Now that the big holiday meal is over, you’re probably stuck with more Thanksgiving or Christmas food than you know what to do with. Ive gathered over 30 of my favorite easy recipes that transform holiday turkey and ham leftovers into something new and satisfying.
There is no need to eat the same, microwaved meat for days on end! Whether you have extra turkey or leftover ham, these recipes are a great way to use up the last bits of your treasured holiday comfort foods.
The holidays have come and gone, and now you’re left with a fridge full of leftover ham and turkey. While sandwiches are an easy go-to, you can get creative with your leftovers and make some really delicious meals. Here are 13 of my favorite ways to use up leftover holiday meats.
Pot Pies
One of the best ways to use up leftover turkey or ham is in a pot pie. You can make individual pot pies for a handheld meal or make one large pie to share. The crust keeps the filling insulated and moist. Some ideas for fillings include:
- Turkey, veggies, and gravy
- Ham, broccoli, and cheddar
- Turkey, corn, peas, carrots, celery in a creamy sauce
Top with a flaky pie crust or phyllo dough and bake until golden brown The aroma of a pot pie baking is heavenly!
Casseroles
Casseroles are ideal for leftovers since you can throw in all kinds of ingredients. Try these winning combinations:
- Ham, hashbrowns or tater tots, cheddar, creamy mushroom soup
- Turkey, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, creamy celery soup
- Ham, mac and cheese, broccoli
You really can’t go wrong when it comes to casseroles. Pop it in the oven until bubbly for a satisfying family meal.
Quesadillas
For a quick and easy meal, stuff tortillas with shredded leftover meat and cheese. Pan fry until the tortillas are crispy. Top with salsa guacamole or sour cream for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal. You can even make quesadilla stacks by layering the filling between 3 tortillas.
Egg Rolls
Leftover meat, veggies and cream cheese or cheddar rolled up in an egg roll wrapper and fried to a golden crisp make a fun appetizer or light meal. Dip in duck or sweet and sour sauce. You can make a batch and keep them in the freezer, then fry up a few at a time.
Sliders
Shred or chop leftover meat and pile it onto mini buns for tasty sliders Melt cheese on top or add barbecue sauce for flavor, Serve with fries for a fun and casual meal You can keep them warm in a slow cooker set on low until you’re ready to eat,
Salad
Turn leftover sliced meat into a protein-packed main dish salad. Toss with greens, chopped veggies, nuts or seeds, and a tangy vinaigrette. You can also add pasta, grains or potatoes to make it a heartier meal. Top with crumbled cheese for extra flavor.
Pasta
Cut or shred leftover meat and add it to pasta. Toss with marinara sauce or alfredo sauce for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. You can also make mac and cheese and mix in diced ham for added richness.
Tacos
Spice up shredded leftovers in taco seasoning and serve on soft tortillas with all the fixings- lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream. The possibilities are endless when it comes to tacos.
Soup
Add leftover turkey or ham to soups like split pea, lentil, bean, vegetable, or a creamy chowder. The meat adds protein and gives the soup more substance. Toss leftover turkey bones into the stockpot when making your own broth for extra flavor.
Stir Fry
Slice leftover meat and stir fry it with crisp veggies like broccoli, carrots, snap peas and bell peppers. Toss everything in a flavorful sauce like teriyaki, hoisin, curry or sweet and sour. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Pizza
Pizza is a great way to use up leftover meats. Top pita breads, naan or pizza dough with sauce, cheese and chopped or shredded turkey or ham. Get creative with your own custom toppings too like spinach, pineapple, bacon, etc.
Breakfast
Wake up to a hearty omelet or breakfast sandwich filled with leftover holiday meats. You can also make a casserole with eggs, meat, hashbrowns and cheese or stuff an omelet with meat, veggies and cheese.
Snacks
Keep small portions of leftover meat on hand for snacks and appetizers. Roll up slices of turkey or ham with cream cheese and pickle. Stuff meat and cheese in puff pastery for flavorful bites. Mix meat with mayo or cream cheese for an easy dip or sandwich spread.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using up leftover ham and turkey after the holidays. With a little creativity, you can give new life to leftover meats and whip up all kinds of delicious dishes your family will love. No more boring old sandwiches day after day!
1 Tuscan Turkey Soup
Are you looking for a delicious and comforting soup to warm you up after a white Christmas? This one-pot Tuscan Turkey Soup will do just that.
Its filled with mouth-watering flavors and hearty ingredients—a rich and flavorful broth thats hot and steamy, tender chunks of leftover turkey, perfectly cooked potatoes, and filling white beans.
Of course, this soup is the perfect meal to cozy up with on a cold winter day while you take down the Christmas decorations and await NYE!
Ham and Bean Soup
Delicious Ham and Bean Soup is a go-to ham leftover recipe in my home! You can easily make this mouthwatering dish in a slow cooker, giving you more time to spend with your family during the holiday break.
Its a satisfying, hearty meal that keeps on giving. In fact, the flavor improves even more overnight in the refrigerator. Leftovers of leftovers that taste great—now thats what I call a holiday miracle!
If you enjoy meal prepping and are tired of the traditional holiday food flavors, then you will love this Turkey Casserole recipe! It is loaded with protein and delicious tomato sauce, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Plus, if you dont have ground turkey, you can use finely chopped turkey leftovers plus green beans to make this dish work for you. See, how easy is that?
6 Dinners Using Leftovers | EASY and DELICIOUS Recipes to use up Turkey, Ham, and Leftover Veggies
FAQ
How long is leftover turkey and ham good for?
Leftover turkey can generally be safely eaten for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. To maximize its shelf life, ensure the turkey is stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, where it can last for about 2 to 6 months.
Can I freeze leftover turkey and ham?
Cooked Turkey: Can be frozen for about 4 to 6 months. Ham: Whole Ham: Can be frozen for about 6 to 9 months. Ham Slices or Cooked Ham: Can be frozen for about 3 to 4 months. Tips for Freezing: Wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn.
How do you reheat leftover turkey and ham?
The best way to reheat turkey is in a 350°F oven. – Cover the dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
How can you eat leftover turkey?
- Turkey Wild Rice Soup — we like to add mushrooms or kale
- Turkey Pot Pie — you can use this recipe but swap the chicken for turkey
- Turkey Enchiladas
- Turkey Chili
- Turkey Stock – make the broth from the bones then use it for your soup!
- Turkey Burritos – leftovers all rolled up