12 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Ham and Turkey

The holidays have come and gone, and now you’re left with a fridge full of leftover ham and turkey While sandwiches are an easy go-to, you can get creative with your leftovers and make some really delicious meals Here are 12 of my favorite ways to use up leftover holiday meats.

1. Pot Pies

One of the best ways to use up leftover turkey or ham is in a pot pie You can make individual pot pies for a handheld meal or make one large pie to share The crust keeps the filling insulated and moist. Some pot pie filling ideas

• Turkey, veggies, and gravy
• Ham, broccoli, and cheddar
• Turkey, corn, peas, carrots, celery in a creamy sauce

Top with a flaky pie crust or phyllo dough and bake until golden brown, The aroma of a pot pie baking is simply heavenly!

2. Casseroles

Casseroles are ideal for leftovers since you can throw in all kinds of ingredients. Try these winning combinations:

• Ham, hashbrowns or tater tots, cheddar, creamy mushroom soup
• Turkey, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, creamy celery soup
• Ham, mac and cheese, broccoli

You really can’t go wrong when it comes to casseroles. Pop it in the oven until bubbly for a satisfying family meal.

3. Quesadillas

For a quick and easy meal, stuff tortillas with shredded leftover meat and cheese. Pan fry until the tortillas are crispy. Top with salsa, guacamole or sour cream for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal. You can even make quesadilla stacks by layering the filling between 3 tortillas.

4. Egg Rolls

Leftover meat, veggies and cream cheese or cheddar rolled up in an egg roll wrapper and fried to a golden crisp make a fun appetizer or light meal. Dip in duck or sweet and sour sauce. You can make a batch and keep them in the freezer, then fry up a few at a time.

5. Sliders

Shred or chop leftover meat and pile it onto mini buns for tasty sliders. Melt cheese on top or add barbecue sauce for flavor. Serve with fries for a fun and casual meal. You can keep them warm in a slow cooker set on low until you’re ready to eat.

6. Salad

Turn leftover sliced meat into a protein-packed main dish salad. Toss with greens, chopped veggies, nuts or seeds, and a tangy vinaigrette. You can also add pasta, grains or potatoes to make it a heartier meal. Top with crumbled cheese for extra flavor.

7. Pasta

Cut or shred leftover meat and add it to pasta. Toss with marinara sauce or alfredo sauce for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. You can also make mac and cheese and mix in diced ham for added richness.

8. Tacos

Spice up shredded leftovers in taco seasoning and serve on soft tortillas with all the fixings- lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream. The possibilities are endless when it comes to tacos.

9. Soup

Add leftover turkey or ham to soups like split pea, lentil, bean, vegetable, or a creamy chowder. The meat adds protein and gives the soup more substance. Toss leftover turkey bones into the stockpot when making your own broth for extra flavor.

10. Stir Fry

Slice leftover meat and stir fry it with crisp veggies like broccoli, carrots, snap peas and bell peppers. Toss everything in a flavorful sauce like teriyaki, hoisin, curry or sweet and sour. Serve over rice for a complete meal.

11. Pizza

Pizza is a great way to use up leftover meats. Top pita breads, naan or pizza dough with sauce, cheese and chopped or shredded turkey or ham. Get creative with your own custom toppings too like spinach, pineapple, bacon, etc.

12. Breakfast

Wake up to a hearty omelet or breakfast sandwich filled with leftover holiday meats. You can also make a casserole with eggs, meat, hashbrowns and cheese or stuff an omelet with meat, veggies and cheese.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using up leftover ham and turkey after the holidays. With a little creativity, you can give new life to leftover meats and whip up all kinds of delicious dishes your family will love. No more boring old sandwiches day after day!