Tasty Creative Ideas for Your Christmas Dinner Leftovers

After the excitement of Christmas Day, you might find your fridge packed with leftovers from the feast. 

From turkey to roasted veg, there’s usually an abundance of festive food that’s far too good to waste.

 Instead of simply reheating the same plate every day, why not get creative with your Christmas leftovers? Here are some delicious ideas for turning those post-holiday bits and pieces into brand-new meals.

1. Turkey Transformation: Soups, Curries, and Sandwiches

Turkey is often the star of Christmas dinner, and luckily, it’s incredibly versatile when it comes to leftovers.

Hearty Turkey Soup: Start with a turkey stock by simmering the leftover bones with carrots, onions, and celery. Then add shredded turkey, diced potatoes, and any leftover veg for a warming, hearty soup that’s perfect for those cold days between Christmas and New Year’s.

Turkey Curry: For something with a bit of spice, transform your leftover turkey into a curry. Just sauté onions, garlic, and ginger with curry powder, add coconut milk or chopped tomatoes, and mix in your turkey and any veg that could use up. It’s quick, easy, and will infuse a bit of post-holiday excitement into your meals.

Ultimate Turkey Sandwich: Get creative with a sandwich that’s far from ordinary! Use slices of leftover turkey with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a slice of mature cheddar or brie on crusty bread. Add some fresh salad greens for a mix of textures and flavours that’s far better than your average sandwich.

2. Leftover Vegetables: Bubble and Squeak, Frittatas, and Stir-Fries

Roasted carrots, parsnips, sprouts, and potatoes are Christmas staples, and they can be repurposed in so many delicious ways.

Bubble and Squeak: A classic British favourite, bubble and squeak is a great way to use up leftover veg. Mash everything together, including those crispy potatoes and sprouts, and fry in a pan with a little butter until it’s golden and slightly crisp. Serve it with fried or poached eggs for a satisfying Boxing Day breakfast. (It's called Bubble and Squeak because of the way it makes the sounds of bubbling and squeaking whilst it's cooking in the pan.)

Vegetable Frittata: Take your roasted veg and make a frittata for a brunch or light dinner. Simply whisk together eggs, pour over your veggies in a frying pan, and cook until set. Add cheese, herbs, or even a few bits of leftover ham for extra flavour. You can enjoy it hot or cold, making it perfect for relaxed post-Christmas days.

Quick Stir-Fry: Leftover veg can be turned into a quick and nutritious stir-fry. Toss your roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and any remaining greens with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of ginger for an Asian-inspired twist. Throw in some shredded turkey or ham if you like, and you’ve got a speedy meal in minutes.

3. Potatoes and Stuffing: Croquettes, Hash, and Dumplings

Those crispy potatoes and extra stuffing can be the basis for a variety of tasty, comforting dishes.

Potato Croquettes: Mash up leftover roast potatoes or mash, add a bit of grated cheese, and form them into small croquettes. Roll in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fry until golden. These make fantastic snacks or side dishes, and they’re an easy way to use up a fair bit of potato.

Festive Hash: Chop up potatoes, stuffing, and any leftover meat and pan-fry with a few onions until it’s all golden and crispy. This is a quick, hearty meal that makes a brilliant brunch, especially when topped with a fried egg.

Stuffing Dumplings for Soup: Turn your leftover stuffing into flavourful dumplings. Mix the stuffing with a bit of flour and an egg, roll into small balls, and drop them into your turkey or vegetable soup. They’ll add extra flavour and a bit of bite, making your soup even more satisfying.

4. Cranberry Sauce: Glazes, Desserts, and Smoothies

If you’ve still got cranberry sauce hanging around, there’s more to it than just pairing it with meat.

Cranberry Glaze for Meats: Mix cranberry sauce with a touch of honey or balsamic vinegar to make a delicious glaze for meats. This works well with ham, pork chops, or even roasted vegetables, adding a sweet-tart flavour that’s perfect for winter meals.

Cranberry Yoghurt Parfait: For a lighter post-holiday treat, layer cranberry sauce with Greek yoghurt and granola. This makes a refreshing breakfast or dessert that feels indulgent but isn’t too heavy after Christmas feasting.

Smoothie Boost: Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce to your smoothie for a festive twist. Cranberries are high in antioxidants, and the sauce adds a tart-sweet note that pairs especially well with banana, apple, or orange. (My wife introduced me to the idea of using cranberry sauce in place of jam on jam sandwiches several years ago.)

5. Cheese Board Leftovers: Toasties, Mac & Cheese, and Quiches

Cheese often takes centre stage on Christmas cheese boards, but those leftover bits and bobs are perfect for comforting dishes.

Cheesy Toasties: There’s nothing quite like a good cheese toastie made with Christmas cheese. Use up any remaining brie, blue cheese, or cheddar to make a luxurious toastie on crusty bread. Add a dollop of cranberry sauce or caramelised onion chutney for an extra layer of flavour.

Festive Mac & Cheese: Leftover cheese can elevate a classic mac and cheese. Mix in grated cheese (any kind will do!) with your pasta and white sauce, top with breadcrumbs, and bake. You can even throw in some leftover veg or ham if you like — it’s a true crowd-pleaser.

Quiche or Tart: Use up soft or crumbly cheeses in a quiche or tart. Mix your cheese with eggs, cream, and any remaining roasted veg, then pour into a pastry case and bake until golden. It’s an easy way to create a savoury tart that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

6. Sweet Treats: Christmas Pudding Ice Cream and Trifle

If you still have desserts on hand, give them a new twist!

Christmas Pudding Ice Cream: Crumble leftover Christmas pudding into softened vanilla ice cream, mix, and freeze. You’ll get a deliciously rich, festive ice cream that’s perfect with a drizzle of brandy sauce or a few sprinkles of nuts.

Post-Christmas Trifle: Layer leftover Christmas cake or pudding with custard, whipped cream, and fruit to make a decadent trifle. Add a dash of sherry or brandy if you’re feeling indulgent, and you’ve got an impressive dessert with minimal effort.

7. Freezing Leftovers for Later

If you’re still overwhelmed with leftovers, don’t forget that most can be frozen. Turkey, ham, and even cranberry sauce all freeze well and can be enjoyed later when you’re ready for a festive flashback. Just make sure to wrap them properly, label them, and plan to use them up within a couple of months.

Embrace the Leftovers and Keep the Festive Spirit Going

Turning Christmas leftovers into new dishes isn’t just practical; it’s also a great way to extend the enjoyment of holiday flavours. With a little creativity, you can transform those extra bits into exciting new meals and treats, making the days after Christmas just as delicious as the big day itself. Whether you’re in the mood for something light, hearty, or a little indulgent, there’s a leftover recipe that’s sure to satisfy.

Whole Turkey vs Turkey Crown: Which Should You Choose for Your Christmas Feast?

Christmas dinner planning often brings a key decision to the table: should you opt for a whole turkey or a turkey crown?

While the whole turkey is a classic choice, the turkey crown has become increasingly popular, especially among smaller families or those looking to avoid the hassle of carving. 

Each option has its own merits, and here’s a look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide which best suits your Christmas feast.

1. The Whole Turkey: Tradition on the Table

A whole turkey, with its impressive size and iconic appearance, brings a festive feel that many associate with Christmas Day. This choice is ideal for those who love the tradition of a grand bird as a centrepiece and want a little bit of everything — the breast, wings, thighs, and legs — on offer. But is it always the best choice?

Pros of a Whole Turkey:

Festive Presentation: There’s something truly special about a whole, golden-brown turkey. It can be a show-stopper on the Christmas table, making a statement that says, "This is Christmas dinner."

Variety of Meat: A whole turkey offers both white breast meat and dark meat from the legs and thighs, so there’s a bit of something for everyone. The variety also means more potential for flavour and juiciness.

Leftovers for Days: If you love leftover turkey sandwiches, turkey pie, or turkey soup, a whole bird will likely give you enough meat to last well beyond Christmas Day.

Traditional Appeal: For those who treasure tradition, the whole turkey embodies the spirit of Christmas feasting.

Cons of a Whole Turkey:

Time-Consuming to Cook: A whole turkey takes longer to cook and often requires basting and monitoring to ensure it doesn’t dry out, particularly the white breast meat.

Carving Can Be Challenging: Carving a whole bird requires some skill, especially if you want nice, neat slices. This can be intimidating for some and messy for others.

Space Issues: A whole turkey can be very large, which means it takes up a lot of oven space and may also be challenging to store if you buy in advance.

2. The Turkey Crown: Convenience Meets Quality

A turkey crown is essentially the breast of the bird on the bone, with the legs and wings removed. This option has surged in popularity due to its convenience and is perfect for smaller households or those who prioritise simplicity. But does it truly satisfy the Christmas craving?

Pros of a Turkey Crown:

Easier to Cook: Without the extra parts, a turkey crown cooks faster and more evenly, making it less prone to drying out if cooked correctly. It also requires less oven space, which is helpful if you have other dishes to cook.

Ideal for White Meat Lovers: Turkey crowns are almost all breast meat, making them perfect if your family prefers leaner cuts.

Easy to Carve: Carving a crown is much simpler than carving a whole turkey, as you’re only dealing with the breast. This can make serving easier and less messy, especially if you have limited kitchen skills or prefer a low-fuss approach.

Less Waste: Since there are no wings or legs, a turkey crown can be a good choice for smaller gatherings, especially if you’re conscious of food waste.

Cons of a Turkey Crown:

Lack of Dark Meat: A turkey crown doesn’t include the legs or thighs, so if you enjoy the richer flavour of dark meat, you may miss out.

Less Visual Appeal: While a turkey crown can look lovely when roasted, it lacks the grandeur of a whole bird, which some people might miss as part of their Christmas tradition.

Fewer Leftovers: If you love Christmas leftovers, a crown may leave you short of meat, particularly if you have a few guests.

Cost: Some people find that a crown costs more per kilogram than a whole turkey, meaning you may end up paying more for less meat overall.

3. Key Considerations for Your Choice

Ultimately, the decision between a whole turkey and a turkey crown depends on your preferences, the size of your gathering, and your willingness to put in the time for cooking and carving.

Family Size and Appetite: For a large family gathering, a whole turkey might be the better choice. It not only makes a grand impression but also ensures there’s enough variety to cater to everyone’s tastes. For a smaller family or intimate gathering, a turkey crown might be the more sensible option.

Preference for Meat Type: If your family prefers white breast meat, a turkey crown is a great choice. However, if you love the mixture of white and dark meat, a whole turkey is the way to go.

Time and Effort: If you’re looking for a quicker, easier cook with minimal hassle, the crown wins. However, if you’re prepared to invest the time in basting, checking, and carving, then the whole turkey can be well worth the effort.

Budget and Leftovers: A whole turkey typically provides more meat for the cost, which could be more economical if you’re feeding a group or planning on leftovers. But if you’re only looking to serve one meal, the crown can help avoid overbuying and reduce food waste.

4. Alternatives to Consider

If you’re torn between both options, there are alternatives that might offer the best of both worlds. Some supermarkets now offer half turkeys, which include both breast and leg meat but aren’t as large as a whole bird. Boneless turkey joints, often seasoned and stuffed, can also be a convenient option, particularly if you’re cooking for a smaller group.

In Summary: The Best Choice for Your Christmas Table

Choosing between a whole turkey and a turkey crown can feel like a big decision, but remember that each option offers something special. If you’re hosting a big family feast and want to honour tradition, the whole turkey might be the ideal choice. For a smaller gathering or a simplified Christmas dinner, the turkey crown is a perfect, hassle-free option that still brings the festive flavour.

Ultimately, both choices have their strengths, and your Christmas dinner will be wonderful no matter which one you choose. Embrace the option that best suits your table, and enjoy a delicious, memorable meal with loved ones.