30 Ways to Enjoy Holiday Leftovers

Posted by Brent Furdyk on December 23, 2016

From making soup stock from scratch to creating new delicious meals using what's left from Christmas dinner, here are 30 creative ways to transform leftovers into tasty new meals.

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Turkey and Mushroom Creamy Tomato “Gravy” with Gnocchi

Courtesy of Rachael Ray is this mouth-watering recipe that will put any leftover turkey to good use — along with any leftover mushrooms from your stuffing endeavours — in this savoury, satisfying dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-and-mushroom-creamy-tomato-gravy-with-gnocchi/17163/">Rachael Ray's Turkey and Mushroom Creamy Tomato “Gravy” with Gnocchi</a>
2 of 30

Cranberry-Banana Eggnog Muffins

If your fridge is crammed with leftover cranberry sauce and eggnog come the holidays, bookmark this mouth-watering muffin recipe that creatively incorporates both ingredients. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cranberry-banana-eggnog-muffins/17245/">Cranberry-Banana Eggnog Muffins</a>
3 of 30

Turkey and Stuffing Quiche

The perfect dish for using up what's in your fridge, or better yet, leftover from your holiday dinner. Turkey and stuffing combine with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh parsley in this stellar quiche. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-and-stuffing-quiche/19462/" target="_blank">Turkey and Stuffing Quiche</a>
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Eggnog Ice Cream

Transform everyone’s favourite holiday beverage into an adult-only chilled dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/eggnog-ice-cream/19439/" target="_blank">Alton Brown's Eggnog Ice Cream</a>
5 of 30

Turkey Bolognese

Your post-holiday feast becomes a delectable Italian meal in Giada de Laurentiis’ clever leftover-utilizing spin on a classic Italian favourite. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-bolognese/16990/">Giada de Laurentiis’ Turkey Bolognese</a>
6 of 30

Ham Croquettes

If your holiday meal has left you with an abundance of leftover ham, these curry-flavoured croquettes (sort of a ham-based version of crab cakes) are a unique and delicious way to make the most of any extra holiday ham. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-ham-curried-croquettes/11484/">Leftover Ham Curried Croquettes.</a>
7 of 30

Panettone Bread Pudding

If you find yourself with some leftover Panettone bread after the holidays, it can become the basis for this delectable bread pudding recipe from Ina Garten. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-panettone-bread-pudding/17445/">Ina Garten's Panettone Bread Pudding</a>
8 of 30

Leftover Thanksgiving Panini

Turkey sandwiches are a post-holiday tradition, and Ree Drummond serves up a tasty recipe that includes not just leftover turkey, but also cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy all packed in one tasty grilled panini. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-thanksgiving-panini/17094/">The Pioneer Woman's Leftover Thanksgiving Panini</a>
9 of 30

Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

This recipe is a great way to keep the holiday flavours going: leftover turkey and stuffing are packed in a savoury casserole that also includes leftover vegetables and gravy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-turkey-and-stuffing-casserole/17086/"> Damaris Phillips' Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole</a>
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Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes with Cured Salmon

Put those leftover mashed potatoes to good use with these delectable potato pancakes that make a perfect accompaniment to cured salmon. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-mashed-potato-pancakes-with-cured-salmon/11487/">Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes with Cured Salmon.</a>
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Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Leftover turkey and cooked sweet potatoes can become the topping for this innovative take on traditional shepherd's pie, offering a sensational version of the classic comfort food. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-sweet-potato-shepherds-pie-and-cran-applesauce-sundaes/17157/">Rachael Ray's Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie</a>
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Cranberry BBQ Sauce Turkey Sliders

Giada de Laurentiis offers a sweet-and-smoky barbecue sauce that provides a perfect complement to leftover turkey in these sensational sliders. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cranberry-bbq-sauce-turkey-sliders/17057/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Cranberry BBQ Sauce Turkey Sliders</a>
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Turkey Stock

Instead of throwing away turkey bones, use use the leftover carcass (along with any leftover roast veggies) to make homemade turkey stock, which can be sealed in plastic containers and frozen for later use in gravy, soups, stews and more. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-stock/17231/">Guy Fieri's Turkey Stock.</a> Brent Furdyk is a freelance writer in Vancouver.
14 of 30

Eggnog-Panettone Bread Pudding

Turn leftover Panettone into a show-stopping dessert with Rachael Ray’s recipe featuring festive eggnog, fresh nutmeg and a hint of rum. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/eggnog-panettone-bread-pudding/19438/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Eggnog-Panettone Bread Pudding</a>
15 of 30

Hot Turkey Sammys with Sausage Stuffing

 One of the best parts of holidays are the leftovers, and while this recipe is a delicious way to savour that remaining turkey, it contains a truly scrumptious sausage stuffing recipe that's perfect for the main meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/what-a-face-open-faced-hot-turkey-sammys-with-sausage-stuffing-and-gravy-smashed-potatoes-with-bacon-warm-apple-cranberry-sauce/16994/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rachael Ray’s Hot Turkey Sammys with Sausage Stuffing</a>
16 of 30

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup with Turkey

If you don't have a smoked turkey leg, make the most of your turkey leftovers with this hearty slow cooker soup featuring everything from black beans to cilantro and sour cream. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-black-bean-soup-with-turkey/17453/">Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup with Turkey</a>
17 of 30

Easy Pulled Turkey Tacos

 Leftover holiday turkey has never tasted so good! Use your remainders in this flavourful base for tacos. For more inspiration, check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-taco-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tasty taco recipes you'll crave every day of the week</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/easy-pulled-turkey-tacos/15094/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Easy Pulled Turkey Tacos</a>
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Breakfast Yorkshire Pudding

Get the whole family involved in customizing these light and tasty breakfast popovers. Pull out the leftovers for a bite-sized brunch. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/breakfast-yorkshire-pudding/18837/" target="_blank">Breakfast Yorkshire Pudding</a>
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Turkey Pot Pie

Leftover turkey and veggies can be repurposed in this crispy-crusted pot pie that's a comfort-food favourite. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-turkey-pot-pie/14990/">Classic Turkey Pot Pie</a>
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Shepherd's Pie

Ground lamb sautéed with garlic, onion, tomato paste and Worcestershire is mixed with a classic combination of peas and corn, before being topped with creamy leftover mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/alton-browns-shepherds-pie/15959/" target="_blank">Alton Brown's Shepherd's Pie</a>
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Strawberry Rhubarb & Shortbread Cookie Crumble

Looking to add a little texture to your ice cream sundae? Crumble up leftover shortbread cookies for a sweet, buttery topping. Soon you'll be baking shortbread just for this reason alone! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-rhubarb-and-shortbread-cookie-crumble/14679/" target="_blank">Strawberry Rhubarb & Shortbread Cookie Crumble</a>
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Clementine and Gingerbread Cookie Trifle

Whether you've got lots of regular gingerbread cookies sitting around or the remnants of a smashed gingerbread house, the broken pieces will work wonders in this clementine trifle. You can also swap citrus for your fruit of choice, or chocolate if you prefer something a little more rich and decadent. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/clementine-and-gingerbread-cookie-trifle/17546/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Clementine and Gingerbread Cookie Trifle</a>
23 of 30

Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini is a classic use for Thanksgiving and Christmas leftovers, but it’s worth roasting a bird just to mix it with rich mushrooms and soft egg noodles, topped off with bread crumbs and toasted almonds. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-tetrazzini/16993/" target="_blank">Tyler Florence's Turkey Tetrazzini</a>
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Bird to the Last Drop Soup

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious way to use up <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/photos/holiday-turkey-leftovers-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">leftover turkey</a> from Thanksgiving, Christmas or Sunday dinner, this hearty soup will fit the bill, with frozen vegetables utilized to speed up the soup-making process. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bird-to-the-last-drop/17369/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alton Brown's Bird to the Last Drop</a>
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Leftover Turkey and Polenta Casserole

Give leftover holiday turkey a Mediterranean twist by layering it with tomato sauce and polenta. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-turkey-and-polenta-casserole/11489/" target="_blank">Leftover Turkey and Polenta Casserole</a>
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Croissant Bread Pudding

Leftover croissants help soak up every last drop of egg and vanilla-doused cream for a special-occasion breakfast pudding your brunch guests will wish they discovered sooner. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/croissant-bread-pudding/15387/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Croissant Bread Pudding</a>
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Panettone French Toast

Rich, nutty panettone is a classic Christmas treat. Bring the decadent dessert to the breakfast table by making it into French toast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/panettone-french-toast/16043/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Panettone French Toast</a>
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Leftover Roast Beef and Scalloped Potato Bake

This recipe is the perfect way to bring two mouth-watering comfort foods together into one tasty casserole. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-roast-beef-and-scalloped-potato-bake/11488/" target="_blank">Leftover Roast Beef and Scalloped Potato Bake</a>
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Leftover Roast Turkey Pho

 Packed with rice noodles, bean sprouts, Thai basil, jalapeños and tons of bold turkey flavour, reinvent your leftover holiday turkey into a bowl of intensely flavorful Vietnamese pho. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-roast-turkey-pho/19463/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leftover Roast Turkey Pho</a>
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Roasted Turkey Lasagna

 If you love a good <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/comfort-food-classic-top-25-lasagna-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lasagna</a>, you're going to drool over this creative and delicious turkey version that also features sweet Italian sausage for extra flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-turkey-lasagna/19465/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Roasted Turkey Lasagna</a>
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