What to Do with Christmas Leftovers? Try These Recipes

After the holiday feast, there's always a bounty of delicious Christmas leftovers waiting to be transformed into new dishes. Don’t let that turkey, veggies, or stuffing go to waste! In this guide, we’ll show you creative and tasty ways to repurpose your leftovers into mouthwatering meals. From savory sandwiches to comforting casseroles, you’ll be enjoying the magic of Christmas long after the last gift has been opened. 

13 Creative Christmas Leftovers Recipes 

Make the most of your Christmas leftovers with these creative ideas! All will ensure your holiday feast lasts even longer - and avoid any food waste.  

1. Leftover Turkey Pie  

First of all, a Christmas feast is never complete without a turkey. So naturally, you must make a leftover turkey pie the next day. This is a comforting dish to enjoy after Christmas. Simply mix diced turkey with sautéed vegetables, cream, and seasonings, then place the mixture in a pie crust. Top with a second crust, bake until golden, and enjoy a savory, satisfying meal that reimagines your holiday leftovers! 

2. Vegetable Curry 

Secondly, transform leftover Christmas veggies into a hearty vegetable curry! Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add diced leftover vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Stir in curry powder, coconut milk, and vegetable broth, simmering until the flavors meld together. Serve over rice for a delicious, warming meal! 

3. Bubble and Squeak 

Bubble and Squeak is a famous British dish made with fried potatoes and cabbage. This spin is a perfect way to use up leftover Christmas veggies! Simply mash together Brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Fry the mixture in a hot pan until crispy and golden on both sides. Serve as a savory side dish or a comforting breakfast the next day. 

4. Leftover Turkey Shepeard Pie 

In addition, a leftover turkey shepherd's pie is a hearty, comforting dish. Combine shredded turkey, mixed vegetables, and gravy in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly. This easy recipe transforms your Christmas leftovers into a delicious new meal that everyone will love! 

5. Bread Pudding  

A Christmas dinner always features a massive breadbasket for guests to enjoy. However, it is not always fully eaten. Transform your leftover Christmas bread into a delicious dessert with bread pudding. Tear the bread into pieces, then mix with eggs, milk, sugar, berries, and spices. Bake until golden and serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream for a cozy, sweet treat that’s perfect for holiday leftovers! 

6. Christmas Mulligatawny soup 

A mulligatawny soup is always a comforting soup to enjoy during cold days. Turn your leftover turkey into this hearty soup easily. Simply sauté onions, garlic, and curry powder, then add turkey, vegetables, and chicken broth. Simmer and blend for a smooth, flavorful soup. Serve with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of cilantro for a warm, festive twist on leftovers. 

7. Leftover Veggie Tart 

Got leftover roasted vegetables from your Christmas dinner? Transform your leftover vegetables into a delicious veggie tart! Use puff pastry as the base, then top with a mix of leftover veggies, cheese, and eggs. Bake until golden and crisp for a savory, satisfying dish. It’s the perfect way to enjoy leftovers while keeping things light and flavorful. 

8. Leftover Christmas Pudding Ice Cream 

Turning Christmas leftovers into delicious meals the next day is not limited to savory dishes. You can easily turn your leftover Christmas pudding into a creamy ice cream treat! Chop up the pudding into small pieces and fold it into vanilla or pecan ice cream. Freeze until set for a decadent dessert that combines the festive flavors of Christmas pudding with the refreshing coolness of ice cream. 

9. Friend’s “Moist-Maker” Turkey Sandwich  

Every Friends fan knows the story of Ross Geller's leftover turkey sandwich made by his sister, Monica. While this was a Turkey leftover spin, it also works for Christmas! The key to this sandwich is the “moist maker”, which is a piece of bread soaked into the leftover gravy. So, you will get two pieces of toasted bread stuffed with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a soaking piece of bread in the middle. According to the show – this sandwich is so good that it got Ross fired from his job.  

10. Turkey Risotto  

Creamy risotto is always a great choice for chilly weather - and lazy vibes! Sauté onions and garlic, then stir in Arborio rice. Gradually add turkey stock, stirring until absorbed. Mix in chopped leftover turkey, peas, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until creamy and tender for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for post-Christmas leftovers. 

11. Leftover Yams Pancakes  

If you made a large plate of sweet yams for your Christmas breakfast or dinner, you could turn the leftovers into fluffy pancakes the following day. Mash the yams and mix with flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add eggs, milk, and a splash of vanilla for a smooth batter. Cook on a griddle until golden brown and serve with maple syrup for a delicious breakfast treat. 

12. Leftover Pasta Bake  

Pasta lovers will adore this leftover dish turned into a comforting bake! Combine cooked pasta with leftover turkey or chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly. This hearty dish is perfect for repurposing holiday leftovers into a satisfying meal. 

13. Cheesy Leftover Stuffing Balls 

Lastly, turn leftover stuffing into tasty cheesy bites! Mix your stuffing with grated cheese, a beaten egg, and a bit of garlic powder. Roll into balls and bake or deep fry until crispy and golden. These cheesy stuffing balls are the perfect snack or side dish, making use of holiday leftovers in a fun way. 

In conclusion, Christmas leftovers don't have to go to waste! With these creative recipes, you can transform your holiday feast into new, exciting meals. Whether you're repurposing turkey, veggies, or even bread, there's no reason to let your leftovers sit in the fridge. Enjoy the holiday magic long after Christmas Day!