35 Easy Christmas Leftover Recipes
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Christmas Leftover Recipes will help transform leftovers into easy, festive food everyone will love during during Christmas week. Delicious, satisfying and oh-so-delicious!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email, and we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get delicious new recipes from us every Friday!
Christmas Leftover Recipes
The Christmas feast has been devoured, the turkey and ham stored in the refrigerator. The savory nibbles and leftover cheeseboard items are stored.
So the question, then, is “What can I make with leftover ham and turkey?” We have some delicious, festive, easy, and comforting meal ideas you won’t want to miss.
Especially if you are celebrating Boxing Day!
Here you will find recipes for everything from pasta to sandwiches, leftover casseroles, and more.
But first, let’s take a look at how long you can safely store both ham and turkey in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Ham Keep in the Refrigerator?
Ham will keep in the refrigerator between 3 to 4 days if properly stored. To extend the shelf life, freeze portions in airtight containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
I love to have quart-size bags of cooked ham in the freezer for quick meals, pasta, soups, and frittatas.
How Long Does Turkey Keep in the Refrigerator?
The same is true for cooked turkey. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days if properly stored in airtight containers. It will also keep in the freezer wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
10 Ways to Make Christmas Leftover Recipes
I recently came across an article on 10 ways to use leftovers. And it perfectly applies to Christmas Leftover recipes too. Take stock of your leftovers and think about these easy food ideas on using them up:
- Pizza
- Salads
- Soup (always perfect at my house)
- Add an egg (and scramble)
- Stir Fry
- Flatbread
- Quesadillas
- Smoothies
- Pasta Skillet
- Freeze the leftovers for quick and easy winter meals
Christmas Leftover Recipes
1
www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk
Ham and Cheese Bake
A cheesy ham bake is a versatile and flexible way to use up Christmas leftovers. Fold greens, turkey or ham into the rich, cheesy sauce.
Get the Recipe
2
www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk
Leftover Turkey Tikka Masala
Create a turkey curry buffet even Bridget Jones would love. This fragrant turkey tikka masala makes the perfect dish for a Boxing Day or Twixmas spread.
Get the Recipe
3
www.eatingwell.com
Ham and Broccoli Topped Baked Potato
"Jazz up your simple baked potato with a quickly microwaved topping," using your ham leftovers!
Go to Recipe
4
www.spendwithpennies.com
Ham Breakfast Hash
"Start the day off right with this super easy breakfast hash recipe! Seasoned hashbrowns are cooked with onions and peppers, topped with fresh eggs and a sprinkle of cheese, and then baked until the eggs are just set. This one-pan ham and potato hash is on the table in minutes with almost no dishes to wash!"
Go to Recipe
5
www.eatingwell.com
Pea Shoot & Crispy Ham Salad
For a healthier take on leftovers: "Pea shoots are the tender leaves and stems of sugar snap pea plants–not to be confused with the more delicate pea sprouts, which, like microgreens, are the sprouted seeds. Turn leftover ham into a crouton-esque topping with a quick sear in a hot pan."
Go to Recipe
6
www.jamieoliver.com
Jamie Oliver Bubble & Squeak
“I’ve always liked making this, since I was a kid. We’d have the pan going for well over an hour, slowly turning those precious leftovers into an incredible pile of gnarly, starchy, veggie gorgeousness. Good bubble & squeak is hard to beat. ”
Get the Recipe
7
www.recipetineats.com
Christmas Leftovers Bread Bowl Sandwich (Muffuletta)
"Here’s an epic way to use your Christmas leftovers – make a toasted bread bowl sandwich! Based on a type of Italian sandwich called Muffulettas, these are currently all the rage in Sydney so you can feel very on trend!"
Get the Recipe
8
www.eatingwell.com
Leftover Turkey Stew
"The stew is packed with leftover roasted vegetables–use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as Brussels sprouts, parsnips, sweet potatoes and green beans. And leftover gravy is used to add depth of flavor and body. Possibly the best part of this stew recipe? It comes together really quickly–because don't we all need a 20-minute dinner after the craziness of" the holidays?
Go to Recipe
9
Leftover Turkey, Ham and Leek Pie
A savory pie packed with flavor and made delicious with Christmas leftovers.
Get the Recipe
10
Leftover Ham and Cheese Penne
"Leftover Ham and Cheese Penne – incredibly creamy and cheesy penne loaded with ham and peas. What better way to transform that leftover holiday dinner ham?"
Get the Recipe
11
Christmas Leftover Sandwich
"According to new research, the perfect leftover Christmas sandwich consists of turkey, bacon, and stuffing."
Get the Recipe
12
Turkey Minestrone
"A warm and comforting turkey soup recipe to put your Christmas leftovers to good use. Easy to prepare and low fat, this soup is a perfect post-Christmas pick me up."
Get the Recipe
13
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese: Easiest Comfort Food Ever
Never let that leftover cheeseboard to go to waste. This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the easiest comfort food ever. Simply use whatever mix of cheese you have left in the refrigerator. And in 4 minutes, dinner is served! Perfect for chilly December dinners.
Get the Recipe
14
www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk
Leftover Turkey Curry
"In the days that follow Christmas, there always seems to be an abundance of turkey. Use up your leftovers in this leftover turkey curry. We’ve added sprouts and cream for a rich, moreish dish."
Get the Recipe
15
realfood.tesco.com
French Dip Turkey Sandwich
"Make the most of Christmas dinner leftovers with the ultimate Boxing Day sarnie, packed with sprouts, turkey and stuffing. Layer with creamy mayo, cranberry sauce and velvety reblochon cheese for extra indulgence, and serve with rich gravy for dunking. Quick, easy and totally tasty!"
Get the Recipe
16
Root Vegetable Lentil Bowl
"Give your leftover Christmas veg a healthy makeover with this meal in a bowl. Packed with lentils, spinach and herbs, it's filling and flavourful. Try it with carrots or parsnips."
Get the Recipe
17
Next Level Turkey and Ham Pie
"Use up the Christmas leftovers to make this hearty, deep-filled turkey and ham pie. You could use shop-bought pastry but nothing beats homemade."
Get the Recipe
18
White Bean Ham Bone Soup Recipe
White Bean Ham Bone Soup is a simple yet utterly delicious and hearty soup. And a perfect use for that leftover ham bone from the holidays.
Get the Recipe
19
Moroccan-Spiced Turkey Pie
"Transform leftover turkey in this spiced filo pastry parcel, inspired by a Moroccan pastilla – a perfect main course for Boxing Day."
Get the Recipe
20
Turkey Ramen
"A different way to use leftover turkey. Add leftover gravy too to add extra rich, meaty flavor to this warming broth with noodles, dried shiitake and eggs."
Get the Recipe
21
Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup with Ham
Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup with Ham and Thyme is a classic, healthy and hearty soup made quickly and easily in a pressure cooker. Healthy 1-hour comfort food.
Get the Recipe
22
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Ham
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup, made with ham, is a quick and easy method to making this oh-so-yummy bowl of comfort. Perfect all year with simple ingredients, it's ready in about 30 minutes, and is utterly delicious!
Go to Recipe
23
Spinach, Ham and Cheese Strata Recipe
This Spinach, Ham and Cheese Strata is a simple and easy breakfast casserole perfect for using up leftover Christmas ham and enjoying a holiday brunch!
Get the Recipe
24
Roasted Asparagus and Ham Frittata
Frittatas make perfect Christmas week brunches. Using leftover ham is a bonus!
Get the Recipe
25
Leftover Stuffing Waffles and Turkey Vegetable Hash
"Leftovers become the ultimate brunch menu. Leftover stuffing waffles and healthy leftover turkey and vegetable hash. Just put an egg on it!"
Get the Recipe
26
Creamy Ham and Bean Soup (with tortellini)
"There is Ham and Bean Soup. Then there is Creamy Ham and Bean Soup. Then there is Creamy Ham and Bean Soup with Tortellini which is 1000X more delicious!"
Get the Recipe
27
Easy Chicken Pot Pies
These chicken pot pies are incredibly delicious and easy to make. Homemade comfort food filled with juicy chicken and tender vegetables steeped in a savory broth, topped with oven browned pastry.
Get the Recipe
28
Leftover Turkey Vegetable Noodle Soup
This Turkey Vegetable Noodle Soup always makes an appearance after a holiday meal. Healthy, flavorful… and yummy!
Get the Recipe
29
Easiest Ever Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
The easiest enchiladas, ever, become even more delicious when you swap leftover chicken for leftover turkey. Simple and delicious!
Get the Recipe
30
Easy Christmas Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe
Make your breakfast or brunch extra special with this easy and delicious ham and cheese quiche recipe. Perfect for holidays or any occasion!
See the Recipe
31
Easy One Pan Asparagus and Ham Casserole
Make the most of leftover ham with this scrumptious Asparagus and Ham Casserole. This one-pan meal features a creamy alfredo sauce and requires no pre-cooking of the pasta.
See the Recipe
32
Ham and Cheese Croissants
Ham and Cheese Croissants are foolproof bakery style meals easy to make with 5 minutes prep and will remind your of your favorite coffee shop.
See the Recipe
33
Easy Ham and Pea Risotto
Easy Ham and Pea Risotto is a quick meal using deli or leftover ham, frozen peas, and cheese. Satisfying, delicious and ready in 30 minutes!
See the Recipe
34
White Bean Ham Bone Soup Recipe
White Bean Ham Bone Soup is a simple yet utterly delicious and hearty soup. And a perfect use for that leftover ham bone from the holidays.
See the Recipe
35
turkey
This creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup is perfect for days when you have leftover turkey or chicken and are craving a hearty, warm, and creamy bowl of good-for-you soup!
See the Recipe
Let’s get to those recipes!