Eight Recipes that Turn Leftovers into Gourmet Meals
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Leftovers can save you a lot of money and time. It’s great to be able cook once and use it for two meals. I love roasted chickens that become soup, pot pie, chicken and dumplings… or leftovers rice made into fried rice. You can turn last night’s meal into a culinary masterpiece with a little creativity. Here are some creative ways to extend the life of leftovers without having to repeat the same meal.
1. Roast chicken leftovers can be transformed into a savory pot pie. Shred the chicken, then combine it with frozen mixed veggies and a creamy sauce. Bake until golden. Place the mixture into a baking dish and top with biscuit or puff pastry dough. This dish is perfect for any evening of the week. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a gourmet feel. This is a great way to use up leftovers and serve something new. Mashed Potatoes Reimagined as Crispy Potato Croquettes
Leftover mashed potatoes are the star of this trendy transformation. Mix them with green onions, shredded cheese and flour or breadcrumbs. Roll the mixture into patties or balls, and then cover them in breadcrumbs to give them a crisp exterior. You can either bake or fry them until they are golden. Serve with aioli (garlic sauce) or sourcream for dipping. They are perfect for an elegant appetizer or side dish.
3. Fried rice Delight gives rice a glow-up
Cold rice from the previous day is ideal for making fried-rice. In sesame oil sauté onions, garlic and mixed vegetables. Add the rice, stir-fry and heat through. Add some soy sauce and oyster sauce to the dish, along with scrambled egg. Chop up any leftover proteins like shrimp or poultry and add it to the dish. Add chopped scallions, sesame seeds and chopped scallions for a presentation worthy of a restaurant. This is a quick and satisfying meal that looks just as good as it taste.
4. Stale Bread Can Be Made Into A Delicious Bread Pudding
Stale Bread is not wasted when it’s turned into a dessert. It can be cut into cubes, then soaked in a mixture that includes milk, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. For extra flavor, add raisins, chocolate chips or fresh fruit. Serve warm, drizzled with caramel or whipped cream. Skip the sugar, and add cheese and herbs in place. Bread pudding can be transformed from brunch into dessert in a flash. Taco Night Leftovers Become Loaded Nachos
Leftover taco meat and toppings can easily turn into loaded nachos. Spread tortilla chips onto a baking tray and top with your favorite toppings, including meat, beans and cheese. Add fresh toppings such as guacamole and salsa after the cheese has melted. For a gourmet touch, garnish with cilantro and jalapenos. These nachos would be great for a family meal or game day snack. They’ll disappear in minutes, guaranteed.
6. Extra Veggies Turn into Creamy Vegetables Soup
Leftover vegetables from roasted or steaming can be transformed into a creamy vegetable broth. Blend the vegetables with a little vegetable broth and cream until smooth. Then, season the mixture with your favorite herbs, salt and pepper. For a gourmet touch, add croutons and drizzle olive oil. It can be made with any combination of vegetables, so it’s endlessly customizable. This is a great way to reduce food waste. Cooked Pasta Becomes a Trendy Pasta Frittata
Don’t toss that leftover pasta–turn it into a chic frittata. Mix pasta, grated or chopped cheese, and beaten eggs. Pour the mixture in a skillet with butter and cook it until the eggs are set. Finish under the broiler to get a golden crust. Serve warm or room temperature. Slice the pie like you would a pie. This Italian-inspired recipe is great for breakfast, dinner, or lunch. It’s both budget-friendly and Instagram-worthy.
8. Extra Meatloaf Turns Into Gourmet Sliders
Leftover meatloaf can easily be repurposed into sliders. Slice the meatloaf and gently reheat it. Each piece should be placed on a slider with gourmet toppings such as caramelized onions and arugula. Serve these sliders with sweet potato fries, or a salad to complete the meal. These sliders make a great lunch or appetizer. Your guests won’t even know they’re eating leftovers.
Waste Less, Enjoy More
Taking your leftovers and transforming them into something new can be a game-changer for busy people. As a mother of two children, I am always looking for ways to reduce waste and save time while keeping everyone happy. Here are some of my favourite recipes to use up leftovers. Each one adds a new twist and makes the dish more exciting. You might find your new favorite recipe by experimenting with the leftovers you have in your refrigerator. What are your favorite ways to use leftovers? Let us know in the comments.
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