The holidays usually leave us with one thing in abundance: leftovers.
Instead of letting them sit in the fridge (or quietly go to waste), this guide is here to help you turn what you already have into simple, crave-worthy meals your family will actually enjoy.

Think of leftovers not as repeats — but as ingredients with potential.

With a few smart tweaks, you can stretch holiday staples into fresh lunches, easy dinners, and snack-worthy bites without extra planning or grocery trips.

Turkey: From Main Event to Comfort Classic

Leftover turkey is incredibly versatile and works beautifully in warm, comforting dishes.

Try this:

• Shred turkey into tortilla soup with broth, spices, and a handful of pantry staples
• Add it to grain bowls with roasted veggies and a simple sauce
• Toss it into casseroles or pot pies for an easy second act

Turkey absorbs flavor well, making it perfect for soups and one-pot meals that feel completely different from the original holiday spread.
‍

Mashed Potatoes: Crispy, Golden, and Reinvented

Cold mashed potatoes are a hidden gem.

Try this:

• Press them into a waffle iron or skillet for crispy waffle fritters
• Mix in cheese, herbs, or leftover veggies before cooking
• Serve as a side, breakfast base, or even topped with an egg

The result is crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — and nothing like reheated mash.
‍

Veggies: Built for Bowls and Broths

Roasted or steamed vegetables are easy to repurpose into nourishing meals.

Try this:

• Add veggies to brothy soups with noodles or rice
• Blend into creamy vegetable soups or sauces
• Layer into grain bowls with beans, proteins, and dressings

A handful of leftover vegetables can instantly add flavor, texture, and nutrition to just about anything.
‍

Ham: Perfect for Fast, Filling Breakfasts

Ham’s salty, savory flavor makes it ideal for quick morning meals.

Try this:

• Fold diced ham into breakfast scrambles or omelets
• Add to breakfast burritos or egg muffins
• Toss into a skillet hash with potatoes and onions

It’s an easy way to turn leftovers into protein-packed breakfasts or brunch-for-dinner nights.
‍

Rolls: From Side Dish to Center Stage

Extra dinner rolls are too good to waste.

Try this:

• Slice and fill them with leftover meats and cheese for sliders
• Toast and turn into garlic bread
• Use as a base for breakfast sandwiches

Soft rolls transform easily into something hearty, warm, and satisfying.
‍

The Leftovers Makeover Mindset

This guide isn’t about cooking more — it’s about cooking smarter.

• Small tweaks create big flavor
• Leftovers become building blocks, not obligations
• Dinner feels easier during an already busy season

A little creativity can turn holiday extras into meals that feel intentional, comforting, and fresh — without adding stress to your plate. And if you’d like to make dinnertime easier beyond the holidays, Citrus Pear is here to help with nourishing, ready-to-heat meals made for real life.

‍