20 Easy and Tasty Ways to Use Leftover Rice

Posted by Jessica Witt on June 14, 2017

If you're guilty of making too much rice (who isn't?), we've got plenty of delicious ways to repurpose this dinnertime staple. From sushi pizza to decadent rice pudding, here are 20 creative recipes using leftover rice.

1 of 20

Giada De Laurentiis' Turkey, Kale and Brown Rice Soup

Batch cookers and meal preppers will love this soupy supper. Lean turkey and brown rice add both substance and nutrition, leaving you satisfied for hours. Leftovers pack and reheat well for a few days of nourishing homemade lunches. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-kale-and-brown-rice-soup/17265/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Turkey, Kale and Brown Rice Soup</a>
2 of 20

Sweet Arancini with Leftover Rice

Creamy rice pudding is fried, arancini style, for something different on Hanukkah this year. Infuse the rice with a touch of rosewater or orange blossom water instead of cinnamon. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-arancini-with-leftover-rice/12216/" target="_blank">Sweet Arancini with Leftover Rice</a>
3 of 20

Slow-Cooker Brown Rice Pudding

Desserts made in the slow cooker are a warm hug on a cold day. This whole grain pudding is not too sweet, begging for a little fresh fruit on top. Enjoy leftovers for breakfast or a snack the following day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-coconut-brown-rice-pudding/18204/" target="_blank">Slow-Cooker Brown Rice Pudding</a>
4 of 20

Chicken Rice Soup

Everything you love about chicken noodle soup, but with rice instead. Use leftovers all week long for warm, yummy lunches. Start with rotisserie chicken to skip a step. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-rice-soup/15639/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Rice Soup</a>
5 of 20

Curried Rice and Chickpeas with Egg

Bring chickpeas to the breakfast table with this savoury 6-ingredient recipe. Like a breakfast hash, top this leftover-friendly dish with an egg and enjoy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/curried-rice-and-chickpeas-with-egg/15846/" target="_blank">Curried Rice and Chickpeas with Egg</a>
6 of 20

Vegan Wild-Rice-Stuffed Butternut Squash

This impressive autumn dish takes hollowed-out butternut squash and fills it with a mixture of rice, curry powder, cinnamon, cayenne, maple oil, cherries, parsley, sage and chunks of the roasted squash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-wild-rice-stuffed-butternut-squash/19086/" target="_blank">Vegan Wild-Rice-Stuffed Butternut Squash</a>
7 of 20

Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole

Make weeknight dinners a breeze with a creamy, veggie-filled casserole topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/broccoli-wild-rice-casserole/15619/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole</a>
8 of 20

Mini Sushi Pizza

Shake up sushi night by making a quick personal pan pizza with a crispy rice crust topped with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, green onion and thinly sliced salmon. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/mini-sushi-pizza/18610/" target="_blank">Mini Sushi Pizza</a>
9 of 20

Coconut Cashew Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is sun-kissed with tropical coconut and cashews, for an alternative to ice cream that you’ll feel good about getting a double scoop of. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/coconut-cashew-rice-pudding/13648/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Coconut Cashew Rice Pudding</a>
10 of 20

Mushroom Pilaf

Earthy mushrooms, garlic and onions are cooked down and combined with long-grain rice in this flavourful pilaf. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mushroom-pilaf/15506/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Mushroom Pilaf</a>
11 of 20

Goat Cheese, Lentil and Brown Rice Rolls

Whole grains like brown rice help to regulate blood pressure thanks to their impressive fibre content. Protein-packed lentils and a touch of goat cheese make this meat-free take on cabbage rolls feel special occasion-worthy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/goat-cheese-lentil-and-brown-rice-rolls/16772/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Goat cheese, Lentil and Brown Rice Rolls</a>
12 of 20

Kimchi Fried Rice with a Sesame Fried Egg

Got any leftover rice in the fridge? All it takes is a few fresh ingredients to transform your leftover rice into a flavour-packed meal. Kimchi and gochujang (a Korean red pepper paste) gives the rice a punch of umami flaovour, while the runny golden yolk of the fried egg oozes over the fried rice right when you dig in. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/kimchi-fried-rice-with-a-sesame-fried-egg/15266/" target="_blank">Kimchi Fried Rice with a Sesame Fried Egg</a>.
13 of 20

Apple Pie Brown Rice

Throw a great twist on rice by kicking up the flavour with chopped apples and cinnamon! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-pie-brown-rice/13245/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Apple Pie Brown Rice</a>
14 of 20

Baked Rice Pudding

Sure, this creamy orange and cinnamon-spiced dish is technically a dessert, but we won’t tell if you eat it for breakfast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-rice-pudding/19448/" target="_blank">Baked Rice Pudding</a>
15 of 20

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Arancini with Tomato Dipping Sauce

These mushroom and goat cheese arancini are the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mushroom-and-goat-cheese-arancini-with-tomato-dipping-sauce/13942/" target="_blank">Mushroom and Goat Cheese Arancini with Tomato Dipping Sauce</a>
16 of 20

Risotto with Clams

Clam juice, crisp pancetta, garlic and shallots amplify the flavour of this creamy risotto that's packed with fresh clams and finished with parsley. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/risotto-with-clams/17690/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Risotto with Clams</a>
17 of 20

Beet Risotto with Asparagus Mushroom Fricassee

Colourful is the first word that pops into mind when you catch a glimpse of this dish. Grated fresh beets are cooked into the risotto as it slowly simmers, adding its vibrant colour and subtle sweetness. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beet-risotto-with-asparagus-mushroom-fricassee/13642/">Anna Olson's Beet Risotto with Asparagus Mushroom Fricassee</a>
18 of 20

Paella Salad

Filled with tender pieces of chicken, shrimp and a pile of diced fresh vegetables mixed with perfectly spiced rice, fresh lemon juice gives it a fresh edge, while steamed mussels are a delicious and traditional addition to this bright summery dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/paella-salad/19902/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Paella Salad</a>
19 of 20

Chicken and Wild Rice Salad Pitas

Last night's chicken dinner turns into tomorrow's chicken salad pita. These pitas are stuffed with chicken, fresh chives, wild rice, dried cranberries and a creamy dressing to hold it all together. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-wild-rice-salad-pitas/16756/" target="_blank">Ricardo Larrivée's Chicken and Wild Rice Salad Pitas</a>
20 of 20

Bibimbap Bowl

One of the most well-known dishes, you can make your own veggie-full version of this tasty rice dish at home without the need of a stone bowl. With both raw and cooked veggies, this dish comes together with cherry-hoisin sauce and perfect fried egg on top! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bibimbap-bowl/18840/" target="_blank">Bibimbap Bowl</a>
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