Leftovers from Holiday Meals

As we gather for holiday meals, many times we end up with a lot of food left over and do not want to eat the same meal over the next few days.  There are many different ways that you can use the leftover foods to create all new dishes that your family will love!

Turkey

Turkey is a common food that we have leftover during the holidays. Sandwiches are not the only way that you can use up the turkey.  Try adding to soups like Turkey Rice Soup . Turkey can also be used in place of some recipes that call for chicken like: Chicken Corn Chowder,  Chicken Waldorf Salad or Pasta with Greens, Beans, and Chicken. 

Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Instead of cooking all of the potatoes and sweet potatoes that you have, make a smaller amount for your main meal and then use the extras that you have to make other fun, family dishes.  Potatoes can be 

• added to soups or stews to add a thicker texture 
• topped with vegetables for a main meal 
• paired with meat or beans for a quick and easy meal. 

Superhero Shepherd’s Pie is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. 

Mashed sweet potatoes are great to add to waffle or pancake batter the next day or make Sweet Potato and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars for a healthy dessert option. Sweet potatoes that have been roasted could be added to soups.   Leftover roasted sweet potatoes would be great in Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup and Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili. Why not mix cooked sweet potatoes in your morning oatmeal for a different holiday twist?

Stuffing

Stuffing is a popular holiday food that is usually made in large quantities.  Use the leftover stuffing to make homemade meatballs, croutons for salads, add to sweet bell peppers to make Stuffed Peppers, or place in muffin tins and add veggies like leftover turkey,  carrots, broccoli or spinach for muffin cups. 

Squash

Squash is a popular fall food served during the holidays. Leftover squash can be used to make soups such as  Roasted Pear and Butternut Squash Soup. Make Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese for a fun alternative to the traditional macaroni and cheese that kids love.  Try our Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash to help use up cooked turkey and cooked stuffing for a yummy new recipe! 

Green Beans

Leftover green beans are a great addition to many soups like Italian Bean Soup  and Beef and Vegetable Soup or casseroles like Shepherds Pie or Green Bean casserole for a quick meal.  Green beans can also be added to salads like Corn and Green Bean Salad.  

Don’t let holiday leftovers go to waste! Use your leftover foods to make a fun and exciting recipe that your family will want to have over and over again!