Family dinner ideas for Christmas leftovers
Don't let Christmas leftovers go to waste with these clever recipes that are perfect for families. You'll save time, effort and money, too
So, the turkey has been devoured, the chocolate boxes raided and the savoury nibbles scoffed. After Christmas and Boxing Day, there will inevitably be some leftovers that you don't know what to do with. We suggest using them to cook comforting family meals to save you time in that odd period between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Choose a thrifty one-pan, a creamy pasta dish or a simple traybake from our top 10 and feed a crowd with premium leftovers. Try our other Christmas leftover recipes and ultimate guide for leftover turkey for more tasty ways to use your turkey and trimmings, plus 10 twists on classic roast turkey. For something sweet to finish it off, try our clever recipes that use up Christmas desserts.
1. Christmas lasagne
This Christmas lasagne really pulls out all the stops with a cinnamon-spiced beef ragu and a chestnut béchamel. Dark chocolate adds a wonderful richness to the ragu and the recipe does its bit to reduce food waste by using up leftover roasted parsnips. Discover more lasagne recipes.
2. Red cabbage, cauliflower & coconut dhal
A warming bowl of goodness that's perfect for cold winter nights. This vegetarian recipe transforms your leftover red cabbage into a nutritious dhal, along with roasted cauliflower and creamy coconut. Try our best ever dhal recipes here.
3. Festive stuffed chicken
If you haven't had your fill of cheese after Christmas Day, try our stuffed festive chicken with a herby cream cheese filling with leftover cranberry jelly. Add pre-prepared stuffing to your roasties for some extra crunch. The family will want seconds! Try our leftover chicken recipes and substitute with leftover turkey.
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4. Turkey noodles
Our spicy turkey noodles are easily adaptable. Put in as much or as little chilli as you like – of course, you might need to dial down the heat for little ones. Salted peanuts and soy sauce bring another dimension of flavour, and add a squeeze of lime to boost the flavour. For a veggie alternative, you can swap the meat for leftover brussels sprouts. Choose your favourite recipe from our top 10 ways with leftover turkey.
5. Macaroni cheese
Mac 'n' cheese is a classic comfort food, and this one uses a mix of cheeses that you may have left in the fridge after the big day. Prepped in 10 minutes, this confirmed family favourite is great for chilly December evenings. Try 10 twists on macaroni cheese for some clever spins on the classic dish.
6. Roast potato, turkey, sausage & stuffing pie
Our turkey & potato pie is the ultimate indulgence. This easy family supper can be prepared in just 10 minutes and uses up all your Christmas dinner trimmings. Try other pie recipes for a cosy night in, too.
7. Turkey ramen
Nothing will warm you quicker on a frosty evening than a bowl of turkey ramen. This broth is soothing and restorative in the post-Christmas slump. Discover even more leftover Christmas turkey recipes.
8. Leftover turkey curry
Just when you thought you couldn't manage another mouthful of turkey, this creamy tikka masala comes along to convince you otherwise. The warming cumin, coriander and garam masala spices take turkey to a whole new level, and make a welcome change from Christmassy flavours. Try our winter curry recipes.
9. Christmas pizza
Make leftover turkey and sausagemeat stuffing the stars of this colourful Christmas pizza, and to make it really easy, use a ready-made pizza base. A handful of other ingredients are all you need to whip up this festive favourite. Learn how to make pizza with our video tutorial.
10. Turkey pasta bake
Use up leftover turkey (or chicken) to make this comforting pasta bake. Top with pigs in blankets, if there's any spare from Christmas Day, to take it to another level. Discover our freezable pasta bakes to help you get ahead with family dinners.
Like these recipes? Read more family meal guides...
Veggie suppers for the whole family
Top 5 healthy family meals
Family slow cooker recipes
What's your favourite way to use up Christmas leftovers? Leave a comment below...
