10 Surprising Ways to Revamp Leftovers

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Veggie Medley

Transform last night's rice into a delightful filling for colorful bell peppers.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, chopped vegetables, and half of the shredded cheese.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture, place on a baking tray.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until peppers are tender.

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Give leftover mashed potatoes a crispy twist with these tasty pancakes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Method:

1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and chives until well-mixed.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Scoop the mixture into the skillet, flattening each scoop with a spatula.
4. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Leftover Turkey Tacos

Turn leftover turkey into a Mexican fiesta with these easy tacos.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Lime wedges for serving

Cooking Method:

1. Reheat the shredded turkey in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
2. Heat the tortillas on a dry griddle or skillet until soft.
3. Fill each tortilla with turkey, lettuce, salsa, and cheese.
4. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy.

Spaghetti Frittata

Reimagine leftover spaghetti with this quick and satisfying frittata.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked spaghetti
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the spaghetti to the egg mixture and stir to coat.
4. Melt butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
5. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the skillet and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set.
7. Slice and serve warm.

Savory Bread Pudding with Cheese and Herbs

Leftover bread finds new life in this hearty, flavorful bread pudding.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed leftover bread
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk together milk, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Stir in bread cubes, cheese, and herbs until combined.
4. Let soak for 10 minutes.
5. Spread mixture in a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and firm.
7. Serve warm.

Vegetable Soup with a Twist

Combine leftovers in a pot for a warming, nutritious vegetable soup.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups assorted cooked vegetables
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup leftover grains (e.g., rice, quinoa)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add cooked vegetables and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
3. Pour in broth, grains, and tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve hot.

Chicken Stir-Fry with Leftover Mixed Veggies

Leftover chicken and vegetables shine in this speedy stir-fry.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped leftover chicken
• 2 cups mixed leftover vegetables
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Cooking Method:

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken and vegetables, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and toss to coat.
5. Cook for an additional 2 minutes and serve hot.

Sweet and Simple Bread Trifle

Transform leftover bread into a sweet, creamy dessert with this easy trifle.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed leftover bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Method:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until sugar dissolves.
2. In a bowl, combine bread cubes with the milk mixture.
3. Let soak for 10 minutes.
4. Layer in serving dishes and refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Serve chilled.

BBQ Pork Pizza

Turn leftover pork into a delicious BBQ pizza, perfect for a quick meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza crust
• 1 cup shredded leftover pork
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 red onion, sliced

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread BBQ sauce over the pizza crust.
3. Top with shredded pork, onion slices, and cheese.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.
5. Slice and serve hot.

Rice Pudding with Raisins and Cinnamon

Turn plain leftover rice into a sweet treat with this comforting pudding.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Method:

1. In a pot, combine rice, milk, sugar, and raisins.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened.
3. Stir in cinnamon and remove from heat.
4. Serve warm or chilled.