Delicious Christmas Recipes to Reduce Waste

Turn Festive Leftovers into Healthy, Delicious Meals! 🎄🍴

The Christmas season is often all about indulgence, but once the festivities are over, many of us find ourselves with a fridge full of leftovers and a desire to get back on track with healthier eating. The good news? You don’t have to let those extra ingredients go to waste—or compromise on flavour! Turn your leftovers in to delicious Christmas recipes!

In this blog, I’m sharing some easy, nutritious recipes that help you make the most of your festive leftovers. From transforming turkey and roasted veggies into wholesome dishes to creating lighter meals with ingredients you already have, these ideas will keep your meals exciting, your waste minimal, and your health goals in sight.

Ready to make the most of what’s left? Let’s get cooking!

This versatile frittata is the perfect way to use up leftover Christmas ingredients while creating a delicious and nutritious meal. It’s quick, simple, and works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Ingredients (serves 4):

•  6 large eggs
• 100ml milk (or cream, if you’re feeling indulgent!)
• Leftover cooked meats (turkey, ham, or sausage), diced
• 1 cup of roasted vegetables (parsnips, sprouts, carrots, or potatoes), chopped
• 50g cheese (e.g., Stilton, cheddar, or brie), crumbled or grated
• A handful of spinach or rocket (optional)
• 1 tsp olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or thyme)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil or butter in an ovenproof frying pan over medium heat. Add your chopped leftover meat and vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm them through.
4. If using spinach or rocket, toss it into the pan and let it wilt slightly.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the pan, spreading everything out evenly.
6. Sprinkle the cheese on top, then transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden on top.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges. Serve warm or cold with a side salad.

Tips for Customizing:

• Swap in any leftovers you have—stuffing, cranberry sauce (as a side), or even bits of Christmas pudding for a sweet-savory twist!
• Add a dollop of yogurt or chutney for extra flavor.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable and a great way to reduce food waste while keeping your meals exciting. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

• Add a side of leftover cranberry sauce or gravy for a festive touch.
• Pair with a light salad for extra greens.

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish is hearty, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect way to repurpose Christmas leftovers into a meal that feels fresh and exciting. Enjoy!

This recipe is a one-pan wonder that combines juicy chicken thighs with leftover Christmas ingredients for a hearty, healthy meal. It’s easy to prepare, reduces food waste, and tastes amazing!

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4-6 rashers of smoked bacon
• 2 cups of leftover roasted vegetables (e.g., parsnips, carrots, sprouts, potatoes)
• 1 cup leftover stuffing, broken into chunks (optional)
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp honey or cranberry sauce (optional, for glaze)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a handful of leftover nuts (e.g., walnuts or chestnuts), roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cover the chicken thighs in bacon and season with pepper, and rosemary/thyme. If you’re using honey or cranberry sauce, brush a thin layer over the skin for extra flavor and caramelization.
3. In a large roasting tray, toss the leftover vegetables and stuffing chunks with olive oil, garlic, and a little salt and pepper. If you have leftover nuts, sprinkle them over for added crunch.
4. Nestle the chicken thighs among the vegetables, skin-side up. This helps the juices from the chicken flavor the rest of the dish.
5. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C/165°F).
6. Halfway through cooking, give the vegetables a gentle toss to ensure they’re evenly roasted.
7. Once done, let the traybake rest for a few minutes before serving.

Turn your Christmas leftovers into a warming, fragrant curry that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. This recipe uses common post-Christmas ingredients and pantry staples to create a dish the whole family will love!

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 2 cups leftover roasted vegetables (e.g., parsnips, carrots, sprouts, or potatoes)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• 2 tbsp curry powder or paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 400ml (1 can) coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp oil (e.g., olive, coconut, or vegetable)
• A handful of spinach or kale (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander and lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare your base: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, and cumin, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant
2. Build the curry: Add the tomato paste and mix well. Pour in the coconut milk and stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add the leftovers: Stir in the turkey and roasted vegetables. Let the curry simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Boost with greens: If using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
5. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, zesty finish.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with steamed rice, naan bread, or even leftover stuffing balls for a creative twist.
• Add a dollop of yogurt on top for extra creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This curry is quick, versatile, and packed with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to transform Christmas leftovers into a comforting dish that feels brand new.

As you enjoy these delicious and healthy recipes to make the most of your Christmas leftovers, why not start thinking about how to stay on track in the New Year?

At Recipe For Results, we’re here to help you crush your 2025 health and fitness goals with our tailored Meal Prep services and personal training programs. Whether you’re looking to save time in the kitchen, fuel your workouts, or take the guesswork out of healthy eating, we’ve got you covered.

🎯 Ready to start your journey? Get in touch today and let’s make 2024 your healthiest, happiest year yet!

Follow Our Instagram