The secret to surprising everyone at the table with ... leftovers from Christmas Lunch!

Sunday 28 December 2025 15:30 - Daniele Mainieri
The secret to surprising everyone at the table with ... leftovers from Christmas Lunch!

Christmas dinner always leaves good memories--and a refrigerator full of leftovers that we often don't know quite how to use. But that's where a special opportunity lies: transforming those leftovers (both raw and cooked) into new, tasty and beautiful dishes.


Using leftovers is a smart (and super creative) way to save money in style, reduce waste, and enjoy recipes that surprise at first taste. In this article we show you how to reinvent meat, fish, side dishes, and holiday desserts with clever ideas that look like something out of a restaurant kitchen, but are made with what you already have in your fridge.

The art of reinventing leftovers with aesthetics and sustainability

Reducing waste is smart and responsible-but doing it tastefully is even better. Leftovers, if treated with a dash of creativity, can become real gems to be enhanced with thoughtful plating, bright colors and surprising textures.

A roast from the day before? It takes very little to transform it into delicious glazed bites, perfect for an elegant appetizer. And that leftover puree? It can become the perfect base for golden, irresistible croquettes.

The idea is simple: breathe new life into dishes through harmonious shapes, visual contrasts and presentations that captivate even before the first taste.

Leftover meat new rich and irresistible ideas

Chicken, turkey, pork roast-after Christmas dinner there is often plenty left over. But don't worry: these leftovers can become the secret ingredient in surprising, easy and flavor-filled recipes.

Try these recipes with any leftover meat:

Coxinhas (brazilian chicken croquettes)Recipe Coxinhas (brazilian chicken croquettes)

Don't know what to do with your leftover chicken? Try Coxinhas, the famous Brazilian croquettes! An easy and crispy recipe that kids will love (just like the adults too ;-) ). Have fun varying the fillings to offer several flavors to your guests. A...

Maxi grilled cheese sandwich: cheddar, shredded chicken, avocado, baconRecipe Maxi grilled cheese sandwich: cheddar, shredded chicken, avocado, bacon

We have prepared a crazy recipe for you and above all, super delicious! A revisited and very original grilled cheese that will satisfy your taste buds to the fullest. You won't be able to resist this maxi sandwich and its incredible combinations with...






Salmon leftovers: three quick ideas for refined dishes full of character

If you have leftover salmon after the holidays, you're in luck: it is one of the most versatile and tasty ingredients to reuse. Elegant, flavorful and ready-made, it lends itself to a thousand clever transformations without losing class.

Here are 5 simple but impressive ideas:

Creamy smoked salmon ricotta pastaRecipe Creamy smoked salmon ricotta pasta

Creamy Smoked Salmon Ricotta Pasta is a recipe you should always consider when you’re running out of time but want to bring a tasty dish to the table! Salmon pasta is usually made with Philadelphia cream or cheese, but combining with ricotta and...

Easy and quick salmon quicheRecipe Easy and quick salmon quiche

When you're out of ideas for dinner, nothing beats a quiche! Very simple to make, all you need to do is roll out your pie crust and spread your choice of filling on top. No complications here: salmon (like here), vegetables, meat, anything can go in!...

Fresh and smoked salmon terrineRecipe Fresh and smoked salmon terrine

Whether fresh or smoked, we love salmon around here! Do you too?! Great, we've made a terrine! Easy to prepare, it will allow you to get the whole family to eat fish. Pair it with a mixed salad for a simple and complete meal :-) Are you ready? Then...

Salmon, chickpea and orange saladRecipe Salmon, chickpea and orange salad

Want to try a new salad recipe? Try our combination of salmon + chickpeas + orange with a touch of fresh dill! A protein-rich dish that we love to take with us to work for a healthy and balanced lunch break. And when it comes to vinaigrette, you will...

Air fryer salmon bites with asian marinadeRecipe Air fryer salmon bites with asian marinade

Embark on a journey to Asia without leaving your kitchen! These salmon bites, marinated in a savory Asian sauce and cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer, are a veritable explosion of flavors in your mouth. The melt-in-your-mouth, delicately...






Leftover vegetables: from forgotten side dish to star dish

Never underestimate what's left in the bottom of the pans: potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, squash, fennel or cauliflower can become the perfect base for new, mouthwatering, zero-waste recipes.

With a little imagination, even the simplest of side dishes can be transformed into something special:

Pumpkin croquettes in airfryerRecipe Pumpkin croquettes in airfryer

Looking for a tasty fall dish that will wow everyone? Then you can't miss our pumpkin croquettes cooked in an air fryer ! With just a few simple and easy-to-find ingredients , you can whip up a delicious vegetarian recipe perfect for any...

Spinach and mushroom flansRecipe Spinach and mushroom flans

These savory flans are an excellent idea if you're looking for a simple, light and flavorful recipe. The duo of mushrooms + spinach , sautéed with garlic, shallot and a touch of parsley, adds an irresistible fragrance. Mixed with a base of eggs,...





Holiday desserts reinvented: panettone, pandoro and creams become cheering desserts

Do you still have panettone, pandoro, or creams running around the kitchen? Don't throw them away. With just a few moves, they can be transformed into scenic, bakery-worthy desserts.

  • Panettone becomes golden French toast, with a caramelized surface and soft heart.
  • Pandoro is perfect for a light, fluffy and creamy tiramisu.
Baked french toast with pink pralines topping - ultra indulgent recipeRecipe Baked french toast with pink pralines topping - ultra indulgent recipe

What to do with stale bread? French toast, of course! Here, for even more convenience, we offer baked French toast! Flavors and indulgence for breakfast, who hasn't dreamed of that? Keep this recipe handy for a proper brunch! Follow our step-by-step...


If you still have a whole pandoro, however, this is the perfect recipe to make the most of it:

Pandoro brioche filled with nutella cream and vanilla cream in the shape of a christmas treeRecipe Pandoro brioche filled with nutella cream and vanilla cream in the shape of a christmas tree

Head to Italy for the Christmas holidays with this stuffed Pandoro ! We have chosen two creams to garnish it, a vanilla cream and a Nutella cream . A super easy dessert , extra fast and above all, a no bake recipe , since all you have to do...



The real Christmas gift zero waste and lots of creativity

Transforming Christmas lunch leftovers is a smart way to avoid waste and also a perfect excuse to have fun in the kitchen. With a little creativity, any ingredient can become something new, beautiful to look at and surprising to taste.

What remains is not simply a "leftover," but a possibility. And with the right ideas, the day after Christmas can turn out to be even better than the one that just passed.


Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day I immerse myself in the world of cooking, looking for new recipes and flavors to share: from grandma's dish to the latest food trends. I have been working in food communication for over 10 years!

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