Holiday Guide

Holiday Guide

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.

  • Turkey and Mushroom Creamy Tomato “Gravy” with Gnocchi
     
    1 of 30

    Turkey and Mushroom Creamy Tomato “Gravy” with Gnocchi

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><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></strong></p>
  • Cranberry-Banana Eggnog Muffins
     
    2 of 30

    Cranberry-Banana Eggnog Muffins

    <p>If your fridge is crammed with leftover cranberry sauce and unused eggnog, this mouth-watering muffin recipe kills two birds with one stone, while delivering a delicious breakfast treat in the process.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cranberry-banana-eggnog-muffins/17245/">Cranberry-Banana Eggnog Muffins</a></strong></p>
  • Turkey and Stuffing Quiche
     
    3 of 30

    Turkey and Stuffing Quiche

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-and-stuffing-quiche/19462/" target="_blank"><strong>Turkey and Stuffing Quiche</strong></a></p>
  • Eggnog Ice Cream
     
    4 of 30

    Eggnog Ice Cream

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

    Turkey Bolognese

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

    Ham Croquettes

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-ham-curried-croquettes/11484/">Leftover Ham Curried Croquettes.</a></strong></p>
  • Panettone Bread Pudding
     
    7 of 30

    Panettone Bread Pudding

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-panettone-bread-pudding/17445/">Ina Garten's Panettone Bread Pudding</a></strong></p>
  • Leftover Thanksgiving Panini
     
    8 of 30

    Leftover Thanksgiving Panini

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-thanksgiving-panini/17094/">The Pioneer Woman's Leftover Thanksgiving Panini</a></strong></p>
  • Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
     
    9 of 30

    Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-turkey-and-stuffing-casserole/17086/"> Damaris Phillips' Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole</a></strong></p>
  • Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes with Cured Salmon
     
    10 of 30

    Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes with Cured Salmon

    <p>Put those leftover mashed potatoes to good use with these delectable potato pancakes that make a perfect accompaniment to cured salmon.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-mashed-potato-pancakes-with-cured-salmon/11487/">Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes with Cured Salmon.</a></strong></p>
  • Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
     
    11 of 30

    Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><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></strong></p>
  • Cranberry BBQ Sauce Turkey Sliders
     
    12 of 30

    Cranberry BBQ Sauce Turkey Sliders

    <p>Giada de Laurentiis offers a sweet-and-smoky barbecue sauce that provides a perfect complement to leftover turkey in these sensational sliders.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cranberry-bbq-sauce-turkey-sliders/17057/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Cranberry BBQ Sauce Turkey Sliders</strong></a></p>
  • Turkey Stock
     
    13 of 30

    Turkey Stock

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-stock/17231/">Guy Fieri's Turkey Stock.</a></strong></p> <p><em>Brent Furdyk is a freelance writer in Vancouver</em>.</p>
  • Eggnog-Panettone Bread Pudding
     
    14 of 30

    Eggnog-Panettone Bread Pudding

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

    Hot Turkey Sammys with Sausage Stuffing

    <p>One of the best parts of holidays are the leftovers, and while this recipe is a delicious way to savour that leftover turkey, it contains a truly scrumptious sausage stuffing recipe that's perfect for the main meal.</p> <p>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"><strong>Rachael Ray’s Hot Turkey Sammys with Sausage Stuffing</strong></a></p>
  • Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup with Turkey
     
    16 of 30

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup with Turkey

    <p>If you haven't got a smoked turkey leg, make the most of those holiday leftovers with this hearty turkey, black bean, cilantro and sour cream-topped slow cooker soup.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-black-bean-soup-with-turkey/17453/"><strong>Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup with Turkey</strong></a></p>
  • Easy Pulled Turkey Tacos
     
    17 of 30

    Easy Pulled Turkey Tacos

    <p>Leftover holiday turkey has never tasted so good! Use your leftovers in this flavourful base for tacos.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/easy-pulled-turkey-tacos/15094/" target="_blank"><strong>Easy Pulled Turkey Tacos</strong></a></p>
  • Breakfast Yorkshire Pudding
     
    18 of 30

    Breakfast Yorkshire Pudding

    <p>Get the whole family involved in customizing these light and tasty breakfast popovers. Pull out the leftovers for a bite-sized brunch.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/breakfast-yorkshire-pudding/18837/" target="_blank">Breakfast Yorkshire Pudding</a></strong></p>
  • Turkey Pot Pie
     
    19 of 30

    Turkey Pot Pie

    <p>Leftover turkey and veggies can be repurposed in this crispy-crusted pot pie that's a comfort-food favourite.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-turkey-pot-pie/14990/">Classic Turkey Pot Pie</a></strong></p>
  • Shepherd's Pie
     
    20 of 30

    Shepherd's Pie

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/alton-browns-shepherds-pie/15959/" target="_blank"><strong>Alton Brown's Shepherd's Pie</strong></a></p>
  • Strawberry Rhubarb & Shortbread Cookie Crumble
     
    21 of 30

    Strawberry Rhubarb & Shortbread Cookie Crumble

    <p>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!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-rhubarb-and-shortbread-cookie-crumble/14679/" target="_blank"><strong>Strawberry Rhubarb &amp; Shortbread Cookie Crumble</strong></a></p>
  • Clementine and Gingerbread Cookie Trifle
     
    22 of 30

    Clementine and Gingerbread Cookie Trifle

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/clementine-and-gingerbread-cookie-trifle/17546/" target="_blank"><strong>Ricardo's Clementine and Gingerbread Cookie Trifle</strong></a></p>
  • Turkey Tetrazzini
     
    23 of 30

    Turkey Tetrazzini

    <p>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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-tetrazzini/16993/" target="_blank">Tyler Florence's Turkey Tetrazzini</a></strong></p>
  • Bird to the Last Drop Soup
     
    24 of 30

    Bird to the Last Drop Soup

    <p>If you’re looking for a quick, delicious way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, Christmas or Sunday dinner, this hearty soup will fit the bill, with frozen vegetables utilized to speed up the soup-making process.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bird-to-the-last-drop/17369/" target="_blank">Alton Brown's Bird to the Last Drop</a></strong></p>
  • Leftover Turkey and Polenta Casserole
     
    25 of 30

    Leftover Turkey and Polenta Casserole

    <p>Give leftover holiday turkey a Mediterranean twist by layering it with tomato sauce and polenta.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-turkey-and-polenta-casserole/11489/" target="_blank"><strong>Leftover Turkey and Polenta Casserole</strong></a></p>
  • Ina Garten's Croissant Bread Pudding
     
    26 of 30

    Ina Garten's Croissant Bread Pudding

    <p>Leftover croissants help soak up every last drop of egg and vanilla-doused cream for a special-occasion breakfast pudding.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/croissant-bread-pudding/15387/" target="_blank"><strong>Ina Garten's Croissant Bread Pudding</strong></a></p>
  • Panettone French Toast
     
    27 of 30

    Panettone French Toast

    <p>Rich, nutty panettone is a classic Christmas treat. Bring the decadent dessert to the breakfast table by making it into French toast.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/panettone-french-toast/16043/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Panettone French Toast</strong></a></p>
  • Leftover Roast Beef and Scalloped Potato Bake
     
    28 of 30

    Leftover Roast Beef and Scalloped Potato Bake

    <p>This recipe is the perfect way to bring two mouth-watering comfort foods together into one tasty casserole.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-roast-beef-and-scalloped-potato-bake/11488/" target="_blank"><strong>Leftover Roast Beef and Scalloped Potato Bake</strong></a></p>
  • Leftover Roast Turkey Pho
     
    29 of 30

    Leftover Roast Turkey Pho

    <p>Packed with rice noodles, bean sprouts, Thai basil, jalapeños and tons of bold turkey flavour, reinvent your holiday turkey into a bowl of intensely flavorful Vietnamese pho.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-roast-turkey-pho/19463/" target="_blank"><strong>Leftover Roast Turkey Pho</strong></a></p>
  • Roasted Turkey Lasagna
     
    30 of 30

    Roasted Turkey Lasagna

    <p>If you love a good lasagna, you're going to drool over this creative and delicious turkey version that also features sweet Italian sausage for extra flavour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-turkey-lasagna/19465/" target="_blank"><strong>Roasted Turkey Lasagna</strong></a></p>
  • Start Over
    Next Gallery

    Michael Smith's 50 Best Holiday Recipes

    More Galleries

Comments

You Might Also Like

Chefs & Hosts

All Shows