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Feast Twice as Nice: Epic Christmas Leftover Makeovers

Even with a full house, holiday festivities are bound to leave some leftovers. Rather than eat the same thing for a week or let it go to waste, repurpose those classic Christmas dishes into new and improved meals!
Feast Twice as Nice: Epic Christmas Leftover Makeovers
Feast Twice as Nice: Epic Christmas Leftover Makeovers
SideChef
Welcome to SideChef's original recipes. Created from scratch in the SideChef Kitchen, where recipe inspiration and ingredient experimentation is a way of life.
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SideChef
Welcome to SideChef's original recipes. Created from scratch in the SideChef Kitchen, where recipe inspiration and ingredient experimentation is a way of life.
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It’s December 26th. The presents are unwrapped, the stockings stowed away, and now you're staring at a fridge overflowing with Christmas leftovers.

Don’t let all that festive food go to waste! Instead of reheating the same old dishes, why not transform them into something new and delicious? From savory turkey pot pies to crispy mashed potato croquettes, your holiday spread can live on in fresh, creative ways.

Ready to keep the holiday magic alive in your kitchen? Check out these fun and easy Christmas leftover makeovers that will have you enjoying your feast all over again!

1. Christmas Dinner Shepherd’s Pie

The beauty of this dish is that it’s fully customizable—swap in any leftover roasted vegetables, add a sprinkle of cheese on top, and bake it to golden perfection. It’s the perfect all-in-one meal that makes the most of your Christmas feast while cutting down on food waste.

2. Turkey & Cranberry Sandwiches

Stack layers of juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and savory stuffing between slices of your favorite bread for a holiday flavor explosion. Add some greens or a slather of mustard for an extra kick.

It’s quick, delicious, and a surefire way to relive the holiday flavors, minus the heavy lifting.

3. Roast Veggie Frittata

Mix them up with eggs and cheese for a simple but satisfying meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The best part? You can throw in anything from roasted Brussels sprouts to sweet potatoes. Add a dash of herbs for extra flavor, and you've got yourself an easy, nutritious dish that keeps the holiday spirit going.

4. Ham and Potato Soup

A hearty soup, combined with tender potatoes, fresh veggies, and a touch of cream to create a dish that’s perfect for a chilly post-Christmas day. Garnish with some crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra indulgence.

5. The Perfect Strata

Perfect for brunch or dinner. Simply layer the bread with turkey, pour a seasoned egg mixture over the top, and let it bake until golden and bubbly.

This dish is great for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it’s an easy way to use up all that holiday bread that’s likely hanging around!

6. Mashed Potato Croquettes

Cheesy makeover in these bite-sized croquettes. Fry them until golden brown, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “Christmas dinner.”

They make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or side dish, and you can even serve them with a dipping sauce like sour cream or gravy to take things to the next level.

7. Crunchy Turkey Croquettes

Packed with a savory mix of turkey, herbs, and spices, these little bites are perfect for a snack or side dish. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce or cranberry chutney for an extra pop of flavor, and watch as they quickly become a post-holiday favorite.

8. Turkey and Gravy Pot Pie

Use up leftover turkey and gravy in this flaky, hearty pot pie. With a buttery crust and a filling packed with tender turkey and rich gravy, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Add in some leftover veggies for extra flavor, and you’ve got an easy-to-make, deliciously filling meal that’ll make you forget it’s made from leftovers

9. Brussels Sprout Salad

Who says salads have to be boring? Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with crunchy nuts, sweet cranberries, and a zesty vinaigrette to create a refreshing salad that’s both light and satisfying.

It’s the perfect balance to all the rich, heavy dishes from Christmas, and a great way to use up those roasted veggies. Serve it as a side or a main dish—it’s as versatile as it is tasty

10. Holiday Pizza

Who needs takeout when you can create your own holiday-inspired pizza? Use leftover turkey, roasted veggies, and whatever cheese you have on hand for a pizza that’s a unique twist on a classic.

The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to clear out the fridge while still feeling indulgent. You can even drizzle some cranberry sauce on top for a sweet-savory balance.

11. Cranberry Sauce Parfaits

Leftover cranberry sauce doesn’t just have to sit in the fridge—layer it with yogurt, granola, and maybe a bit of honey for a sweet and tangy breakfast treat.

It’s a refreshing way to start the day, and a great way to repurpose cranberry sauce into something new and exciting. Plus, it’s as pretty as it is tasty!

12. Turkey and Sweet Potato Enchiladas

Roll up leftover turkey and roasted sweet potatoes in tortillas, then cover with enchilada sauce and bake. It's a festive and flavorful take on a Mexican favorite.

13. Turkey and Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Mix leftover turkey with eggs, cheese, and some veggies, then bake it all in muffin tins for easy grab-and-go breakfast bites.

14. Turkey Quesadillas

Shred leftover turkey and combine it with cheese, veggies, and guacamole sauce in a tortilla. Toast it up for a crispy, melty quesadilla that’s quick and satisfying.

15. Turkey Pies

These flaky, golden pies are the perfect way to give your leftover Christmas ham a second life. Combined with gooey melted cheese, they create a savory, handheld treat that’s great for lunch or a snack

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