the weekend's roast. Chicken, beef, lamb and pork would all work.

Tortillas - I like to use large flour tortillas as they fold up easily and crisp up well. If you are celiac, use gluten free tortillas, or 100% corn tortillas which should be gluten free too. Corn tortillas tend to be smaller so I only cut them in half when serving.

Cheese - I use shredded cheddar cheese at it has the best flavor. But you can use any other shredded cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepperjack cheese. Mozzarella is a great option too as it melts really well.

Cooking Oil - I use avocado oil but you can use any vegetable oil with a high smoke point. Regular olive oil will work too.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Quesadillas - Step-By-Step

Find the full printable recipe below.

Prepare the quesadillas by first assembling the tortilla and the fillings. You will need around ¼ cup of shredded cheese and ⅓ cup shredded turkey per tortilla.

Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla. Then layer with the turkey and more cheese.

Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.

To cook the quesadillas, heat oil in a large non stick pan. Carefully slide the folded tortillas into the pan in a single layer. You will likely need to work in batches - I can cook 2 at a time in my pan.

Cook until golden brown underneath and the cheese is melted - around 2 to 3 minutes. Then flip over and cook on the other side for 2 minutes.

Repeat until all the quesadillas are cooked. You can keep them warm by wrapping in foil while the following batches are cooked.

Slice each quesadilla into quarters and serve with your favorite toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Turkey Quesadillas

I like to serve quesadillas with a variety of different toppings, that way everyone can help themselves. Here are some of my favorite toppings:

• black beans
• sour cream
• lime wedges
• fresh cilantro/ fresh coriander
• try my Quick Pickled Red Jalapeño Peppers, Pickled Serrano Peppers and/or my Quick Pickled Shallots
• leftover cranberry sauce
• believe it or not these are also delicious with ranch dressing!

Can I make air fryer quesadillas?

Yes, you can use your air fryer. Set it to 350ºF/180ºC, lay the quesadilla in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden.

Can quesadillas be eaten cold?

Yes you can eat leftover quesadillas cold the next day. However, I do prefer them served hot, straight from the pan when the cheese is deliciously molten.

Variations & Substitutions for Turkey & Cheese Quesadillas

• Turn these into turkey and cranberry quesadillas by adding some leftover cranberry sauce or cranberry relish.

• If you don't have leftover turkey you could always make ground turkey quesadillas. Just pan fry the ground turkey according to packet instructions first.

• You could also use deli turkey slices in a pinch.

• I left these quesadillas plain but they are also delicious with some taco seasoning.

• You could also add some veggies such as red pepper and red onion.

• Add some (drained) canned black beans to the turkey and cheese.

• I used cheddar cheese, but Monterey Jack or pepperjack cheese would also be delicious.

• You can also use corn tortillas if you wish - these have the added advantage of being gluten free.

Tips & Tricks For Making Leftover Turkey Quesadillas

To speed up the process you can have 2 large pans heating quesadillas at once, allowing you to cook double the amount at the same time.

You can also make multiple oven baked quesadillas on large baking sheets. Preheat the oven to 425ºF/210ºC, line a sheet pan with parchment paper and brush it with olive oil. Bake for 8 minutes, then flip over and bake for a further 8 minutes on the second side.

You can keep the cooked quesadillas warm by wrapping them in aluminium foil.

How To Reheat Leftover Quesadillas?

You can bring crispy tortillas back to life by warming them in a skillet or frying pan on the stove top over a low heat. Ideally with a little bit of melted butter.

Pin This Leftover Turkey Quesadillas Recipe For Later

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Printable Recipe

Leftover Turkey Quesadillas

Leftover Turkey Quesadillas combine leftover turkey meat with gooey melted cheese for a molten taste explosion. So easy to make and utterly addictive.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Share Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 8 quesadillas

Calories

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 3 cups Cooked Turkey - shredded, light and/or dark meat
• 8 Wheat Tortillas - 8 inch
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese - shredded
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil - see note below

Instructions

 

Prepare the Quesadillas

• Note - For each tortilla you will need around ¼ cup of shredded cheese and ⅓ cup shredded turkey.
• Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla.
• Lay the shredded turkey on top of the cheese and then sprinkle over the remaining cheese.
• Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.

Cook the Quesadillas

• Heat the oil in a large non stick pan over a medium-high heat.
• Carefully transfer the tortillas to the pan in a single layer (I can usually make 2 at once)
• Cook on a medium heat for around 2 to 3 minutes until the underside is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Flip and cook a further 2 minutes.
• Carefully transfer to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut each quesadilla into four triangles.
• Repeat until all the quesadillas are cooked. You may need to add a little extra oil to the pan with each batch.
• Tip - Wrap the cooked quesadillas in aluminum foil to keep them warm while you make the rest.
• Serve with your favorite toppings!

Notes

Vegetable Oil - I use avocado oil but you can use any vegetable oil with a high smoke point. Olive oil will work too.

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be taken as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and the Family Food Kitchen can't guarantee the accuracy of this information.

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