15 Clever Ways to Repurpose Leftovers

Leftovers don’t have to be boring or repetitive. With a little creativity and a few additional ingredients, you can turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s culinary delight. Whether you have extra chicken, mashed potatoes, or even ripe bananas, these recipes will inspire you to reinvent your leftovers and enjoy them in entirely new ways. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to delicious new meals!

Leftover Chicken Tacos

Shred leftover chicken and mix it with a cup of salsa until well-coated. Warm up corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, then top with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately for a quick and flavorful taco night.

Mashed Potato Cakes

In a bowl, combine two cups of leftover mashed potatoes with a beaten egg, two tablespoons of chopped green onions, and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Form the mixture into small patties. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the patties until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with sour cream or applesauce for a delicious side dish.

Rice Stir-Fry

Take two cups of leftover rice and heat it in a large skillet with a tablespoon of oil. Add a splash of soy sauce, a cup of mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen), and any leftover meat or tofu, diced. Stir-fry until everything is heated through. Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet and scramble a beaten egg on the other side. Once the egg is cooked, mix it with the rice. Serve hot.

Pasta Frittata

Mix two cups of leftover cooked pasta with four beaten eggs, a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a cup of chopped vegetables. Pour the mixture into a greased skillet and cook over medium heat until the bottom is set about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the top is golden and cooked through about 2-3 minutes. Slice and serve.

Bread Croutons

Cut leftover bread into cubes and toss with two tablespoons of olive oil, a teaspoon of garlic powder, and a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or oregano. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy. Use them to top salads or soups.

Veggie Soup

Combine leftover roasted vegetables with four cups of vegetable or chicken broth in a pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Add a splash of cream or milk for extra richness if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Fried Rice

Chop up leftover meat and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil and add two cups of cold, cooked rice. Stir-fry for a few minutes, then add the chopped meat and vegetables. Season with two tablespoons of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil. Push everything to one side of the skillet and scramble a beaten egg on the other side. Mix the egg into the rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Banana Pancakes

Mash two ripe bananas in a bowl and mix with one beaten egg, a quarter cup of flour, and a pinch of baking powder. Heat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat and cook small pancakes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit for a quick and healthy breakfast.

Meatball Subs

Warm up leftover meatballs in a saucepan with marinara sauce until heated through. Place the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately for a comforting and easy dinner.

Fruit Smoothies

Blend any leftover fruit (like berries, bananas, or mango) with a cup of yogurt, a splash of juice or milk, and a handful of ice until smooth. Add a spoonful of honey if you like it sweeter. Pour into glasses and enjoy a refreshing and healthy snack or breakfast.

Casserole

Mix leftover cooked meat, vegetables, and two cups of rice or pasta with a can of cream of mushroom soup in a large bowl. Spread the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with a cup of shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Serve hot.

Quesadillas

Layer leftover meat and shredded cheese between two flour tortillas. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole for a simple and tasty meal.

Salad Toppers

Use leftover grilled or roasted meat and vegetables as a topping for a fresh salad. Add a hard-boiled egg, some nuts or seeds, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing for a quick and nutritious meal. Experiment with different combinations to keep things interesting.

Savory Bread Pudding

Mix leftover bread cubes with four beaten eggs, a cup of milk, and a cup of chopped vegetables or cheese. Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F until set and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. This makes a hearty breakfast or side dish that’s great for using up stale bread.

Fruit Crumble

Toss leftover fruit (such as apples, berries, or peaches) with a tablespoon of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spread in a baking dish and top with a mixture of half a cup of oats, half a cup of flour, a quarter cup of brown sugar, and a quarter cup of melted butter. Bake at 375°F until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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