What to do with Christmas dinner leftovers for Boxing Day and beyond!

Christmas dinner is a feast we spend days, weeks and months planning. The roast turkey, an array of sides, and those desserts that no one can resist. It’s all worth it but after the indulgence and the festive cheer there’s often an abundance of leftovers that pose the question: What do I do with all this food?

With a little creativity you can transform your Christmas feast into some delicious meals that will extend Christmas day joy into Boxing Day and beyond!

Boxing Day Brunch!

Start your day after Christmas with a hearty brunch made from your leftovers. Think beyond reheating and try dishes like:

Turkey Hash with Poached Eggs: Dice up leftover turkey, roasted potatoes and any leftover veggies like carrots or parsnips. Fry them upuntil golden brown, then top with a poached egg for a comforting brunch.

Stuffing Waffles: Got a surplus of stuffing? Use it to make waffles! Mix the stuffing with a little beaten egg and press it in a waffle iron. Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy for a fun twist on the classic Boxing Day breakfast.

Brie and Cranberry Toasties: Use up that remaining cheese board by making a melt in your mouth brie and cranberry sandwich. Stack slices of brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce between crusty bread, grill it until golden, and enjoy a luxurious bite.

Transform Your Turkey (or Main Dish)!

Turkey can often be the star leftover, so why not put it to good use with some easy and versatile recipes?

Turkey Curry: This is a popular option that spices up your traditional leftovers. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan, add curry powder and canned tomatoes, then toss in your turkey chunks. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes and finish with a dollop of plain yogurt for a creamy touch. Serve with rice or naan for a comforting post Christmas meal.

Turkey Pie: For a cosy winter warmer, use leftover turkey and vegetables to create a hearty turkey pie. Mix turkey with a white sauce or leftover gravy, add any leftover vegetables and top with puff pastry or mashed potatoes before baking until golden and bubbly.

Turkey Tacos: Give your Christmas leftovers a Mexican twist by using turkey as a filling for tacos. Combine shredded turkey with chili powder, cumin, and lime juice, and serve in tortillas with fresh salsa, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Reinventing Side Dishes!

Side dishes often get pushed to the back of the fridge, but they’re perfect for repurposing into new meals.

Bubble and Squeak: This classic British dish is perfect for Boxing Day and beyond. Mash together leftover Brussels sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots and fry until crisp and golden. Serve with a fried egg or slices of leftover ham.

Vegetable Soup: Use those roasted root vegetables as the base for a hearty soup. Purée them with some chicken or vegetable stock, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and you’ll have a warming soup ready in no time.

Potato Pancakes: Leftover mashed potatoes make excellent pancakes. Mix them with an egg, some flour, and seasoning, then fry in a pan until crisp. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of smoked salmon for a gourmet touch.

Sweet Leftover Ideas!

If you find yourself with too many sweet treats, here’s how to repurpose them:

Bread Pudding: Leftover panettone or brioche makes for an indulgent bread pudding. Soak it in a mixture of milk, cream, eggs, sugar and vanilla, then bake until set. Add a drizzle of custard or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Trifle with a Twist: Turn leftover Christmas cake or pudding into a trifle. Layer crumbled cake with custard, whipped cream, and any leftover berries or fruit compote for a show stopping dessert.

Tips to Maximize Leftovers!

Freeze for Later: If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of leftovers, don’t hesitate to freeze portions. Most turkey, casseroles, and soups freeze well and will make for easy meals in January.

Get Creative: Use what you have and don’t be afraid to mix flavours and textures. Leftovers are perfect for experimenting, so have fun with it.

Storage Matters: Store leftovers properly in airtight containers to keep them fresh longer. Use labels to avoid the post Christmas confusion of forgotten containers in the fridge.

What are you doing with your Christmas leftovers?