We know, that getting kids to eat leftovers is like trying to convince them to clean their room – tough, but not impossible. With these 17 clever recipes, you can turn last night’s dinner into today’s hot ticket meal, making sure not even a single pea gets left behind. It’s all about making food fun and delicious again, so everyone leaves the table happy and full!
Chickpea Nuggets
Forget the fact that these were once lonely, uneaten chickpeas. All that matters is that Chickpea Nuggets are now the main event. You’ll see those plates getting cleared quicker than you can say ‘leftovers.’ This could become a new go-to for ensuring those empty plates every time.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets
Eggplant Casserole
Sometimes eggplants are a hard sell, but not when they’re hidden in a cheesy Eggplant Casserole. This dish is a stealthy move towards veggie appreciation and spotless plates. The kids will be digging in, and the leftovers will be a distant memory. The best part? You get to rest easy knowing the meal ended with empty plates.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Those veggies won’t be leftovers for long once they’re turned into Vegan Chicken Nuggets. They’re crunch-tastic, and the kids will be all over them, leaving nothing but empty plates. It’s an outing for the taste buds, and a victory for your Operation: Empty Plates campaign. Wave goodbye to the leftover blues with this one.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin in mac and cheese? Yep, Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a creamy dream that even picky eaters won’t be able to resist. Once they get a taste, they’ll keep coming back until their plates are empty. Giving leftovers a second chance never tasted so good and left the plates so clean.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Easy Chicken Tenders
Here’s a secret: Easy Chicken Tenders can make kids fall in love with leftovers. They’re simple, and scrumptious, and look at that – not a scrap left on the plates! They hit the spot every time, and you’ll be the hero for serving up a favorite. Clear those plates with ease and keep the peace.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Ever thought last night’s pasta could be today’s hit? Just whip up some Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. It’s so good, that not a single ravioli will be left behind. Your plates will return to the kitchen as clean as they were when they left it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Easy Chicken Casserole
Wave a magic wand over that leftover chicken and transform it into an Easy Chicken Casserole. It serves up happiness in every bite. By the end of the meal, you’ll be staring down a series of empty plates, mission accomplished. And you know what? They’ll never even suspect they were eating leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole
Air Fryer Homemade Fries
Transform those idle potatoes into toasty Air Fryer Homemade Fries. This trick will make sure kids gobble up their leftovers without question. The sound of crunching is your cue; plates will be empty before you know it. This side dish is the superhero of repurposing leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Homemade Fries
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Toss those leftover spuds into an Easy Tater Tot Casserole and watch them turn into gold. The kids will never suspect they’re eating yesterday’s potatoes. Golden, cheesy, and gone in a flash – that’s the plate-clearing magic we’re talking about!
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Who knew that last bit of chicken could crunch and taste like Chick-fil-A Nuggets? They’re like nuggets of gold for kids, and they make disappearing leftovers a sport. Expect a round of applause once every plate returns to the kitchen, sparkling clean. Leftovers? What leftovers?
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets
The Best Cheeseburger Casserole
Leftover ground beef steps up its game when you bring The Best Cheeseburger Casserole to the table. It’s hearty, and cheesy, and gets those plates clean without complaints. With this in your meal plan, leftovers will no longer be the enemy. The kids will be too busy chowing down to notice.
Get the Recipe: The Best Cheeseburger Casserole
Breaded Mushrooms
Kids won’t even realize they’re munching on mushrooms when you serve these crispy Breaded Mushrooms. They’ll transform leftovers into a snack that disappears fast. Watch as the plates come back with no evidence of mushrooms ever being there. It’s a sneaky way to get those plates clean and bellies full.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken left in the fridge? Whip it into a Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s a cozy meal that warms up the belly and wipes out any notion of leftovers. You’ll be dishing out seconds and collecting empty plates before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Baked Vanilla Donuts
With left-over batter, Baked
Get the Recipe: Baked Vanilla Donuts
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger
Leftover chicken gets a flashy makeover in a Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. This spicy delight will have the kids licking their fingers and hunting for more, ensuring a lineup of empty plates. Say hello to a new favorite and wave goodbye to the remnants of yesterday’s chicken.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger
Baked Mushroom Rice
Take yesterday’s rice and jazz it up into Baked Mushroom Rice. It’s a savory surprise that means business when it comes to clearing plates. The kids will ask for more, and you’ll smirk at the lack of leftovers. It’s the kind of side dish that changes the leftover game for good.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice
Breakfast Casserole
Mix all sorts of dinner remains into a delicious Breakfast Casserole. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes kids ask for seconds, ensuring not a single leftover stays behind. It’s a good morning indeed when every plate comes back wiped clean. Leftover veggies and meats find new life at the breakfast table.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole