Christmas Leftover Recipes


Turn your holiday leftovers into tasty dishes with these 20 Christmas Leftover Recipes​ that make meals merry and bright!


Published: December 24, 2024 · Modified: December 24, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan

Christmas Leftover Recipes

Let’s be honest, Christmas leftovers are one of the best parts of the holiday season! After all the cooking and feasting, I always find myself with a fridge full of tasty extras, and that’s where these 20 Christmas Leftover Recipes​ come in. I’ve gathered some of my absolute favorites to help you transform those leftover mashed potatoes, turkey, and veggies into brand new, mouthwatering meals. Trust me, you’ll love these creative ideas, and your family will be asking for seconds (or thirds!). Let’s make sure nothing goes to waste this holiday season!

Christmas Vegetable Recipes

20 Creative Ways to Use Up Your Christmas Leftovers

1. Leftover Turkey Casserole

This turkey casserole turns simple leftovers into an indulgent baked pasta dish with Alfredo sauce, bacon, and broccoli. The addition of garlic and herb cream cheese elevates the sauce to gourmet levels. Ideal for family dinners, it’s thrifty, tasty, and delightfully easy to prepare.

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2. Leftover Stuffing Dumplings

With just three ingredients, stuffing, eggs, and flour, you can create fluffy, flavorful dumplings perfect for dropping into turkey or vegetable soup. They’re quick to make, taking just 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to simmer, giving your holiday leftovers a delicious new life. Cozy, hearty, and oh-so-simple, these dumplings are a must-try for post-holiday comfort food!

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3. Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

We love how cheesy mashed potato puffs make holiday leftovers feel brand new and utterly delicious. A mix of cheese, chives, and crispy golden edges turns plain mashed potatoes into something special. Baked in mini muffin tins, these little bites are the perfect snack or appetizer to share.

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4. Christmas toad in the hole

Looking for a festive twist on a classic dish? Christmas toad in the hole combines pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, and winter veggies in a golden, puffed Yorkshire pudding batter. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners or impressing holiday guests. Top it off with rich onion gravy and a dollop of cranberry sauce for a meal that feels like a warm holiday hug. You can even make it vegetarian with a few simple swaps, everyone will love it!

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5. Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Turn your Christmas leftovers into the ultimate party snack with these cranberry turkey sliders! Soft Hawaiian rolls are loaded with leftover turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey Havarti cheese, then brushed with a buttery, flavorful glaze and baked to golden perfection. They’re quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy holiday evening. Trust me, you’ll want these sliders on repeat all season long.

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6. Loaded Roast Potatoes

Transform your Christmas leftovers into a mouthwatering feast with these loaded roast potatoes! Simply crush your cooked roast potatoes, then pile on all your festive favorites, stuffing, pigs in blankets, roast meat, carrots, sprouts, and braised red cabbage. Drizzle with gravy, top with cheese, and roast until golden and bubbly. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for using up leftovers in a fun and flavorful way.

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7. Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

This easy slow cooker ham and potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. Simply combine tender potatoes, savory leftover ham, and hearty vegetables, then let the slow cooker work its magic. With a creamy broth, a touch of butter, and fresh parsley to finish, this soup is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. In just an hour, you’ll have a delicious, gluten-free meal that the whole family will love.

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8. Crustless Ham and Cheddar Quiche

This crustless ham and cheddar quiche is the perfect way to use up leftover ham in a tasty, no-fuss dish. Simply sauté onions and carrots, mix with eggs, milk, and a touch of butter, then add in the ham and sharp cheddar for a rich, flavorful combination. Bake until golden and set, and you’ve got a delicious, hearty quiche ready to serve in just under an hour. It’s a great way to turn Christmas leftovers into something everyone will love.

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9. Leftover turkey tikka masala

Turn your leftover turkey into a flavorful feast with this easy turkey tikka masala recipe, perfect for a Boxing Day or Twixmas spread. Marinate the turkey in a spiced yogurt mixture, then grill it until charred and juicy. The rich, aromatic curry sauce is made with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin, garam masala, and cardamom, simmered to perfection. Once combined, it creates a creamy, tangy dish that’s great with naan or roti, bringing a festive, comforting twist to your leftovers!

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10. The Best Breakfast Casserole

This easy breakfast casserole is the perfect way to turn leftover ham into a delicious morning treat! With a creamy egg base, shredded potatoes, savory ham, and a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, this dish bakes up to a golden, cheesy perfection. You can prepare it the night before or make it fresh in the morning, making it ideal for holiday breakfasts or weekend brunches.

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11. Turkey Stew Recipe

This comforting turkey stew is another perfect way to use up leftover turkey and warm up on a chilly day. It’s packed with tender vegetables like carrots, celery, and Yukon gold potatoes, along with savory herbs like thyme and sage, all simmered in a rich broth. The addition of white wine and heavy cream creates a creamy, flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the shredded turkey. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty stew is both easy to make and full of comforting flavors.

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12. Turkey and Ham Pie

This turkey and ham pie is a delicious way to turn your leftovers into a comforting meal. Packed with tender turkey, savory ham, sweet leeks, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry, it’s both hearty and flavorful. The creamy filling thickened with chicken stock and a hint of thyme creates the perfect base for this easy-to-make pie. Baked until golden and crisp, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready in just about an hour!

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13. Leftover Roasted Turkey Ramen

This roasted turkey ramen is the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a delicious and comforting dish. Made with tender turkey, ramen noodles, and a savory broth, it’s topped with soft-boiled eggs, mushrooms, scallions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor. A dash of soy and hoisin sauce adds richness, while a bit of chili garlic paste gives it a tasty kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this ramen is an easy, flavorful meal that will make you fall in love with leftovers all over again!

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14. Bubble and Squeak

Bubble and squeak is a beloved British classic with a wonderfully quirky name! It’s a simple and tasty mix of mashed potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, all blended with butter and topped with melted, golden cheese. Whether you’re making it fresh or using up leftovers, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for a warm, comforting meal. Grill it for a crispy top or bake it until hot and bubbling, it’s a true taste of tradition.

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15. Leftover Stuffing Waffles

Transform your stuffing leftovers into a delicious new creation with crispy stuffing waffles! These golden delights are perfect as a savory breakfast side or topped with turkey hash and gravy for a hearty meal. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, they’re a fun way to reinvent your holiday favorites. You’ll never want to waste stuffing again!

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16. Leftover turkey pot pie

With tender turkey, roasted veggies, and a creamy cheese sauce tucked under golden puff pastry, leftover turkey pot pie is the ultimate comfort food. Quick to assemble, especially with store-bought shortcuts, it’s a perfect way to reinvent leftovers into a warm and satisfying meal. Serve it bubbling hot and enjoy the flavors of the season.

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17. Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Skillet

This leftover turkey enchilada skillet is a delicious way to turn leftovers into a Tex-Mex feast! This pumpkin enchilada skillet combines smoky sauce, roasted veggies, tortillas, and gooey cheese in one easy, 35-minute meal. It’s bold, comforting, and perfect for a quick dinner. Top it with sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro, and savor every bite.

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18. Southwest Turkey Soup

This Southwest leftover turkey soup transforms your holiday turkey into a creamy, flavorful dish packed with corn, black beans, and a touch of spice. The rich broth, creamy finish, and hint of taco seasoning make it a comforting and hearty meal for any day. Whether you’re using a slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot, it’s super easy to whip up. Serve with corn chips, cilantro, or shredded cheese, and watch it disappear.

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19. Slow cooker turkey curry

This slow cooker turkey curry is the perfect way to use up leftover Christmas turkey and any extra roasted veggies. Simply toss in turkey, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and a flavorful curry paste with coconut milk, and let the slow cooker do the work. In just a few hours, you’ll have a comforting, hearty dish full of protein and flavor. Serve with rice and fresh cilantro for a satisfying meal that’s both easy and healthy.

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20. Turkey Vegetable Soup

This turkey vegetable soup is a hearty and healthy way to use up leftover turkey. Packed with diced turkey, carrots, potatoes, green beans, and corn, all simmered in a flavorful homemade broth, it’s the perfect cozy meal. If you don’t have time for homemade broth, simply use store-bought turkey or chicken broth for a quicker version. This easy soup is not only delicious but also a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying a wholesome dinner.

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Christmas Leftover Recipes

Christmas Leftover Recipes

Jennifer Ryan
Discover 20 Christmas Leftover Recipes​ to transform your festive leftovers into delicious new meals everyone will love!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, British
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite Christmas Leftover Recipes!
  • Organize all the required ingredients for your chosen Christmas Leftover Recipes.
  • Prep your festive leftover recipes and enjoy.
    Christmas Leftover Recipes

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal
Keyword boxing day, budget friendly, christmas breakfast, Christmas dinner, leftovers, save
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long can I keep Christmas leftovers? Christmas leftovers can typically be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze most dishes for up to 2 months. Just be sure to properly store and reheat them to enjoy later.
  • Can I freeze leftover Christmas dishes like turkey or stuffing? Yes! You can freeze turkey, stuffing, and many other leftovers. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers or freezer bags, and label them with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • What are some quick recipes for Christmas leftovers? If you’re looking for something quick and easy, try turning your leftover turkey into a turkey soup, casserole, or even a delicious sandwich. Many of the 20 Christmas Leftover Recipes​ can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for when you want a speedy, satisfying meal.
  • How can I make my Christmas leftovers more exciting? Get creative by adding different spices, herbs, or sauces to your leftovers. For example, turn your leftover turkey into a curry or mix your vegetables into a savory pie. These recipes add new flavors and textures to keep your leftovers exciting!
White Christmas cocktails

I hope these 20 Christmas Leftover Recipes​ help you make the most of your holiday feasts and keep the festive spirit alive! From hearty soups to creative casseroles, there’s something for every taste. Don’t forget to check out our other Christmas recipes, including fun cocktail ideas to complement your meals. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to follow us on social media for even more tasty treats and holiday tips! Let’s keep the celebrations going all season long!