At Crafty Cottage

Creative Ways to Use Christmas Leftovers

The joyous echoes of Christmas celebrations may fade, but the remnants of the holiday feast linger in our refrigerators. Fear not, for this blog post is your guide to transforming Christmas dinner leftovers into culinary masterpieces. From succulent ham to creamy mashed potatoes, we’ve got your post-holiday dining covered.

Easing into the Feast:

As the last of the wrapping paper is cleared away and the twinkling lights begin to dim, the kitchen remains a hub of activity, buzzing with the potential for delicious reinvention. Leftover holiday fare is not just a testament to the festive feast but an opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure. Join us as we delve into a repertoire of inventive recipes that breathe new life into Christmas dinner leftovers. From sizzling sliders to savory pies, these creations will not only save you from a post-holiday cooking slump but will also elevate your meals to a whole new festive level. Let the feast continue!

1. Beyond the Feast: Creative Ways to Repurpose Christmas Ham

Ham and Cheese Sliders:

Ingredients: Leftover ham, slider buns, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise.

Instructions: Layer thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese on slider buns, spread Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, then bake until cheese melts. Serve warm.

Ham-Stuffed Omelets:

Ingredients: Leftover ham, eggs, cheese, bell peppers, onions, salt, pepper.

Instructions: Whisk eggs and pour into a hot skillet. Add diced ham, vegetables, and cheese. Fold and cook until eggs are set. Breakfast is served!

Freezing Tips:

To freeze ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with the date and use within 1-2 months for optimal taste.

2. Second-Day Delight: Transforming Leftover Turkey into Gourmet Meals

Turkey Pot Pie:

Ingredients: Leftover turkey, mixed vegetables, pie crust, chicken broth, butter, flour, salt, pepper.

Instructions: Mix turkey and veggies in a pie dish. In a saucepan, make a roux with butter and flour, then add broth. Pour over the turkey mix, cover with pie crust, and bake until golden brown.

Turkey and Cranberry Paninis:

Ingredients: Leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, Swiss cheese, bread, butter.

Instructions: Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and Swiss cheese between bread slices. Grill in a panini press or skillet until golden and cheese melts.

Storage Secrets:

Store leftover turkey in airtight containers or zip-top bags. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.

3. Mashed Magic: Reinventing Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Loaded Mashed Potato Croquettes:

Ingredients: Leftover mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, chives, breadcrumbs, egg.

Instructions: Mix mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and chopped chives. Form into croquettes, dip in beaten egg, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown.

Shepherd’s Pie:

Ingredients: Leftover mashed potatoes, ground beef, mixed vegetables, onion, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth.

Instructions: Sauté beef, onion, and veggies. Add Worcestershire sauce and broth. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden.

Reviving Tips:

Reheat mashed potatoes with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

4. From Side Dish to Star Dish: Revamping Christmas Corn

Corn and Black Bean Salsa:

Ingredients: Leftover corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt.

Instructions: Mix corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Dress with lime juice and salt. Serve with chips or as a side.

Cheesy Corn Fritters:

Ingredients: Leftover corn, flour, baking powder, cheese, egg, milk, salt, pepper.

Instructions: Combine corn, flour, baking powder, cheese, egg, and milk. Fry spoonfuls until golden brown. Enjoy with a dipping sauce.

Preservation Techniques:

Freeze corn in sealed bags for up to 6 months. Blanch before freezing for optimal texture.

5. Green Beans Reimagined: Creative Twists on Leftover Green Beans

Green Bean Almondine:

Ingredients: Leftover green beans, almonds, butter, lemon juice, salt.

Instructions: Sauté almonds in butter until golden. Add green beans, lemon juice, and salt. Toss until coated and serve.

Green Bean Casserole-Stuffed Mushrooms:

Ingredients: Leftover green beans, cream of mushroom soup, (or already made casserole) mushrooms, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese.

Instructions: Mix green beans with mushroom soup. Stuff the mushroom caps, (or use the already made casserole) top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and bake until mushrooms are tender.

Freshness Tips:

Store green beans in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer for up to a week.

6. Festive Flavors: Crafting Leftover Christmas Dinner Quesadillas

Holiday-Inspired Quesadillas:

Ingredients: Leftover meats (turkey, ham), cheese, cranberry sauce, tortillas.

Instructions: Layer meats, cheese, and cranberry sauce between tortillas. Cook in a skillet until cheese melts and tortillas are golden. Slice and serve.

Dietary Variations:

Accommodate various diets by using gluten-free or corn tortillas and plant-based cheeses.

7. Leftover Love: Building a Beautiful Christmas Dinner Leftovers Board

Charcuterie Board Creation:

Ingredients: Leftover meats, cheeses, bread, crackers, pickles, mustard.

Instructions: Arrange a variety of leftovers on a large board, pairing meats with complimentary cheeses, and adding texture with bread and crackers. Garnish with pickles and a side of mustard.

Pairing Perfection:

Explore taste combinations, such as pairing ham with brie and turkey with cranberry cheese.

8. Christmas Remix: Turning Holiday Leftovers into Savory Pies

Savory Pies Galore:

Ingredients: Leftover turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, pie crust.

Instructions: Combine meats and veggies in a pie dish. Top with mashed potatoes and cover with pie crust. Bake until the crust is golden brown.

Crust Crafting:

Make a quick pie crust using flour, butter, and a splash of cold water for an easy yet flaky crust.

9. Post-Feast Brunch Extravaganza: Using Up Christmas Dinner Leftovers

Turkey and Stuffing Breakfast Hash:

Ingredients: Leftover turkey, stuffing, potatoes, onions, bell peppers, eggs.

Instructions: Sauté onions, peppers, and potatoes. Add turkey, stuffing, and cook until heated through. Top with fried eggs.

Mashed Potato Pancakes:

Ingredients: Leftover mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, egg, milk, chives.

Instructions: Combine mashed potatoes with flour, baking powder, egg, and milk. Fry spoonfuls until golden. Garnish with chives.

Balancing Flavors:

Achieve a balanced brunch by combining savory elements like turkey and potatoes with the richness of eggs.

10. Waste Not, Want Not: Sustainable Tips for Managing Christmas Dinner Leftovers

Practical Tips:

Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Label and date for easy tracking.

Environmental Impact:

Emphasize the importance of minimizing food waste for both the environment and budget.

And so… 

As the curtain falls on the holiday season, let your kitchen stage a grand encore with these leftover transformations. From sliders to pies, each dish tells a tale of reinvention and culinary ingenuity. So, open your fridge, don your apron, and let the post-Christmas feast begin anew! Your leftovers are waiting to be stars in their own right on your dining table.

Subscribe below and receive the “Empowering Homeschooling, Crafting, and Homemaking Moms: An eBook Guide from At Crafty Cottage Moms”