Best Leftover Turkey Tarts

Why these turkey tarts work

Because puff pastry is a show-off. Give it a hot tray and it puffs up like it’s been waiting all year for its moment. The fillings are already cooked, so you’re really just aiming for three things: a properly crisp base, warmed-through turkey, and cheese that bubbles into the corners.

At a glance

• Makes: 4–6 x 10cm tarts (or mini tarts for drinks)
• Prep time: 15–20 minutes (plus time if caramelising onions)
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes
• Good for: Christmas leftover recipes, easy starters, low-effort lunches
• Best bit: that spoon of cranberry you “find” mid-bite

Recipe Notes

• Hot tray = crisp base. Preheating the baking tray is the difference between golden and “a bit damp underneath”. Don’t skip it.
• Keep the centre light. Puff pastry hates heavy, wet toppings. Use a thin layer of crème fraîche/béchamel and don’t pile on the cranberry.
• Mind the order: creamy layer first (acts as a barrier), then onions, then turkey, cranberry, cheese. Cheese on top helps everything stay put and browns nicely.
• Turkey thickness: slice it thin so it warms through in the bake time without drying out. If it’s chunky, warm it briefly first or give the tarts an extra couple of minutes.
• Cranberry placement: a small spoon on top gives you that glossy “Christmas” finish. If your sauce is very loose, tuck some under the cheese to stop it running.
• Cheese choice: Gruyère/Emmental gives depth; mozzarella gives stretch. If using a stronger cheese, mix it with a milder one so it doesn’t dominate.
• Ham swap: works brilliantly, but go easy on flaky salt. Pepper and onion sweetness are usually enough.
• Mini tart version: use smaller cutters, keep toppings tight, and watch the bake time—mini tarts colour faster.
• Make-ahead without sogginess: cut and prick pastry rounds, prep toppings, and keep everything separate. Assemble only when the oven and tray are hot.
• Reheat properly: if you have leftovers, reheat in a hot oven until crisp again. Microwave makes pastry chewy.
• Allergen note: contains gluten (puff pastry) and dairy (crème fraîche/cheese).

Recipe FAQS

• What are the best recipes for Christmas leftover recipes with store-bought ingredients?
• Make these as mini tarts: store-bought puff pastry, leftover turkey, cranberry, cheese. They land like a party snack, but they’re basically fridge-clearing in disguise.
• What are the best Christmas leftover recipes when you can’t face another sandwich?
• Anything that changes the texture. Puff pastry tarts are ideal because the base turns crisp, the toppings warm through quickly, and the whole thing feels fresh even though it’s built from leftovers.
• Can I use store-bought puff pastry for these tarts?
• Yes. All-butter puff pastry gives the best flavour and lift, and it’s exactly what makes this a low-effort Christmas leftovers recipe.
• How do I stop puff pastry tarts going soggy on the bottom?
• Preheat the baking tray in the oven, bake hot, and don’t overload with wet fillings. The hot tray gives the pastry an immediate crisp base.
• Can I make these ahead?
• You can prep components ahead (cut and prick pastry rounds; get toppings ready), but bake close to serving so the pastry stays crisp.
• What can I use instead of crème fraîche?
• Béchamel works really well. You just want a creamy layer to bind the toppings and protect the pastry.
• What if I don’t have turkey?
• Ham is a brilliant swap. Go easy on added salt because ham brings plenty.
• Do I need caramelised onions?
• They’re the flavour base, but if you’re short on time you can use gently softened onions instead. The tarts will still work; they’ll just be less sweet and deep.
• What cheese is best for turkey tarts?
• Choose a good melter: Gruyère, Emmental or mozzarella. A mix is even better—one for flavour, one for stretch.
• How long do leftover turkey tarts keep?
• They’re best on the day. If you have leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat in a hot oven until crisp again. Avoid the microwave; it softens the pastry.
• Can I freeze them?
• Freezing baked puff pastry tarts can dull the crispness. If you want to get ahead, freeze the cooked turkey separately and assemble/bake the tarts fresh.
• What should I serve with leftover turkey tarts?
• A sharp green salad with a mustardy dressing cuts through the richness and makes them feel like a proper lunch or starter.
• Are these tarts gluten-free?
• Not as written (puff pastry contains gluten). If you use gluten-free puff pastry, check any béchamel, cranberry sauce and cheese labels too.