5 Creative Uses for Christmas Leftovers
5 Creative Uses for Christmas Leftovers
Tired of endless turkey sandwiches after Christmas? Transform your leftovers into delicious new dishes with these creative ideas that breathe fresh life into festive surplus. These recipes are simple, versatile, and guaranteed to keep the Christmas spirit alive in your kitchen.
Turkey Curry
Turn your leftover turkey into a fragrant curry that’s perfect for warming up chilly winter evenings. Follow the curry recipe from our previous post or try this quick variation:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden.
- Add curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of cinnamon for festive warmth.
- Stir in coconut milk, stock, and diced tomatoes, then add shredded turkey.
- Simmer until the flavours meld and serve over rice or with naan bread. For extra heartiness, toss in potatoes or chickpeas.
Festive Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and squeak is a classic way to repurpose roasted vegetables, and it’s even better with Christmas leftovers. Here’s how:
- Mash together leftover roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and stuffing.
- Shape the mixture into patties and fry in a little oil until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Top with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce for a luxurious Boxing Day brunch.
Turkey and Cranberry Pies
Transform turkey and cranberry sauce into comforting mini pies:
- Shred turkey and mix with cranberry sauce, a spoonful of gravy, and any leftover vegetables.
- Spoon the mixture into ramekins or a pie dish, then cover with a sheet of puff pastry.
- Brush the pastry with egg wash and bake at 200°C (180°C fan) until golden and puffed.
These pies are perfect for freezing, so you can enjoy them even after the festivities are over.
Christmas Soup
A warming soup is the ultimate comfort food for winter, and it’s a brilliant way to use up leftover turkey and vegetables:
- Simmer turkey, carrots, parsnips, and herbs (like thyme or parsley) in stock until tender.
- Blend for a smooth soup or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
- Add cream for richness, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness, and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Bread Sauce Croquettes
Give your bread sauce a second life as indulgent croquettes:
- Chill the bread sauce until firm, then shape into small balls.
- Coat each ball in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. These make a fabulous snack or side dish, especially when paired with leftover cranberry sauce or chutney.
Leftovers don’t have to be boring! With a little creativity, you can turn your Christmas surplus into exciting meals that your family will love. These recipes not only reduce food waste but also extend the festive joy.