No-waste Christmas recipes
Dreaming of a zero waste Christmas? At a time known for excess, make the most of our low-waste recipes for using up roast turkey, cheese and more
Christmas is undoubtedly a time of excess – over-indulging in food and drinks typically goes hand-in-hand with the festivities. We may prepare vast quantities of Christmas centrepieces, potatoes, side dishes and desserts to feed a crowd without perhaps considering if we really need it all.
There's nothing wrong with cooking up a feast during Christmas, it's just worth being mindful of any leftovers – binned food that goes to landfill releases methane, contributing to climate change. Not only are you helping the planet, making the most of leftovers helps to take the pressure off your purse strings, plus it saves you time preparing a brand new meal from scratch. Our easy recipes turn turkey into a lightly spiced curry, cheeseboard scraps into a creamy pasta bake and festive treats like mince pies into fresh new desserts. Get inspired with our full collection of Christmas leftovers recipes.
Discover our guide to having a greener Christmas with tips and tricks for planning ahead and shopping more sustainably. Cut down on food waste on the big day with our no-waste Christmas meal plan, then find out how to waste fewer potatoes, plus the top tips from the Good Food team on how to reduce food waste. Learn about how to understand your food carbon footprint, too.
No-waste Christmas recipes
1. Leftover turkey curry
Transform your turkey into a creamy, lightly spiced curry with our masala recipe. Thanks to the pre-cooked turkey, it takes just 20 minutes to prep and will be on the table in under an hour total.
Try more leftover Christmas turkey recipes.
2. The best ever Christmas leftovers sandwich
Is there anything better than a Boxing Day sandwich stuffed to the brim with all of the delicious bits from Christmas Day? A simple assembly job provides some respite from all of the big day meal prep and cooking. Make a quick pickled red cabbage or keep it extra easy with your leftover braised cabbage.
3. Cheeseboard mac 'n' cheese with cracker breadcrumbs
This tempting pasta bake makes the most of not just the cheese from your cheeseboard, but also the leftover crackers for a crunchy topping. Use whatever cheeses you want to use up – around 200g is perfect.
Discover more leftover cheese recipes.
4. Mince pie cheesecake
Blitz leftover mince pies with ginger biscuits to add some festive joy to your cheesecake base. Mincemeat is swirled through soft cheese for the creamy filling.
Try our best leftover Christmas dessert ideas.
5. Brussels sprout slaw
If you found you didn't cook all of the sprouts you bought for Christmas Day, this no-cook slaw breathes new life into the classic Christmas vegetable. Combine with shredded red cabbage, carrot and red onion for a bright and beautiful slide to serve alongside your Boxing Day spread.
Discover more ways with brussels sprouts.
6. Frozen custard sundae
Ice cream sundaes aren't just for kids, and these decadent festive versions are perfect for using up the odds and ends of mince pies and panettone for grown-up treat with orange liqueur, brandy or rum. Top with warm salted caramel sauce for even more Christmas indulgence.
7. Next level turkey & ham pie
Use up Christmas Day turkey and Boxing Day ham for a Twixmas treat to keep you going until the new year. If you've got the time and inclination, making your own homemade pastry will result in a seriously superior pie.
Discover our top warming pie recipes.
8. Root veg lentil bowl with herb pistou
For a little light relief from the Christmas indulgence, turn your leftover roasted root veggies into a healthy bowl with added lentils and a speedy herb pistou, a bit like a pesto.
9. Veg peel fritters
Stop veg peelings from going to waste with these tasty little fritters that make a great Boxing Day brunch or snack. Serve with lime pickle, mango chutney and raita for dunking into.
10. Croissant bread sauce
Using up leftover croissants makes this festive bread sauce extra decadent, then top it off with a knob of melting butter for even more indulgence.
Discover our top leftover croissant recipes.
Discover more zero waste inspiration
What to do with leftover bread
Leftover Christmas pudding recipes
Ways to use up leftover milk
Ways to use up leftover ingredients
How to use up leftover pumpkin
How will you be cutting back on food waste this Christmas? Let us know in the comments...
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