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These delicious recipes use post Thanksgiving and Christmas leftovers to turn yesterday’s feast into tomorrow’s stews, pastas, soups and beautiful bakes! Cut down on food waste, stretch your holiday budget and create unforgettable meals the whole family will enjoy.
There’s nothing worse than a fridge full of leftovers and no plans beyond “reheat, eat and repeat” — but they are pure gold when you know what to do with them.
Instead of leftovers, think of them as ingredients and you will discover a whole world beyond your basic turkey sandwich. Best of all, these are easy, comforting and do not take nearly as long as your holiday meal to make!
Spend less time cooking and more time relaxing while your leftovers do the heavy lifting. It’s the tastiest way to clear out the fridge after the holidays!
How long can leftovers sit out at room temperature?
Ideally, you should not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s very warm, above 90°F / 32°C). Otherwise, bacteria may multiply and the food may no longer be safe to eat.
How long do leftovers keep in the fridge?
Cooked holiday leftovers will typically keep for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Store in shallow airtight containers and use by day 4 for best taste and food safety. Strip leftover turkey or ham off the bone before storing. This helps the meat chill quickly and evenly and keeps it safer and juicier. Bonus: the turkey carcass can be used to make exceptional broth or stock!
Can I freeze Thanksgiving leftovers?
Yes, most will freeze really well. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label with the date and use within 2–3 months or they might lose their texture and flavor.
Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
You can – provided they have been mashed with fat like butter and cream. Place in small containers to freeze, then transfer them to bags once solid. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat with a splash of milk, cream or broth to bring back the creaminess and moisture.
Can leftover gravy and sauces be saved?
Yes, but be sure the gravy has cooled down completely before placing it in a covered container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it slowly on the stove, whisking and bringing it back to a full simmer. If it has been sitting out on the table for more than 2 hours, it’s safer to discard it.
Turkey: The Main Event
The holiday season usually leaves behind at least one major leftover: Turkey. Thankfully, there is a range of delicious and diverse dishes you can make with the big bird, from classic pies and pasta to casseroles and superb soups.
1
Leftover Turkey Pie
5 from 6 votes
This easy Leftover Turkey Pie is a great way to use up leftover roast turkey, ham or bacon and cream. It is the perfect Boxing Day Pie, best eaten in front of a Christmas movie! Tailor the ingredients to your leftovers and enjoy this cozy hearty pie.
This Leftover Turkey Soup recipe is a great way to use up any leftover turkey. It's easy and quick to make, delicious AND will warm you right down to your toes!
This Cozy Leftover Turkey Stew recipe is a wonderful way to use up all your post-holiday leftovers! Tender chunks of turkey with bacon, carrots and potatoes in a rich creamy broth – so easy, hearty and absolutely delicious.
This Creamy Tuscan Orzo cooks in one pot, is super flavorful and a great pasta dish for using up your leftover roast turkey. It is quick, easy, delicious AND, if leftover turkey is not in season, this recipe works great with chicken too!
One-Pot Marsala Orzo with Leftover Turkey (or Chicken!)
This One Pot Marsala Orzo is pure weeknight comfort – tender orzo simmered in a creamy Marsala sauce with mushrooms, thyme and leftover turkey or chicken. This easy one pot wonder is simply packed with flavor!
This Leftover Turkey Casserole is easy, super delicious and a great way to use chicken or turkey leftovers. Creamy Alfredo sauce, bacon, turkey, pasta and broccoli baked till golden… your family will go nuts for this recipe!
This easy Leftover Turkey Curry recipe is simple, quick and absolutely packed with flavor! This mild creamy curry with coconut milk and spinach is a perfect way to use your turkey leftovers and impress your guests.
Put your turkey leftovers to good use with this easy Crockpot Turkey Soup recipe! It's nourishing and heart-warming, packed with vegetables and wild rice and finished with a touch of cream. There’s no browning or precooking required – just let your slow cooker work its magic!
This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup with Leftover Turkey is hearty and packed with flavor. Quick to make, family-friendly, and a delicious way to turn holiday leftovers into something everyone will love.
Turkey may be in the spotlight, but it’s not the only thing left behind after the festivities. Ham leftovers can be converted into brand new and delicious dishes for the family.
10
Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup
5 from 4 votes
This delicious Pea and Ham Soup is easy to make in the slow cooker and it's a great way to use up leftover ham. OMG what a revelation! This simple dish packs maximum flavor into only a handful of ingredients.
Delicious Creamy Carbonara Sauce made with egg yolks, Parmesan and cream. Simply swap out the pancetta or bacon for leftover ham and you're good to go! Ready in just 15 minutes and delicious with all types of pasta.
You may not think about repurposing leftover roast beef but it can create some truly rich and hearty meals. Best of all, it brings a whole new level of flavor to the most basic recipe.
12
Beef Stroganoff Pasta Bake
4.62 from 13 votes
Who loves a pasta bake? It is always welcome at our house and this Beef Stroganoff Pasta Bake is an absolute fave! I came up with this recipe as a way to use leftover roast beef and it works beautifully.
This creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup is inspired by the legendary Philly cheesesteak sandwich. This insanely delicious and hearty soup is the perfect option for your leftover roast beef, plus peppers, mushrooms and plenty of cheese!
Holiday tables tend to feature a lot of potatoes, but not many people think about holding on to the leftovers to make something new. Feast your eye on these delightful mash-ups and you may well be inspired!
14
Mashed Potato Gratin with Caramelized Onions
Mashed Potato Gratin — the ultimate comfort food side! Just imagine: Your leftover mashed potatoes topped with jammy caramelized onions and thinly sliced scalloped potatoes under a blanket of grated cheese. Dish it out and wait for the compliments!
Let’s talk waffles! Are you a sweet or a savory waffle lover? I love them both equally, but these Mashed Potato Waffles are just divine! Making mashed potato waffles from scratch is easy enough but it gets even simpler when use leftover mashed potatoes. Serve them topped with soured cream and chives or fully loaded with toppings!
This Chicken Shepherd’s Pie recipe swaps the traditional ground lamb for tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, and can be topped with your leftover mashed potatoes. The ultimate comfort food for chilly nights!
Too many leftover roast potatoes? No problem! This warm Tuscan Potato Salad brings them together with bacon, Italian sausage, sun dried tomatoes and spinach – prepare to discover your new obsession!
Sweet Potato Brownies – ultra fudgy, gooey, naturally sweetened, vegan and gluten-free brownies for when you want to indulge but keep things a tad healthier. Best of all, they use up plenty of leftover roasted sweet potatoes that may be hanging around your fridge. These moist dense brownies taste like the real deal – even my brownie-obsessed kids LOVED them.
