For the Leftover Turkey Melts:

Crafting Your Leftover Turkey Melts:

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  Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly ready to toast the bread and melt the cheese evenly. Next, carefully slice your French baguette into approximately 23 uniform slices, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Arrange these slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. For best results and easy cleanup, line your baking sheet with a Silpat mat or parchment paper.
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  In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey meat, 2 cups of the grated Colby blend cheese, mayonnaise, finely diced onion, and diced tomatoes. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well-combined and the turkey is evenly coated. The mayonnaise provides a creamy binder, while the onion and tomato add a fresh, tangy crunch. Using a spoon, generously mound the turkey mixture over each baguette slice. Don’t be shy – pile it high for a satisfying bite! Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top of each prepared melt. This extra layer of cheese will create a beautifully golden and bubbly crust.
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  Place the baking sheet with your loaded baguette slices into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are golden brown and toasted, and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. Once ready, carefully remove from the oven and serve hot. These melts are best enjoyed immediately, while the cheese is still warm and gooey and the bread is crisp.

Nutrition per serving

Repurposing Thanksgiving turkey leftovers is a holiday tradition! Beyond these delightful melts, there are numerous other creative and delicious ways to enjoy your turkey:

• White Chicken Enchiladas: Simply substitute the chicken with shredded turkey for a creamy, savory enchilada experience. The mild flavor of white enchilada sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey.
• Instant Pot White Chicken Chili: Transform your turkey into a hearty, comforting chili. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly fast, and the lean turkey meat soaks up all the aromatic spices beautifully.
• Lazy Chicken Pot Biscuit Casserole: This is the ultimate comfort food. Replace chicken with turkey in this casserole, and you’ll have a warm, flaky, and rich meal reminiscent of classic pot pie, but much easier to prepare with biscuits on top.
• Chicken Stew Recipe: A classic stew is a perfect vehicle for leftover turkey. It’s nourishing, packed with vegetables, and excellent for a colder day. The turkey will become even more tender as it simmers in the flavorful broth.
• Turkey Noodle Soup: A classic post-holiday remedy, perfect for using up turkey bones for broth and the meat itself.
• Turkey Salad: Similar to chicken salad, a turkey salad sandwich is always a quick and refreshing option.

For optimal food safety and quality, cooked leftover turkey should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days. Always ensure your refrigerator temperature is set at or below 40°F (4°C). If you’re unsure about how long it’s been, it’s safer to discard it.

Absolutely, freezing leftover turkey meat is an excellent way to extend its shelf life! First, ensure the turkey meat is completely cooled and clean it thoroughly from any bones. Shred or dice it into usable portions – I highly recommend freezing it in 2-cup portions, as this is a common amount needed for many recipes, including these melts or the other suggestions listed above. Store the turkey in an airtight freezer-safe zip-top bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, frozen turkey can last for 2 to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before incorporating it into your recipe.

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and easily interchangeable with other poultry or even fish. The core components – creamy dressing, cheese, and crunchy bread – work beautifully with various proteins. You can use shredded leftover chicken or duck meat as direct substitutes for turkey. For a delicious seafood twist, check out my Hot Tuna Melts recipe, which follows a very similar concept but uses canned tuna. This makes the “melt” concept a year-round staple, not just a post-holiday treat!