Hosting a holiday meal can be a time intensive commitment. You not only have the preparation, the cooking and entertaining to do, but afterwards you'll likely have enough leftover food to feed a small army. After your guests leave and the dishes are done there's one inevitable question when you open your packed fridge: how do I use all these leftovers?
Luckily, there are plenty of versatile options for using your holiday leftovers without resorting to tossing all that delicious food. Using our holiday meal to go, the Bob Evans Premium Farmhouse Feast®, which includes slow-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham, sides, bread and pie, we've come up with six simple ways to use your holiday meal leftovers.
For some, this sandwich is the reason for preparing the holiday meal in the first place. A day-after sandwich that features the best of your holiday meal is highly sought after and the ideal build is often based in personal preference. But for us, the following is our perfect leftover sandwich.
Feel free to use your favorite bread as a base, but sliced dinner rolls are our favorite for the savory sandwich. Butter the round sides of the roll and toast them in the oven (350°F) for about five minutes, or until crispy and golden.
Layer on sliced (or pulled apart) turkey with the toppings of your choice from you leftovers. Our favorite combo: light and dark meat turkey, dressing, a light spread of mashed potatoes and topped with a spritz of gravy. Don't forget a spread of cranberry relish on the bun!
For lighter fare, we recommend opting for lettuce, sprouts, and avocado spread. For a seasonal take, top your sandwich with cranberry relish, sliced almonds, and spinach. If you’re a traditionalist, turkey, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise is always a great choice.
Our signature mac & cheese is a leftover all-star. Repurpose this classic by mixing in roasted vegetables and crispy breadcrumbs for texture. Not only is this a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your favorite comfort food - even the picky eaters can’t resist a vegetable smothered in cheese.
Cut your favorite veggies (we love broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots) into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Spread your vegetables on a metal baking sheet and roast a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
Once the veggies are cooked, mix them with your mac and cheese! You can bake them together in a greased glass baking dish and top with bread crumbs for about 15 minutes at 400°F. If you’re looking for a quick snack, microwave your mac and cheese and mix in the roasted vegetables. Both methods are equally delicious.
The day after a big holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving, there is a seemingly limitless amount of leftover dressing (aka stuffing). Use this savory dish as the base for a breakfast casserole before you head out for holiday shopping.
At its most basic form, this recipe can be created by packing stuffing into a greased muffin tin and heated in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. The best part about this recipe is that it’s extremely customizable - you can mix in cooked sausage, cheese, chopped veggies, and even egg. If you’re incorporating egg or meat, remember to cook your muffins thoroughly.
Cranberry relish is never in short supply around our house after a big meal. In the morning after, you can soften cream cheese and mix with cranberry relish and chopped walnuts for an amazing bagel spread.
This bright, savory combination works great as a dip with pretzel or pita chips. For a nut-free option, consider mixing in chopped apple or granola for a tasty crunch.
Mashed potatoes need very little help to be delicious anytime. But potato pancakes are a fun, simple treat that the whole family can enjoy.
For potato pancakes, mix:
Combing the mashed potatoes, eggs, flour and seasonings in a bowl. Then, heat a skillet to medium-high and add a tablespoon of oil to fry the potato pancakes. Drop spoonfuls of potato pancake mix onto the skillet, press with a spatula, and cook until the bottom of the pancake is crispy. For a twist on this recipe add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives. (As always, be careful of hot surfaces and ingredients, especially when you’re cooking with kids!)
Pumpkin Bread French Toast is a warm brunch treat for even the chilliest winter days. Dip sliced pumpkin bread into a mixture of lightly beaten eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Then, fry your french toast in oil or butter over medium-high heat. Serve with syrup, whipped cream, or nuts.
With creativity and just a few pantry staples, your family will enjoy leftovers almost as much as the main meal! Need help preparing that holiday meal? Bob Evans makes the holidays simple with our Farmhouse Feast, a complete holiday meal available for pick up or delivery.
Packed cold and ready to take home, our Farmhouse Feast is a complete holiday meal for 4-10 people. Get all your holiday favorites to create the perfect meal for your table. Order in advance, then just take home, heat, serve & enjoy!
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