Turkey carcass soup is a comforting, hearty dish that makes the most of every part of the turkey, turning leftovers into a rich, flavorful broth. After a big holiday meal, the turkey carcass often gets overlooked, but with a little time and effort, it transforms into a nourishing soup that’s perfect for cozy evenings or a family meal. This soup is a wonderful way to use up leftovers while creating something warm, satisfying, and full of depth.
The base of turkey carcass soup is the broth, made by simmering the turkey bones, skin, and any leftover meat with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. The bones release their flavors as they cook, creating a rich and savory stock. Aromatics such as garlic, thyme, and bay leaves add complexity to the broth, and a touch of salt and pepper brings it all together. Depending on your preference, you can add herbs like rosemary or sage to infuse additional seasonal flavors.
Once the broth has simmered for a few hours, straining it removes any solids, leaving a flavorful liquid base. At this point, you can add diced vegetables like potatoes, corn, or peas, and even some small pasta or rice for extra heartiness. For added flavor, some people like to toss in a splash of white wine or a drizzle of soy sauce, giving the soup an extra layer of richness.
Shredded turkey meat, pulled from the bones, is added back into the soup to make it even more filling. The result is a wonderfully balanced bowl of soup, where the savory broth combines with tender turkey and vegetables for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
Turkey carcass soup is not only a great way to extend the life of your holiday turkey, but it also offers a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, freezes well, and provides a delicious, homemade meal that’s perfect for using up leftovers without wasting anything.
Ingredients
- 1 leftover turkey carcass from a roasted turkey
- 10 cups water
- 3 carrots chopped
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place the turkey carcass in a large pot and cover with 10 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 hours. Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
- Remove the carcass and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, pick off any remaining turkey meat and set it aside.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any debris.
- Return the broth to the pot and add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the picked turkey meat back to the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Turkey Carcass Soup.
Nutrition
I tried this recipe but it didn’t turn out right. The broth was kind of bland. Maybe I forgot the thyme? Or was it rosemary? I dunno, but I’m disappointed.
Skeptical about using a carcass for soup, but my grandma always said waste not, want not. Surprisingly tasty! Who knew?!
This soup is so comforting! I didn’t know what to do with the leftover carcass, but now I’m a believer! Thanks for the recipe! ❤️
Why do you have to boil it for 1.5 hours? Seems excessive. Can’t just throw it all in and hope for the best?
Tbh the soup was kinda bland until I added extra pepper. Next time I’m also adding some bay leaf.
Totally feel you—mine tasted pretty flat at first too. Extra pepper (and a pinch more salt) made a big difference. Bay leaf is a great call for next time!
Bland until pepper… huh. I’d think all that turkey would carry the flavor. Maybe simmer longer? Also bay leaf is good but don’t overdo it—like 2 leaves max or it gets weird. 😅
I dunno about using a carcass, seems kinda gross to me. I’d just stick with fresh turkey.
I get what you mean, but using the carcass is actually a good way to make a rich broth! You might change your mind once you try it.
This soup was amazing! I never thought leftover turkey could taste so good. Will definitely make it again!
Can you just use chicken instead of turkey? I didn’t have a carcass and I really wanted soup.
This is actually brilliant. Carcass soup is basically liquid gold. Will make again for sure!
Agreed—carcass soup really is liquid gold. The extra simmer makes everything taste so rich.
Meh, not what I expected. I mean, it’s just boiled turkey bones, right? Didn’t taste like much.
Eh, it was okay. Just tasted like water with some veggies. I expected more flavor…but maybe I did it wrong?
Good base recipe. I added a bay leaf and a splash of Worcestershire and it bumped the flavor. Not necessary, but nice.
I didn’t have rosemary, so I swapped with oregano. Still good, but it tasted a little more Italian than “turkey soup.”
Sounds gross, not gonna lie. Who eats soup made from a carcass? 😂
Like, how do you get all the meat off the carcass? I ended up just throwing it away. Not my thing.
This was soooo filling! I just kept eating until I was stuffed. 10/10, will make again.
This soup is a lifesaver! I hate wasting food and this recipe uses the carcass perfectly. It’s so comforting.
I didn’t have thyme, used basil instead. Still turned out okay, I guess.
I think thyme is kinda essential for flavor… but good on you for making it work!
Basil works too! Glad it turned out okay. Sometimes cooking requires being flexible, right?
This is a great way to not waste a carcass. I added a bay leaf too (because why not) and it turned out richer than I expected. Veggies got tender in the extra 30 minutes. Family asked for seconds.
My grandma used to make something similar but she put in more spices. This was kinda bland. Sorry!
Not gonna lie, picking off the meat was kinda gross lol. But the soup is actually good. I can’t believe how flavorful the broth got.
I didn’t have thyme or rosemary, so I just put in some oregano. Still turned out good! #cookinghack.
Oregano is a great substitute! Glad to hear it turned out good for you. 😊
Sorry but I don’t get the point of soup from a carcass. Isn’t it all just bones and water? I tried it anyway and it wasn’t bad, just felt like effort for not a lot of payoff. Could use more seasoning or maybe noodles.
Used the carcass from last Thanksgiving and this tasted way better than I expected. The thyme/rosemary combo is perfect for a cozy bowl.
YO! This soup is bomb. I added some noodles and it was a hit with the kids. Thanks for the idea!
Best soup ever! I add rice to mine. Mmm!
I love adding rice too! It makes it so filling. Yum!
I don’t have dried thyme/rosemary so I used Italian seasoning (oops?). It was okay but not the same. Will try the real herbs next time.
This is a great way to use the carcass. I added a bay leaf and a splash of lemon at the end and it brightened everything up.
The herbs were a little overpowering for me (rosemary especially). Next time I’ll cut them in half, or just use fresh thyme.
Yuck. I don’t know why you’d make soup from a carcass. Seems gross to me.
I don’t get why people would use a carcass. Can’t you just buy broth? Seems gross.
This soup is so good! I never knew you could make something delicious from a carcass. Perfect for leftover turkey!
Yummy soup = happy family! 😊
Yummy! I added some noodles and it was great. A nice way to use up leftovers after Thanksgiving!
Sounds delish! I’ll try adding noodles next time too. Great idea!
I tried to pick the turkey meat, but my hands were not cooperating lol. Still, the flavor is solid even with less meat.
Not gonna lie, I forgot to skim the foam at first. It turned out okay, just a little cloudy. Next time I’ll pay more attention.
Followed the recipe, but forgot the thyme. It was still okay, but like a bit bland. Will try again!
Sounds like a good start! Thyme really adds flavor, but at least you gave it a go. Next time will be better!
This soup is amazing! Made it with leftovers, so hearty and good.
Used chicken carcass instead of turkey, still great! Cooking is art, you can sub things!
Lowkey scary to simmer a whole carcass in my kitchen lol. But the result was comforting. I strained twice to be safe and it worked.