Imagine this: Christmas Day is over, the festive feast has left your fridge bursting with goodies, and you’re faced with the age-old question – what to do with all those Christmas leftovers?

I’ve taken 5 typical leftovers and come up with an idea for each, so you can avoid wasting food and come up with something delicious to eat on another day.

Step 1: Survey

Take a moment to assess what leftovers you have in your fridge. From turkey, to vegetables, to mountains of mashed potatoes, knowing what you’re working with is the first step to leftover mastery. You can whip up a lot with a bit of imagination and a well-stocked fridge.

Step 2: Plan

Make a list of the meals you will repurpose leftovers into. Next, check what additional ingredients you need. Do you have these already in your pantry? Or do you need to pop out to the shops? Create a shopping list and see when best to shop.

Are you able to repurpose these leftovers immediately? Keep in mind that generally, food will stay fresh for 2-3 days at most. So, unless you are going to act fast, freeze what you can and make a plan to repurpose on another day.

Step 3: Cook

Now that you know what you have, know what you’re making, and have a solid plan in place…it’s time to cook!

5 typical Christmas leftovers & how to use them

1) Transform turkey into tacos

Picture this: shredded turkey with taco seasoning and tomato sauce, nestled in a warm tortilla, topped with your favourite fixings. Turkey Tacos are not only a breeze to make but true winner when it comes to favourite family meals.

2) Transform stuffing into stuffed mushrooms

Don’t let that leftover stuffing go unnoticed. Elevate it to the next level by turning it into stuffing-stuffed mushrooms. Pop them in the oven until golden brown, and you’ve got a fancy side dish or appetiser to boot. Add cheese if you like, or even breadcrumbs for some crunch.

3) Transform ham or pork into panini

Ham or pork slices lingering around? It’s panini time! Layer on the ham/pork, add a dollop of cranberry sauce for that sweet and tangy kick, add some sliced cheese, bake for a little while…and lo and behold..the Christmas Panini is born. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavour, it’s a surefire way to jazz up your leftovers. And possibly even be used for a New Year’s party (wink, wink)

4) Transform mashed potatoes into potato pancakes

Those mashed potatoes aren’t just a side dish; they’re the secret to making quick potato pancakes. Mix in an egg and some flour, shape them into patties, and sizzle them up in a pan. Your kids will run to the kitchen and they’ll be asking for more!

5) Transform leftover veggies into a veggie frittata

Those roasted veggies deserve a second act, and what better way than in a veggie frittata? Chop up the leftover roasted vegetables – whether it’s Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes – and toss them into a beaten egg mixture. Cook it on the stove until the edges set, then finish it off under the broiler. It’s a breakfast, brunch, or dinner winner that brings those Christmas leftovers back to life.

There you have it – 5 common Christmas leftovers & 5 awesome ways to use them. With these easy and oh-so-delicious ideas, you’ll not only avoid food waste, but you’ll save time, money, and quickly whip up another handful of meals.

Happy repurposing!

Love,

Nakita xxx