10 Creative Recipes to Reinvent Your Christmas Leftovers

The feast is over, but your fridge is still packed with holiday goodies. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste! We’ve got 10 mouthwatering recipes that will transform your Christmas leftovers into exciting new meals. Let’s dive in and give those leftovers a delicious second life!

1. Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey, shredded
• Cranberry sauce
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Tortillas
• Butter for grilling

Instructions:

1. Spread cranberry sauce on one half of a tortilla.
2. Top with shredded turkey and cheese.
3. Fold the tortilla in half.
4. Grill in a buttered skillet until golden and crispy on both sides.

Storage Tip: Assemble quesadillas and store uncooked in the fridge for up to 2 days, separated by parchment paper.

2. Christmas Pudding Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• Leftover Christmas pudding, crumbled
• Vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• Brandy or rum (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix crumbled Christmas pudding into softened ice cream.
2. Add a splash of brandy or rum if desired.
3. Refreeze until firm.

Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

3. Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak

Ingredients:

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Leftover roasted vegetables, chopped
• Leftover Brussels sprouts, chopped
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Form into patties.
3. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy on both sides.

Storage Tip: Uncooked patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, separated by parchment paper.

4. Festive Frittata

Ingredients:

• Leftover ham or turkey, diced
• Leftover roasted vegetables, chopped
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour into an oven-safe skillet.
4. Add leftover meat, vegetables, and cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.

Storage Tip: Store cooked frittata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Christmas Leftover Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey or ham, diced
• Leftover gravy
• Leftover vegetables, chopped
• Leftover mashed potatoes

Instructions:

1. Mix meat, gravy, and vegetables in a baking dish.
2. Top with mashed potatoes.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Storage Tip: Assemble pie and store uncooked in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

6. Holiday Ham Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• Leftover ham, diced
• Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• Leftover vegetables, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Soy sauce
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet.
2. Scramble eggs and set aside.
3. Stir-fry ham and vegetables.
4. Add rice and soy sauce, stir to combine.
5. Mix in scrambled eggs.

Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

7. Turkey and Stuffing Croquettes

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey, finely chopped
• Leftover stuffing
• 1 egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix chopped turkey and stuffing.
2. Form into small cylinders.
3. Dip in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.
4. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Storage Tip: Uncooked croquettes can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw before frying.

8. Cranberry Sauce Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• Leftover cranberry sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients.
2. Add wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
3. Fill muffin cups halfway, add a spoonful of cranberry sauce, then top with more batter.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes.

Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

9. Christmas Dinner Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

• Bread slices
• Leftover turkey or ham
• Leftover cranberry sauce
• Leftover stuffing
• Cheese slices
• Butter for grilling

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Layer cheese, meat, stuffing, and cranberry sauce between bread slices.
3. Grill in a skillet until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Storage Tip: Best made fresh, but ingredients can be prepped and stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

10. Mince Pie Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

• Leftover mince pies, roughly chopped
• 4 cups bread cubes
• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix bread cubes and chopped mince pies in a baking dish.
2. Whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
3. Pour over bread mixture and let soak for 30 minutes.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes until set.

Storage Tip: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Leftover Decision Tree

Not sure what to do with a specific leftover? Use this handy decision tree!

[Insert decision tree image here]

1. Is it still fresh? (Yes/No)

• No: Discard
• Yes: Continue to 2

1. What type of leftover is it?

• Turkey/Ham: Try Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas or Holiday Ham Fried Rice
• Vegetables: Make Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak or Festive Frittata
• Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for Christmas Leftover Shepherd’s Pie
• Stuffing: Create Turkey and Stuffing Croquettes
• Cranberry Sauce: Bake Cranberry Sauce Muffins
• Christmas Pudding: Whip up Christmas Pudding Ice Cream
• Mince Pies: Transform into Mince Pie Bread Pudding

1. How much time do you have?

• Quick meal: Go for Christmas Dinner Grilled Cheese
• More time: Try Christmas Leftover Shepherd’s Pie

1. Still not sure? Mix and match leftovers in a Festive Frittata!

Remember, food safety comes first. When in doubt, throw it out!

With these creative recipes and our handy decision tree, you’ll be turning your Christmas leftovers into culinary delights in no time. Enjoy your post-holiday feasting!