We’ve all stared at a sad container of leftovers in the fridge, wondering how to make them seem less…leftover-y. But just because it’s day-old food doesn’t mean it has to feel like it. With a little creativity, you can turn last night’s dinner into something that feels brand new (and maybe even better).
Transform Roast Chicken into Tacos
Shred that leftover roast chicken, hit it with some taco seasoning, and load it into soft tortillas. Add fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a meal that feels completely new. The bold flavors and textures make you forget you’re eating last night’s chicken.
Leftover Rice into Fried Rice
Day-old rice is perfect for making fried rice. Stir-fry it with veggies, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs. Add any leftover protein or tofu, and you’ve got a flavorful, crispy dish that doesn’t feel reheated. It’s like your own takeout creation, but better and cheaper.
Roast Veggies into a Frittata
Leftover roasted veggies find new life in a frittata. Mix them with eggs, pour into a pan, and bake for a quick, hearty meal. It’s easy, and the roasted flavors make the frittata taste gourmet, not like you’re recycling yesterday’s side dish.
Mashed Potatoes into Potato Cakes
Turn yesterday’s mashed potatoes into crispy, golden potato cakes. Mix with an egg, form into patties, and pan-fry them to perfection. Serve with sour cream or applesauce, and you’ve got a totally new dish that feels more like comfort food than leftovers.
Grilled Meat into Sandwiches
Slice up leftover steak or chicken, layer it with cheese and veggies, and grill it into a melty, toasty sandwich. Adding fresh ingredients gives the leftover meat a whole new vibe, making this sandwich a filling and flavorful upgrade from the night before.
Pasta into a Casserole
Layer leftover pasta with marinara sauce, cheese, and maybe some veggies or protein, then bake it all into a bubbly, golden casserole. The flavors meld together in the oven, transforming the pasta into a warm, comforting dish that feels miles away from yesterday’s meal.
Turkey into Soup
Toss leftover turkey into a hearty soup. Add veggies, broth, and maybe some noodles or rice. It’s a cozy, comforting meal that repurposes turkey in a way that feels fresh and homey. It’s also the perfect way to make the most of a post-holiday fridge full of turkey!
Leftover Pizza into Breakfast Pizza
Take cold pizza, heat it up, then top it with a fried egg and fresh herbs. The gooey egg yolk adds a creamy richness that makes it feel more like brunch than a lazy reheat. It’s a quick, surprisingly gourmet twist on last night’s pizza that will change your morning routine.
Grains into Grain Bowls
Leftover quinoa, farro, or rice can be the base of a delicious grain bowl. Toss it with fresh veggies, some kind of protein, and a zesty dressing. The combo of textures and flavors makes for a fresh, light meal that’s far from a boring repeat of the night before. You can even make a fruit grain bowl for breakfast.
Stale Bread into Panzanella
Don’t toss that stale bread—turn it into panzanella! Toss it with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a simple vinaigrette. The bread soaks up all the flavors, turning into a fresh, flavorful salad that feels like a light summer meal instead of leftover scraps.
Roast Beef into Stroganoff
Thinly slice leftover roast beef and mix it with mushrooms, sour cream, and egg noodles for a creamy stroganoff. It’s rich, comforting, and feels like a whole new meal. The savory beef takes on new life in this hearty, flavorful dish.
Grilled Veggies into a Wrap
Roll leftover grilled veggies into a tortilla with hummus, feta, and fresh greens for a healthy, flavorful wrap. The fresh ingredients add a burst of flavor, making it feel like a whole new meal. It’s the perfect quick lunch or light dinner that’s anything but boring leftovers.
Leftover Fish into Fish Tacos
Flake leftover grilled or baked fish, add some slaw, and toss it into soft tortillas with a zesty sauce. Fish tacos are a fresh, flavorful way to repurpose leftovers without feeling like you’re eating reheated fish. It’s a quick and tasty win for your next meal!
12 Dishes That Are Better the Day After
Ever noticed how some meals taste better the next day? It seems like they get a chance to soak up all their flavors overnight. We’re highlighting these kinds of dishes, the ones that make leftovers something to look forward to. This list of meals makes leftovers something to look forward to rather than dread.
Read it Here: 12 Dishes That Are Better the Day After
Reinvent Your Rice With These 25 Creative Ideas For Leftovers
Leftover rice sitting in your fridge again? Don’t let it just sit there! We’ve put together 25 inventive ways to transform that plain rice into delicious new meals. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or savory, these ideas will breathe new life into your leftovers and keep your weeknight dinners fresh and exciting.
Read it Here: Reinvent Your Rice With These 25 Creative Ideas For Leftovers
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
