1. Turkey Pot Pie
This classic dish is ideal for using up leftover turkey and vegetables. To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a pie dish. In a large pan, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant, then add leftover vegetables like peas, carrots, and green beans. To this mixture, add diced turkey and a flour and vegetable broth roux to create a thick, creamy sauce. Once everything is well combined, transfer it to the prepared pie dish and top with a layer of puff pastry. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. Christmas Quesadillas
This Tex-Mex inspired dish is a wonderful way to use up leftover meat and veggies. Simply take a tortilla and fill it with shredded cheese, diced turkey or ham, and any leftover vegetables like corn, peppers, or onions. Fold the tortilla in half and cook on a skillet over medium-high heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
3. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
If you have leftover sweet potatoes, this recipe is perfect for turning them into a decadent meal. Begin by mashing the potatoes until smooth, then mix in flour, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese until a dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them into gnocchi shapes. Boil the gnocchi until it floats to the top, then drain and set aside. In a separate pan, sauté diced onions and garlic, then add leftover ham or turkey and chopped sage. Toss the gnocchi in the pan with the ham and vegetables, then top with extra Parmesan cheese.
4. Brussels Sprouts Hash
Brussels sprouts are a classic Christmas vegetable, and this recipe turns them into a hearty breakfast or brunch dish. Begin by boiling or roasting the sprouts until tender, then dice them into small pieces. In a large pan, sauté diced onions until translucent, then add the sprouts and leftover ham or turkey. Crack a few eggs into the pan and stir to combine everything. Cook for a few minutes until the eggs are set and the mixture is crispy. Serve hot with toast or English muffins.
5. Leftover Shepherd’s Pie
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes and meat. To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a casserole dish. In a large pan, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant, then add leftover vegetables like peas, carrots, and green beans. To this mixture, add diced meat and gravy to create a thick, savory filling. Once everything is well combined, transfer it to the prepared casserole dish and top with a layer of mashed potatoes. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
In conclusion, these five recipes are a great starting point when it comes to utilizing Christmas leftovers. The key is to be creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to create new and exciting meals. After all, the holiday season is about coming together and sharing in the joy of good food and good company.