Don’t waste a bite: turn holiday leftovers into yummy delights

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The holidays are over, yet you’re staring at a fridge full of holiday leftovers, wondering what to do with them. You’re in luck – we have 17 recipes to turn those holiday extras into mouthwatering meals and snacks that’ll save you money, reduce food waste and feed your family. Let’s get cooking and baking to give those leftovers a delicious new life.

Egg bites.
Egg bites. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Cranberry cookies with a bite taken out of them.
Cranberry White Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Cranberry White Chip Cookies are a delightful treat, using up leftover cranberries. The cookies are dotted with sweet white chocolate chips and tart cranberries, creating a perfect balance. They’re easy to bake and even easier to enjoy. Serve these up for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Chocolate Cereal Snack Bars

This'n'that bars in pan.
Chocolate Cereal Snack Bars. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Chocolate Cereal Snack Bars are a clever and delicious way to repurpose leftover holiday cereal and chocolates. These bars quickly assemble and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. They are perfect for on-the-go snacks or a sweet treat after meals. Enjoy the combination of chocolate and cereal in a convenient, handheld form.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cereal Snack Bars

Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Apple oatmeal cookies with icing and cinnamon on a white plate.
Apple Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Apple Oatmeal Cookies are a tasty solution for leftover apples and oats. They combine the natural sweetness of apples with the heartiness of oatmeal. These cookies are easy to make and a healthier treat option. Serve them up for a comforting snack that both adults and children will love.
Get the Recipe: Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Turkey Cranberry Wraps

A plate with a green wrap with cranberries and turkey on it.
Turkey Cranberry Wraps. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Turkey Cranberry Wraps utilize leftover holiday turkey and cranberry sauce, transforming them into a delightful lunch. They’re quick to assemble, combining the savory flavor of turkey with the tangy sweetness of cranberry. These wraps are perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, especially when you’re short on time. Enjoy a refreshing twist on your holiday leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Cranberry Wraps

Pumpkin Chocolate Biscotti

A tray of pumpkin biscotti with chocolate drizzle on them.
Pumpkin Chocolate Biscotti. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Pumpkin Chocolate Biscotti are an elegant treat, using leftover pumpkin puree. These twice-baked cookies are perfect with coffee or tea, featuring the rich flavors of pumpkin and chocolate. They’re crunchy, sweet, and ideal for dipping or enjoying as is. Bake a batch for a sophisticated snack that’ll impress any guest.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Biscotti

Bacon Veggie Egg Bites

Egg bites.
Bacon Veggie Egg Bites. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

These Bacon Veggie Egg Bites make great use of leftover holiday meal meats and vegetables, perfect for breakfast or a snack. They’re quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The bites are easy to make and customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand. Enjoy a compact meal that’s flavorful and convenient for on-the-go mornings or leisurely brunches.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Veggie Egg Bites

Bacon Bourbon Jam

Maple bacon bourbon jam in mason jar.
Bacon Bourbon Jam. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Bacon Bourbon Jam is a savory spread that’s excellent for leftover bacon. It combines the smokiness of bacon with the richness of bourbon, creating a versatile condiment. Spread it on sandwiches, use it as a meat glaze, or serve it with cheese for an upscale treat. This jam will elevate any dish with its bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Bourbon Jam

Cranberry Orange Loaf

Cranberry Orange Graham Loaf.
Cranberry Orange Loaf. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Cranberry Orange Loaf is a vibrant bread that utilizes leftover cranberries or cranberry sauce, orange juice, and graham cracker crumbs. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. The loaf is tender, moist, and packed with citrus flavor. Slice it up for a burst of freshness any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Loaf

Pumpkin Muffins without Eggs

Pumpkin muffins with chocolate chips on a cooling rack.
Pumpkin Muffins without Eggs. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Pumpkin Muffins without Eggs are a thoughtful way to use up leftover pumpkin puree from your Christmas pies. They are soft, fluffy, and full of fall flavors. These muffins are also allergy-friendly, making them a great choice for gatherings. Enjoy a batch of these for a quick breakfast or a comforting snack.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Muffins without Eggs

Vegetable Lentil Soup

A pot of veggie lentil soup, filled with vegetables and lentils.
Vegetable Lentil Soup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Vegetable Lentil Soup is a hearty, nutritious way to use various leftover vegetables from your Christmas side dishes. It’s packed with protein-rich lentils and a variety of vegetables. This soup is warming, filling, and perfect for cold days. Serve it as a main dish or a side for a wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Lentil Soup

Orange Glazed Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Iced pumpkin cranberry bread with a cup of tea.
Orange Glazed Pumpkin Cranberry Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Transform your leftover holiday cranberries and pumpkin puree into a moist, aromatic orange-glazed pumpkin cranberry bread. This bread is an excellent option for a sweet breakfast or a comforting snack, combining pumpkin’s rich flavors with cranberries’ tartness, all enhanced by a sweet orange glaze. It takes about an hour to bake, offering a warm and inviting scent to fill your home. Serve this bread as a thoughtful treat that utilizes those extra ingredients in a delightful way.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Pumpkin Banana Bread

A slice of pumpkin banana bread on a white plate.
Pumpkin Banana Bread. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Pumpkin Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that combines leftover bananas and pumpkin puree. This bread is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat. It’s easy to make and fills your home with a delightful aroma. Enjoy the best of both worlds with this pumpkin and banana-infused delight.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Bread

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffins

Sweet potato muffins on a cooling rack.
Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffins. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffins are a fantastic way to use leftover sweet potatoes from your Christmas dinner side dishes. They are spiced with cinnamon and sweetened just right. These muffins are moist, fluffy, and full of flavor. They’re a hit at breakfast or as a snack, offering a nutritious and delicious option.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffins

Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

Condensed milk dinner rolls in pan.
Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Got leftover condensed milk from your holiday baking? Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls are soft, sweet, and a great way to add a twist to your bread making. These rolls use leftover condensed milk to create a slightly sweet and tender crumb. They’re perfect alongside any meal or just as a snack. Enjoy the subtle sweetness and soft texture with your favorite dishes.
Get the Recipe: Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

Maple Walnut Muffins

Muffins in a pan with icing and walnuts.
Maple Walnut Muffins. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Maple Walnut Muffins are a sweet solution for leftover holiday nuts and syrups. These muffins are simple to prepare, requiring standard pantry items and about 30 minutes of baking time. Ideal for breakfast or as a side for your coffee, they offer a subtle sweetness from the maple syrup and a nice crunch from the walnuts. Each muffin is a comforting, wholesome treat that brings warmth and joy to any table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Walnut Muffins

Spiced Orange Cranberry Bread

Cranberry bread on a wire rack with a red towel and fresh cranberries.
Spiced Orange Cranberry Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Spiced Orange Cranberry Bread is an aromatic delight, perfect for utilizing leftover cranberries. It’s infused with warm spices and orange zest, offering a balance of tartness and sweetness. The bread is easy to make and is a cozy addition to any meal or a standalone treat. Enjoy the festive flavors in every slice, ideal for a comforting snack or breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Orange Cranberry Bread

Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

A loaf of pumpkin zucchini bread is sitting on a cooling rack.
Pumpkin Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pumpkin Zucchini Bread is a moist, flavorful way to use leftover pumpkin puree and extra zucchini. This bread merges the sweetness of pumpkin with the lightness of zucchini, creating a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. It’s a breeze to bake and a joy to eat, offering a subtle spice and satisfying texture. Share a slice with family or friends as a delightful treat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

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