21 Christmas Leftover Recipes (2024)

I’m sure many of us are guilty of making more food than we can actually eat during the holidays! It’s no doubt our way of indulging ourselves and ensuring that our loved ones are well-fed throughout the Christmas and New Year celebrations. So we are sure it will be no surprise to you all that today, you find yourself with more food than you can chew (literally). So, if you’re on the lookout for some recipes that will make use of all of your leftovers, then we have got you covered!

These 21 Christmas leftover recipes will definitely allow you to enjoy your leftover food without getting sick and tired of eating the same food over, and over again!

1. Ham and macadamia pesto zoodles (zucchini noodles)

Prep and cook time: 20 mins

If you're looking to cut down carbs because you’ve indulged yourself a bit too much last night, then this pasta dish is for you! The dish calls for the substitution of pasta noodles with zoodles (zucchini noodles for those who don't know), and as an added bonus, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for those who are feeling like lazing around after yesterday’s celebrations.

2. Fruit cake crumble slice

Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 35 mins

It is no secret that fruit cakes are a staple on most Aussie Christmas dinner tables. I’d be lying if I said that I don’t fancy a slice (or two) of this festive dessert and I’m sure that most of you can’t resist this decadent treat either, I mean, who can blame you? If you are looking to give a twist to this classic Christmas staple, this recipe is for you! Repurpose your leftover fruit cake (if you still have any left) into a crumble slice. Just a tip: serve this dessert with thick cream for a much tastier experience!

3. Roast pork spring rolls

Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 15 mins

If a night of indulging yourself in classic festive dishes has made you crave something a little different, lighter and exciting, you might want to consider trying these roast pork spring rolls! Bring out the inner chef in you by giving the classic roast pork an Asian makeover, creating a dish that is packed with flavour.

4. Turkey and chorizo empanadas

Prep time: 45 mins Cook time: 45 mins

Speaking of giving classic festive dishes an ‘exotic’ twist, these turkey and chorizo empanadas are a genius way of turning a holiday staple into an exciting new dish! These empanadas are packed with spices — making flavours burst in your mouth with every bite.

5. Roast chicken nachos

Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 25 mins

If spending a night of partying with your loved ones has left you feeling lazy the next day and you are on the lookout for a meal that you can eat whilst relaxing on the lounge, then this finger food is definitely the best dish for you! This Mexican makeover to the classic roasted chicken infuses the flavour of leftover roasted chicken with the spiciness of chilli seasoning mix. Top these nachos with some smashed avocado and sour cream for a jam packed meal!

6. Spaghetti carbonara

Prep time: 05 mins Cook time: 20 mins

Did you know that you can turn your leftover ham into a delicious pasta dish by using only 7 other ingredients? This yummy dish is not just budget-friendly, it is also quick to make! All you’ll be needing is 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.

7. Grilled flatbread pizzas

Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 35 mins

It’s no secret that most of us here at the SDC like to indulge ourselves in a bit of ‘unhealthy’ food during the holidays. If you’re looking for a leftover recipe that is not just flavourful but also healthy, then this dish is exactly what you’re after! These grilled flatbread pizzas are lower in fat compared to the classic Italian takeaway pizzas.

8. Leftover greens, seeds, and cheese-tart

Prep and cook time: 50 mins

If your loved ones decided to stay over for a day or two, serving them this colourful, gluten-free dish will definitely impress them! The best part about this dish? Except for the fact that it’s pleasing to the eyes, it’s also pleasing to your tongue!

9. Turkey curry

Prep and cook time: Approx. 50 mins

If you have leftover meat dishes from last night’s dinner, you might consider trying this delicious curry recipe! The original recipe calls for the recycling of leftover turkey, but this recipe can also be tried using chicken, beef, and lamb.

10. Chia fruit salad balls

Prep time: 10 minutes

I’m sure I am not the only one who’s guilty of serving a lot of fruits (fresh or dried) on charcuterie boards for my guests. If you are looking to repurpose these leftover fruits, then this recipe is perfect for you! The added bonus? These treats can be made in just 10 minutes!

11. Jumbo turkey samosas

Cook time: 60 mins

Thinking of ways to use up leftover turkey and potato? Why not try making this classic Aussie favourite! We recommend serving these flavoursome samosas to taste the contrasting flavours of spiciness and tanginess which will surely delight your taste buds.

12. Smoked salmon bites

Cook time: 20 mins

If you're looking for a meal that is delicious, easy to make, and can be enjoyed while chilling on the couch, then this finger food is for you! These delicate parcels pack flavour in every bite.

13. Christmas pudding ice cream

Prep time: 6 hrs. Cook time: 4 mins

It is no secret that we crave ice cream during summertime. If you have leftover Christmas pudding from last night’s celebration, you might want to consider using it to make ice cream. This recipe is perfect for the ongoing festivities! As an added bonus, you can give this decadent summer treat as a thank you gift to your loved ones for spending the holidays with you.

14. Cranberry Chicken with Roast Vegetable Couscous

Prep and cook time: Approx. 15 mins

Turn your leftover roasted chicken into a healthy meal that does not skimp on flavour! This dish is perfect for those who are looking for a low-carb dish that is packed with veggies. The bonus? You can make this dish in approximately 15 minutes!

15. Roast vegetable quiche

Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 55 mins

If you have leftover veggies — whether they are in salads or unused ingredients — you might want to consider making this delicious roast vegetable quiche. This vegetarian dish is perfect for those who are looking to enjoy a meat-free meal!

16. Cranberry ricotta torte (vegetarian)

Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 45 mins

Another vegetarian dish, this ricotta torte will definitely be your new favourite! If you have leftover salad and some unused ricotta cheese, you might consider making this delicious torte. This decadent treat will surely not only impress vegetarians but also anyone who takes a bite.

17. Roasted vegetable pizza

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 15 mins

If you are looking for a quick way to reuse leftover turkey and salad, this is the perfect dish for you. Ready in just 25 minutes, the recipe calls for quintessential holiday food and ingredients such as leftover turkey (as previously mentioned), potatoes, pumpkin, onion, and cherry tomatoes.

18. Roast tomatoes and sourdough with gorgonzola dolce

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 1 hr

If you're feeling extra lazy after a night of partying, you might want to consider making this two-step dish. Yup, you read that right! All you need to do to make this dish is to preheat your oven to 200C and toss the ingredients — which are mostly just leftover veggies — into a pan and leave it in the oven for an hour. That's it!

19. Leftover pork nasi goreng

Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 15 mins

If you have a lot of leftover roast from last night's dinner and you're feeling a little adventurous with your next meal, then this Indonesian-inspired dish is perfect for you! Taste the flavours of Indonesian cuisine with this leftover nasi goreng recipe. If you don't have roast pork, you can use different leftover meats such as turkey, chicken, beef, or ham.

20. Quick turkey stir-fry

Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 10 mins

This quick turkey stir-fry is easy to make, and does not lack in flavour! Just a tip: serve this dish with rice or egg noodles to make it into a full meal.

21. Christmas cake trifle

Prep and cook time: 30 mins

Another way to use leftover Christmas pudding or cake! This sweet treat is best served with clementine zest for the perfect blend of tanginess and sweetness that bursts in your mouth.

We hope that these recipes bring you a little joy, inspire you to do some quick and easy cooking, and help you use your leftover food without you having to eat the same meal, over and over again! Let us know what you managed to whip up in the comments below and we hope you enjoy your boxing day!