Christmas leftover recipes for the holidays

Christmas leftovers are the gift that keep on giving. All of those succulent meats, slow-roasted veggies, crisp salads and tasty starters can feed the family and unexpected guests for days. Delicious and handy! 

But if you’re wondering what to do with leftover Christmas ham or looking for turkey leftover recipes that are more than just a quick sandwich, then we have some treats for you. So put on your chef’s hat and read on for our favourite Christmas leftover recipes to keep the festive season rolling. 

Why use Christmas leftovers?

The holiday season is one of the busiest times, especially when you’re braving the crowds. Using your Christmas leftovers can help you keep you out of the packed shops, giving you more time to relax, spend quality time with your loved ones, and prolong the Christmas joy. Leftovers also make it easy to whip up quick delicious feasts, without all the planning. And as a bonus you’ll reduce food waste, which keeps more money in your pockets too. Win-win! 

How long do you keep holiday leftovers?

So, how long do leftovers last? If stored correctly, you can use holiday leftovers for around three to four days. To help you keep your leftovers fresher for longer:

• • Refrigerate as soon as possible, as room temperature is the danger zone when it comes to spoiled food
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers
  • Separate items, keeping things like proteins away from salads
  • Dress salads when needed so they don’t go soggy in the fridge
  • Store raw foods below cooked foods to avoid raw juices contaminating your leftovers

Some leftovers can also be frozen.

Can you freeze Christmas dinner leftovers?

We’re glad you asked! Many Christmas leftovers can be frozen to help you get more life from all those meats, veggies, and baked treats. You can even freeze your leftover bread and use it for breadcrumbs.

Cooked meats, like ham, turkey and lamb, can be sliced off the bone and frozen for up to three to four months. The texture may not be the exact same as freshly cooked roast, but is perfect for using in a range of recipes. 

You can also freeze Christmas puddings and other cakes. Keep in mind though, as seafood is often pre-frozen, it’s best to avoid freezing fish and prawns, unless advised by your fish monger.

How do you store holiday leftovers?

How you store your leftovers depends on what it is. Here’s a quick guide to get you going:

• • Meats, like roasts, should be wrapped tightly and stored above raw meat
  • Ham can be stored on the bone with the skin on, inside a ham bag
  • Salads should be stored undressed in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb moisture
  • Sauces and dressings can be stored in small airtight containers

If you won’t be eating your leftovers within three days, they’re best to freeze.

The tastiest holiday leftover recipes you’ll find

Onto the good stuff; what to do with Christmas leftovers. These recipes not only give you some inspiration for your leftovers, but will ensure you have some ideas up your sleeve for if any guests pop by unannounced. Let’s get into it.

Greek Lamb Pizzas

Give your leftover lamb recipes a Mediterranean twist with our easy and delicious Greek Lamb Pizzas. It combines our fresh White Pizza Bases with your leftover lamb, tzatziki sauce and other fresh ingredients for a tasty meal. The best bit? It takes just 15 minutes to cook. 

Apple & Cinnamon Loaf Ploughman’s Lunch

After a day of filling your tummy with holiday foods, you may be looking for some lighter leftover Christmas ham recipes. This is where our Apple & Cinnamon Loaf Ploughman’s Lunch is an absolute hit, using up all your leftover Christmas treats, including ham, gherkins, cheese and more. Pair it with our Apple & Cinnamon Loaf, or try it with our Apple & Cinnamon Sourdough Loaf for even more bite!

Leftover Turkey Bread Roll with Cranberry & Brie

Sandwiches are one of the most popular leftover turkey recipes, but our Leftover Turkey Bread Roll with Cranberry & Brie isn’t your typical sandwich. Our 5-minute sandwich loads leftover turkey and cranberry sauce onto Traditional Dinner Rolls with creamy brie and a few finishing touches that’ll have everyone reaching for more.

Baked Egg & Bacon Rolls

Make Boxing Day breakfast a breeze before hitting the sales with our Baked Egg & Bacon Rolls. Starting with our fluffy White Round Rolls sliced in half and cored, you simply fill the centre with ham, egg and parmesan before baking. The perfect post-Christmas brekkie for kids and adults alike! 

Almond Croissants

Who doesn’t love a warm Almond Croissant straight from the oven? Using our deliciously flaky Croissants, you can add almonds and other toppings, giving even day-old croissants a new lease on life. It’s a delicious baked treat that’s perfect for on-the-go.

Want more holiday inspiration? Discover some festive cob loaf ideas, or keep the kids entertained for hours with a range of Christmas activities to try. 

With Bakers Delight ready with all your freshly baked breads, cakes and desserts, it’s easy to turn your Christmas leftovers into delicious meals for days to come. Find your nearest Bakers Delight store to stock up today.