15 Creative Ways to Turn Leftovers into Delicious New Meals

Leftovers don’t have to be a disappointment. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into exciting new dishes that save time and reduce food waste. Here are 15 creative ways to give your leftovers a delicious makeover.

Leftover Roast Chicken to Chicken Salad

Got leftover roast chicken? Transform it into a fresh chicken salad by shredding the meat and mixing it with dressing, celery, grapes, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This versatile dish can be served on greens, turned into a sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla for a quick and filling meal. You can also use it to make these delicious chicken taco stuffed peppers.

Rice to Fried Rice

Leftover rice is ideal for making fried rice, a quick and flavorful dish. Start by sautéing garlic and onions, then add your choice of vegetables and protein, such as eggs, shrimp, or tofu. Toss in the leftover rice and season with soy sauce and sesame oil for a delicious meal that tastes even better than takeout.

Mashed Potatoes to Potato Cakes

Give leftover mashed potatoes a new life by turning them into crispy potato cakes. Combine the mashed potatoes with an egg, some flour, and your favorite herbs or cheese. Form the mixture into patties and fry them until golden brown. These potato cakes make a great side dish or a hearty breakfast option.

Steak or Roast to Stir-Fry

Leftover steak or roast can be easily transformed into a flavorful stir-fry. Slice the meat thinly and sauté it with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. Add a simple sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a quick dinner.

Vegetable Scraps to Broth

Don’t toss those vegetable scraps! They can be used to make a delicious homemade broth. Save carrot tops, onion skins, and celery leaves in a freezer bag, then simmer them with water, salt, and herbs to create a flavorful broth. Use it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces.

Bread to Croutons or Breadcrumbs

Stale bread can be repurposed into crunchy croutons or breadcrumbs. For croutons, cube the bread, toss it with olive oil and herbs, and bake until crispy. For breadcrumbs, pulse the bread in a food processor. Both options are perfect for adding texture to salads and casseroles.

Leftover Vegetables to Soup

Turn leftover roasted or steamed vegetables into creamy soups. Simply blend the vegetables with some broth, add cream or coconut milk, and season to taste. This method is an easy way to create a comforting meal that can be customized with your favorite flavors.

Pasta to Pasta Salad

Repurpose leftover pasta by turning it into a cold pasta salad. Toss the pasta with olive oil, vinegar, fresh vegetables, and a protein like chicken, beans, or chickpeas. This refreshing dish is perfect for lunch or as a side dish for picnics and gatherings.

Cooked Beans to Bean Dip

Create a delicious bean dip by mashing or blending cooked beans with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. This versatile dip can be served with pita bread and fresh vegetables or used as a spread in sandwiches. If you want something fancier, make this curried bean dip.

Leftover Fish to Fish Tacos

Flake leftover fish and use it as a filling for fish tacos. Top the tacos with crunchy slaw, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and zesty meal. This is a great way to enjoy seafood without letting it go to waste.

Cooked Meat to Shepherd’s Pie

Turn leftover cooked meat into a comforting shepherd’s pie. Mix the meat with sautéed vegetables and gravy, then top with a layer of mashed potatoes. Bake until the top is golden brown. Serve it for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Leftover Fruit to Smoothies or Desserts

Overripe or leftover fruit can be blended into smoothies or used in baking. Fruits can also be cooked down into compotes or sauces to top pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream. This is a great way to use up fruit that might otherwise go to waste while enjoying a delicious treat.

Leftover Grains to Grain Bowls

Use leftover grains like quinoa, barley, or farro to create nourishing grain bowls. Add a mix of vegetables, a protein source, and a flavorful dressing for a balanced and customizable meal. This is a convenient option for meal prepping and quick lunches.

Pizza to Breakfast Pizza

Give leftover pizza a breakfast twist by adding a fried egg on top. The combination of runny yolk, melted cheese, and savory toppings makes for a delicious and indulgent breakfast. This is a creative way to enjoy pizza in the morning.

Meat and Cheese to Quesadillas

Turn leftover meats and cheeses into quick and tasty quesadillas. Simply layer the meat and cheese between tortillas and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a satisfying meal.