Buffalo Turkey Dip with Thanksgiving Leftovers is a pretty great excuse to do something different with all that extra turkey. Because after a couple of days of turkey sandwiches, something spicy and cheesy sounds a whole lot better.
This hot buffalo turkey dip has that familiar buffalo chicken dip flavor, just with cooked turkey breast instead.
It’s creamy, has a little kick from the buffalo sauce, and gets a nice tangy bite from the blue cheese. And yes, there’s melted cheddar on top.
You’ll need a mixing bowl and an 8-inch baking dish. Since the turkey is already cooked, there’s very little prep involved, and the whole thing is ready in 30 minutes.
It’s also a high-protein appetizer with an estimated 25 grams of protein per serving. Not bad for something that tastes like game day food.
Serve it with celery sticks, carrots, crackers, or tortilla chips. It’s great for football parties, casual holiday gatherings, or just using up those Thanksgiving leftovers before everyone gets tired of seeing turkey in the refrigerator.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Turkey Dip with Thanksgiving Leftovers
A Break From Turkey Sandwiches
Leftover turkey doesn’t have to mean another sandwich or another plate of Thanksgiving dinner. This gives it a completely different flavor. Spicy, creamy, cheesy. Definitely a change from gravy and stuffing.
25 Grams of Protein Per Serving
With turkey breast and Greek yogurt in the mix, each serving has an estimated 25 grams of protein. It’s a substantial appetizer, especially when served with fresh vegetables.
Ready in 30 Minutes
Since you’re starting with cooked turkey, there’s no need to cook any meat first. Just mix everything, bake, and serve. Perfect when there’s already been enough cooking going on for the holiday.
Buffalo Flavor Without Being Overwhelming
The buffalo sauce gives this dip a noticeable kick, but the cream cheese and Greek yogurt mellow things out. The blue cheese adds that classic buffalo-style tang. You can easily adjust the heat depending on which buffalo sauce you use.
Great for Football and Holiday Parties
Thanksgiving weekend usually means leftovers, football, and people hanging around the kitchen. A hot dip is a great option. Set it out with a few different dippers and let everyone help themselves.
Ingredient Substitutions
Cooked Turkey Breast
Cooked chicken breast works just as well if there aren’t any turkey leftovers. Rotisserie chicken is another option. Remove the skin and shred the meat before using it.
Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Sour cream can replace the Greek yogurt in equal amounts. The dip will taste a little richer, but you’ll lose some of the protein. Plain full-fat Greek yogurt is another option if that’s what you have.
Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese
Regular cream cheese works fine and gives the dip a slightly richer texture. You can use the same amount without changing the cooking time.
Buffalo Wing Sauce
Use mild buffalo sauce if you don’t want much heat. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce or a similar prepared buffalo sauce works well. Regular hot sauce isn’t quite the same because buffalo wing sauce generally has a different consistency and flavor.
Reduced-Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Regular sharp cheddar is an easy swap. Monterey Jack also works if you’d rather have a milder cheese flavor.
Blue Cheese
Not everyone likes blue cheese, and that’s fine. Crumbled feta is a good alternative for a tangy flavor. You can also leave it out and add a little more cheddar if blue cheese isn’t your thing.
Green Onions
Fresh chives are a good replacement. They have a milder onion flavor and work well as a garnish.
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Buffalo Turkey Dip with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey breast shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup plain nonfat greek yogurt
- 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese softened
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lightly coat an 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Add the turkey, ¼ cup cheddar cheese, and blue cheese. Stir until evenly combined.
- Spread the turkey mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the dip.
- Serve warm with celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, whole-grain crackers, or tortilla chips.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Control the heat – Buffalo sauces vary quite a bit in spiciness. Choose a mild version for less heat or a hotter sauce if you like a little more kick. Use plain leftover turkey – Turkey that has already been mixed with gravy or heavily seasoned may change the flavor and consistency of the dip. Make it ahead – Assemble the dip up to 24 hours ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready to serve. It may need a few additional minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the refrigerator. Keep it warm for parties – Transfer the baked dip to a small slow cooker on the warm setting for serving. Stir occasionally to keep the cheese mixture creamy.Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator – Transfer leftover dip to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Use within 3 to 4 days of when the turkey was originally cooked, not 3 to 4 days after making the dip. Microwave – Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout. Heat to 165°F. Oven – Place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until it reaches 165°F. Stir before serving. Texture After Reheating – The Greek yogurt may release a little liquid after refrigeration. Stir the dip well after reheating to bring it back to a creamier consistency.Nutrition
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