'Waste Not Want Not'

Christmas is when you get to spend some quality time with friends and family. It’s also when calories don’t count and the 5pm food coma is inevitable. But, as great as Christmas is for bringing people together and the joy to children’s faces as they open up their presents from Father Christmas, it’s also when food waste is at its peak.

A staggering 7 million tonnes of food ends up in the bin each Christmas in the UK. Not only does this statistic mean people are throwing money down the drain, it also has an incredibly harmful impact on the environment. So, after the Big Day has come and gone, what can you do with all those (still incredibly tasty) leftovers? Luckily, we have a selection of delicious recipes that have been specially created with Christmas leftovers in mind.

Take a look and try them for yourself…

How to Make Smokey Leftover Turkey Sliders

These sliders are perfect for a party! Serve them up as part of an informal spread at any Boxing Day soirée. Speedy to cook (as the turkey is already cooked through), they’re also a really easy and informal way of feeding the many if you do have guests to stay. Not only do these sliders use up your leftover turkey but it’ll also make use of any cheese you still have, too. The added BBQ sauce gives it a really flavourful kick.

Serves: 4 people.

Full recipe here.

How to Make Leftover Turkey & Sprout Tikka Masala

One for the Boxing Day arsenal, this recipe is the ideal way to feed a crowd whilst using your festive leftovers. As well as using up all that tasty turkey, this tikka masala will also make good use of all those sprouts that are often left uneaten. Packed full of flavour and gentle spice, this curry will blow any Boxing Day buffet out the water. Serve it up with naan bread, rice and some lime wedges to really bring out that spicy flavour.

Serves: 6 people.

Full recipe here.

How to Make A Chorizo Frittata

It’s not just meat you’ll have to use up, let’s not forget about all the veggies left unwanted on people’s plates. A frittata is a great way to use up veg from the fridge and makes the perfect light lunch on Boxing Day. This recipe can be adapted to what you have to hand…courgettes, rocket, cheddar and mushrooms work really well. The added pop of flavour from the chorizo, chilli flakes, paprika and sundried tomatoes all combine to make a taste explosion like no other.

Serves: 2 people.

Full recipe here.

How to Make Chinese-Style Duck Pancake Canapes

Roast duck for Christmas? This recipe is the perfect way for using up anything left from your alternative Big Day centrepiece. With the sweet and tender dark meat of the duck combined with the saltiness of the hoisin sauce, these mini Chinese-style duck pancake canapés are an absolute crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering. Plus, you get some added crunch with the refreshing cucumber.

Serves: 24 people.

Full recipe here.

How to Make Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Sirloin Steak

These mini yorkies are oh-so simple but are sure to delight any guest at a Boxing Day party. If you’ve opted for the less-traditional roast beef as your Christmas Day meat then use those leftovers here as the filling. The softness of the yorkshire with the tender, beefiness of the sirloin is all given a little kick with the tangy-on-the-tongue horseradish topping.

Serves: 12 people.

Full recipe here.

How to Make Beef, Beetroot & Grain Salad With Ferments

Yes, we’ve gone there. We’ve uttered the dreaded ‘S’ word as a recipe suggestion for over the festive period. But hear us out! This salad really does make the most of your leftovers and offers a little bit of a break during all the indulgence. With its perky addition of ferments that work so well with sweet, earthy beetroot and rich slices of cold beef, trust us when we say you’ll absolutely love this dish.

Serves: 4 people.

Full recipe here.

How to Make Bubble & Squeak Patties With Fried Egg

It’s not just Boxing Day spreads your leftovers are perfect for. Let’s not forget about the most important meal of the day - breakfast! Why not try elevating the classic Christmas leftover recipe of bubble & squeak to these perfect brunch patties, topped with a deliciously golden-yolk fried egg. This recipe will use up your leftover potato, carrot, swede, cabbage and ham - fantastic!

Serves: 4 people.

Full recipe here.

After more inspiration? Take a look at our full range of recipes here.