After a delicious Christmas feast, you might find yourself with a fridge full of leftovers. Instead of letting that turkey or ham go to waste, here are some inventive and tasty ways to transform those holiday remnants into delightful meals.
1. Boxing Day Sandwich
Ingredients: Leftover turkey or ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, bread.
- Transform your holiday meats into a hearty sandwich. Layer slices of turkey or ham with stuffing, a dollop of cranberry sauce, and drizzle with gravy between two pieces of bread. Toast it for an indulgent crunch!
2. Turkey Pot Pie
Ingredients: Leftover turkey, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, pie crust.
- Combine shredded turkey with mixed veggies and cream of mushroom soup. Pour the mixture into a pie crust, cover it with another crust, and bake until golden. It’s a warm, comforting dish perfect for post-holiday meals.
3. Ham and Cheese Frittata
Ingredients: Leftover ham, eggs, cheese, spinach or other veggies.
- Whisk eggs and pour them over diced ham, cheese, and any leftover vegetables in a skillet. Cook until set, and finish it off under the broiler for a fluffy, cheesy frittata that’s great for breakfast or brunch.
4. Stuffing Waffles
Ingredients: Leftover stuffing, eggs, cheese (optional).
- Mix leftover stuffing with eggs and cheese if desired. Spoon the mixture into a waffle maker and cook until crispy. These savory waffles can be served with gravy or your favorite sauce for a delightful brunch dish.
5. Vegetable Soup
Ingredients: Leftover roasted vegetables, stock, herbs.
- Use up those roasted veggies by simmering them in vegetable or chicken stock. Add your favorite herbs and spices for an easy and nutritious soup that’s perfect for chilly days.
6. Christmas Salad
Ingredients: Leftover greens, nuts, cheese, chopped fruit, dressing.
- Combine leftover salad greens with any nuts, cheeses, or fruits you have on hand. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or your favourite dressing for a refreshing meal that feels light after all those heavy holiday dishes.
7. Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients: Leftover turkey or lamb, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables.
- Layer cooked turkey or lamb with mixed veggies in a baking dish, then top with mashed potatoes. Bake until bubbling for a cozy and filling dish that makes you feel right at home.
8. Cranberry Smoothie
Ingredients: Leftover cranberry sauce, yogurt, banana, spinach.
- Blend leftover cranberry sauce with yogurt, a banana, and a handful of spinach for a delicious and nutritious smoothie. It’s a great way to use up that tart sauce and start your day off right.
9. Sweet Potato Pancakes
Ingredients: Leftover sweet potatoes, flour, eggs, spices.
- Mash leftover sweet potatoes and mix them with flour, eggs, and a pinch of cinnamon. Cook on a griddle for fluffy pancakes that can be served with syrup or yogurt.
10. Holiday Risotto
Ingredients: Leftover turkey, rice, broth, Parmesan cheese, herbs.
- Sauté onion and garlic, then add arborio rice. Gradually stir in broth and add diced turkey as it cooks. Finish with Parmesan cheese for a creamy, comforting risotto that takes advantage of your holiday stash.
With these recipes, you can turn your Christmas leftovers into something new and exciting, reducing waste while still enjoying the flavors of the season. Happy cooking!