Our Favourite Christmas Dinner Leftovers Recipe Ideas
Published on 5th Dec, 2025
Tired of seeing great food go to waste? You’re not alone! With an estimated 230 thousand tonnes of festive food wasted every single year, we’re determined to help you save every delicious scrap. This year, your leftovers deserve better than the bin! We’ve gathered the best Christmas dinner leftover recipes and practical storage tips to help you transform turkey, ham, and all those glorious sides into exciting new meals. It's the perfect way to enjoy the holidays for longer while keeping your budget firmly on track!
Leftover Christmas Sides Recipes
Don't let those lovingly prepared sides go to waste! Turn those roasted root veg, crunchy sprouts, and even the pigs in blankets into exciting new dishes. These easy leftover Christmas veg recipes are great for making a meal out of your Christmas surplus.
Recipes To Use Up Leftover Turkey
Your turkey might be the star of the show on the big day, but it’s just as versatile in the days that follow! From comforting classics to something with a warming kick, these recipes prove that leftover turkey is anything but boring. Try a vibrant Christmas leftover curry for a welcome change of pace!
Christmas Ham Leftover Recipes
That gorgeous glazed ham is a gift that keeps on giving! If you’ve got a joint to get through, these recipes offer cosy, family-friendly meals that take minimal effort. There’s nothing better than a proper homemade Christmas leftovers pie to keep the festive cheer going!
Leftover Christmas Cheeseboard Recipes
If you’ve still got chunks of cheddar, Stilton, and an overload of other festive cheeses lurking in the fridge, don't let them languish! Bring new life to your festive favourites by incorporating them into easy, savoury bakes and quick snacks. They make a welcome alternative to rich desserts!
Easy Christmas Desserts Leftovers
If you're still swimming in fruit cake, Christmas pudding, or stray mince pies, we've got the sweetest solutions! These creative Christmas leftover dessert ideas are simple to pull together and offer a new way to enjoy those classic flavours. Discover new and easy ways to use your Christmas pudding leftovers, leftover Christmas cake, or even whip up some leftover mince pie brownies!
Leftover Christmas Chocolate Recipes
Got a stash of gifted chocolates or selection boxes that could do with eating? Don’t worry! Melt them down and transform them into decadent, quick-fix desserts that the whole family will love. Make sure to check out our experts' top tips on melting your leftover chocolates to help out!
Quick & Easy Boxing Day Recipes
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the best ones, especially after the effort of Christmas Day! These quick and easy ideas are perfect for a fuss-free Boxing Day lunch or dinner, using all the best bits of the main meal and giving you more time to relax.
Leftovers Tips & FAQ’s
How long do Christmas leftovers last?
Generally, most cooked Christmas dishes—like turkey, ham, stuffing, and gravy—can be safely stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days after cooking. If you want to keep them for longer, freezing is a great option. Most dishes will last for up to 3 months in the freezer, though the quality might start to decline slightly after that. Always be sure to cool them down within two hours of serving.
How to store Christmas leftovers:
The best way to store your leftovers is by using clean, airtight containers to keep out bacteria and prevent freezer burn.
Fridge: Put items you plan to eat within the next few days, like slices of turkey, veg, or stuffing. Separate them into smaller portions so they cool down faster.
Freezer: Anything you won't eat within 3-4 days should go into the freezer. Label the containers with the date so you know exactly when you stored them.
What leftovers can I freeze?
Lots! Meats like ham and cooked turkey freeze well if sliced or shredded before freezing. Cooked gravy and stuffing can also be frozen in airtight containers. Just be cautious with items that have high water or dairy content, as the texture may change upon thawing (like some creamy sauces or roasted potatoes).
How to reheat Christmas leftovers:
When reheating, food safety is key. Always ensure the food is piping hot all the way through (at least 70°C for 2 minutes). As a general rule, food should only be reheated once. If you only need a small portion, take out what you need and leave the rest chilled or frozen to maintain quality and safety.
What should I do with the turkey carcass/bones?
Don't throw away those bones! They are the secret to a rich, flavourful broth perfect for soups and gravies.
Roast: Place the turkey carcass and any neck/giblets (excluding the liver) in a roasting tin. You can add a chopped onion, carrot, and celery stick for extra flavour. Roast at 200°C / fan 180°C / gas mark 6 for about 30 minutes until the bones are nicely browned.
Simmer: Transfer the bones and veg to a large stockpot and cover generously with cold water. Bring to the boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer.
Strain: Skim off any scum that rises to the top during the first hour. Simmer for at least 3-4 hours, the longer the better! Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve (or a sieve lined with muslin cloth) into a clean container.
Cool & Store: Cool the broth quickly and then chill or freeze it. The layer of fat that solidifies on top can be removed before reheating, if you prefer.
We hope we’ve inspired you to look at your festive food in a new light, helping you stretch out your holiday feasting and reducing waste. Making the most of your Christmas dinner is all about clever planning and delicious, creative cooking!
