Unless the person cooking Christmas dinner has a crystal ball and precise portion control, it's inevitable that there'll be some leftover food. Rather than throw it away or feed it to the dog, however, you can take those leftovers and turn them into something delicious the next day. From imaginative ways to keep enjoying the turkey [1] to clever hacks to use up leftover Christmas pudding, we've rounded up the best recipes to make use of all those Brussels sprouts [2], chocolates, and gravy [3] that are just too tasty to see go to waste.
We can take inspiration from our American friends, too, with ways they use up Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce leftovers. Read ahead for recipes galore, and be warned, you might just want to cook up a Christmas dinner early so that you can start feasting on the leftovers.
Leftover Stuffing Waffles and Turkey Vegetable Hash
Yes, you can make waffles from leftover stuffing — you only need to combine it with an egg! Serve for brunch with leftover turkey and veg made into hash, and pop a fried egg on top.
Get the recipe: leftover stuffing waffles and turkey vegetable hash [4]
Thanksgiving Wontons
The Thanksgiving part of this recipe's name simply refers to using up leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing — all things that we have in our Christmas dinner. Cream cheese, lime juice, and jalapeno join the fun, too.
Get the recipe: Thanksgiving wontons [5]
Turkey Pot Pie
Pop veggies and your leftover turkey underneath this ready-made flaky crust top for a more filling alternative to turkey sandwiches.
Get the recipe: turkey pot pie [6]
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Parmesan and Balsamic
Sprouts get a tasty makeover with a balsamic glaze, which is simply the vinegar reduced and then pimped with honey, garlic powder, and salt.
Get the recipe: roasted Brussels sprouts with parmesan and balsamic [7]
Leftover Turkey Ramen Soup
Your Christmas turkey gets the Japanese treatment with this ramen noodle soup, with the flavours of miso, ginger, and fish sauce.
Get the recipe: leftover turkey ramen soup [8]
White Bean Turkey Chili
It only takes about 30 minutes to rustle up this chili, made with leftover roasted turkey along with beans and a variety of spices.
Get the recipe: white bean turkey chili [9]
Leftover Cheesy Stuffing Balls
Stuffing gets a cheesy new lease of life, similar to Italian arancini risotto balls. The mozzarella helps bind, and you can even add leftover turkey and cranberry sauce in there.
Get the recipe: leftover cheesy stuffing balls [10]
Leftover Turkey Gumbo
Add some andouille sausage, dark ale, and peppers to leftover turkey to get this rich, comforting Southern-inspired gumbo.
Get the recipe: leftover turkey gumbo [11]
Korean BBQ Chickpea Bento Bowls
Shred your Brussels sprouts to add into this fresh bento bowl, alongside chickpeas, rice, tomatoes, and ribbons of carrot and courgette.
Get the recipe: Korean BBQ chickpea bento bowls [12]
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Nachos
Switch out Thanksgiving for Christmas and you can use up your leftover turkey, Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce (by turning it into salsa) — just add tortilla chips and plenty of cheese.
Get the recipe: Thanksgiving leftover turkey nachos [13]
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Dark Chocolate Overnight Oats
Get your Boxing Day breakfast sorted by using up the leftover cranberry sauce in these overnight oats — they involve chocolate, so what's not to love?
Get the recipe: leftover cranberry sauce dark chocolate overnight oats [14]
Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
This is a nifty way to use up your leftover Christmas dinner of turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce — just add a pizza base and mozzarella cheese.
Get the recipe: Thanksgiving leftover pizza [15]
Creamy Turkey Mushroom Bake
Not only is this creamy turkey mushroom bake a delicious way to use up leftover turkey, but it's also gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Get the recipe: creamy turkey mushroom bake [16]