Don’t know what to do with those Christmas leftovers? From Boxing Day brunch to a comforting pie, epic sandwiches and much more, these Christmas leftover recipes will help you make the most of what you’ve got.
Post the main event, lots of us will wake up with fridges full of Christmas leftovers, from leftover turkey to cooked ham, roasted veggies, stuffing and even gravy! And that’s before factoring in the extras: foodie gifts, bags of nuts, jars of mincemeat and piles of sweet treats knocking around. But there’s no need to let any of this lovely stuff go to waste. Get creative with our gorgeous Christmas leftover recipes and use your leftovers up in style.
Savoury saviours
There’s still plenty of life in those festive savoury bits. Here are our top recipes for reinventing everything from roast turkey to what’s left of the cheeseboard.
Turkey and leeks are great friends in the kitchen – give this pie a go and you’ll soon know what we mean! Add some smoky bacon, crème fraîche and a puff pastry top for a comforting pie that’s a real crowdpleaser.
Nothing says Boxing Day like a turkey sarnie! This sensational recipe transforms leftover turkey, gravy, ham and cheese into an epic sharing sandwich, complete with soft homemade bread and a lovely zingy pickle. Dig in!
Super tasty and very versatile, bubble & squeak is the gift that keeps on giving in the Betwixtmas period. Get your pan on the heat and throw in some leftover roast potatoes, cooked veg and even chestnuts, if you have them, to make this cracking one-pan wonder.
Hit up your leftover turkey with a bit of spice and turn it into a steaming bowl of mulligatawny soup. With ginger, chilli, curry paste and lots of lovely veggies, this is a really warming post-Christmas tea. Plus, it’s so simple to make – winner!
A cheesy, piping hot lasagne always goes down a treat, but why not go in with some lovely leftover meat? Turkey, beef, chicken or lamb will all work beautifully here, so feel free to make it your own. This labour of love is well worth it!
Jazz up those lovely roast dinner leftovers with a smooth, silky sauce and beautifully crumbly pastry. Take it to the next level by bashing some chestnuts into the pastry – delicious! Even those last few Brussels sprouts can get a look in!!
Now here’s one of our favourite veggie Christmas leftover recipes for using up extra root veg and the last of the cheeseboard. With shop-bought puff pastry and a quick marmalade glaze, this savoury tarte tatin gives humble leftovers a new lease of life.
Leftovers don’t always scream luxury; but this number breaks the mould. Jamie’s turkey risotto is delicate, oozy and super comforting; and makes brilliant use of leftover roast turkey, gravy, and even Prosecco! The crispy shards of turkey skin are a total game changer.
MORE: Leftover turkey recipes
For a tangy twist on the turkey sandwich, pair your leftover turkey and gravy with a tasty slaw, spicy chillies, crunchy gherkins and a homemade barbecue sauce – absolutely banging.
Using just five ingredients and on the table in 15 minutes, this quick and easy Boxing Day brunch idea transforms leftover Christmas cheese, cranberry sauce and roast turkey into something pretty special. What hangover?
Now this bad boy is something to behold. All the best bits of your Christmas lunch encased in a crispy, fluffy Yorkshire pudding, with tonnes of gorgeous leftover gravy. Almost as good as the main event.
Bring a touch of nostalgia to your Boxing Day buffet with this super-easy Christmas leftovers quiche. Heroing leftover ham and cheese, this delicious dish is bound to put smiles on people’s faces, and would make a great addition to a festive buffet.
Sweet leftover treats
Got leftover Christmas pud, cake, mince pies, nuts, or even cranberry sauce on your hands? Transform them into these epic desserts – they’ve never looked better!
Leftovers are always improved when covered in pastry, and that goes for the sweet stuff, too! Anything goes in Jamie’s festive pud, so get creative.
Repurpose that figgy pudding into this quick and easy festive dessert – and you can use up the last of the cranberry sauce while you’re at it.
This little pick-me-up can be knocked together in seconds! This is the perfect recipe to have up your sleeve to revive guests after yet another epic feast.
Two Classic Christmas puds combine in this glorious Christmas cake trifle recipe. The amounts are more of a guide: use up whatever fruit and nuts you’ve got leftover and make it your own.
Find loads more delicious ideas for eating up those Christmas leftovers here.