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Easy and Quick Creamed Turkey: A Comfort Food Classic

The scent of creamed turkey instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. It wasn’t Thanksgiving, nor any holiday, just a regular weeknight, but the aroma was unmistakable. Grandma always had a way of transforming humble leftovers into something truly special, and her creamed turkey, served on crisp toast points, was a prime example. It was warm, comforting, and tasted of love – a simple dish that could chase away any blues.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3-4
Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

5 tablespoons butter
1 1⁄2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
4 tablespoons flour
1-2 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder (or 2 small packages OXO chicken bouillon powder)
1 1⁄2 cups half-and-half cream or 1 1/2 cups 18% table cream
1⁄2 cup canned chicken broth (use a good-quality chicken broth)
1 (2 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
1⁄4 – 1⁄3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups diced cooked turkey
Seasoning salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste (don’t be shy!)

Equipment Needed

Saucepan
Wooden spoon or whisk

Instructions

Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. This gentle heat is crucial to prevent the butter from browning or burning before the mushrooms have a chance to soften.
Add the sliced fresh mushrooms to the melted butter. Sauté them until they are golden and tender, stirring occasionally. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size and type of your mushrooms. The goal is to release their earthy flavors and create a delicious base for the sauce.
Sprinkle the flour and chicken bouillon powder over the sautéed mushrooms. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, ensuring no lumps of flour remain. This step is critical for creating a velvety sauce. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the chicken broth and half-and-half cream (or 18% table cream) to the saucepan. Add a little liquid at a time, whisking constantly to incorporate it smoothly into the flour mixture. This technique prevents lumps from forming and ensures a silky, luscious sauce.
Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. This process may take around 5-8 minutes, depending on your stovetop. Be patient and maintain a medium-low heat to prevent scorching.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and drained pimentos. Mix well to combine, allowing the Parmesan cheese to melt into the sauce and add a salty, savory note.
Season the sauce with seasoning salt and a generous amount of black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning to achieve your desired flavor profile. Taste and adjust as needed.
Gently fold in the diced cooked turkey. Ensure the turkey is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Cook until the turkey is just heated through. Be careful not to boil the mixture, as this can toughen the turkey. The goal is to warm the turkey without compromising its tenderness.
Serve the creamed turkey hot, spooned over toast, biscuits, or puff pastry shells.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. It adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of flour by a tablespoon. Conversely, for a thinner sauce, reduce the flour by a tablespoon.
To prevent the sauce from scorching, stir it frequently, especially as it thickens.
For added flavor and texture, consider adding a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the sauce along with the chicken broth.
To make ahead of time, prepare the creamed turkey up to the point of adding the turkey. Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and then reheat gently, adding the turkey when reheating.
Don’t have pimentos? Use a roasted red pepper, diced, as a substitute.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the creamed turkey immediately while it’s hot and creamy. It’s delicious served over toasted bread, biscuits, puff pastry shells, rice, or even mashed potatoes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for visual appeal.

Leftover creamed turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing, but if necessary, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of cream while reheating to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	150mg	50%
Sodium	700mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate	10g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	2g	–
Protein	40g	80%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the turkey with cooked chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
Veggie Boost: Add in 1 cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots along with the turkey for added nutrients and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Ensure you use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce, and serve over gluten-free toast or rice.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
A: Yes, you can, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. You might want to add a tablespoon of butter at the end for added richness.

Q: How can I prevent the sauce from getting lumpy?
A: Make sure to whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly and add the chicken broth and cream slowly, whisking constantly.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the creamed turkey ahead of time and reheat it gently. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Q: What can I serve with creamed turkey?
A: Creamed turkey is delicious served over toast, biscuits, puff pastry shells, rice, or mashed potatoes. A side salad or steamed vegetables would also complement it well.

Q: Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but rehydrate them first in warm water for about 30 minutes before using. Squeeze out any excess water before adding them to the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Easy and Quick Creamed Turkey is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover turkey or simply craving a taste of home, this dish is sure to satisfy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and seasonings to make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback with me! Serve it with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Easy and Quick Creamed Turkey Recipe