From Turkey to Trifle: Creative Ideas for Using Up Christmas Leftovers
December 27, 2023
The holiday season is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a feast? But with all the cooking and baking, there’s often a lot of food left over. Rather than letting it go to waste, why not try some creative ideas for using up those Christmas leftovers?
From turkey and ham to vegetables and desserts, there are plenty of ways to repurpose these ingredients into delicious new meals. In this post, we’ll be sharing some creative ideas for transforming your Christmas leftovers into new and exciting dishes. So, let’s get started and make the most of those festive leftovers!
1. Introduction: the struggle of Christmas leftovers
Ah, the struggle of Christmas leftovers. We’ve all been there – opening the fridge to find containers upon containers of turkey, ham, vegetables, and potatoes. You don’t want to waste the food, but there’s only so much turkey sandwiches and bubble and squeak you can stomach.
That’s where creativity comes in. With a little bit of inspiration and some imagination, you can transform those leftovers into delicious, new meals that will have your family begging for more.
In this post, we’ll be sharing some creative ideas for using up your Christmas leftovers. From turkey to trifle, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and see what we can create from those leftovers!
2. Turkey and cranberry sauce pie
One of the best ways to use up leftover turkey and cranberry sauce is by making a delicious turkey and cranberry sauce pie. This recipe is perfect if you have a lot of turkey leftover and want to create something that is both tasty and filling.
To make this pie, you’ll need some puff pastry, leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, onions, garlic, and some herbs such as thyme and rosemary. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and then sautéing the onions and garlic in a pan over medium heat until softened.
Next, add the leftover turkey to the pan and cook for a few minutes until heated through. Then, stir in some cranberry sauce and the herbs to taste and mix everything together.
Roll out your puff pastry and line a pie dish with it. Pour the turkey and cranberry sauce mixture into the pie dish and top with another layer of puff pastry. Brush the top with a beaten egg and bake in the oven for around 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve with some leftover vegetables or a salad for a delicious and hearty meal that will make sure none of your Christmas leftovers go to waste.
3. Creative sandwich ideas
Sandwiches are a great way to use up leftovers after Christmas. You can use almost anything as a filling and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you. Start with the bread – it can be toasted, grilled, or plain. Then add your leftovers and some fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, or cucumber to bring some crunch and freshness to your sandwich.
For example, you can make a turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich using leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. Simply spread the cranberry sauce on one slice of bread, add some sliced turkey, and top with the other slice of bread. You can also add some stuffing or mashed potatoes to make it even more filling.
If you have some roast beef or ham leftover, you can make a classic club sandwich. Toast three slices of bread and layer them with lettuce, tomato, bacon, cheese, and your choice of meat. You can also add some leftover roasted vegetables like peppers or onions to give it an extra flavor boost.
For a vegetarian option, you can make a grilled vegetable and hummus sandwich. Slice up some leftover vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers and grill them until they are tender. Then spread some hummus on your bread and add the grilled vegetables. You can also add some feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making creative sandwiches with Christmas leftovers. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out new combinations to find your perfect sandwich.
4. How to make a festive turkey soup
If you’re looking for a warm and comforting way to use up your leftover turkey, a festive turkey soup is a great option! Start by simmering the turkey carcass in a large pot of water for several hours to create a rich and flavorful broth. Once the broth is ready, strain out the bones and any other unwanted bits, and return the liquid to the pot. Add in your favorite soup vegetables, such as onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes, along with some festive herbs like thyme and rosemary. Let everything simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Finally, stir in some cooked noodles or rice and any leftover turkey meat you have, and let everything cook for a few more minutes until heated through. Serve hot with some crusty bread and enjoy a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for cold winter nights!
5. Stilton and cranberry sauce tart
If you’re looking for a creative way to use up your leftover Stilton and cranberry sauce, why not try making a Stilton and cranberry sauce tart? This rich and flavorful tart is the perfect way to use up any leftover cheese and cranberry sauce you have from your Christmas feast.
To make this tart, start by making a simple pastry crust and pre-baking it. Then, mix together some crumbled Stilton cheese and leftover cranberry sauce. Spread the mixture over the pre-baked pastry crust and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the tart is cooked, you can serve it warm or cold with a side salad or some roasted vegetables. It’s a delicious way to use up your leftovers and create a new dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s a great way to switch up your traditional Christmas flavors and create something new and exciting.
6. Leftover stuffing frittata
A frittata is a versatile dish that can be made with almost any leftover ingredient. Leftover stuffing, in particular, can be used to create a delicious and filling frittata that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
To make a leftover stuffing frittata, start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add any additional leftover vegetables or meats that you would like to include, such as diced ham, bell peppers, or onions. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Next, add the leftover stuffing to the skillet and spread it out evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together some eggs and milk, along with any desired seasonings such as salt, pepper, or herbs. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing and vegetables, and give everything a good stir to combine.
Cook the frittata over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly browned. You can finish it off under the broiler for a few minutes to get a crispier top if you prefer.
Serve the leftover stuffing frittata hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. It’s a great way to use up leftover stuffing in a creative and delicious way.
7. Cranberry sauce and brie crostini
If you have leftover cranberry sauce and brie cheese, why not use them to create a delicious appetizer or snack? Cranberry sauce and brie crostini is a creative way to use up your leftovers while impressing your guests with a tasty and elegant treat.
To make this dish, you’ll need sliced baguette or French bread, brie cheese, leftover cranberry sauce, and some olive oil. First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Then, brush the bread slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the bread slices in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy.
Next, slice the brie cheese into thin pieces and place them on top of the toasted bread slices. Add a dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the brie cheese. Place the crostini back in the oven and broil them for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the crostini are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Then, serve them on a platter and watch as your guests eagerly dive in. This cranberry sauce and brie crostini is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser that will be sure to disappear quickly.
8. Christmas pudding trifle
If you have leftover Christmas pudding, why not turn it into a delicious trifle? This is a great option if you’ve had your fill of traditional Christmas pudding. You can also use leftover cakes or cookies in this recipe, making it a great way to use up multiple leftovers at once.
To make Christmas pudding trifle, you’ll need:
– Christmas pudding (or other leftover cake or cookies)
– Custard
– Whipped cream
– Sherry or brandy (optional)
– Berries or other fruit (optional)
Start by breaking up the Christmas pudding into small pieces and placing them in the bottom of a large bowl. If you’re using leftover cake or cookies, crumble them up instead. Drizzle sherry or brandy over the top of the cake, if desired.
Next, add a layer of custard over the cake. You can use store-bought custard or make your own. Repeat the layers of cake and custard until you reach the top of the bowl.
Finish off the trifle with a layer of whipped cream and some fresh berries or other fruit. You can also sprinkle some crushed cookies or chocolate shavings on top for extra texture and flavor.
Place the trifle in the fridge for a few hours to set before serving. This is a great dessert to serve at a post-Christmas dinner party, or to enjoy on your own as a special treat.
9. Turkey, bacon and stuffing quiche
Who doesn’t love a good quiche? This classic dish is the perfect way to use up those leftover turkey, bacon, and stuffing from your Christmas feast. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also versatile and can be enjoyed as a meal any time of the day.
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F and take out a 9-inch pie dish. Roll out a pie crust and place it in the dish, trimming off any excess. Next, take your leftover turkey, bacon, and stuffing and chop them into small pieces. Layer them in the pie crust, making sure to distribute them evenly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the turkey, bacon, and stuffing in the pie crust.
Bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
This turkey, bacon, and stuffing quiche is a delicious and creative way to use up your Christmas leftovers. It’s perfect for a lazy brunch with friends or a quick and easy dinner on a busy weeknight. Plus, you can always switch up the ingredients and customize it to your liking. Give it a try and enjoy!