The holidays have come and gone, leaving behind a mountain of delicious leftovers. Instead of the usual reheating, why not transform them into something extraordinary?
From turkey to cranberry sauce, every holiday dish has the potential to be reinvented into a new culinary masterpiece.
Get ready to turn those leftovers into scrumptious meals that will excite your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Here are 21 creative and delicious recipes to inspire you.
Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas
Turn your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce into a delicious quesadilla. Layer sliced turkey and a generous dollop of cranberry sauce between flour tortillas. Add some shredded cheese—cheddar or Monterey Jack works well.
Cook on a skillet until crispy and golden brown. The contrast of the sweet cranberry with the savory turkey and melted cheese is divine. Serve with sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor. It’s a fun twist on a classic quesadilla, perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Enjoy this delightful combination of flavors!
Stuffing Waffles
Transform leftover stuffing into crispy waffles! Preheat your waffle iron and spray it with non-stick spray. Press the stuffing into the waffle iron and cook until crispy.
Serve these savory waffles with a drizzle of leftover gravy or a fried egg on top. They make for a unique brunch option or a fun dinner side dish. The stuffing’s herbs and spices intensify when cooked this way, giving you a new appreciation for this holiday staple. This recipe is as easy as it is inventive!
It’s a sure way to impress with minimal effort.
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Leftover mashed potatoes have never tasted so good! These pancakes are crispy on the outside and creamy inside. Add an egg, some flour, and chives to your mashed potatoes to make the batter.
Fry spoonfuls in a hot skillet until golden brown. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce for a delicious treat. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish, these pancakes make use of leftovers creatively.
Your family will love this unexpected take on mashed potatoes, turning them into a beloved comfort food with a new twist.
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Combine diced leftover ham with cheese and eggs for a satisfying breakfast casserole. Mix the ham with cubes of bread, shredded cheese, and beaten eggs in a baking dish.
Bake until the top is golden and bubbly. This dish is a hearty way to start the day, making the best use of your holiday ham. It’s a breeze to prepare and can be customized with vegetables or different types of cheese.
This dish is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table with its comforting flavors.
Roast Vegetable Frittata
Turn leftover roasted vegetables into a flavorful frittata. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper, and pour over the vegetables in a skillet. Cook until set.
This dish showcases the roasted veggies’ natural sweetness, enhanced by the creamy eggs. It’s a light, nutritious meal, perfect for brunch or a quick dinner.
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs. The frittata is versatile, allowing you to incorporate whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s a delightful way to enjoy holiday leftovers in a new form.
Green Bean Casserole Soup
Transform green bean casserole into a comforting soup! Simply blend it with chicken or vegetable stock, and heat until warm.
Add some cream for richness, and garnish with crispy onions for texture. This soup is perfect for cold days, bringing warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
It’s a great way to enjoy this classic dish without reheating the same old casserole. The soup’s creamy texture highlights the flavors of green beans and mushrooms, offering a new perspective on a holiday favorite.
It’s sure to become a comforting tradition!
Sweet Potato Hash
Leftover sweet potatoes can shine in this flavorful hash. Dice them and sauté with onions, bell peppers, and turkey. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
Top with a fried egg for an extra layer of flavor. This dish combines sweet, savory, and spicy notes, creating a perfect breakfast or brunch.
The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a splash of color, while the turkey adds protein. It’s an inventive way to use leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste while delighting your taste buds.
Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Turn leftover cranberry sauce into a tangy BBQ sauce. Mix with ketchup, vinegar, and spices to create a sweet and spiced condiment.
Toss with pulled pork and serve on a bun for a mouth-watering sandwich. This recipe offers a delightful twist on classic pulled pork, adding a holiday-inspired flavor.
Pair with coleslaw and a cold beverage for a complete meal. The sweet and tangy flavors perfectly complement the savory pork, making this sandwich an irresistible choice for lunch or dinner. It’s a creative way to use holiday leftovers!
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Blend leftover pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk for a dessert-worthy milkshake. Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra spice.
This shake is a delightful way to enjoy pumpkin pie in a new form, providing a sweet and creamy treat that’s sure to satisfy.
Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for a festive touch. It’s a fun and indulgent treat that captures the essence of the holidays in every sip, perfect for both kids and adults to enjoy during the festive season.
Brussels Sprout and Bacon Pasta
Combine roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and pasta for a delicious, savory dish. Cook pasta and toss with sautéed Brussels sprouts and bacon.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and black pepper. This dish is not only tasty but also makes the most of leftover Brussels sprouts.
The savory flavors of bacon and cheese complement the roasted sprouts perfectly. It’s a satisfying meal that is quick to prepare and full of flavor. Serve with a side salad for a complete dinner that everyone will love.
Apple Pie French Toast
Leftover apple pie filling makes a delicious topping for French toast. Prepare French toast using your favorite bread, then top with warmed apple pie filling.
Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch, combining the comforting flavors of apple pie with rich, eggy French toast.
It’s an irresistible treat that brings a taste of the holidays to your morning. Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee for a cozy, satisfying start to the day. It’s a sweet and indulgent way to repurpose leftovers.
Turkey and Rice Soup
Transform leftover turkey into a comforting soup with rice and vegetables. Simmer turkey bones with carrots, celery, and onions to make a flavorful stock.
Add rice and turkey meat for a hearty, warming dish. It’s perfect for chilly days and uses up not only turkey but also any leftover vegetables.
This soup is nourishing and filling, providing a delicious way to enjoy your holiday feast all over again. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to warm both body and soul.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Turn your leftovers into a beautiful stuffed acorn squash. Roast the squash halves until tender, then fill with a mixture of wild rice, cranberries, and nuts.
This dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious, showcasing the flavors of the holidays in a unique presentation.
The sweetness of the cranberries complements the nutty rice and tender squash perfectly. It’s an elegant side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors that make this dish a standout on any table, ideal for impressing your guests.
Potato and Sausage Skillet
Use leftover potatoes to create a delicious skillet meal. Combine with sausage pieces and onions, and cook until crispy.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs for a simple yet flavorful dish. This skillet meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, providing a hearty option that’s easy to prepare.
The combination of crispy potatoes and savory sausage is a classic pairing that never fails to satisfy. Serve with mustard or ketchup for extra flavor. It’s a comforting way to use leftover potatoes in a new and delicious way.
Vegetable and Turkey Pot Pie
Turn leftover turkey and vegetables into a classic pot pie. Mix with gravy and place in a pie dish, topped with a flaky pastry crust.
Bake until golden and bubbly for a comforting, hearty meal. This pot pie is a delicious way to enjoy holiday flavors again, without feeling like leftovers.
The tender turkey and vegetables wrapped in a buttery crust make for a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve hot with a side salad for a complete dinner that’s both filling and flavorful.
Pecan Pie Bars
Repurpose leftover pecan pie into easy-to-eat bars. Simply press pie crust into a baking dish, pour in the pecan filling, and bake until set.
These bars are a convenient way to enjoy the rich flavors of pecan pie without needing a fork. Perfect for parties or as a sweet snack.
Each bar is packed with gooey, nutty goodness that captures the essence of the holidays. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy, offering a delightful treat that everyone will love. Ideal for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Leftover broccoli and cheese sauce make a delicious casserole. Mix with cooked rice, and top with breadcrumbs for a satisfying dish.
Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and filling. This casserole is perfect for using up leftover vegetable sides in a new way.
The creamy cheese and tender broccoli combine with rice to create a cozy dish that’s ideal for dinner. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s both hearty and delicious, making the most of your holiday leftovers.
Gingerbread Trifle
Transform leftover gingerbread into a beautiful trifle. Layer pieces of gingerbread with custard and whipped cream in a glass bowl.
This dessert is as delicious as it is stunning, showcasing the rich flavors of ginger and cream. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
The trifle’s layers create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making every spoonful a delight. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a festive treat any time, this trifle is sure to be a hit.
Enjoy the sweet and spicy taste of gingerbread in this elegant dessert.
Eggnog French Toast
Use leftover eggnog to make delicious French toast. Dip slices of bread into eggnog, then cook until golden brown.
Top with powdered sugar and fresh berries for a festive breakfast. This French toast is rich and flavorful, capturing the essence of eggnog in every bite.
It’s a sweet and indulgent option for breakfast or brunch, perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea. This recipe turns a holiday favorite into a morning treat that’s sure to be enjoyed by all.
Turkey Curry
Spice up your leftover turkey with a flavorful curry. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add curry powder and turkey.
Simmer with coconut milk and peas for a rich, aromatic dish that transforms your leftovers into an exotic meal. This curry is a warming, delicious option for dinner.
Serve with rice and naan bread for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and exciting. The spices and coconut milk create a harmonious blend of flavors, making this dish a standout way to enjoy turkey in a new and delicious way.