If you’re like us, you look forward to tasty turkey leftovers before the main Thanksgiving meal is even served! That’s why it’s so important to shop smart and pick up the right size bird to ensure you’ll have enough on hand for your Thanksgiving feast and all your favorite leftover recipes.

Here’s a handy guide to help you decide what size turkey to purchase based on the number of adults you’ll be serving:

• 6 adults: 9-12 pound turkey
• 9 adults: 13-16 pound turkey
• 12 adults: 18-20 pound turkey
• 15 adults: 22-24 pound turkey

Other tips for shopping for the best turkey include looking for a bird with a well-rounded shape and avoiding any that appear bruised or have tears in the skin. Fresh turkeys should be purchased one to two days before cooking and kept refrigerated until ready to use. If you opt for a frozen turkey, ensure you have enough time to thaw it properly in the refrigerator—approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect bird, it’s important to know the basics when it comes to storing leftovers so you have the freshest turkey to work with for your culinary creations. Leftover turkey will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you decide to freeze it, we recommend chopping or shredding it and dividing it into 2-cup portions, so it’s easy to add to a casserole, soup, or any other dish. Freeze leftover turkey in an airtight container. The leftover turkey should be cooled completely before freezing, so excess moisture from the steam doesn’t get trapped inside your container—that’s how you end up with freezer burn!

With chopped turkey stored in the freezer, you’ve got an easy way to add a little protein to all sorts of meals. Stir it into your macaroni and cheese or any other pasta dish, soup, or casserole. Leftover turkey works great in recipes that call for cooked chicken.

Use a sauce to give your leftover turkey a fresh flavor profile. Shred it and mix with barbecue sauce for easy sandwiches or mix with Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce for an easy casserole. Chopped, it makes a great stand-in for chicken in a Thai Peanut Curry or other favorite curry recipes. There are almost endless options for turkey leftover meals. Turkey, as it turns out, is an ultra-versatile meat!

Betty Crocker has a long-standing history of helping home cooks create delicious meals, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving. The “Betty Crocker Picture Cookbook”, also known as the “Big Red” cookbook, was first published in 1950 and quickly became a bestseller. This iconic cookbook featured roasted turkey as a Thanksgiving centerpiece, and even included numerous recipes that showed readers how to enjoy the bird in various ways.

As you dig into your Thanksgiving leftovers, remember that you’re part of a kitchen tradition that’s been celebrated for decades. From slow cooker turkey chili to classic pot pies, Betty Crocker’s simple leftover turkey recipes are designed to help you transform leftovers into mouth-watering dishes that keep the holiday spirit high even after your guests have gone.

So get creative with your turkey leftovers and try out some of these deliciously easy leftover turkey recipes. Whether you’re making a hearty turkey soup or a cozy shepherd’s pie, these dishes are sure to impress your family and friends. Here’s to turning those leftovers into new family favorites and continuing the legacy of delightful home cooking.