Discover more recipes, menus & inspiration in the Merry Maker Holiday Guide!
You’ve gathered and feasted and now you’re wondering what to do with all those Christmas leftovers. From leftover turkey, roast beef, stuffing to cranberries, we’ve got tasty makeovers that will turn yesterday’s meal into tomorrow’s delicious dinner!
1. Leftover turkey recipes
Once everyone’s had their fill of your roast turkey, don’t despair. We’ve got some tasty ideas to use up any leftover turkey meat and make it marvelous beyond the usual suspects.
White Bean & Leftover Turkey Curry
Shredded turkey meat, white beans, garlic, and fresh ginger, simmered in a curry-infused tomato sauce means you get flavour in every bite. Serve with a side of warm naan bread or basmati rice and drizzle some Greek or Balkan-style yogurt on top with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a comforting meal.
Thai Turkey Soup
Who wants plain old turkey broth when you can have a Thai-style soup made with leftover shredded turkey, yellow Thai curry paste, rice noodles and fresh herbs? It’s the post holiday pick-me-up you didn’t even know you were craving!
2. Leftover ham recipes
If Christmas ham is more like your holiday jam, we’ve got your back! Discover some delicious ideas that will bring your ham’s flavour back onto the table.
Grilled Ham & Halloumi Ploughman’s Platter
Don’t know what to do with your ham leftovers? Fire up your home grill and make a Ploughman’s Platter filled with your leftover grill, tomatoes, and creamy haloumi.
Savoury Ham & Cheese Bread Pudding
The best thing about leftovers? You don’t have to start over! Take that leftover ham, mix it with some cheese and veggies, and in just minutes, you’ll have a flavourful Ham & Cheese bread pudding—perfect for those cozy days inside.
3. Leftover cranberry sauce recipes
Not sure what to do with that leftover cranberry sauce? Here are two tasty takes on how to upcycle that sauce in dishes the family will enjoy.
Turkey Leftover Flatbread
Olive-oil brushed, and baked naan breads get topped with shredded turkey and an ingenious sweet-savoury topping that combines leftover cranberry sauce with mayonnaise for an umami boost. Cheddar cheese makes this quick flatbread recipe ooey-gooey and the best part is, dinner’s done in 20 minutes!
Turkey, Brie & Cranberry Crepes
Thinly sliced turkey and leftover cranberry sauce get a new lease on life in this easy, fabulous crepe recipe. Brie and arugula round out this quartet as the stuffing, giving you a whole new brunch, lunch or dinner option when paired with a fresh green side salad.
4. Leftover roast beef recipes
Have leftover roast beef and aren’t sure what to do with this premium center of plate protein? We’ve got delicious ideas for a post holiday sub or sandwich, or a veggie-loaded option if you’d prefer in the form of a flavourful salad.
Chipotle Roast Beef Sandwiches with Oven-Baked Fries
This sandwich gives you that hearty, sink-your-teeth-into-it quality using leftover prime rib or roast beef. Thinly sliced and dressed with a chipotle-mayo dressing, paper thin onion slivers and green pepper slices, it’s restaurant-worthy made by you!
Beef Chilli
Why not spice things up after the holidays? This cozy, flavourful Beef Chili recipe is the perfect way to use up your leftover roast beef. With a kick of spice, this dish will definitely warm you up on those chilly post-holiday days.
5. Leftover stuffing recipes
Out of ideas on what to do with the extra stuffing? Don’t worry! Here are a few ideas that will make you say again, ‘That’s the stuff!’
Holiday Dinner Waffle
From dinner to breakfast! Transform your fluffy stuffing into a crispy waffle topped with tender turkey, rich gravy, and a touch of sweet cranberry sauce. Leftover turkey has never tasted so good!
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Casserole
Turn leftover stuffing into this ingenious leftover turkey stuffing casserole using shredded turkey meat, leftover gravy, two kinds of cheeses and baby spinach. Serve with a side of steamed veggies and you’ve got dinner in no time!
Acorn Squash with Harvest Rice Stuffing
This Acorn Squash with Harvest Rice Stuffing offers you a new stuffing option- but here’s a hot tip: use your leftover stuffing in lieu of the wild rice version, cover with aluminum foil and warm through in a hot oven. The squash in this recipe gets cooked before you stuff them, so this step is only required for warming your pre-made stuffing. You can uncover the stuffed squashes once the filling is hot, grate a bit of cheese, broil for 30 seconds or until melted and serve either with a green salad or with any other leftover you want to enjoy again.
6. Leftover mashed potatoes
Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into comforting classics perfect for chilly days. These cozy dishes not only use up every bit but also taste fantastic!
Big Batch Shepherd’s Pie
Repurpose those mashed taters into a Big Batch Shepherd’s Pie that can feed a crowd or be portioned off into smaller meals for busy desk lunches or a quick dinner at home.
Potato & Cheese Quesadilla
Nothing says comfort on a plate more than these cheese and mashed potato stuffed quesadillas. The best part is you can customize them by adding your favourite cheeses, fresh herbs, or roasted veggies if you like. Perfect with a bowl of soup or a green salad.
