15 Creative Leftover Recipes to Reduce Food Waste After the Holidays

The holidays are all about feasting, but once the celebrations end, you are often left staring at a fridge full of leftovers. Before you toss anything out, think about the endless possibilities for turning those extras into delicious, new meals. Not only will you save money and time, but you will also cut down on food waste—a win for your wallet and the planet. These recipes breathe fresh life into holiday staples. Suddenly, that extra turkey or mashed potato is not a burden; it is the base for your next favorite meal. Get ready to enjoy the holidays all over again, one leftover at a time.

Turkey and Stuffing Waffles

Turn your leftover turkey and stuffing into savory waffles for a post-holiday breakfast. Mix 2 cups of stuffing with 1 beaten egg and a splash of broth to bind it into a waffle-like consistency. Preheat your waffle iron, spray it lightly with oil, and press the stuffing mixture into the iron. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Serve them with slices of warmed turkey and a drizzle of gravy or cranberry sauce on top. The savory and slightly crunchy waffles offer the perfect contrast to the rich toppings. It is a fun way to reinvent leftovers and enjoy a unique morning treat.

Mashed Potato Croquettes

Leftover mashed potatoes can become crispy, cheesy croquettes that everyone will love. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes with 1 beaten egg, ½ cup shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Form the mixture into small balls or patties, coat each one in breadcrumbs, and fry them in hot oil until golden brown. The croquettes turn out crispy on the outside while staying soft and creamy inside. Pair them with a dipping sauce like sour cream, ranch, or leftover gravy for added flavor. These little bites make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish. You might end up making extra mashed potatoes just for this recipe next year.

Holiday Leftover Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a quick and delicious way to breathe new life into your holiday leftovers. Place shredded turkey, roasted vegetables, and a generous amount of shredded cheese between two tortillas. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the quesadilla, and cook until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. For extra flavor, add a spoonful of cranberry sauce inside or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. The result is a crispy, gooey quesadilla packed with all the familiar holiday flavors. It feels like a completely new meal despite starting with leftovers. This recipe is fast, easy, and perfect for lazy post-holiday lunches.

Cranberry Sauce Thumbprint Cookies

Your leftover cranberry sauce can shine in these simple thumbprint cookies. Start by preparing a basic shortbread dough or using store-bought, then roll it into small balls. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a small indent. Fill each thumbprint with about a teaspoon of leftover cranberry sauce, then bake the cookies at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. The buttery shortbread pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart cranberry filling, creating a balanced and satisfying bite. These cookies are elegant enough to serve to guests but easy enough to whip up anytime. They prove that cranberry sauce deserves a place beyond dinner.

Turkey and Vegetable Fried Rice

Leftover turkey and vegetables are perfect for a quick and satisfying fried rice. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok and sauté chopped onions, garlic, and your leftover veggies for a couple of minutes. Add 2 cups of cooked rice and 1 cup of shredded turkey to the skillet, stirring to combine. Push everything to the side, scramble 2 eggs in the center, then mix it all together. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of pepper for extra flavor. This fried rice is savory, colorful, and packed with all the leftover goodness in your fridge. It feels like takeout without the cost, effort, or food waste.

Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms

Give your leftover stuffing a makeover by turning it into a filling for savory stuffed mushrooms. Remove the stems from large mushrooms (like portobellos or button mushrooms) and brush the caps with a little olive oil. Stuff each mushroom cap with a spoonful of your leftover stuffing and top with shredded cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra protein, add diced turkey or ham to the stuffing mixture. These stuffed mushrooms are savory, bite-sized, and perfect for a light appetizer or snack. They taste gourmet but come together effortlessly.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Leftover sweet potato casserole can be transformed into fluffy, comforting pancakes. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of sweet potato mash with 1 beaten egg, ½ cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth. Heat a greased skillet over medium heat and drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the pan, flattening slightly. Cook each pancake for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. These pancakes are naturally sweet and pair perfectly with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. They make a great breakfast, snack, or even dessert. Leftovers have never tasted this cozy and satisfying.

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Strata

Turn leftover ham into a hearty breakfast casserole that feeds a crowd. In a greased baking dish, layer cubes of stale bread, diced ham, and shredded cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups of milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper, then pour the mixture over the bread and ham. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until puffed and golden. The strata is savory, fluffy, and packed with melty cheese and salty ham in every bite. It is perfect for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner nights, or a lazy morning meal. You will love how easily it comes together.

Turkey Pot Pie

A classic pot pie is the ultimate comfort food for leftover turkey and vegetables. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter, then add 2 cups of chopped turkey, 1–2 cups of leftover veggies, and 1 cup of gravy or broth to create the filling. Pour the mixture into a pie dish or casserole dish and top with a sheet of puff pastry or a store-bought pie crust. Bake at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and flaky. Each bite of this pot pie is warm, hearty, and satisfying, with all the flavors of the holidays packed into one dish. It is the perfect way to turn leftovers into something you will look forward to eating. Your family will not even realize they are eating leftovers.

Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

Leftover turkey gets a sweet and tangy upgrade with these easy sliders. Combine 2 cups of shredded turkey with ½ cup cranberry sauce and ½ cup barbecue sauce in a pan, heating until warm and fully mixed. Pile the turkey mixture onto slider buns and top with a bit of coleslaw or melted cheese for extra texture. Serve the sliders warm for a quick lunch, snack, or game-day treat. The balance of smoky BBQ sauce and tart cranberry creates a unique flavor that feels gourmet. These sliders are so good, you will wish you had even more leftover turkey. They are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Leftover Veggie and Cheese Frittata

Transform leftover roasted vegetables into a simple and delicious frittata. In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add your leftover veggies, warming them through. Whisk together 6 eggs, ¼ cup milk, salt, and pepper, then pour the mixture over the vegetables. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and cook on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes until the edges begin to set. Transfer the skillet to a 375°F oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked. The frittata is light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It is a quick, healthy way to repurpose leftovers and clean out the fridge.

Ham and Potato Soup

Use up leftover ham and potatoes in a comforting, creamy soup. In a large pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic in butter, then add 2 cups of diced ham and 3 cups of diced leftover potatoes. Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of cream or milk to make it rich, then season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. The result is a hearty, satisfying soup that brings warmth to any chilly day. This recipe is as easy as it is delicious, and you will love how it stretches leftovers into a full meal.

Turkey and Cranberry Grilled Cheese

Put a festive spin on a classic grilled cheese by using leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. Butter two slices of bread and layer them with slices of turkey, cranberry sauce, and a generous amount of melty cheese like Swiss or cheddar. Cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. The combination of savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberry, and gooey cheese is irresistible. It is a quick, comforting meal that transforms leftovers into something new and exciting. Pair it with a warm bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate cozy meal. You will never look at grilled cheese the same way again.

Stuffing-Topped Shepherd’s Pie

Give classic shepherd’s pie a holiday twist with a stuffing topping. Start by sautéing 1 pound of ground beef or leftover turkey with onions, carrots, and peas, then stir in a bit of gravy or broth for moisture. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with a layer of mashed potatoes. Finish it off with a layer of leftover stuffing spread evenly on top. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden and crispy. This hearty, comforting dish combines all the best flavors of the holiday table in one easy-to-serve meal. It is perfect for feeding a crowd and reducing food waste.

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Leftover pumpkin pie can become an indulgent milkshake perfect for dessert. In a blender, combine 1 slice of pumpkin pie, 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, and ½ cup of milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed for your preferred consistency. Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with a little cinnamon or nutmeg. This milkshake is sweet, spiced, and tastes like the holidays in every sip. It is the perfect way to enjoy dessert without reheating the pie for the third time. You might even find yourself making extra pies just for this treat.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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