25 Best Holiday Leftover Recipes for New Year: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Finding creative ways to use those holiday leftovers can be both fun and rewarding. Are you staring at your fridge, wondering how to transform all those leftover dishes into new, exciting meals? I’ve got you covered! In this article, "25 Best Holiday Leftover Recipes for New Year: Easy & Delicious Ideas," I’ll share the ultimate guide to making use of every last bit of your holiday feast.

From savory breakfast treats to satisfying dinners, these easy and delicious recipes will help you start the new year with a bang.

1. Turkey and Stuffing Waffles

A delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey, shredded
• Leftover stuffing
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of milk
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the shredded turkey, stuffing, egg, and milk in a bowl.
2. Preheat your waffle maker and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Spoon the mixture into the waffle maker and cook until crispy and golden.
4. Serve with maple syrup if desired.

2. Cranberry Sauce Smoothie

A refreshing way to start your day with a holiday twist.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

3. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Perfect for using up those leftover ham slices.

Ingredients:

• Leftover ham, diced
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
3. Mix in ham, cheese, spinach, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.

4. Mashed Potato Pancakes

A savory use for leftover mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine mashed potatoes, egg, flour, green onions, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
3. Scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture and flatten into pancakes.
4. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

5. Holiday Leftover Soup

Warm and hearty, perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey or ham
• Leftover vegetables
• 4 cups broth
• 1/2 cup rice or pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
3. Serve hot.

6. Potato and Cheese Gratin

An indulgent side dish that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Top with breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7. Leftover Ham and Bean Soup

A nutritious and filling option.

Ingredients:

• Leftover ham bone
• 4 cups broth
• 1 can white beans, drained
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine ham bone, broth, beans, carrot, onion, celery, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Remove ham bone, shred any remaining meat and return to the pot.
4. Serve hot.

8. Bread Pudding

Turn leftover bread into a sweet treat.

Ingredients:

• Leftover bread, cubed
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
3. Mix in bread cubes until well-coated.
4. Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.

9. Turkey and Cranberry Quesadilla

A quick and easy lunch idea.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey, shredded
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 2 large tortillas

Instructions:

1. On one tortilla, layer shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese.
2. Top with the second tortilla.
3. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until cheese is melted and tortillas are golden.
4. Cut into wedges and serve.

10. Sweet Potato Hash

A wholesome meal using those leftover sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup bacon bits
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook bell pepper and onion until softened.
2. Add in diced sweet potatoes and bacon bits, cooking until heated through.
3. In a separate pan, fry eggs to your liking.
4. Serve hash with fried eggs on top.

11. Prime Rib Sandwich

A hearty and satisfying sandwich.

Ingredients:

• Leftover prime rib, thinly sliced
• 2 buns
• 1/4 cup horseradish sauce
• 1/4 cup arugula
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread horseradish sauce on the buns.
2. Layer prime rib slices and arugula on the buns.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve immediately.

12. Brussels Sprouts Frittata

A perfect breakfast or brunch dish.

Ingredients:

• Leftover Brussels sprouts, chopped
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In an oven-safe skillet, cook Brussels sprouts until heated.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour over Brussels sprouts in the skillet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.

13. Turkey and Potato Casserole

Comfort food at its best.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey, shredded
• Leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup gravy
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a baking dish, layer shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
3. Top with shredded cheese.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

14. Ham and Pineapple Pizza

A sweet and savory pizza combination.

Ingredients:

• Leftover ham, diced
• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Spread pizza sauce over the crust.
3. Top with shredded cheese, diced ham, and pineapple chunks.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.

15. Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs

A delectable appetizer or main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
5. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce, heating until warm.
6. Toss meatballs in the sauce and serve.

16. Turkey Pot Pie

Warm and comforting, perfect for cold nights.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey, shredded
• Leftover vegetables
• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1 cup gravy
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a baking dish, combine turkey, vegetables, and gravy.
3. Top with the pie crust, crimping the edges to seal.
4. Brush with beaten egg.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

17. Ham and Cheddar Scones

A savory treat that’s perfect any time of day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup leftover ham, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in cheese and ham.
5. Add in heavy cream, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop dough onto a baking sheet in 1/4 cup portions.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

18. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

A healthy and delicious leftover option.

Ingredients:

• Leftover sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 8 small tortillas
• Salsa (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat leftover sweet potatoes and black beans in a skillet.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
4. Fill tortillas with sweet potato and black bean mixture.
5. Top with sliced avocado and salsa if desired.

19. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

A sweet treat using leftover pumpkin pie.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices leftover pumpkin pie
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine pumpkin pie, vanilla ice cream, and milk.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream if desired.

20. Leftover Holiday Salad

A fresh and light meal to cleanse your palate.

Ingredients:

• Leftover roasted vegetables
• Leftover turkey or ham, diced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• Salad dressing of choice

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted vegetables, turkey or ham, nuts, and dried cranberries.
2. Toss with your favorite salad dressing.
3. Serve immediately.

21. Turkey Enchiladas

A flavorful dish that’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey, shredded
• 8 tortillas
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a baking dish, pour a small amount of enchilada sauce to coat the bottom.
3. Fill tortillas with shredded turkey and roll up, placing seam-side down in the dish.
4. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

22. Brie and Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites

An elegant appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• 1 wheel of Brie cheese, cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cut puff pastry into 2-inch squares.
3. Place a cube of Brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce on each pastry square.
4. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling and pinch to seal.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

23. Ham and Cheese Sliders

Perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

Ingredients:

• Leftover ham, sliced
• 12 slider buns
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange bottom halves of slider buns in a greased baking dish.
3. Layer with ham slices and shredded cheese.
4. Place tops of buns on sandwiches.
5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter and Dijon mustard, then brush over sliders.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

24. Turkey and Stuffing Stuffed Peppers

A colorful and nutritious way to use leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• Leftover turkey, shredded
• Leftover stuffing
• 1/2 cup gravy
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange bell pepper halves in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix shredded turkey, stuffing, and gravy.
4. Fill bell pepper halves with the mixture.
5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

25. Cranberry Glazed Chicken Wings

A finger-licking-good appetizer or main course.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger.
3. Toss chicken wings in the cranberry glaze.
4. Arrange wings on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
5. Serve with extra glaze if desired.

Conclusion

These "25 Best Holiday Leftover Recipes for New Year: Easy & Delicious Ideas" that will help you make the most of your holiday surplus. Enjoy these delightful dishes and happy cooking!