New Ways with Christmas Leftovers: Fresh Ideas to Transform the Post-Festive Fridge

Once the wrapping paper has been recycled and the last cracker joke has been groaned at, the fridge becomes a treasure trove of festive odds and ends. 

Turkey, pigs in blankets, roast vegetables, bread sauce, cranberry relish, stuffing, cheese… It’s all there, waiting for a second life. 

Rather than reheating the same plate again, this year why not turn your leftovers into dishes that feel genuinely exciting?

Here are fresh, clever, and wonderfully comforting ways to make the most of your Christmas bounty.

1. The Boxing Day Brunch Traybake

A full English meets festive odds and ends. (What my wife's mum, a professional chef, called a Smidgen roast!) 

Spread roast potatoes, chopped stuffing, halved pigs in blankets and a handful of greens (such as leftover sprouts) onto a tray. Drizzle with a little oil, warm through in a hot oven, then crack in a few eggs for the final five minutes.

Serve with cranberry sauce on the side for a sweet contrast.

2. Turkey & Cranberry Hand Pies

Use ready-rolled puff pastry to create rustic little pies filled with shredded turkey, a spoon of cranberry sauce, leftover gravy and a sprinkle of cheese.

Perfect for lunches, picnics, or for feeding hungry family members who wander into the kitchen asking what’s for tea.

3. Festive Ramen Bowl

A lighter option after days of rich food.

Warm turkey stock or leftover gravy loosened with water, add soy sauce, ginger and garlic, then pour over noodles.

Top with shredded turkey, sliced sprouts, finely sliced carrots or parsnips, and a soft-boiled egg. It’s soothing, quick, and a world away from roast dinners.

4. Stuffing & Roast Veg Waffles

Leftover stuffing and vegetables make surprisingly wonderful savoury waffles.

Mix chopped veg into stuffing, add an egg, a spoon of flour and a splash of milk, then press into a waffle maker until crisp.

Serve with fried eggs or a drizzle of leftover bread sauce thinned into a savoury dressing.

5. Brie & Cranberry Toasties

A classic, but endlessly satisfying.

Layer leftover festive cheeses, Brie, Stilton, Camembert, with cranberry sauce between slices of good bread.

Griddle until golden and molten.

Pairs beautifully with leftover red cabbage or sliced cold pigs in blankets.

6. Turkey Katsu Curry

A playful twist using the mountain of leftover turkey.

Breadcrumb slices of cold turkey, pan-fry until crisp, and serve with a quick katsu curry sauce (onion, carrot, garlic, mild curry powder, stock and coconut milk).

Delicious with leftover vegetables warmed in the oven.

7. Bubble & Squeak Deluxe

The Boxing Day classic deserves an upgrade.

Mash together all your veg plus chopped pigs in blankets and stuffing. Pan-fry until crisp on both sides.

Top with a poached egg and drizzle with warmed gravy for the ultimate comfort supper.

8. Leftover Cheeseboard Mac & Cheese

Cheddar, Stilton, Brie, whatever’s left on the cheeseboard can be blended into a glorious mac & cheese.

The combination yields a surprisingly complex, rich sauce.

Scatter with breadcrumbs made from stale baguette or crusts for extra crunch.

9. Yorkshire Pudding Wraps

If you’ve spare Yorkshires, fill them with turkey, stuffing and a drizzle of gravy, then fold into wraps.

They reheat wonderfully and make an effortless lunch.

10. Festive Fried Rice

An excellent way to use small amounts of lots of things.

Fry cold rice with chopped veg, shredded turkey, stuffing crumbs, soy sauce, ginger and a little chilli.

Add cranberries for a sweet pop that works far better than you'd expect.

Final Tips to Minimise Waste

Freeze early. Turkey freezes beautifully, keep portions ready for January meals.

Turn gravy into stock cubes. Use ice-cube trays for easy flavour boosters.

Get pickling. Leftover red cabbage or carrots can be turned into quick pickles for sandwiches.

Be brave. Christmas flavours are more versatile than they look.