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Mamaw’s Creamed Turkey over Toast: A Thanksgiving Tradition Reborn

I remember Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s house, not just for the towering centerpiece of a perfectly roasted turkey, but for the magical transformation that happened the very next day. The star of the show shifted from the flawlessly presented bird to a humble yet exquisite dish: Creamed Turkey over Toast. It wasn’t just a way to use leftovers; it was an elevation, a savory hug on a plate, and a testament to Mamaw’s genius for simple, soulful cooking. The creamy sauce, laden with tender turkey, ladled over crisp, golden toast – it’s a flavor memory etched in my heart.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Yield: 8 cups
Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
2/3 cup chicken stock
4 tablespoons margarine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups cooked turkey, deboned and roughly chopped
12 slices white bread, toasted

Equipment Needed

Large non-stick skillet
Whisk

Instructions

In a large non-stick skillet, begin heating the milk, margarine, and chicken stock over medium heat. It’s important to use a non-stick skillet to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning as it thickens.
Immediately whisk in the flour, ensuring that you eliminate all lumps. Whisk vigorously until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry pockets remain. This is crucial for a smooth, creamy sauce.
As the mixture comes to a boil, it should begin to thicken. Continue whisking constantly to prevent scorching and ensure even thickening. The mixture will transition from a thin, watery consistency to a noticeably thicker sauce.
Add the salt and white pepper. Black pepper can be substituted if white pepper is unavailable. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
As the sauce thickens further, gently toss in the chopped turkey. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the turkey chunks too much. You want to maintain some texture and avoid turning the turkey into shreds.
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add more milk and stir until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick that it becomes pasty.
As soon as the mixture is thick enough to your liking, it is done. Turn off the heat and cover the skillet until serving. Covering the skillet will keep the sauce warm and prevent a skin from forming on top.
Serve hot over slices of toast. Alternatively, you can serve the creamed turkey over your favorite biscuits instead.
If you have leftover turkey broth from roasting the turkey, use that instead of chicken stock for a richer, more flavorful sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even smoother sauce, consider using a stick blender to eliminate any remaining tiny lumps after whisking in the flour. Be careful not to over-blend, as this could make the sauce gummy.
To enhance the flavor, sauté a finely diced shallot or onion in the margarine before adding the milk and stock.
If you want to add a touch of richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of the cooking process.
For a bit of extra flavor, try adding a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you are making a large batch, work in stages to ensure the sauce thickens properly and the turkey is heated through evenly.
Leftover gravy can be added to the cream sauce for added flavor, just be mindful that gravy can be highly seasoned, so taste before adding additional salt and pepper.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Mamaw’s Creamed Turkey over Toast immediately for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. You can also serve this dish with a side of cranberry sauce or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the creamed turkey.

To store leftovers, allow the creamed turkey to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the creamed turkey in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to thin the sauce if it has thickened during storage.

Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	356.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	121 g	34%
Total Fat	13.5 g	20%
Saturated Fat	3.9 g	19%
Cholesterol	73.2 mg	24%
Sodium	581.5 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	25.4 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	5.2 g	N/A
Protein	31.4 g	62%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce and serve over gluten-free toast or biscuits.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Use a dairy-free margarine.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Vegetable Boost: Add some diced vegetables such as peas, carrots, or celery to the sauce along with the turkey.
Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different herbs such as sage, thyme, or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works just as well with leftover chicken. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the creamed turkey ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. Prepare the toast just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

Q: What kind of bread is best for toast?
A: White bread is traditionally used, but you can use any type of bread you prefer. Sourdough, whole wheat, or even brioche would all be delicious options.

Q: Can I use a different type of stock?
A: Yes, vegetable stock can be used if you don’t have chicken stock on hand. Turkey broth leftover from roasting the turkey is also an excellent choice.

Q: The sauce is too thick/thin – what should I do?
A: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or stock to thin it out. If it’s too thin, whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens.

Final Thoughts

Mamaw’s Creamed Turkey over Toast is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a taste of home. I urge you to try this recipe and experience the comforting flavors for yourself. Whether you’re using up Thanksgiving leftovers or simply craving a hearty, satisfying meal, this dish is sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And most importantly, share it with loved ones and create your own memories around this timeless classic.

Mamaw’s Creamed Turkey over Toast Recipe