Last Updated: 13 December 2023
The lingering aroma of roasted turkey, the subtle sweetness of cranberry sauce, and the comforting richness of gravy – Christmas feasts are a culinary symphony that fills our homes with joy and warmth.
However, as the festivities wind down and the plates are cleared, we're often left with a bounty of Christmas leftovers, and not fancying repeating the whole meal over again, wondering how to make the most of what's left. Fear not, fellow food enthusiasts, we're here to help you transform your extra festive food into delicious new dishes with these great recipes.
1. Turkey curry: A fusion of flavours
The humble turkey, often the star of the Christmas table, can be transformed into a fragrant and flavourful curry that will tantalise your taste buds. This recipe from Easy Peasy Foodie combines tender turkey with a medley of spices, vegetables, and coconut milk, creating a dish that's both comforting and exotic.
2. Sprout cake: A sweet delight
Brussels sprouts, often the subject of playful jokes, can be elevated into a culinary masterpiece with this sprout cake recipe from Cooking Bites. This dish combines sprouts with walnuts, raisins and coconut to create a unique and satisfying treat.
3. Bubble and squeak: A classic revival
Bubble and squeak, a beloved British dish, is a simple yet satisfying way to revive leftover roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts. This recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary combines the crispy potatoes and sprouts with a fried egg, creating a hearty and nostalgic meal.
4. Christmas pasta salad: A festive twist
Transform your Christmas leftovers into a refreshing and festive salad with this recipe from The Food Network. This salad combines cooked turkey, vegetables, and a creamy dressing, making it a perfect light lunch or side dish.
5. Turkey and potato hash: A comforting classic
The humble potato hash is a versatile and comforting dish that can be easily refashioned with leftover turkey. This recipe from Home and Plate combines cooked potatoes, chopped turkey, and a variety of vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
6. Turkey and Spinach Frittata: A Wholesome Treat
For a lighter yet equally satisfying option, try this turkey and spinach frittata recipe from Amy in the Kitchen. This dish combines leftover turkey with spinach, eggs, and a variety of herbs, creating a wholesome and nutritious meal.
7. Turkey and cranberry Shepherd's Pie: A festive twist
Transform your Christmas leftovers into a comforting and nostalgic shepherd's pie with this recipe from Best Recipe Box. This dish combines mashed potatoes, leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and vegetables, creating a hearty and tasty meal.
8. Turkey and veggie soup: A healthy and refreshing option
Warm up with this hearty and healthy turkey and veggie soup recipe from Dear Crissy. This dish combines leftover turkey with vegetables, broth, and spices, creating a comforting and nutritious meal.
9. Turkey wraps: A quick and easy lunch
For a quick and easy lunch on the go, try these turkey wraps from Spend with Pennies. This recipe combines leftover turkey, a variety of vegetables, and a flavourful dressing, making a satisfying and portable meal.
10. Turkey and noodle stir-fry: An Asian-inspired delight
Embrace global flavours with this turkey and noodle stir-fry recipe from Appetites Anonymous. This dish combines leftover turkey with noodles, vegetables, and an Asian-inspired sauce, creating a unique and satisfying meal.
Remember, creativity is key when repurposing Christmas leftovers. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours, herbs, and spices to create your own culinary masterpieces. With a little imagination, you can turn those leftover morsels into a delightful array of dishes that will tantalise your taste buds and extend the festive spirit long after the big day is over and done with.
And while it's great to minimise food waste at Christmas, there's still sure to be some wastage at the end of the day. Don't forget to dispose of any food waste in your kitchen caddy so it can be properly recycled and turned into renewable energy and organic fertiliser at one of our anaerobic digestion facilities!