Judging the amount of food you need for Christmas is an impossible task. Last-minute changes of plan, additions and rogue blizzards can thwart your plans out of nowhere, so to be on the safe side, most of us just over-order on everything – because it’s better to have too much than too little, especially at Christmas. 

This leads to inevitable leftovers and the struggle to find recipes that make you want to eat the same thing you’ve been eating for the past two days. Luckily, we’ve scoured the foodie accounts of Instagram to come up with five delicious and new ways you can spice up your sprouts, carrots, turkey and whatever else you’ve got lying in the fridge today. 

What to do with leftover… cheese

Chances are, if you plan on hosting at all during Christmas cheese will play a part. And, truthfully, of all the Christmas foods cheese ranks as least likely to be leftover, alongside Bailey’s and the Quality Street tin (apart from the Strawberry Crème). But if you do happen to open up the fridge today and see a spare slice of brie staring back at you, a tart might be the way to go. 

Whatwillycook has garnered a cult following in the past year through his funny, no-nonsense and delicious recipe videos. This caramelised red onion and brie tart is the perfect way to keep the food party going. 

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What to do with leftover… cooked meat

Cooked meat leftovers are the great post-Christmas equaliser. Turkey, ham, beef, lamb, they all sit side by side in various states of dignity when it comes to the Christmas dinner table. This recipe leans into that chaos and turns it into something intentional: a rich, comforting pie situation that feels far more deliberate than reheating slices straight from the fridge.

Hollie Wood breaks down how to layer flavour back into already-cooked meat, proving that leftovers don’t have to taste tired. It’s exactly the sort of dish you make when you’re still craving that comforting Christmas meal, but aren’t in the mood for repeats.

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What to do with leftover… carrots

Carrots rarely get the glory spot on the Christmas table, leading to the occasional survival of a bit too many following the festivities. This video gives them a much needed second act, transform your unused bags into something that’ll revitalise you after what may be a week of lots of eating and drinking.

In this recipe, carrots move out of side dish territory and become a staple, giving them a beautifully healthy and glowing redemption arc.

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What to do with leftover… brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts tend to be one of the more stubborn Christmas leftovers, always well cooked on the day, but sometimes impossible to get excited about using up the overstock. This recipe offers a clever second life, turning them into a one-pan crispy gnocchi dish that feels far removed from the roast.

The sprouts are thinly sliced and caramelised alongside Italian turkey sausage, garlic, and rosemary, brought together with a tangy maple-cider sauce that balances savoury and sweet. Pan seared gnocchi is crisp on the outside and pillowy on the inside; paired with the ever festive sprout, it’s comforting, eddicient, and proof that the brussel can be the star if treated properly.

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What to do with leftover… everything

This is for the fridge that refuses to close. Instead of picking at leftovers one container at a time, this reel folds Christmas dinner into a single, glorious dish: a fully loaded festive jacket potato. Crisp-skinned, buttery potatoes are stuffed with turkey or chicken, cranberry sauce, melted bried, stuffing, pigs in blankets, sprouts, honey glazed veg, really anything you might find in your tupperwares. Finally, drizzle with all that leftover gravy. It’s indulgent, fun, and satisfyingly nostalgic, a meal that leans into the excess rather than fights it. If Christmas dinner had one final encore, this is it.

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