21 Dinners That Finally Finish Holiday Leftovers After Christmas

21 Dinners That Finally Finish Holiday Leftovers After Christmas

After the holidays, the fridge tends to fill up with cooked meats, vegetables, and odds and ends that still deserve a proper dinner. These meals lean into practical cooking, familiar flavors, and flexible ingredients that help clear space without feeling forced. Each recipe works well with leftover turkey, chicken, vegetables, or pantry staples already on hand. This collection focuses on comfort, efficiency, and meals that feel right for easing back into routine.

21 Dinners That Finally Finish Holiday Leftovers After Christmas
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Belgian Endive Soup

Two bowls of soup on a wooden table.
Belgian Endive Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Belgian Endive Soup is a simple, comforting dinner that highlights overlooked vegetables. It takes about 45 minutes and uses Belgian endive, broth, butter, and cream. The texture turns smooth and mellow as it cooks. The flavor is mild, savory, and gently rich.
Get the Recipe: Belgian Endive Soup

Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe

A baking tray displays roasted cauliflower florets, lemon slices, and olives alongside a piece of salmon. A small bowl of olives and another with a dark sauce are placed nearby on a burlap-covered surface.
Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe is a complete dinner that reheats well for leftovers. It takes about 40 minutes and uses salmon, cauliflower, and a creamy sauce. Everything cooks evenly on one pan. The flavor is mild, rich, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe

A black plate with a serving of broccoli casserole, topped with breadcrumbs. A fork rests on the plate. The background is a marble surface, with some green plant decorations partially visible.
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe is a plant-based dinner that uses leftover vegetables well. It takes about 40 minutes and includes broccoli, dairy-free sauce, and seasonings. The texture stays creamy without heaviness. The taste is mild and savory.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup

A bowl of barley soup with lemon wedges on a wooden table.
Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup is a steady, filling dinner for using up greens and grains. It takes about 60 minutes and features barley, kale, Romano beans, lemon, and chipotle powder. The soup stays thick with plenty of chew. The taste is earthy with light smoky brightness.
Get the Recipe: Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup

Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein

Gefilte fish on plate with beet horseradish.
Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein is a traditional dinner option for leftover fish and pantry staples. It takes about 90 minutes and includes white fish, matzo meal, onions, and beet chrein. The patties cook light and tender. The flavor is mild with earthy sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein

Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup

A bowl of soup on a wooden cutting board.
Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup is a smart dinner for using leftover vegetable scraps. It takes about 30 minutes and combines broccoli stems, coconut milk, and seasonings. The soup turns smooth with added crunch from the topping. The flavor is mild, creamy, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of glazed barbecue chicken drumsticks garnished with small parsley leaves. The chicken is coated in a shiny, dark sauce, suggesting a rich, flavorful marinade. The dish is arranged to highlight the crispy, caramelized skin.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a fast dinner for leftover or fresh chicken. They take about 35 minutes and use chicken drumsticks and barbecue sauce. The air fryer crisps the exterior evenly. The flavor is smoky and savory.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup With Apples

A bowl of soup with apples and sprigs of thyme.
Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup With Apples. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup With Apples is a comforting dinner built from pantry vegetables. It takes about 60 minutes and uses Jerusalem artichokes, apples, leeks, and herbs. The texture becomes thick and silky. The taste is earthy with gentle sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke Soup With Apples

Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich

A plate with a burrito and skewers on it.
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich is a satisfying dinner that puts leftover ground turkey to good use. It takes about 40 minutes and combines turkey, onions, herbs, spices, and tahini tucked into warm pita. The texture stays hearty without feeling heavy. The flavor is savory with gentle spice and creaminess.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich

Chicken and Date Casserole

Chicken and date casserole in a white baking dish.
Chicken and Date Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken and Date Casserole is a one-pan dinner built for clearing pantry and fridge items. It takes about 60 minutes and features chicken thighs, dates, olives, and capers. The sauce thickens naturally as it bakes. The flavor is sweet, savory, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Date Casserole

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)

A casserole dish filled with a cheesy cabbage casserole.
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup). Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping is a practical dinner for leftover cabbage. It takes about 45 minutes and combines cabbage, cheese, onions, and crackers. The casserole bakes creamy with crisp edges. The flavor is savory and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)

Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht

Two bowls of beet soup on a wooden table.
Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht is a hearty dinner that clears root vegetables efficiently. It takes about 75 minutes and includes beets, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. The soup becomes thick and spoonable. The flavor balances earthy sweetness with gentle acidity.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

A creamy citrus‑rosemary chicken thigh on a white plate.
Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary is a comforting dinner for leftover chicken cuts. It takes about 45 minutes and uses chicken, citrus juice, cream, and rosemary. The sauce coats the chicken smoothly. The flavor is savory with bright citrus notes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Roasted chicken with parsley and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes is a hands-off dinner built around basic fridge staples. It takes about 75 minutes and uses chicken, potatoes, buttermilk, and spices. The chicken stays tender as it roasts. The flavor is savory with light tang.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

One stuffed pepper on platewith pot in background.
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a dependable dinner for leftover grains and meat. They take about 60 minutes and use ground turkey, cooked grains, peppers, and herbs. The filling stays moist as it bakes. The flavor is savory and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

A baked dish with a large serving of cheesy cauliflower in a glass baking dish is next to a white plate holding a portion of the same dish. The background is a light wooden surface. A fork is visible beside the plate.
Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole is a simple dinner that clears extra vegetables. It takes about 40 minutes and combines cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and paprika. The texture turns soft with crisp edges. The flavor is savory and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby.
Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara is a low-effort dinner that uses cooked or raw chicken easily. It takes about 4 hours and features chicken, marinara sauce, garlic, and herbs. The meat turns tender as it simmers. The flavor is rich and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are a bold dinner that works well with leftover chicken pieces. They take about 50 minutes and use chicken drumsticks, garlic, cumin, paprika, and lime. The skin cooks crisp while the meat stays juicy. The flavor is zesty, savory, and warm.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Black Bean Tacos With Sweet Pepper Salsa

Two black bean tacos on wooden board.
Black Bean Tacos With Sweet Pepper Salsa. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Black Bean Tacos With Sweet Pepper Salsa offer a quick dinner that clears beans and fresh vegetables. They take about 30 minutes and use black beans, sweet peppers, tortillas, and spices. The filling stays hearty and balanced. The flavor is savory with a touch of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Tacos With Sweet Pepper Salsa

Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins

A bowl of soup is sitting on a wooden tray.
Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins is a warming dinner that uses roasted vegetables well. It takes about 50 minutes and combines cauliflower, onions, spices, and raisins. The soup stays thick and filling. The flavor is savory with gentle sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

21 Dinners That Finally Finish Holiday Leftovers After Christmas
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is a filling dinner that works well with leftover chicken. It takes about 45 minutes and uses chicken, hash browns, cheese, and seasonings. The casserole bakes evenly and holds together. The flavor is rich and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

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