Christmas Leftovers Recipes (Easy, Quick & Delicious)

Turn festive leftovers into cosy meals that feel intentional, not “use-up panic.”

The days between Christmas and New Year are made for slow mornings, leftovers on toast, long walks, and comfort food. This guide shows you how to turn what’s already in your fridge into simple, flavour-packed meals - with a few clever upgrades from Peak & The Pantry.

Whether you’ve got too much cheese, extra veg, half a turkey or the last of the brioche, here are easy, delicious ways to use it all without stress.

Leftover Cheese -Your Easiest Win

• Cheese is the Christmas leftover, and it’s the easiest to repurpose.

• Cheese Toasties with Scotch Bonnet Chutney

Use whatever you have: brie, cheddar, blue, Stilton, goat’s cheese. Layer into a toastie with Peak & The Pantry Scotch Bonnet Chutney for a sweet-heat kick that cuts through rich cheese.

Try it with:
• Sourdough or leftover crusty bread
• A swipe of mustard or mayo
• Pickles from your pantry stash

Cheese Sauce (Zero Effort) Melt leftover odds and ends into a simple sauce for:
• Mac and cheese
• Cauliflower cheese
• Broccoli pasta
• Nachos

A splash of bone broth gives it depth and savouriness.

Bubble & Squeak -The Boxing Day Classic

All your leftover potatoes + greens + carrots → pan-fried until crisp and golden.

Top with:
• Our pickles, gherkins & chutneys
• Fried egg
• A dash of Yep Chilli Crisp Oil
• Fresh herbs (optional, but great)

Bubble & squeak is the place where everything belongs - zero rules, maximum flavour.

The Easiest Turkey (or Veg) Broth

If you’ve got a turkey carcass or roasted veg ends, turn them into a warming broth.

Boxing Day Broth

Simmer bones or leftover veg with:
• Spring British Bone Broth (to boost flavour instantly)
• Onion scraps
• Herb stalks
• A bay leaf
• Any leftover gravy (trust me)

Serve with noodles, rice, dumplings or toast.
Perfect after a frosty walk - warming, thrifty and deeply comforting.

Leftovers Ramen Bowl

Add noodles to your broth and top with:
• Shredded leftover turkey
• Spare roast veg
• A soft-boiled egg
• A drizzle of Cool Chile Co Habanero
• A spoonful of Yep Chili Oil

This is the fastest route from “fridge chaos” to “proper meal.”

Condiment Clear-Out: Easy Small Plates

Those small jars lingering at the back? Bring them out.

Make quick:

• Little canapés with leftover smoked salmon + crackers
• Chutney + cheese bites
• Pâte + toast
• Pickles + cold cuts boards
• Crispbread + anything
• Hot sauce drizzle over roasted potatoes

Your pantry becomes your platter - especially if you stocked up on:
• Pickles & chutneys
• Sea Sisters tins
• Good Fats dressings

Bloody Marys for the Slow Days

If you’re over mulled wine, the Bloody Mary is your friend.

Mix:
• Big Tom Tomato Mix
• A dash of Cool Chile Co Habanero
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Celery salt
• Ice

Add leftover celery sticks if you’ve got them.
Serve with crisps, nuts or leftover cheese straws.

Sweet Leftovers - Zero Waste Treats

Panettone, brioche, mince pies and biscuits all get a second life here.

Hot Chocolate Dip

Make a mug of Peak & The Pantry Hot Chocolate, then dip:
• Leftover brioche
• Panettone
• Shortbread
• Stollen
• Biscotti

It’s indulgent and perfect for cosy evenings.

Panettone French Toast

Whisk an egg + milk + cinnamon → dip leftover panettone → fry.
Serve with berries, yoghurt, or a drizzle of honey.

The “Throw It All Together” Traybake

When you’re tired, this is your saviour.

On a tray, toss:
• Leftover veg
• Leftover meat
• Cooked potatoes
• A handful of herbs
• Olive oil
• Salt + pepper

Roast until caramelised.
Finish with a spoon of chutney, dressing or chili oil.

Minimal effort, big payoff.

Final Thoughts: Leftovers Should Feel Good

Christmas leftovers aren’t a chore - they’re an invitation to get cosy, use what’s here, and enjoy stress-free meals with the people you love.

Everything in this guide is designed to be effortless, flavour-packed and achievable on the quiet days between Christmas and New Year.

If you want to stock up for next year’s leftovers (or just build a smarter pantry), explore our full collection at Peak & The Pantry.