Holiday Leftovers: Delicious Ways to Use Them Up

Holiday leftovers can get a new life using any of a number of recipes utilizing the most common holiday foods. The following can help create new and exciting dishes from the typical holiday fare.

Tips, Tricks and Recipes for Holiday Leftovers

Find some tips and recipes for holiday leftovers on the Whole Foods Market blog. These recipes make use of holiday food items such as vegetables, turkey, breads, rolls, gravy and dressing/stuffing.

New life can be given to vegetables, cranberry sauce, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and other holiday foods utilizing the recipes at My Recipes.

Get ideas for remaking leftover cranberries, turkey, stuffing and potatoes using the recipes found on ABC News.

Make Breakfast

There are many creative ways to turn holiday leftovers into fun and fabulous breakfast, as well. Mr. Breakfast offers ideas for leftover remakes that result in pancakes, hash, waffles, frittata and more.

Leftover Turkey Holiday Sandwich

One tried-and-true family favorite recipe for holiday leftovers is to make a leftover turkey holiday sandwich. Feel free to experiment and create unique combinations that use the available leftovers and suit individual taste.

2 slices of bread or 1 roll
Ham or turkey
Stuffing or dressing, about one spoonful-slightly pressed together
Cranberry sauce or jelly - about one spoonful or one slice
1 slice cheese (any flavor will work)
Gravy, spread on bread or inside of roll (after the gravy is warmed up)

Once the warm gravy is spread on the bread or roll, being piling on the other ingredients to make the sandwich.

Holiday Leftover Casserole

A great way to use a lot of leftovers at once is to put them all together in a casserole. This family favorite makes great use of holiday leftovers and can be used any time the core ingredients are available.

Leftover ham or turkey, chunked
2 cans cream soup of choice
1 soup can amount of milk or water (approximately 10-14 oz)
Stuffing or dressing
Leftover vegetables
Cheese
Topping: corn flakes, fried onions or any other topping with a crunch to it

Combine everything but the cheese and topping in a large bowl. Pour into a casserole dish, spreading evenly. Top casserole with cheese and then the topping item. Bake for about 30 minutes at a temperature of 350 degrees.

Summary

Some leftovers, such as meat, can be frozen for use at another time. Others may be best used quickly, in creative ways. Many leftovers can be combined to make casseroles, soups and salads. Some desserts can be remade into other dessert items: like sweet breads used in bread pudding or pie filling used in smoothies. Cookies can sandwich a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. With a little creativity, new life can be given to many different holiday leftovers.

References:

Leftover Turkey Holiday Sandwich and Holiday Leftover Casserole recipes by Daniella Nicole.