Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 1turkey carcass
from a 12- to 14-pound turkey
- 1 largeonion
cut into quarters
- 3ribs celery
cut into chunks
- 2 mediumcarrots
cut into chunks, unpeeled
- 4 clovesgarlic
peeled
- 2bay leaves
- 1 tsppoultry seasoning
or ½ teaspoon ground sage
- 12 cwater
- 2 tbspbutter
- ½ cfinely diced onion
- 2 mediumcarrots
diced
- 2ribs celery
diced
- 2 tbspall-purpose flour
optional
- 2 ½ ccooked chopped turkey
- 1 tspsalt
- 1 tspblack pepper
- ¼ tspdried thyme leaves
- 8 ozegg noodles
measured dry
- ¼ cchopped fresh parsley
Directions
Broth
- 1
If using prepared or store-bought broth, skip ahead to "noodle soup" below. If making homemade broth from a turkey carcass, place turkey carcass, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, poultry seasoning, and water in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook partially covered for 3-4 hours. This can also be cooked in a large slow cooker for 10-12 hours.
- 2
Line a strainer with cheese cloth and strain the broth. Discard the bones and vegetables. Let the broth rest at least 20 minutes, skim the fat off of the top of the broth.
- 3
Taste and season the broth with salt & pepper. Add it back into the pot and simmer uncovered to reduce to 8 cups, about 20 minutes.
Noodle soup
- 1
Cook the onion in butter until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in flour and seasonings and cook for 1 minute. Add celery and carrot and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
- 2
Add broth, stirring into the vegetable mixture a bit at a time. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
While the vegetables are cooking, cook egg noodles* in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain well.
- 4
Add the turkey and parsley to the soup and cook just until heated through. Season with additional salt & pepper.
- 5
Place egg noodles in the bottom of a serving bowl. Top with the soup.
Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 16 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of letting that leftover turkey carcass go to waste after a big meal? This Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup recipe transforms those rich scraps into the ultimate comfort food, delivering warmth and flavor that store-bought broth simply can't match.
Why This Soup Works
The magic of this turkey noodle soup lies in its from-scratch broth. By simmering the turkey carcass with aromatic vegetables and herbs, you extract incredible depth and richness, creating a foundational flavor profile that elevates every spoonful. It’s a purposeful way to utilize every bit of your holiday bird, turning leftovers into a truly special meal.
What truly sets this homemade turkey noodle soup apart is the balanced symphony of textures and tastes. You'll savor a savory, deeply flavored broth, tender pieces of cooked turkey, and perfectly al dente egg noodles, all brightened by crisp-tender diced carrots and celery. The addition of fresh parsley at the end brightens the entire dish, making it feel both hearty and invigorating. With 288 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying and comforting bowl perfect for a chilly evening.
Customization & Variations
While the turkey carcass is key for the broth, you can easily adjust the vegetable component. Feel free to add parsnips or potatoes for extra heartiness, or a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the very end for a boost of green. If you prefer a thicker soup, the optional flour addition helps create a slightly richer consistency. Don't have poultry seasoning? Ground sage works beautifully as an alternative, offering a similar warm, earthy note. You can also experiment with different types of small pasta if egg noodles aren't your preference, though egg noodles absorb the broth wonderfully.
Serving & Context
This Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup is the epitome of cozy, making it ideal for family dinners on cooler nights or as a nourishing meal when you need something comforting. Serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete your meal. It’s a wonderful way to extend the enjoyment of your holiday feast well beyond the main event.