Sweet and Savory: What to Do with All Those Christmas Desserts and Sides
Christmas dinner is over, and the stockings are empty, but your fridge? It’s overflowing with leftovers. Before you settle for another boring reheat session, let’s talk about how to transform those desserts and sides into something exciting! With a little creativity, you can turn your holiday extras into sweet and savory dishes that shine. Let’s dive in!
Sweet: New Spins on Desserts
Bread Pudding from Leftover Rolls or Panettone
Got leftover dinner rolls, croissants, or a half-eaten panettone? Turn them into a rich and comforting bread pudding.
How to Make It: Tear the bread into pieces, soak them in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, and bake until golden. For extra holiday flavor, toss in some cranberries, chocolate chips, or a dash of cinnamon.
Pie Milkshakes
Yes, you read that right! Transform leftover pie into a decadent milkshake.
How to Make It: Blend a slice of pie (pumpkin, pecan, or apple works best) with vanilla ice cream and milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the ultimate treat.
Cookie Crumb Ice Cream Topping
Got a few broken cookies or extras from your cookie platter? Turn them into a delicious topping.
How to Use It: Crumble cookies over ice cream, yogurt, or even oatmeal for a sweet crunch.
Cake Pops from Leftover Cake
Leftover cake (or cupcakes) can become a batch of fun, festive cake pops.
How to Make It: Crumble the cake, mix it with a little frosting, roll into balls, and dip in melted chocolate. Decorate with sprinkles for a holiday twist!
Savory: Reinventing Holiday Sides
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Leftover mashed potatoes are a treasure trove of possibilities, and pancakes might be the best of them all.
How to Make It: Mix mashed potatoes with an egg, a handful of shredded cheese, and a bit of flour. Shape into patties and fry in a skillet until golden brown. Serve with sour cream or gravy.
Stuffing Waffles
Yes, your stuffing can double as breakfast—or even a savory base for dinner!
How to Make It: Press stuffing into a waffle iron and cook until crispy. Top with turkey, gravy, or even a fried egg for a whole new meal.
Sweet Potato Hash
Turn leftover sweet potatoes into a hearty hash that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
How to Make It: Dice sweet potatoes and sauté them with onions, bell peppers, and a bit of olive oil. Add some crumbled bacon or sausage for extra flavor, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Cranberry Sauce Glaze
Don’t let that cranberry sauce sit in the back of the fridge—it’s the perfect base for a tangy glaze.
How to Use It: Simmer cranberry sauce with a splash of orange juice and a little honey or brown sugar. Use it to glaze roasted chicken, pork, or even veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts.
Tips for Getting Creative with Leftovers
Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to combine unexpected flavors—savory stuffing waffles topped with cranberry sauce? Yes, please!
Freeze for Later: If you’re overwhelmed, freeze leftovers in portions to enjoy in the coming weeks.
Keep It Simple: A little imagination can go a long way. You don’t need a complicated recipe to make something amazing.
