Leftover Turkey and Chive Drop Dumplings Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with pieces of turkey left from a big meal, you’re going to love this Leftover Turkey and Chive Drop Dumplings Recipe. It’s one of those cozy, comforting dishes that transforms simple leftovers into something magical – kind of like a warm hug in a bowl. I promise, once you try this, you’ll be craving it long after the holidays are over.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this leftover turkey and chive drop dumplings recipe plays a role in flavor and texture, balancing richness with freshness. Shopping tip? Aim for fresh herbs and good-quality turkey broth, which will make all the difference.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps build the roux for a silky base.
• Onions, Carrots, Celery: The holy trinity for depth and sweetness that complements the turkey.
• Frozen Peas: Pops of color and a subtle sweetness.
• Garlic and Thyme: Fresh aromatics that brighten and deepen the dish.
• Turkey Broth: The foundation for that comforting, savory flavor.
• Flour (All-Purpose): For both thickening the broth and the dumplings.
• Cooked Turkey: The star leftover ingredient that makes this uniquely satisfying.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A little tang to cut through richness and add complexity.
• Chives: Bring a fresh oniony bite to the dumplings.
• Buttermilk and Egg: Ensure dumplings are tender, fluffy, and just a bit tangy.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The leavening that makes dumplings light and pillowy.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing and finishing flavors.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

This leftover turkey and chive drop dumplings recipe is surprisingly versatile. I often switch up the herbs or add sharpening mustard powder to the dumplings to taste. Feel free to adapt it to what you like or have on hand — that’s the beauty of this comforting dish.

• Variation: I once swapped fresh thyme for sage in a pinch, which gave the dumplings an earthy twist that blew my mind.
• Dietary Swap: You can substitute gluten-free flour blends for the dumplings if you want to keep it gluten-friendly.
• Extra Veggies: I love tossing in mushrooms or corn to add richness and texture.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the broth livens things up without overwhelming the turkey.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Turkey and Chive Drop Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Veggies and Dumpling Ingredients

Start by chopping your veggies uniformly — I find that roughly ½-inch dice works best so everything cooks evenly. While you’re doing this, measure out your dumpling ingredients separately. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process so much smoother, especially when the kitchen heats up.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Base

Melt one tablespoon of butter in a heavy pan over medium-high heat, then toss in your onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these for 6 to 7 minutes until the onions turn translucent and sweet-smelling — that’s your cue that deliciousness is on its way. Stir in garlic, thyme, and a tiny pinch of MSG for umami—trust me, it’s worth it—and cook for another minute before transferring the mixture out temporarily.

Step 3: Making the Roux and Adding Broth

Now, melt your remaining butter in that same pan on a lower heat. Stir in the flour and cook it for about 7 to 10 minutes until it turns a light blonde color. This takes a little patience but gives your broth body and that velvety feel every great stew needs. Slowly whisk in the turkey broth, scraping the pan bottom to lift any tasty browned bits. Bring it to a low simmer and watch as it thickens, getting ready to scoop up all the goodness.

Step 4: Add Turkey, Peas, and Final Flavor Touches

Stir in the apple cider vinegar for a brightness that balances richness, then add your shredded turkey and peas. This is when all those flavors start coming together, and your kitchen will begin smelling like pure comfort. Give it a gentle stir so everything’s evenly distributed.

Step 5: Mixing and Dropping the Dumplings

Combine the flour, chives, garlic, salt, baking powder, and baking soda for the dumplings in a bowl. In a separate one, whisk the egg with the buttermilk, then pour it into the dry ingredients. Stir gently to form a loose, shaggy dough — important not to overmix to keep them tender! Use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of dough atop the turkey mixture, leaving space for dumplings to puff up as they cook.

Step 6: Cook and Serve

Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through. I usually peek once to check, but resist the urge to lift the lid often — steam is the magic here! Finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives, a pinch of salt and pepper, and dive in while it’s hot.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey and Chive Drop Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a sprinkle of extra fresh chives because the pop of green looks amazing and adds a fresh, subtle onion flavor. If you want a little richness, a tiny dollop of sour cream on the side complements the dumplings beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe is rich and hearty enough on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted root veggies or a simple cranberry chutney can also add a nice contrast and seasonal flair.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I serve the dumplings in rustic individual bowls garnished with microgreens, giving them a delicate pop of color and elegance. Another favorite is serving the stew over buttery mashed potatoes for a decadent twist that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find that the flavors deepen beautifully overnight. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing. It usually keeps great for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, I recommend freezing the stew and dumplings separately if possible, as dumplings retain their texture better that way. When you freeze them together, dumplings can get a little gummy.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps bring the dumplings back to life without drying out the turkey. Avoid microwaving if you can — low and slow really wins here.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This leftover turkey and chive drop dumplings recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a go-to comfort that saves the day after a big meal has ended, making sure nothing goes to waste. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy — just like a good friend who’s always there when you need a little warmth in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do!

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