Recipes
18 Delicious Recipes for your Holiday Leftovers
These delicious recipes use post Thanksgiving and Christmas leftovers to turn yesterday’s feast into tomorrow’s stews, pastas, soups and beautiful bakes! Cut down on food waste, stretch your holiday budget and create unforgettable meals…
There’s nothing worse than a fridge full of leftovers and no plans beyond “reheat, eat and repeat” — but they are pure gold when you know what to do with them.
Instead of leftovers, think of them as ingredients and you will discover a whole world beyond your basic turkey sandwich. Best of all, these are easy, comforting and do not take nearly as long as your holiday meal to make!
Spend less time cooking and more time relaxing while your leftovers do the heavy lifting. It’s the tastiest way to clear out the fridge after the holidays!
Holiday Leftovers FAQs
Ideally, you should not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s very warm, above 90°F / 32°C). Otherwise, bacteria may multiply and the food may no longer be safe to eat.
Cooked holiday leftovers will typically keep for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Store in shallow airtight containers and use by day 4 for best taste and food safety. Strip leftover turkey or ham off the bone before storing. This helps the meat chill quickly and evenly and keeps it safer and juicier. Bonus: the turkey carcass can be used to make exceptional broth or stock!
Yes, most will freeze really well. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label with the date and use within 2–3 months or they might lose their texture and flavor.
You can – provided they have been mashed with fat like butter and cream. Place in small containers to freeze, then transfer them to bags once solid. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat with a splash of milk, cream or broth to bring back the creaminess and moisture.
Yes, but be sure the gravy has cooled down completely before placing it in a covered container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it slowly on the stove, whisking and bringing it back to a full simmer. If it has been sitting out on the table for more than 2 hours, it’s safer to discard it.
Turkey: The Main Event
The holiday season usually leaves behind at least one major leftover: Turkey. Thankfully, there is a range of delicious and diverse dishes you can make with the big bird, from classic pies and pasta to casseroles and superb soups.
Get Ready to Ham It Up!
Turkey may be in the spotlight, but it’s not the only thing left behind after the festivities. Ham leftovers can be converted into brand new and delicious dishes for the family.
Roast Beef Leftovers? Got You Covered!
You may not think about repurposing leftover roast beef but it can create some truly rich and hearty meals. Best of all, it brings a whole new level of flavor to the most basic recipe.
The Ultimate Mash-Up
Holiday tables tend to feature a lot of potatoes, but not many people think about holding on to the leftovers to make something new. Feast your eye on these delightful mash-ups and you may well be inspired!
Questions
How long can leftovers sit out at room temperature?
Ideally, you should not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s very warm, above 90°F / 32°C). Otherwise, bacteria may multiply and the food may no longer be safe to eat.
How long do leftovers keep in the fridge?
Cooked holiday leftovers will typically keep for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Store in shallow airtight containers and use by day 4 for best taste and food safety. Strip leftover turkey or ham off the bone before storing. This helps the meat chill quickly and evenly and keeps it safer and juicier. Bonus: the turkey carcass can be used to make exceptional broth or stock!
Can I freeze Thanksgiving leftovers?
Yes, most will freeze really well. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label with the date and use within 2–3 months or they might lose their texture and flavor.
Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
You can – provided they have been mashed with fat like butter and cream. Place in small containers to freeze, then transfer them to bags once solid. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat with a splash of milk, cream or broth to bring back the creaminess and moisture.
Can leftover gravy and sauces be saved?
Yes, but be sure the gravy has cooled down completely before placing it in a covered container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it slowly on the stove, whisking and bringing it back to a full simmer. If it has been sitting out on the table for more than 2 hours, it’s safer to discard it.
