The big holiday meal is over, the decorations are (mostly) down, and you’re staring into the fridge at… a mountain of leftovers. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there.
While a turkey sandwich (or three) might hit the spot initially, let's be honest, it gets old fast. But fear not, intrepid home cooks! This isn’t a culinary crisis; it’s an opportunity. Let’s ditch the predictable and transform those holiday remnants into exciting, fresh meals that will have everyone saying, “Leftovers? These are amazing!”
1. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Turn your Christmas dinner leftovers into a cozy, comforting delight with this leftover turkey shepherd’s pie. It’s the perfect way to repurpose that extra turkey into a whole new scrumptious meal. It's a crowd-pleaser because it's warm, hearty, and satisfying—perfect for chilly winter evenings. It’s also incredibly easy to throw together; just combine your leftover turkey with some veggies and top with mashed potatoes, and bake. If you're looking for some sweetness, swap the traditional mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes. Option to pour some leftover gravy over top for an extra decadent touch. Try this recipe that’s widely celebrated online.
2. Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas
These aren't your average quesadillas! The savoury turkey combined with the tart cranberry sauce creates a surprisingly delightful flavour explosion. They’re fun because they're a quick and customizable snack or light meal. Plus, they’re super easy to make: just layer your leftovers between tortillas and grill until golden brown. Try these quesadillas that come together in no time flat.
3. Turkey Tetrazzini with a Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping
This creamy pasta bake is a comforting and elegant way to use leftover turkey. The crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy sauce. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser since who doesn’t love a good pasta bake? It’s also simple enough to whip up even after the holiday rush. Make this Tetrazzini and prepare for requests for it every year!
4. Turkey Pho
This Vietnamese noodle soup is a light and flavourful way to use leftover turkey. The aromatic broth and fresh herbs create a refreshing and revitalizing meal. It’s a fun way to explore different cuisines and use up those holiday herbs. It’s also surprisingly easy to make; the key is simmering the broth for maximum flavour. Discover the secrets to perfect Pho with this recipe.
5. Turkey and Cranberry Flatbread Pizzas
These individual pizzas are a fun and customizable way to use leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. The crispy flatbread provides the perfect base for these flavourful toppings. They’re a fun and interactive meal that everyone can chip in to make together and then enjoy. They’re also incredibly simple to make: just top flatbreads with your leftovers and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Get creative with your toppings using this flatbread pizza recipe.
6. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
This comforting soup is a delicious way to use up shredded leftover turkey, creating a warm and satisfying meal perfect for cozy days indoors. The wild rice adds a nutty texture and hearty element, while a touch of cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option) creates a rich and velvety broth. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, too! It's relatively easy to make on the stovetop; just simmer the ingredients until the rice is tender and the flavours meld together. Warm up with a bowl of this creamy and comforting soup using this recipe.
7. Turkey Croquettes with a Spicy Aioli
These crispy and flavourful croquettes are a sophisticated way to use leftover turkey. The spicy aioli adds a kick of flavour that perfectly complements the savoury filling. These are a fun and elegant appetizer or snack. They require a bit more effort but are well worth it. Impress your guests with these gourmet-style croquettes using this recipe.
Culinary Tip for Non-Cooks: Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavours and seasonings. A little bit of spice, herbs, or citrus can transform leftovers into something completely new and exciting. So, ditch the boring turkey sandwiches and embrace the culinary adventure. With a little creativity, you can turn your holiday leftovers into delicious and exciting meals that everyone will love.
About the Author
Alicia is a journalist and editor in digital and print media specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. She was previously the Editorial Director of Clean Eating and Vegetarian Times. Her work has also appeared in Hone Health The Edge, Yoga Journal, Women’s Running, and Oxygen, among others. In addition to being a content creator, she's an ISSA-certified nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and fitness studio owner in Toronto. Alicia loves spreading the word about helpful, science-backed health information, and she can be contacted via her website at aliciamtyler.com.
