Holiday Remix Leftover Creations

Unlock the Magic of Holiday Leftovers: Transform Your Feast into New Culinary Delights!

The joy of holiday meals doesn’t have to end when the last guest leaves. In fact, for many food enthusiasts, the true magic begins the day after. Those delicious remnants of your festive spread – the succulent turkey, the savory stuffing, the creamy mashed potatoes – aren’t just leftovers; they’re the building blocks for an exciting array of brand-new, mouth-watering meals. Repurposing holiday leftovers is an art form, a sustainable practice, and a delightful extension of the celebratory spirit. This guide will help you embrace the potential of every last crumb, turning what could be mundane reheats into unforgettable dishes.

Think about it: countless films immortalize the grandeur of Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. Yet, where are the cinematic tributes to the equally wonderful, often more inventive, leftover meals? While Charlie Brown’s unconventional Thanksgiving spread of buttered toast, pretzel sticks, popcorn, jelly beans, and an ice cream sundae might present a unique challenge, the possibilities for traditional holiday ingredients are endless! Just as we cherish the comfort and familiarity of traditional family recipes cooked during the holidays, there’s an undeniable thrill in getting creative and giving those ingredients a fresh, new identity. It’s a testament to the versatility of your holiday bounty – and a true #foodnerd delight!

Whether your holiday table left you with an abundance of turkey, succulent ham, roasted vegetables, flavorful stuffing, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, soft dinner rolls, or even delicate pie crust remnants, you’re in luck! We’ve curated an extensive collection of ideas and recipes designed to transform these delicious odds and ends into exciting new culinary experiences. From invigorating salads and heartwarming soups to delectable appetizers, refreshing cocktails, and satisfying full meals, prepare to be inspired to make the most of every delicious morsel.

Beyond the Feast: Unforgettable Holiday Leftover Meals

There’s something uniquely satisfying about digging into a thoughtfully prepared leftover dish. It’s more than just a delicious meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the happiest memories of the holiday celebration itself. I completely understand Ross Geller’s passionate, almost protective affection for his “Moist Maker Sandwich” from Friends – those layers of turkey, stuffing, and gravy-soaked bread are legendary for a reason! As the last of the leftovers disappear, I often feel a bittersweet pang. It’s a happy-sad feeling, filled with fond recollections of laughter, love, and cherished family time, yet tinged with the knowledge that I’ll have to wait until the next big holiday feast for it all to happen again. But until then, we have these amazing new meals to look forward to!

Mastering Holiday Leftovers: Storage & Safety First

Before we dive into the exciting world of leftover transformations, let’s address the most critical step: proper storage. Ensuring your holiday leftovers are handled and stored correctly is paramount to both food safety and maximizing their delicious potential. I know the feeling – after hours spent cooking a magnificent holiday meal, all you want to do is relax, kick up your heels, and perhaps settle in for a beloved holiday movie like “A Christmas Story.” The last thing on your mind is often a thorough kitchen cleanup and food storage marathon. However, getting those leftovers safely put away quickly and efficiently makes all the difference. You definitely don’t want to risk any unhealthy bacteria or mold developing, turning your culinary treasures into waste.

Preparing for Leftovers: A Pre-Holiday Strategy

Food poisoning is no laughing matter, and even if food just becomes inedible due to improper storage, the misfortune of wasting perfectly good holiday leftovers is something to be avoided at all costs. To minimize post-feast cleanup fatigue, consider implementing a “leftover strategy” even before you begin cooking your holiday meal. This proactive approach can save you time and stress later.

Gather all your lidded plastic or glass containers and ensure they have matching, well-fitting lids. Take a moment to check your refrigerator and freezer space – clear out any old items, make room, and organize shelves to accommodate the incoming abundance. This small act of pre-planning will make the post-meal storage process much smoother and less daunting.

Fridge vs. Freezer: Optimizing Shelf Life

Understanding the best storage method for each type of leftover is key. Items intended for immediate consumption (within 3-4 days) or those that don’t freeze well are best kept in the refrigerator. This might include certain roasted vegetables, creamy dishes, or delicate salads. For longer-term meal planning and to preserve your bounty for weeks or even months, the freezer is your best friend. Hearty meats, stocks, and some baked goods are excellent candidates for freezing.

As you sort your leftovers, take an inventory of what you have. Prioritize placing items with shorter shelf lives towards the front of the refrigerator for easy visibility and quick use. Nobody wants to discover watery whipped cream or moldy mashed potatoes! Consider labeling your containers with the date and contents to keep track, especially for frozen items.

Smart Portioning for Future Meals

When dealing with large quantities of leftovers, particularly turkey or ham, smart portioning is a game-changer. For example, if you have a significant amount of leftover turkey meat, divide it into smaller, meal-sized portions before freezing. Some people even prefer to separate dark and white meat, as white meat might be preferred for sandwiches while dark meat shines in soups or stews. Packing meat into individual sandwich baggies or small containers allows you to unfreeze only the amount you need, when you need it, preventing waste and ensuring freshness. This thoughtful approach to storage not only maintains food quality but also makes future meal prep incredibly convenient.

Unleashing Culinary Creativity: Delicious Holiday Leftover Recipes!

Alright, you’ve mastered the art of proper leftover storage. Your kitchen is sparkling, the last guests have departed, and you can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing everyone had a wonderful time. Now, the true reward awaits: those precious leftovers! All that effort put into preparing the holiday feast truly pays dividends now, providing the foundation for effortless and incredibly delicious subsequent meals. You might not feel like spending hours in the kitchen, and that’s perfectly fine, because these inspired ideas require minimal fuss. I’m always on the hunt for ingenious ways to repurpose holiday ingredients, and I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite suggestions, broken down by type of leftover, to spark your culinary imagination.

Turkey And Ham Leftovers: The Stars of Your Post-Holiday Menu

Turkey and ham are undeniably the centerpieces of most holiday feasts, leaving us with an abundance of flavorful meat. Far too often, these succulent leftovers are relegated to simple sandwiches, but their potential extends so much further! Many versatile chicken recipes can easily be adapted with your leftover turkey or ham, opening up a world of culinary possibilities. Get ready to transform your holiday roast into new family favorites.

RECIPES FOR LEFTOVER TURKEY:

• • Turkey Noodle Soup – A classic for a reason! This comforting soup is the ultimate way to utilize every bit of leftover turkey, from the succulent meat to the rich flavor derived from the bones. Homemade turkey stock, tender noodles, leftover turkey, and fresh vegetables combine for a deeply savory and soul-warming meal.
  • Homemade Turkey Stock – The foundation of so many incredible dishes. Don’t let that turkey carcass go to waste! A rich, aromatic stock can elevate soups, create luxurious sauces, and infuse countless dishes with deep flavor. This is an essential step for maximizing your turkey leftovers.
  • Mexican Style Leftover Turkey Soup – Add a zesty twist to your post-holiday meals with this warming soup. Flavors of the Southwest combine with tender turkey for a comforting and vibrant experience.
  • Elegant Turkey Oscar – Transform plain sliced turkey into a sophisticated dish! Served “Oscar style” with tender asparagus, a rich hollandaise sauce, and delicate shrimp & crabmeat, this recipe makes your leftovers feel incredibly fancy yet remains wonderfully simple to prepare.
  • Chicken (or Turkey) Ala King – A deliciously creamy and incredibly easy recipe. This classic dish uses leftover meat and frozen veggies, served perfectly over flaky biscuits, pasta noodles, or baked potatoes for a satisfying meal.

• • Hearty Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping – Chunks of tender turkey and garden vegetables are baked in a rich, creamy, and savory sauce, all crowned with a golden, fluffy biscuit crust. A true comfort food masterpiece!
  • Roast Turkey Tater Tot Casserole – A fun and flavorful spin on a beloved comfort food classic, ingeniously using your leftover turkey for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
  • Easy Turkey Tetrazzini – Featuring a luscious cheesy sauce, earthy mushrooms, and tender noodles, this turkey casserole is a fantastic and flavorful method for enjoying your leftover turkey.
  • Smoked Chicken (Turkey) and Grapes Hand Pies – These delightful hand pies are perfect for a light lunch, a sophisticated appetizer, or even tailgate parties, offering a unique blend of smoky and sweet flavors.
  • Turkey and Roasted Sweet Potato Risotto – Indulge in a creamy, luxurious risotto made even more special with the addition of sweet roasted potatoes and tender leftover turkey.
  • Turkey Salad Sliders – These charming mini sandwiches are ideal for casual snacking while decorating the tree, or as easy bites during the big game.
  • Peach Basil Chicken (or Turkey) Salad – Give your basic chicken salad a unique and incredibly flavorful twist by substituting leftover turkey and adding the vibrant notes of peach and fresh basil.
  • Spicy Chicken (or Turkey) Tortilla Soup – This vibrant tortilla soup recipe offers a fantastic alternative for using a chicken or turkey carcass for a rich, spicy stock. Even if you’ve never had tortilla soup before, this flavorful creation will blow you away with its depth and character.
  • Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder – When you’ve had your fill of turkey sandwiches, transform your leftover turkey into this rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious chowder, brimming with sweet corn and tender turkey pieces.
  • Pulled Leftover Turkey BBQ Sandwich – Elevate your turkey leftovers into smoky, tangy BBQ sandwiches, complete with homemade barbecue sauce and a crisp coleslaw.
  • Smoked Gruyere Turkey Bacon Panini – These gourmet paninis are taken over the top with the addition of fresh arugula and a luscious smoked honey mustard, creating a truly memorable sandwich.
  • Effortless Turkey Pot Pie – A simple-to-make pot pie featuring a quick and easy Bisquick topping, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
  • Caramelized Onion & Cream Cheese Turkey Enchiladas – While originally a chicken recipe, the turkey version of these creamy, savory enchiladas is absolutely out of this world, offering a delightful twist on Mexican comfort food.
  • Hearty White Bean Chili with Turkey – This crowd-pleasing chili, made with leftover turkey, is not only low in fat but also incredibly filling and packed with robust flavors.

RECIPES FOR LEFTOVER HAM:

• • Savory Ham and Cheese Sliders – King’s Hawaiian rolls are loaded with delicious ham and Swiss cheese, then slathered with a rich Dijon butter and baked to golden perfection. Fantastic for entertaining or game day gatherings.
  • Ham & Smoked Gouda Quiche- The sophisticated flavors of smoked ham and creamy smoked gouda cheese will tantalize your taste buds, making this a wonderful and elegant addition to any brunch spread.
  • Quick Ham Tetrazzini – A super-fast and incredibly satisfying dinner that comes together in as little as 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
  • Instant Pot Ham & Potato Soup – This savory, thick soup achieves its creamy texture from Yukon Gold potatoes and is expertly thickened with starchy russet potatoes, creating a deeply satisfying meal.
  • Fettuccini Alfredo with Ham & Peas – This incredibly rich and creamy pasta dish is remarkably easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying, perfect for a hearty dinner.

Stuffing & Dressing Transformations: More Than Just a Side Dish

For many, the stuffing (or dressing, as some prefer to call it) is the undisputed favorite part of the holiday meal. If by some miracle any of this glorious mixture survives being eaten cold directly from the Tupperware before bedtime, fear not! Its versatility truly shines in a variety of post-holiday recipes. Don’t let that flavorful, textural goodness go to waste; repurpose it into exciting new creations that extend the joy of your holiday feast.

RECIPES FOR LEFTOVER STUFFING:

• • Baked Pork Chops with Stuffing – As pictured above, these tender pork chops are baked to perfection with a savory stuffing topping, creating a complete and delicious meal in one pan.
  • Deep Fried Cornbread Dressing Balls – These irresistible, crispy deep-fried dressing balls, served with a tangy cranberry dip, make for perfect and crowd-pleasing appetizers from your leftover stuffing.
  • Sourdough Stuffing Egg Casserole – Give your leftover stuffing a new life by incorporating it into this incredible sourdough stuffing egg casserole. The stuffing adds amazing flavor to this effortless brunch dish that comes together with minimal effort.
  • Leftover Stuffing Bacon Cups – A creative and delightful way to use up all your leftover stuffing! Simply form bacon into cups, spoon in the savory stuffing, and top with a sprinkle of cranberries and nuts for delicious, bite-sized snacks.

• • Chicken and Rice Cordon Bleu Casserole – This delicious casserole cleverly uses your leftover stuffing as a flavorful, crispy crust baked right on top, adding an unexpected textural dimension.
  • Easy Leftover Turkey Casserole – A fantastic one-pan solution that makes brilliant use of *both* your leftover stuffing and succulent turkey, simplifying post-holiday cooking.

Recipes for Leftover Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: Comfort Reinvented

Potatoes and sweet potatoes (or yams) are quintessential components of any holiday meal, gracing our tables in various forms. While they are delightful on their own, their leftovers possess an incredible versatility, ready to be transformed into an array of new, comforting, and exciting dishes. From savory cakes to sweet treats, these starchy staples are anything but boring the second time around.

RECIPES FOR LEFTOVER POTATOES:

• • Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes (pictured above) – Achieve golden-brown perfection with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Served with fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream, these are an irresistible side or light meal.
  • Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes – Reheat your mashed potatoes in the most decadent way! Baked with a generous layer of cheese and crispy French fried onions, these are perfect with BBQ or as a standalone comfort dish.
  • Elegant Sweet Potato Bisque with Truffle Oil – Sweet potatoes are exquisitely combined with the earthy aroma of truffle oil and topped with buttery, crunchy homemade croutons, creating a scrumptious and luxurious bisque.
  • Flavorful Southwest Potato Croquettes – Mashed potatoes are expertly blended with vibrant Southwest seasoning, then fried into perfectly crispy, dip-ready little appetizers.
  • Loaded Mashed Potatoes Bake – Elevate your mashed potatoes by dressing them up like a fully loaded baked potato, complete with cheese, bacon, and chives, then baked in the oven until bubbly. Fantastic with BBQ!
  • Savory Mashed Potato Puffs – These delightful bites are like miniature Yorkshire puddings filled with creamy mashed potatoes, making for a truly yummy and fun side dish or appetizer.
  • Nostalgic Old Fashioned Potato Candy – A unique and surprisingly delicious peanut buttery sweet candy that has been a cherished treat since the Great Depression. A sweet surprise from savory leftovers!

Recipes for Leftover Pecans: Sweet & Savory Delights

When the last slice of Pecan Pie is but a fond memory, don’t forget those leftover pecans! These versatile nuts offer a rich, buttery crunch that can elevate an astonishing number of dishes, both sweet and savory. From decadent desserts to crunchy toppings, your surplus pecans are ready to be transformed into delightful new treats.

RECIPES FOR LEFTOVER PECANS:

• • Irresistible Turtle Cookies – The perfect combination of rich caramel, decadent chocolate, and crunchy pecans makes these large cookies a true embodiment of the classic turtle candy.
  • Homemade Chocolate Candy Cups – These delightful homemade chocolate candy cups, studded with pecans, will be an absolute hit on any holiday cookie tray or as a sweet gift.
  • Addictive Graham Cracker Toffee – Incredibly easy to make, this crispy, buttery toffee is consistently one of the first treats to vanish from holiday platters. Perfect for your upcoming cookie exchange!
  • Decadent Caramel Toffee & Pecan Fudge – Sweet, melt-in-your-mouth toffee fudge infused with rich caramel and crunchy pecans, making it a must-have addition to your holiday baking list.
  • Perfectly Toasted Pecans – Learn how to make ideal buttery toasted pecans (or any other nuts) to use as a versatile ingredient or topping in a wide variety of recipes and dishes, enhancing their flavor and texture.
  • Gourmet Sugared Pecans – These delightful, lightly sweetened pecans are fantastic for jazzing up cheese boards, or beautifully packaged as thoughtful hostess gifts.

Recipes for Leftover Cranberries and Cranberry Sauce: Brighten Up Your Post-Holiday Plate

Those vibrant leftover cranberries and tangy cranberry sauce are far too precious to simply discard. Their distinctive tartness and beautiful color can be repurposed into an array of exciting creations, from refreshing cocktails and delicious baked goods to even stunning decorative centerpieces! Let’s explore how to give these festive berries a delicious second act.

RECIPES FOR LEFTOVER CRANBERRIES:

• • Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins – Achieve perfect bakery-style muffins, infused with bright orange zest and bursting with your leftover cranberry sauce – a delightful breakfast or snack.
  • Sparkling Sugared Cranberries – As pictured above, these sweet and tart little bites make a fantastic snack on their own and serve as a beautiful, festive addition to cheese and charcuterie boards.
  • Elegant Cranberry Centerpiece – While not a recipe, this easy-to-create centerpiece, made with fresh cranberries, offers a stunning and simple way to enhance your holiday decor with natural beauty.
  • Dorothy’s Cranberry Meatballs – Transform that leftover cranberry sauce into a gorgeous, sweet, and savory meatball appetizer that’s perfect for parties.
  • Festive Cranberry Orange Christmas Pound Cake – Freeze your leftover cranberry sauce and use it to bake this wonderfully moist and flavorful pound cake, ideal for Christmas entertaining or gifting.
  • Baked Brie with Cranberries – Impress your guests with this elegant holiday appetizer: creamy baked brie and tangy cranberries encased in golden, flaky puff pastry.
  • Honey Roasted Cranberry Ricotta Crostini – A festive and flavorful crostini appetizer perfect for any party! Roasted cranberries are drizzled with honey over a creamy bed of orange-flecked ricotta cheese on a crispy baguette.
  • Roasted Cranberry Bourbon Crush Cocktail – A sophisticated drink featuring rich roasted cranberries paired with tart cranberry juice, caramel-hinted bourbon, and bubbly lemon-lime soda.
  • Sparkling CranApple Fizz Cocktail– This festive and bubbly cocktail, made with Alizé Apple, cranberry juice, and Prosecco, is elegantly dressed up for the holidays. Cheers!

Recipes for Leftover Pumpkin Puree: Don’t Waste a Drop of Autumnal Flavor

It’s a common dilemma: a recipe calls for just half a can of pumpkin puree. What to do with the rest? Waste it? Absolutely not! That vibrant, earthy pumpkin puree is a treasure trove of autumnal flavor, ready to be incorporated into a variety of delicious sweet and savory dishes. From breakfast treats to savory dips, discover how to make the most of every last spoonful and prevent any food waste.

RECIPES FOR LEFTOVER CANNED PUMPKIN:

• • Divine Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze – Quite possibly the most delightful way to start your day or enjoy an afternoon treat, offering moist cake and a rich, nutty glaze.
  • Flaky Pumpkin Pie Turnovers – Made with delicate puff pastry and topped with a warm, spiced glaze, these individual turnovers are like a handheld slice of pumpkin pie.
  • Savory Pumpkin Cheese Dip with Bacon – Utilize that leftover pumpkin puree to create a fantastic, creamy, and smoky appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or game day snacking.
  • Easy Pumpkin Pie Croissant Bundles – Simple to make croissants filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, pumpkin, and classic fall spices. A lighter recipe that keeps calories down while still letting you savor beloved autumn flavors!
  • Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Wontons – From Take Two Tapas, these crispy wontons are filled with creamy pumpkin pie filling and sweet chocolate, then topped with a maple sour cream glaze and dusted with powdered sugar for an unforgettable dessert.
  • Mini Spice Cookies with Creamy Pumpkin Dip – Soft and chewy spice cookies are perfectly paired with a rich, spiced pumpkin dip, creating an ideal treat for entertaining or cozy evenings.
  • Warm & Creamy Pumpkin Curry Soup – A delightfully creamy pumpkin soup infused with aromatic curry spices. This flavorful dish is done and ready for eating in less than 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
  • Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Moist, tender baked pumpkin donuts, generously dunked in a sweet and spiced glaze, making them an irresistible breakfast or dessert treat.
  • Enchanting Cinderella Cake – A truly magical Pumpkin Bundt Cake crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for any special occasion.

Recipes for Leftover Pie Crust: A Sweet Bonus You Didn’t Know You Needed

My grandma, a culinary wizard, always made sure there was extra pie crust dough. She knew how much I adored those simple, baked scraps dusted with cinnamon and sugar. Even if that particular nostalgic treat isn’t quite up your alley, rest assured that leftover pie crust is incredibly versatile! These simple, often overlooked remnants can be transformed into a variety of delightful snacks and desserts. Don’t let a single scrap go to waste when you can create something wonderfully new.

LEFTOVER PIE CRUST RECIPES:

• • Pumpkin Spice Swirls – Leftover Pie Crust Cookies – As pictured above, these charming little bites are perfectly spiced and make an excellent accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage.
  • Copycat Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard – Recreate the iconic Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard at home with spiced apples, creamy vanilla ice cream, and crunchy pieces of cinnamon pie crust.
  • Charming Pie Crust Cookies – Simple yet delightful, these cookies are made by cutting pie crust into fun shapes with cookie cutters and dusting them with your favorite flavored sugar.
  • Gourmet Pie Crust Cookies with Pecans and Whiskey Caramel Sauce – Elevate leftover pie crust into sophisticated cookies, topped with pecans and drizzled with a luxurious whiskey caramel sauce!

Repurposing Leftover Apples: Freshness Beyond the Feast

After baking all those delicious apple pies and crumbles for your holiday feast, you might still find a few crisp apples left in your fruit basket. Don’t let them simply sit there! These fresh apples are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into an array of delightful treats, from comforting cooked dishes to refreshing salads. Give your leftover apples a delicious new purpose with these inspiring recipes.

LEFTOVER APPLE RECIPES:

• • Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce – The comforting aroma it imparts to your kitchen is only surpassed by its incredible, homemade flavor. An effortless way to create a warm, spiced applesauce.
  • Vibrant Persimmon Salad – A unique and refreshing salad featuring crisp apples, sweet persimmons, and bright maraschino cherries, making it a surprisingly delightful keeper.
  • Luxurious Apple Dumplings with Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce (pictured above) – Tender apples are topped with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then beautifully wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown, served with a decadent spiced rum caramel sauce.
  • The Very BEST Apple Crisp– Seriously, you will never need another apple crisp recipe once you try this one. I promise an unparalleled combination of tender apples and a buttery, crunchy topping.
  • Authentic Apple Kuchen (German Apple Cake) – This not-too-sweet German apple cake features tender, spiced apples nestled in a delicate cake, all topped with a light vanilla glaze for a truly comforting dessert.
  • Crisp Apple Chicken Salad – Fresh apples, crunchy cashews, and a sweet honey dressing give your classic chicken salad a vibrant and refreshing new twist, bursting with flavor and texture.
  • Fun Snicker Apple Salad – This delightful creation playfully called a “salad” is a sweet and crunchy indulgence, combining crisp apples with cool whip and irresistible Snicker candy bars.

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Don’t let these fantastic ideas for repurposing holiday leftovers slip away! Make sure to save this entire collection to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily access these creative recipes and tips whenever you need them. Share the joy of reinvented holiday meals with your friends and family!

Beyond the Recipes: More Ingenious Leftover Ideas

The possibilities for holiday leftovers are truly boundless! Beyond the structured recipes, there are countless quick and creative ways to utilize every last bit of your festive feast. Here are some brilliant suggestions that I either wholeheartedly recommend or am eager to try myself, guaranteed to spark your culinary imagination and make your post-holiday meals effortless and delicious.

• • Turkey Dinner Pastries: Combine diced turkey, mashed potatoes, and a dollop of cranberry sauce within squares of puff pastry dough. Fold them into pockets or turnovers and bake until golden brown for delightful, individual “leftover dinner” pastries – perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
  • Creamier Soups with Mashed Potatoes: Got extra mashed potatoes? Use them as a natural thickening starch in your next soup! Stir a spoonful or two into broths or vegetable soups to add a rich, creamy texture without needing heavy cream.
  • Chilled Green Bean Salads: Don’t just reheat those leftover string beans. Chop them up and add them chilled to your everyday salads for a refreshing burst of color and a tender-crisp texture. They pair wonderfully with a vinaigrette.
  • Turkey Nachos: Swap out ground beef for shredded turkey meat to create epic turkey nachos! You can still use your favorite taco blend seasonings, top with cheese, jalapeños, and all the usual fixings for a flavorful and easy meal.
  • Sweet Potato Pancakes: Mash leftover sweet potatoes, mix them with a couple of eggs, a touch of flour, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Form them into patties and fry them until golden brown for delicious sweet potato pancakes – a fantastic breakfast or side dish.
  • The Legendary “Moist Maker” Sandwich: Of course, no discussion of turkey leftovers is complete without Ross Geller’s iconic “Moist Maker” sandwich. This masterpiece features layers of turkey and stuffing, with a crucial gravy-soaked piece of bread in the middle, ensuring ultimate moisture and flavor.
  • Gravy for Breakfast: If you’re lucky enough to have leftover gravy (it always seems to disappear so quickly!), don’t just save it for dinner. Pour it over warm, flaky biscuits for a savory and satisfying breakfast. Remember, if you stored some good hearty stock, whipping up extra gravy is never an issue!

Relax & Enjoy: Holiday Movies to Complement Your Leftover Feasting

While the culinary adventures with holiday leftovers are exciting, the true essence of the season often lies in the quality time spent with family and friends. After the grand meal and the delightful task of repurposing leftovers, there inevitably comes a point when the food coma sets in, and everyone desires nothing more than to kick back and relax. Whether it’s nap time, game time, or simply time to put on a classic flick and chill, these holiday movies provide the perfect backdrop for a cozy, post-feast wind-down. They’re excellent companions to your new leftover creations, extending the festive atmosphere without any additional effort.

• • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – A timeless and uproariously hilarious classic that never fails to bring laughter, no matter how many times you’ve seen the Griswold’s chaotic holiday antics.
  • Elf – While Buddy’s preferred holiday meal of candy, candy canes, corn syrup, and candy corn isn’t exactly traditional, this heartwarming and hilarious film is guaranteed to put a huge smile on your face and fill you with festive cheer.
  • The Last Waltz – This isn’t your typical holiday movie, but a legendary music documentary of The Band’s farewell concert, featuring an incredible lineup from Neil Diamond to Muddy Waters. What makes it a holiday watch? The show was filmed on Thanksgiving Day, and a massive turkey dinner was famously served to the entire audience, courtesy of director Martin Scorsese.