Creative Ways to Use Holiday Leftovers

Some people will say they love leftovers, others will say not so much. Whether you love them or hate them, we know you’ll love these two delicious recipes that use up your holiday leftovers in a unique and delicious way.

We’re all about decreasing our food waste, which means finding creative ways to use up leftovers so we don’t end up throwing them out. While Holiday leftovers are delicious on their own, we’re sharing two delectable ways to make them even more fun and exciting to eat the days following your holiday dinner. 

Leftover Turkey Pot Stickers

Keep that turkey train going post-holiday dinner! Give your holiday leftovers a serious upgrade with our Leftover Turkey Pot Stickers! A delicious blend of sesame, soy and ginger gives your holiday turkey new life. Plus, it’s a creative way to re-invent your holiday dinner.

Ingredients

• 250g Leftover Cooked Turkey
• 16 Wonton Wrappers
• 2 Green Onions
• 56g Slaw Mix
• 28g Sesame Seeds
• 1 tsp Ginger
• 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 2 tsp Sesame Oil
• 2 tbsp Mayo

Instructions

1. Shred left over turkey. Thinly Slice the green onions. Peel then grate the ginger. In a large bowl, add the turkey, coleslaw, half the sesame oil, half the green onions, half the sesame seeds, mayo, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Sprinkle the flour over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Separate the wonton wrappers on the baking sheet. Spoon 2 tbsp of turkey mixture into the center of each wrapper. Using a pastry brush and a small dish of water, lightly brush the edges of the wrappers. Using your hands fold the four corners up over the filling and pinch closed. (FRESH TIP: you can also you an egg wash to seal the pot stickers closed. FRESH TIP: try folding the wontons into a purse for a more authentic dumpling shape.)
3. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot add, 1 tbsp oil, 1/4 cup of water and half the potstickers. Cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 2-3 min until steamed. Remove the lid from the pan. Flip potstickers and cook until crispy and water has evaporated, 2-3 min. Repeat with the second batch.
4. In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, sesame seeds and remaining sesame oil. Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the pot stickers. Serve with the soy-sesame sauce for dipping.

Leftover Stuffing French Toast

For those of you with a sweet tooth, we have a fun recipe that you can make for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Meaning you can have this recipe all day long if you want. Plus, it involves leftover stuffing and maple syrup so you already know it’s going to be delicious. 

Ingredients

• 500g Leftover Stuffing
• 2 Eggs
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 1/2 cup Flour
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup Blueberries

Instructions

1. Cut the left over cold stuffing into 1-inch by 3-inch rectangles . In medium bowl combine the eggs, vanilla, and milk. Whisk to combine. In a shallow bowl add the flour.
2. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-low heat. When hot add 2 tbsp butter and swirl to melt. Working with one stuffing piece at a time, dredge into the flour. Turn to coat all sides. Then add the stuffing to the egg mixture. Turn to coat. Add the egg coated stuffing to the pan. Cook, flipping once, until cooked all the way through 2-3 min per side. (TIP: Don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary)
3. Divide the french toast between plates. Top with the fresh blueberries and drizzle over the maple syrup (CHEFS TIP: whip or whisk the maple syrup and butter together for a whipped maple butter.

Looking for some more delicious ways to use up your leftover turkey? Check out just a few of our favourite turkey recipes: Cajun Turkey Chopped Salad, Mixed Bean and Turkey Chili, and Sesame Turkey Ramen Bowl. With just a few small changes to these recipes, they’d be the perfect vessel for your leftover holiday turkey.