How to Use Up Those Holiday Leftovers

October 13, 2014
Credit: Gina DeSimone
From the turkey to the veggies to the pie, holiday feasts have the building blocks for a perfect after-party dinner that will save you time and gain you raves. Trust us, this is the one time your guests will be fighting over leftovers.
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French Onion Soup With Ham

Credit: Gina DeSimone
View the Recipe: French Onion Soup with Ham

LEFTOVER: ham

Classic French onion soup gets a tasty upgrade with leftover ham. Though you might be tempted to add a little sugar to speed up the caramelization of the onions, resist; there are few culinary delights that equal the rich savory-sweet balance of slowly caramelized onions. A dash of sherry cuts through the rich soup with just the right amount of tang.

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Buttermilk-Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

Credit: Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

LEFTOVER: Pumpkin pie

This has to be the coolest way to serve pie "à la mode." Churn creamy spiced pumpkin pie into a rich custard for an all-in-one ice-cream treat. What a great way to stretch those last couple of slices into a festive new dessert.

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Chocolate Pecan Pie Truffles

Credit: Photo: Peter Frank Edwards
View Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Pie Truffles

LEFTOVER: Pecan pie

This rich confection is a mash-up of cocoa and pecan pie, plus a little hooch for good measure. Rolling the truffles in dry-roasted almonds adds just the right amount of salty crunch along with each luscious bite. 

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Cider Sangria

Credit: Photo: Peter Frank Edwards
View Recipe: Cider Sangria

LEFTOVER: Wine

Make the most of day-old wine by turning it into a lightly spiced, brandy-enhanced punch. Throw in some fresh fruit to soak up the flavors, and you have a happy, crowd-pleasing concoction.

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Potato Pancakes with Salmon

Credit: Photo: Peter Frank Edwards
View Recipe: Potato Pancakes with Salmon

 

LEFTOVER: mashed potatoes

These little potato pancakes take almost no time to pat together and quickly sauté to golden-brown perfection. Topped with smoked salmon, sour cream, and chives, they're an elegant party nibble.

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Asian-Inspired Potato Pancakes

Credit: Kelsey Hansen
View the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Potato Pancakes

LEFTOVER: mashed potatoes

These flavor-packed pancakes make a fun party appetizer or savory breakfast. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside thanks to leftover mashed potatoes, these pancakes get a bonus nutrient boost shredded carrots. Double down on the Asian flavors by topping these pancakes with a dollop of chopped kimchi.

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Cranberry-Hoisin Turkey Buns

Credit: Photo: Peter Frank Edwards
View Recipe: Cranberry-Hoisin Turkey Buns

LEFTOVER: Turkey and cranberry sauce

With its zippy, tangy flavor, cranberry sauce makes a natural partner for sweetly spiced hoisin sauce. Add quick-pickled cukes and pillowy Chinese buns, and the bird takes a delicious detour East. 

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Italian Gnocchi Soup

Credit: Kelsey Hansen
View the Recipe: Italian Gnocchi Soup

 

LEFTOVER: mashed potatoes

Perfectly tender and fluffy, potato-based gnocchi (mini Italian dumplings) are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. This comforting brothy soup gets a boost from spring vegetables and herbs; it would be extra delicious with asparagus or snow peas. Change it up to match the seasons—you can also use leftover mashed sweet potatoes to make the dumplings.

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Crispy Green Beans with Sriracha Mayo

Credit: Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

LEFTOVER: Green beans

Day-old veggies become irresistible crunchy munching sticks thanks to a coarse breadcrumb coating. Tangy chile dip takes flavors to the spicy edge. 

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Hearty Ham and Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

Credit: Gina DeSimone
View the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

LEFTOVER: ham

Outmaneuver your morning fast-food cravings with these savory grab-and-go breakfast muffins. Leftover ham comes to the rescue with day-sustaining protein; equal parts cornmeal and flour yield a not-so-bready muffin with a perfect tender crumb. Make a batch of these on the weekend and save the leftovers for breakfast all week long.

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