Buffalo turkey dip with leftover turkey

PRINT

After the holiday feasts have come and gone, many of us are left with an abundance of leftover turkey and the question of what to do with it. If you’re looking to transform your leftover turkey into something exciting and crowd-pleasing, this Buffalo Turkey Dip is the perfect solution.

This creamy, spicy dip takes inspiration from the classic Buffalo chicken dip but adds a twist by repurposing leftover turkey. It’s a simple yet flavorful appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering, whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or even a holiday party.

With just a handful of ingredients, including tangy hot sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and rich cream cheese, this dip comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection in the oven. The turkey adds a hearty texture and soaks up all the bold flavors, making each bite irresistibly delicious. Topped with melted cheese and served with crunchy tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks, this dip is an easy way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re looking to use up those holiday leftovers or simply craving a savory snack, this Buffalo Turkey Dip is the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone reaching for more. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option, so you can enjoy the festivities without the stress of last-minute prep.

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes Yields: 10 serving (appetizer)

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded 

• ¾ cup hot sauce (preferably Frank's RedHot)

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup ranch dressing

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese of your choice, divided (preferably Cheddar) 

• Tortilla chips or cracker (for dipping)

• Carrots or celery (for dipping) 

Directions

1. Heat the shredded turkey in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Stir in the softened cream cheese, hot sauce, garlic powder, and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is well blended and heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, then transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish.

4. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the dip.

5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

6. Remove the dip from the oven and serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.

Notes:

• Cheese Options: While Cheddar is a popular choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or a spicy Pepper Jack for added flavor.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste. Add more for extra heat or reduce it for a milder dip.