Creative ideas for holiday leftovers

If you’re anything like me, after you’ve consumed your weight in food, initially, you want nothing more to do with it, right? Whatever you have stuffed yourself with for Thanksgiving, Christmas or whatever other celebration, the chances are you have some extra. It’s kind of the reward for the effort in making it that it isn’t all gone in a flash. However much as it can be good to enjoy having some of the leftovers just as they are or cold or in a sandwich, it can quickly become a bit boring and you need something else instead. Fear not, here are some great ideas on how to use those holiday leftovers to make an entirely different but truly delicious dish.

Recipes for leftover turkey (or chicken)

‘Australian pie’ (leftover turkey pie with raisins and bechemel)

While I’ve never understood why this pie has the name it does (or if it’s just us that calls it that), Australian pie is a staple in our family to use up some turkey. It’s a delicious combination and not only can you enjoy it warm, pack a cold slice in your lunch box.

Turkey korma

We nearly always make some turkey into a curry (like fragrant chicken curry or Thai red curry) and this beautiful korma from Supergolden Bakes is going on the list too.

Turkey cranberry pizza

Because who doesn’t love pizza? This colorful pizza from Art from my Table is a great way to use both some turkey and cranberry sauce, too.

Savory cornbread with turkey and cheese

Bake some turkey right into your cornbread for a tasty side or even breakfast, from The Worktop.

Turkey and butternut squash stew

It’s probably cold outside, so chances are a hearty stew will perfectly fit the bill, like this turkey and butternut squash stew from Cooking Chat. Filling, flavorful and good for you too.

Vietnamese chicken salad

It might be wintery outside, but this is one salad you will be wanting to make. Full of fantastic flavors, incredibly easy to prepare, it makes the perfect lunch that’s far removed from the feast that came before. It’s a detox both in flavor and with it’s veggie goodness.

Slow cooker turkey wild rice soup

Continuing to battle the cold, this soup from Flavor the Moments also lets you take it easy in the cooking department. Hearty and tasty.

Turkey kreplach soup

At this time of year, you can use more than one soup recipe, and this one from Panning the Globe also has turkey dumplings!

Recipes for leftover sides

Thanksgiving leftover savory bread pudding

Use up some of your sides as well as some turkey for breakfast with this delicious savory bread pudding from The Flavor Bender. Lots of flavor and cheesy to boot.

Cranberry bars

OK, true, you might have had a number of treats by this point, but hey this one is covered in fruit (leftover cranberry sauce), and is pretty easy to make. If that doesn’t sell these bars from Dessert for Two, then just look at the color.

Baked bubble and squeak cakes

Bubble and squeak might not mean much to non-Brits, but it’s a delicious way to use up leftover veg, and these cakes from Wallflower Kitchen makes it even easier to eat in snack-sized bites.

Rosemary sweet potato rolls

These rolls using leftover sweet potato from Trial and Eater are a great addition to a meal, or use some for one of those turkey sandwiches.

Eggs baked in mashed potatoes

Eat leftovers for breakfast in this simple, comforting dish from The Kittchen.

Tarragon sweet potato biscuits

This recipe may not have been written with leftovers in mind, but this is another great way to use up leftover sweet potatoes. And these take mere minutes to make with the help of a food processor.

Sweet potato casserole muffins

Moving away from savory options, a very different use for any leftover sweet potato casserole is to make these delicious muffins from Magnolia Days. Easy to make, moist and a lovely color from the sweet potato.

Cranberry-filled shortbread

Cranberry sauce isn’t only good for going on your turkey, it can also make a great filling for these tasty filled shortbread cookies. Think an already melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with a slightly gooey centre. So delicious!

Cranberry apple ginger pancakes

These flavorful pancakes from Major Hoff takes a Wife are serves with a compote that conveniently uses up some cranberry sauce. All the more reason to try them.

Leftover dessert

Leftover pumpkin pie milkshake

You’ve had your slice of pie, now drink it! While at first it might seem odd, I can totally see this drink from A Beautiful Plate tasting great.

Pumpkin pie chia parfaits

These parfaits from Clean Eating Kitchen are another creative way to use some leftover pie in a different way – and the perfect excuse to eat pie for breakfast!

Baked pumpkin arancini

OK, so it’s not strictly speaking using up dessert, but if you make a pumpkin pie you may well have leftover pumpkin puree, and this is a great way to use it in a very different, very tasty way.

Christmas pudding muffins

I know this one is less likely to be used in the US, but for anyone including us who will be having Christmas pudding, this is a great recipe to have handy. Give it a new lease of life in these tasty muffins, fruity and flavorful.

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