what to do with leftover homework

Don’t Throw That Away! 10 Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

By Bryn Mooth

How many times have you peered into the refrigerator and discovered, way in the back, a container that’s been stashed there for weeks, overlooked and forgotten?

You’re not alone: A survey from Glad found that nearly half (44%) of Americans have found an item in their fridge in the past month that they didn’t realize was there.

For all kinds of reasons — environmental, social and financial — it makes sense for us to get smarter about fully using the food that we purchase. And that means getting smarter about leftovers. Here are 10 tips for using those extras:

1. Create leftovers purposefully.

When you’re planning meals, think about what the extras can become. It’s a real time- and budget-saver: If you prepare twice the vegetables you’ll need for tonight’s dinner, you’ll have the starting point for a soup or pasta dish later in the week. Anticipate using leftover roast chicken on sandwiches; cook twice as much rice as you need and freeze the extra for later use.

2. Store leftovers smartly.

Glass storage containers are not only reusable and sustainable; they allow you to see what’s inside. That way, you’re less likely to lose track of leftovers. For freezing, use zip-top gallon bags (which can be washed and re-used), and label and date the contents on a piece of tape.

3. Dedicate a leftovers night.

If you find your fridge or freezer stuffed to the gills with leftover food, commit to “eating down the fridge” one night a week.

4. Turn dinner into lunch.

Another money- and time-saver for busy people: Stash a lunch-able portion of dinner in a container and pack it for lunch the next day. With a bit of planning and no extra effort, you can create a week’s worth of healthful take-it-to-work lunches.

5. Think “ingredients,” not “leftovers.”

Turn extra pasta or cooked vegetables into a frittata . Blend cooked vegetables with a can of whole tomatoes and create a veggie-packed sauce for pasta . Create burritos with leftover cooked rice, meat and vegetables, and top them with sour cream and salsa.

6. Make soup.

The steamed, roasted or grilled vegetables that you served as a side dish one night can become soup on another day. In a blender, puree the vegetables with 3 or 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth, then warm the soup in a pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and finish the soup with a bit of pesto, olive oil or croutons.

7. Salvage stale bread.

If that loaf of good bakery bread loses its freshness after a day or two, do what the Italians do: Halve the loaf crosswise, drizzle it with good olive oil and rub it with the cut side of a halved ripe tomato. Season the bread with salt and pepper, wrap in foil and bake until warm.

8. Stash vegetable scraps.

As an alternative to composting , keep vegetable scraps to make stock. Keep a gallon zip-top bag in the freezer and add trimmings: carrot and fennel tops, ends of onions or leeks, tomato cores, stems of herbs and greens, corn cobs, and the like. Any produce that’s past its prime in the fridge can go in, as well. When the bag is full, defrost the contents, dump into a pot and add water to cover. Simmer for 2 hours, strain — and you’ll have better-than-store-bought veggie stock (which can be frozen in that same gallon bag).

9. Create “ kitchen sink ” meals.

A great way to use extra cooked vegetables, bits of cheese, grilled or roasted steak, shrimp or chicken is to toss them with lettuce and your favorite dressing.

10. Portion and store.

Many food products come in extra-large sizes, which can be more economical. If you won’t use all that sliced bread right away, for example, separate the loaf into portions your family will use in a day. Place a sheet of waxed paper between the portions, wrap and freeze. Tortillas, pita bread and similar items can be saved the same way. Likewise, divide money-saving large packages of meat into portions and freeze.

Why Use Leftovers?

The National Resources Defense Council estimates that up to 40% of food grown, processed and transported in the U.S. will never be eaten. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations , roughly 70 billion pounds of food is lost in the United States each year — and nearly one-third of that food waste happens because we purchase, cook or serve more than we consume. At the same time, about one in six Americans faces hunger, according to Feeding America . Getting into the habit of using up our leftovers is one way to have an impact on this important issue.

Bryn Mooth   is a writer and editor focused on food, wellness and creativity; she recently published “The Findlay Market Cookbook.”

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Scrap Wood Projects - 25 Ways to Use Leftover Lumber

By: Author Vineta Jackson

Posted on Published: January 19, 2021  - Last updated: November 4, 2022

Home » Woodworking Projects

Is your scrap wood pile getting out of control? Here are 25 genius scrap wood projects that will make good use of every piece of lumber!

My collection of scrap wood seems to grow exponentially with every woodworking project I complete! I'm always looking for ways to use up those end cuts instead of sending them to the landfill.

Many of these are perfect beginner woodworking projects! They typically require only a few cuts, so you could use a miter box and a hand saw if you're not comfortable with power tools. Plus, they're free, so you can practice your skills without spending any money!

These small wood projects would also make great handmade gifts ! Whip up a batch of small planters or lanterns to brighten everyone's holiday while also culling down your lumber pile!

DIY Wood Wall Art From Plywood Scraps

This DIY wood wall art is easy to make with scrap plywood! The design mimics the pattern on my stenciled tile floor to bring the whole look together!

DIY Candle Lantern from Scrap Trim

This DIY candle lantern is made from scrap pieces of trim from my fireplace remodel . It's easy to customize to coordinate with your home decor, and frames a tall pillar candle perfectly.

DIY Magazine Rack 

This simple project is made with a single board, and it's perfect for keeping your favorite magazines or cookbooks organized.

Check out more creative one board woodworking projects here!

DIY Air Plant Holder

This gorgeous hanging air plant holder is a simple DIY project you can make in minutes! It's a great way to display air plants on the wall, and use up that beautiful scrap wood you can't bear to throw away!

DIY Watercolor Wooden Coasters

Turn thin plywood scraps into coasters! Use a wood burning tool, stencils and watercolor pencils to give each one a custom look. You can find more DIY coaster ideas here !

DIY Dice Tray for Tabletop Games

It's especially difficult for me to get rid of beautiful hardwood scrap wood pieces. I turned a short chunk of walnut into this DIY dice tray, with dyed veneer splines that were also made from scraps.

DIY Wooden Climbing Holds

Climbing holds are expensive, and you need a LOT of them! Learn how to make wooden climbing holds out of scrap plywood for just a few bucks!

DIY Halloween Decorations

Why spend money on Halloween decorations when you can make your own with scrap wood? This fun spider sign was made from a small scrap of plywood, and these tombstones were end cuts from 2x12 boards.

DIY Giant Conversation Hearts

Valentine's Day isn't a huge decorating holiday, but the bright colors of these wooden conversation hearts make those dreary February days a little more cheerful.

DIY Footrest For Under Desk

This ergonomic wooden footrest made from bigger pieces of wood keeps you comfortable while working at a desk.

DIY Reclaimed Wood Desk Organizer and iPad Stand

Keep your desk organized and your iPad charged with this easy beginner woodworking project!

Pallet Shelf Charging Station

Keep all your electronic devices charged with this handy little station made from pallet wood. It can sit on a desk, or hang on a wall to free up even more space!

DIY Desk Organizer 

Keep all those papers and desk supplies in one spot with this DIY desk organizer made from leftover wood.

Rustic Lantern

This 2×4 rustic lantern is perfect for any season and uses up those chunky scraps.

Scrap Wood Hexagon Planter

This little planter is perfect for succulents, or leave it empty as a spot for paper clips or change.

DIY Wood Photo Block

How cute are these? Add a custom message to your favorite photos on a few blocks of wood.

Hanging Wooden Key Holder

This is perfect for keeping track of keys and any small items you need on your way out the door.

DIY Tiered Stand

Combine a wood dowel with some scrap wood to create a 3 tiered tray you can decorate for every season.

DIY Phone Charging Station 

This simple and modern phone charger can be made in an afternoon with a small piece of wood.

Kids bookshelves

You can make these easy hanging bookshelves in less than an hour with just a few short boards!

Scrap Wood Shelf

This rustic shelf will add charm anywhere you decide to use it.

DIY Hairpin Leg Coffee Table

This coffee table takes entertaining to whole new level. Cutting the boards at an angle lets you use smaller scraps at the corners!

DIY Door Stop

I just love this little bird door stop! This would be such a fun project to make with those short chunks you can't seem to throw away.

DIY Hexagon Planters

Planters seem to be a popular scrap wood project! Make this set of hexagon shaped planters to sit on a table or hang on a wall.

DIY Farmhouse Message Board

Stay organized with this rustic DIY message board. The wire mesh makes it easy to clip messages or shopping lists where they won't be lost.

Which of these amazing scrap wood project ideas was your favorite? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

Check out these scrap wood ideas!

15 Smart Lumber and Scrap Wood Storage Ideas

Lumber Rack with Whiteboard Wall

DIY Rolling Lumber Cart with Plans

15 Easy DIY Step Stool Ideas for Kids and Adults

25 Cheap & Easy DIY 2x4 Project Ideas

16 Easy Small Wood Projects that Sell

What to do with leftover food: 350+ amazing recipes

Figure out what to do with leftover food using this collection of over 200 delicious recipes. Don’t waste your hard-earned cash by throwing away food. Make something new and yummy with them. You might just find a new family favorite!

Leftover Recipes

I hate throwing food away. It’s such a waste! But finding the perfect leftover recipes can be very tricky.

This is an ever-growing list of recipes that use up leftovers. Do your part to reduce food waste and find a new family favorite!

How to use this recipe collection

First, find the ingredient that you need to find leftover recipes for. We currently have leftover recipes for:

• Dairy (coming soon)
• Baking Ingredients (coming soon)

Once you’ve found the right ingredient, click on it to see what to do with the leftovers!

Each of these leftover food recipes will tell you:

• Type of recipe
• Number of ingredients
• How much of the leftovers you will need.
• The complexity of ingredients (aka, whether or not you might need to hit the grocery store first)
• How long it takes to prepare (including cook time)
• Special diet (Keto, Gluten-free, etc)
• Equipment needed. (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, etc.)

This page contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase using the link, I could receive a commission check out all the details here.

What to do with leftover food

Are you still in planning mode? No worries! Pin this collection of recipes to your favorite Pinterest board and it will be ready when you are.

Cooking With Leftovers

Don't let your food spoil. Check out these ideas for cooking with leftovers.

Leftover Meat

Don't spend all day smoking or baking your meats. Learn how to make them last longer with these leftover meat recipes.

How Many Recipes: 26

Types of Recipes: Appetizers Side Dishes Dinners

Smoked Turkey

How Many Recipes: 43

Types of Recipes: Appetizers Lunches Dinners

How Many Recipes: 15

Types of Recipes: Breakfast Appetizers Salad Lunches Dinners

How Many Recipes: 22

Types of Recipes: Breakfast Appetizers Salads Dinners

What to Make with Leftover Prime Rib: 14 wonderful recipes

How Many Recipes: 14

Types of Recipes: Dinners

How Many Recipes: 11

Types of Recipes: Appetizers Dinner

How Many Recipes: 20

Types of Recipes: Appetizers Breakfasts Lunches Dinners

Pulled Pork

How Many Recipes: 41

Types of Recipes: Appetizers Salads Dinners

BBQ Chicken

How Many Recipes: 17

How Many Recipes: 21

Types of Recipes: Appetizers Breakfasts Dinners

Leftover Dinners

You've cooked an amazing dinner, but now you have extras. What are you going to make with the leftovers?

Spaghetti Sauce

How Many Recipes: 24

Types of Recipes: Appetizers Dinners

French Fries

How Many Recipes: 25

Types of Recipes: Breakfasts Snack Side Dishes Dinners Dessert

How Many Recipes: 16

Types of Recipes: Breakfasts Snack Dinners Dessert

Types of Recipes: Breakfasts Dinners

Mac and Cheese

Types of Recipes: Breakfasts Appetizers/Snacks Dinners

How Many Recipes: 39

Types of Recipes: Breakfasts Appetizers/Snacks Salads Side Dishes Dinners Desserts

Baked Potatoes

How Many Recipes: 19

Types of Recipes: Appetizers Breakfast Side Dishes Dinners

Leftover Desserts

Sometimes you have extra fillings or desserts. Transform them into something new!

Pumpkin Pie Filling

How Many Recipes: 9

Types of Recipes: Breakfasts Desserts

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This site wouldn’t be here without shares from people like you, and we are so thankful that you took the time to visit. Know a friend who is looking for qhat to do with leftover food? Please share these on Facebook or save them to your favorite board on Pinterest.

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14 Leftover Chicken Recipes That Taste Just as Delicious as Day One

Last night's dinner never looked so good.

 Lynn is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

Cubed, shredded, torn, or sliced, leftover chicken is a great (and healthy) ingredient to have on hand for so many recipes. These terrific dishes make smart use of the versatile protein, and in fact, they do it so well that only the cook would know that the chicken might have had a previous life !

Chicken's easygoing flavor pairs nicely with a wide range of cuisines and dishes, and the recipes here prove that point. Whether soups, casseroles, pasta bakes, sandwiches, or salads, leftover cooked chicken shines in all of them. There's definitely no need to eat plain leftover chicken on its own when there are so many inspiring ways to turn it into a brand-new meal.

Easy Chicken Potpies

Making the classic comfort food is easier than you think with this recipe, which calls for two smart shortcuts: diced cooked chicken and frozen puff pastry.

California Cobb Salad

Poached or grilled chicken breasts may not be the most exciting element of the beloved cobb salad, but they’re a critical ingredient, offering the perfect base protein for the flashier add-ins (here, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and Roquefort cheese).

Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Rachel Marek

This comforting casserole makes excellent use of leftovers, incorporating both cooked, shredded chicken as well as day-old bread. Torn pieces of brioche or baguette would work beautifully.

Freezer Burritos

Make a batch of burritos, eat some now, and freeze some for later (your future self will thank you). You can pile in any protein you like, but cooked chicken works especially well as it pairs nicely with so many other ingredients.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here’s a speedy and customizable weeknight supper, combining shredded chicken, cotija cheese, cilantro, and scallion with a tomato broth. Toasted tortilla strips and lime wedges are a perfect crispy garnish.

Chicken, Red Cabbage, and Carrot Salad With Soy-Lime Dressing

This bright, Asian-inspired salad is delicious on its own, or you could serve it with rice crackers or noodles for a heftier meal.

Chicken Reuben

Although a Reuben is traditionally made with corned beef, leftover chicken works, too, as this recipe shows. The chicken matches so well with the other ingredients: Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and rye bread.

Classic Chicken Salad

Nothing revolutionary here, just chicken, mayo, mustard, red onion, celery, parsley, lemon juice, and hot sauce. But wow, are these ingredients worth more than the sum of their parts!

Turmeric-Ginger Chicken Soup

Bookmark this immunity-boosting elixir for when you're feeling under the weather. Along with cooked chicken, it includes garlic, turmeric, ginger, and lemon juice

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

This delicious bake checks so many boxes: uses up leftover chicken, comes together with little effort, can be made ahead, and serves a crowd.

Chicken-and-Gnocchi Bake With Broccolini

Mildly sweet broccolini , tender gnocchi, nutty Gruyère and torn cooked chicken come together in this tasty baked pasta dish. Make it in a large baking dish or ovenproof skillet, or use ramekins so everyone gets their own individual serving.

Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Noodle Bowl

This twist on a pasta chicken salad would be a great summer supper or picnic addition. With lime zest and juice, sweet chili sauce, ginger, and cilantro, it bursts with fresh flavor.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This old-school casserole is creamy and satisfying, thanks in no small part to sour cream, mushrooms, and shallots.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Transform chopped or shredded cooked chicken into chicken salad with a few basic ingredients, then spoon it onto slices of bread for a simple and satisfying lunch at home or on the go. Potato chips are optional but highly encouraged.

Related Articles

30 Best Leftover Steak Recipes So You Can Savor It Twice

Last night's dinner has never tasted better!

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Next time you have leftover sliced steak, consider serving it cold. A few strips of steak can hearty up just about any salad recipe , and it's also wonderful in the grilled steak wraps with peanut sauce. Of course, if you like your steak piping hot, there's plenty of ideas here too. Just make sure you're reheating steak the right way. Our advice? Add a splash of beef broth and always reheat in the oven (not the microwave). You can transform the steak into a stir-fry that's better than takeout or dice it up for stews , stroganoff, and beef and veggie pot pie. If you're really leaning into leftovers, pull out the extra baked potatoes and creamed spinach from steak night, too. Loaded with those leftover steak side dishes , steakhouse baked potatoes are oh-so satisfying for dinner! And for lunch, simply whip up an easy, cheesy quesadilla using leftover steak. All it takes is a little creativity to transform your sirloin, strip, or simple grilled flank steaks into something totally different.

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Slice up that leftover sirloin and toss it into this beef and broccoli dish. Serve it over noodles—spaghetti or angel hair pasta works great—for a meal the entire family will love.

Get Ree's Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe .

Steakhouse Baked Potatoes

Turn your steak dinner into an entire second meal! Top baked potatoes with creamed spinach, sliced rib-eye steaks, and crispy fried onions.

Get Ree's Steakhouse Baked Potatoes recipe .

Steak and Potato Pie

This savory pie is pure and total comfort food! Packed with beef, carrots, and potatoes, this is the perfect dinner recipe to use up yesterday's steak. Just skip searing it in step 1!

Get Ree's Steak and Potato Pie recipe .

Hoisin Steak and Pepper Stir-Fry

Skip the takeout! This steak stir-fry is so easy and delicious to whip up any night of the week. The sauce really makes the dish!

Get Ree's Hoisin Steak and Pepper Stir-Fry recipe .

Beef and Noodles

No one will ever suspect this cozy, comforting meal was made from leftovers! It's all made in one pot which means it's a weeknight-friendly dinner, too.

Get the Beef and Noodles recipe .

SHOP COOKING TOOLS

Beef Stroganoff

This is one of Ree's "favorite things on Earth," and we can see why! It's comforting, easy to make, and can even use leftover sirloin steak. Just skip to step two and you'll be well on your way.

Get Ree's Beef Stroganoff recipe .

Pepper Steak

Like any classic stir-fry, this dish consists of beef that's cooked hot and fast, plus vegetables and a sweet-and-savory sauce. But you can always skip the step of cooking the steak and toss in leftover chunks of reheated meat instead.

Get the Pepper Steak recipe.

Cheesesteak Quesadillas

Everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak (including the peppers, onions, and cheese) in a crispy quesadilla form! It's sure to become a new family favorite.

Get the Cheesesteak Quesadillas recipe .

Beef Fajitas

Grilled flank steak is perfect for fajitas. Cook all the ingredients separately, then put out all of your fajita fixings for an easy homemade dinner.

Get Ree's Beef Fajitas recipe .

Steak and Bacon Salad with Chipotle Dressing

Turn leftover steak into a hearty salad! This dish is loaded with fried onions, bacon, and strip steaks trimmed of extra fat.

Get Ree's Steak and Bacon Salad with Chipotle Dressing recipe .

SHOP PLATES

Steakhouse Mashed Potato Bowls

Seared boneless rib-eye steaks are even better the next day. Slice them up and serve in bowls with leftover mashed potatoes. That's two leftovers in one dish!

Get Ree's Steakhouse Mashed Potato Bowls recipe .

Steak Sandwich with Wasabi Cream Sauce

Wasabi sauce gives new life (and a nice kick) to leftover steak. Use it as a spread for steak sandwiches, and serve any extra on the side with chips.

Get Ree's Steak Sandwich with Wasabi Cream Sauce recipe .

Grilled Steak Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Take leftover grilled skirt steak and add to a wrap, alongside veggies and peanut sauce, for a satisfying weekday lunch.

Get Ree's Grilled Steak Wraps with Peanut Sauce recipe .

Cheesesteak Nachos with Chipotle Beans

This nacho mash-up is the ultimate game day snack. Shaved steak, melted cheese, and a pop of pepperoncini bring cheesesteak flavors to everyone's favorite app.

Get Ree's Cheesesteak Nachos with Chipotle Beans recipe .

Beef Curry with Sweet Potato Noodles

Stir leftover sirloin steak into a coconut curry sauce and serve over tasty sweet potato noodles for a quick and easy meal.

Get Ree's Beef Curry with Sweet Potato Noodles recipe .

Steakhouse Pizza with Blue Cheese

Weeknight dinner doesn't have to be complicated! Store-bought pizza dough and extra slices of steak make this meal super easy.

Get Ree's Steakhouse Pizza with Blue Cheese recipe .

Chipotle Carne Asada Tacos

If you have leftover marinated flank steak, use it for taco night! Garnish with lots of colorful toppings, like guacamole and pico de gallo.

Get Ree's Chipotle Carne Asada Tacos recipe .

Fried Beef Tacos

If you've never fried tacos before, we promise you won't be disappointed. Cut your leftover steak into 1/2-inch pieces so it's bite-sized enough for the crispy taco shells.

Get Ree's Fried Beef Tacos recipe .

Steak Burrito

To keep your leftover steak tasting juicy, add it to a burrito with fresh tomatillo salsa. It's a great way to bring moisture and flavor to your extra meat.

Get the Steak Burrito recipe at Immaculate Bites .

Steak and Eggs Breakfast Tacos

Your mornings just got tastier thanks to these steak and egg tacos. Just serve them alongside a bloody mary for the ultimate brunch.

Get the Steak and Eggs Breakfast Tacos recipe at Hungry Traveling Mama .

SHOP FRYING PANS

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One-Pot Beef Noodle Casserole Is Hearty and Cheesy

How to Make Ree's Best-Ever Lasagna

BBQ Meatballs Are Baked in a Sweet and Tangy Sauce

Cheeseburger Pie Magically Bakes a Cheesy Crust

Periogi and Kielbasa Make a Great Sheet Pan Dinner

Eggplant Lasagna Has Cheese, Meat, and Veggies

Ree's Chicken Fried Steak Is Pure Comfort Food

Try Easy Pickle Cheeseburger Bites For Dinner

A Handy-Dandy Printable Steak Doneness Chart

How To Make The Best Marinade For Steak

How To Make Homemade Steak Rub

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15 Ways to Use Leftover Roast Beef

Corey Williams is a food writer for MyRecipes and Allrecipes. She has a decade of journalism experience.

Wondering what to do with leftover roast beef? You've come to the right place. Your meaty leftovers get a makeover in these 15 easy recipes. Transform your deli meat into crowd-pleasing sandwiches, appetizers, or unexpected entrees. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find a new favorite in this collection of leftover roast beef recipes.

Asian Pasta Salad with Beef, Broccoli and Bean Sprouts

Leftover deli meat gets a major upgrade with this beefy pasta salad. This creamy soy-ginger dressing lends itself to customization, so you can make it as spicy or as mild as you want.

• How To Cook Roast Beef

Roast Beef Burritos

Make a delicious Mexican-inspired dish with your leftover roast beef. To complete the crowdpleasing meal, serve the burritos with one of Our Best Queso Recipes .

Griddle Style Philly Steak Sandwiches

Make these quick and easy sandwiches next time you're craving warm, cheesy comfort food that everyone's sure to love.

• 15 Essential Regional American Sandwiches

The Munroe Melt

"I created this sandwich one weekend when I couldn't decide whether to have turkey, roast beef, or ham," says recipe creator LAURIE ABKEMEIER . "This sandwich has all three! You can substitute Italian roast beef for the regular roast beef to take this sandwich to another level."

Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwiches

These easy sliders are perfect make-ahead appetizers. Just assemble the sandwiches and store them (covered) in the fridge until you're ready to bake them.

Horsey Beef Pretzel Bites

Seasoned roast beef, smoky mozzarella, red onion, and creamy horseradish sauce make these bite-sized appetizers absolutely irresistible.

Street-Market Fried Quesadillas

"A delightful combination of flavors like red pepper, corn, and chipotle mixed with roast beef hash make a perfect filling for these street-market style quesadillas, bringing our palates to the traditional food from the streets of Mexico," says recipe creator Jennifer Aleman.

Roast Beef and Cheddar Frittata

Eat the rest of last night's roast beef for breakfast with this deliciously simple, six-ingredient frittata recipe.

Hot Beef Sundae

Sure, these gravy-drenched mashed potato sundaes are a bit unorthodox — but you'll have a lot of fun eating them.

Beef and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwiches

If you don't have roast beef, any leftover beef will do. "Really good," raves reviewer booghierbaby . "Used leftover prime rib and husband thought I was a chef! Thanks for an easy and tasty recipe!"

Roast Beef Horseradish Roll-Ups

These pinwheel sandwiches are ideal for meal prep: Make a big batch on Sunday, then portion them out for lunches throughout the week.

Beef and Caramelized Onion Canapes

These quick canapes are simple enough to make for a light weekday meal, but elegant-looking enough to serve at a fancy dinner party.

Asparagus Beef Bundles

"I made this for my sister's wedding shower. The group loved it and it was so simple to make," according to reviewer Mairi . "The best part about it is the recipe isn't heavy feeling."

• 300+ Beef Appetizers

Beef-Wrapped Enoki Mushroom

Fact: Everything's better when it's wrapped in deli meat. Need proof? Just try this quick, easy, and absolutely delicious recipe.

Easy French Dip Sandwiches

Here's a five-ingredient sandwich your whole family will love. Serve alone or with a bowl of classic French Onion Soup .

More Inspiration

Try one of Our Melt-In-Your-Mouth Roast Beef Recipes for the Slow Cooker . Plus, explore our entire collections of Roast Beef Recipes and Leftovers Recipes .

• Slow Cooker Roast Beef
• Mushroom Slow Cooker Roast Beef
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Malbec

You’ll Also Love

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What to Do with Leftovers?

Published: Apr 3, 2021 · Modified: Sep 1, 2021 by Jessica Fisher

We can save so much money if we don’t let food go to waste. But what to do with leftovers? Check out these guidelines for what to do with last night’s dinner.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Store it properly.

Pack it for lunch., freeze it for later..

• Make something new with what’s left.

Honor the time and money you spent in the first place.

“Waste not, want not.” That’s what our grandmothers used to say. It’s the basic premise that if you use up what you have, you won’t find yourself in need.

While I am not sure that one exactly follows the other, it is true that avoiding waste is good stewardship and will save you money, both of which help you stay out of debt and build wealth.

There are lots of ways to avoid waste, particularly if you’re practiced at recycling and repurposing items that might otherwise hit the dumpster. Avoiding food waste is a huge opportunity to save money and exercise good stewardship.

They say that Americans throw away between 25 and 40 percent of the food they buy. If your family can consume leftovers before they go bad, you will avoid throwing money away. It’s that simple. It’s also a major part of the Good Cheap Eats System.

But, what to do with leftovers especially if your family doesn’t like the sound of leftovers ?

Here are some guidelines for what to do with leftovers from last night’s dinner:

The USDA has stated that leftovers properly stored are good up to 4 days. What to do with leftovers after that point? Chuck it.

But before you get to that point, store it properly and use it up in the next couple days. First step: use a clear container! That way everyone knows at a glance what it is. Bonus points if you label it with the date.

Having a meal plan on your frig will help you remember as well. A quick glance at the calendar will remind you when you prepared a certain item.

If you don’t have such a record, keep a sharpie pen in your kitchen and mark the date when you wrap up leftovers. Clean your fridge out every three days and you’ll be in good shape.

Packing lunches is a quick and easy way to use up leftovers. I often do this “on purpose” making extra dinner so that I know we’ll have extra for lunches.

Take your lunch prepping skills up a notch by packaging up the leftovers at the same time as serving dinner. Your lunches can cool while you eat and then you can load everything in the fridge at clean up time.

Here are my favorite containers for packing lunches:

• glass bento boxes
• Easy lunches plastic boxes – I also like these new Rubbermaid ones that are similar
• black meal prep containers

Too much taco meat ? Freeze it in Soupercubes to add to casseroles, chili, or tacos.

The easiest way to get into freezer cooking is to double dinner. Leftovers are basically that, a second batch. There’s no reason you need to eat the same thing twice this week. Freeze it!

Check out Quick Freezer Cooking Tips for When You Don’t Have Time to Do It .

Package up meal-size portions, wrap well for freezing, chill completely and pop them into cold storage. Some night next month, your future self will thank you.

Make something new with what’s left.

If eating the same thing twice in a week isn’t in the cards, then transform your leftovers into something new. I’m not talking about Mystery Meat or Hamburger Surprise. Lots of delicious meals can start with leftovers .

• Leftover veggies and meats can be incorporated into casseroles, quiches , soups , and stews.
• Leftover roast chicken or beef make a fantastic fillings for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas .
• Leftover rice and chicken or pork go great in fried rice .
• Grilled chicken and roasted veggies will top a pizza or fill a sandwich beautifully.
• Blend fruit salad into a smoothie , leftover veggies into a pasta sauce.
• Tonight’s taco meat can go into tomorrow’s chili or bolognese .

The options are virtually endless! Think through what your family likes to eat and chances are you can find a way to make last night’s dinner new again.

Remember that you spent good time and money to prep that meal in the first place. Don’t wrinkle your nose at extra food! We live in an amazing time when we have refrigeration and extra. It’s really such a blessing.

The trick is simply in knowing what to do with the leftovers.

Using up leftover cooked food (instead of throwing it out) is a great way to save money and exercise good stewardship.

What do YOU do with leftovers?

This post was originally published on January 16, 2009. It has been updated for content and clarity.

Reader Interactions

April 09, 2021 at 9:29 am

Soup is our favorite way to deal with these. Esp. LO chicken curry soup–we may look forward to it as much as the chicken curry itself. Egg bake or quiche is another way I use up these bits. Sometimes it’s SW inspired w/ LO taco ground meat, cheese, olives, green onions, salsa for the moisture. Sometimes it’s pizza egg bake with red sauce for the moisture, and whatever pizza toppings we had left. Sometimes it’s LO easter ham chunks, greens, potatoes, and cheese with ranch or something for the moisture.

Jessica Fisher

April 17, 2021 at 7:05 am

That’s awesome. Love it when leftovers are a hit!

April 08, 2021 at 5:09 pm

I have been working in this.,I am doing intermintent fastung right now, which means not eating as much, which has resulted in more food waste initially. We do pretty well eatung leftovers for lunches in the past, but they were just stacking up. I have figured out 2 things at our house that help. 1. Have funny dinners (as a child this ment all leftovers came out of the fridge and everyone picked what they wanted. 2. Make smaller meals! I dont need to add the whole box of pasta, I can add just half. Something so simple has really made a difference. Instead of a couple of chicken breasts, I might just use 2 or 1.5 (for the huge ones).

I also think knowing what date something was cooked is essential. I menu plan for a month at a time on a calendar form the dollar store. But I dont keep strictly to the dates. When I make something, I cross it out and put the date I actually cooked it in the box. This really helps my husband prioritize what needs to be eaten first. What I made last night might be more tepting, but to avoid waste he might need to eat something that will be ditched the next day instead.

April 08, 2021 at 6:26 pm

February 20, 2018 at 11:02 pm

I’ll either freeze leftovers, if it’s something freezable, or we have one night a week where it’s “eat whatever’s in the fridge night”. We can usually feed four of us with bits and bobs of leftovers, with some cheese and salad or a boiled egg added to fill plates if necessary. It can be quite fun, because no two plates are ever exactly the same, based on the quantities of each leftover item 😉

March 01, 2018 at 4:46 pm

Sounds like you all have great attitudes about leftovers. That’s half the battle!

February 13, 2018 at 6:30 am

We usually just eat them the next day, thankfully my husband doesn’t object to leftovers. (grin) But I do remember a suggestion from a book/cookbook on eating cheap that said to always add something new the second time around. Some things it works better with than others, but it does help.

My favorite trick is one I learned from my mother. She would heat some milk in a small saucepan and then add a leftover baked potato to the milk cut into chunks or slices. Then she would take the potato masher and squash it up, add a pat of butter and eat her ‘soup’. It is quite tasty, although I usually also add some onion powder. It made a simple one serving soup when she needed something to eat when taking her medicine.

I sometimes freeze single servings for quick meals when I’m home alone. And sometimes I keep leftover veg and meat in a separate larger freezer container and add as time goes by until I have enough for ‘Heloise’ soup. I just heat some broth and add the contents and season to taste. It is never the same but always good.

February 20, 2018 at 8:47 pm

You always have something helpful to add to the conversation. Thanks, Alice!

February 12, 2018 at 11:34 am

Could you share a link to your glass containers? I need to buy some for more food prep and yours look like the perfect size. Thanks!

February 12, 2018 at 2:03 pm

Good question! I’ve added some of my favorites to the post!

keeperofthehome

January 17, 2009 at 12:14 am

Oh gosh, that picture is just too funny! I love that big hunk of meat just staring at me through the question mark, LOL!

January 16, 2009 at 8:03 pm

Okay, this is too funny, I just blogged about wanting to do a better job using up leftovers and generally cutting back on waste in the kitchen!

THanks for the refresher of ideas and thoughts!

January 16, 2009 at 6:38 pm

These are some great ideas for leftovers! I like the Grilled chicken and roasted veggies for pizza. One thing that me and my husband do alot is we always make single size portions of the leftovers and freeze them in small containers. My husband can then just pop one in his backpack (he’s still in school) and by the time it has thawed out it is lunch time and he can just pop it in a microwave at school for a minute or two and he has a cheap, healthy, fast lunch.

Another thing we do alot is with leftover white rice we turn it into sweet rice in the morning. We just put cold rice in a bowl and pour a little milk over the top and then add some sugar or I really like it with cinnamon and sugar. Its a great way to get rid of your rice, my kids LOVE it!

Erin iamfrugal.blogspot.com

JessieLeigh

January 16, 2009 at 3:19 pm

I almost always plan my meals based on what I know will be leftover, reusing the foods in new ways. I do occasionally hit a speed-bump when my family eats more than I expected though!

January 16, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Great ideas–thanks!

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34 Leftover Biscuit Recipes [For Dinners & More]

Last month, I made a huge batch of biscuits. I really overestimated how many biscuits my family would eat. So, I was left with a lot of leftover biscuits. I mean a LOT. 

I started looking into the best things to do with leftover biscuits and I was really surprised. You can transform leftover biscuits into almost anything!

Leftover biscuits can be creatively repurposed in a variety of recipes. They can be used as a base for a savory bread pudding, incorporating cheese, vegetables, and eggs for a hearty meal. Another option is to slice and toast them to make biscuit croutons, perfect for salads or soups. For a sweet twist, biscuits can be crumbled and layered with fruit and whipped cream to create a simple yet delicious trifle dessert.

I tried a few recipes to use my leftover biscuits and also my leftover biscuit dough and I definitely found a few new all-time favorite dishes. Take a look at the recipe I love and see which you will make with your leftover biscuits first! 

Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe

Bread pudding is one of my favorite things to make with old bread. I never thought to make it with leftover biscuits until now! 

Baked biscuits are actually really good in bread pudding. They are soft, buttery and absorb a lot of the bread pudding egg mix. The biscuits and blueberries bake into a subtly sweet, tender pudding that is incredible. 

Serve this dessert warm out of the oven. I highly recommend adding a little whipped cream. 

Easy Eggless Biscuit Cake Recipe

Biscuit cake is quite an interesting dessert. I didn’t realize making cake out of leftover biscuits was so popular! Not only is it popular, but it is also quite delicious. 

The biscuits are then mixed with milk, oil, vanilla, cocoa powder, baking soda and baking powder. The recipe also uses almonds but this is completely optional. 

The mix is baked just like any cake batter and it becomes a fluffy, pleasantly light cake. Try this recipe and I guarantee you will be amazed at the transformation of your leftover biscuits. 

Easy Monkey Bread Recipe

You can make bakery-worthy monkey bread with just 5 ingredients. Yes, you read that correctly- just 5 simple ingredients!

This recipe will show you how to make fantastic monkey bread using leftover biscuit dough. 

Biscuit dough is cut into small pieces and tossed with some cinnamon and sugar. Melted butter and brown sugar is poured over the biscuit pieces and baked. That is all you need to do! 

Leftover Biscuit Apple Cobbler

I adore apple cobbler but once I tried apple cobbler made with biscuits, I was even more hooked.

The soft, pillowy biscuits complement the sweet apples perfectly. I now purposely make extra biscuits just so I can make this cobbler recipe the next day. 

The recipe recommends drizzling the biscuit cobbler with caramel sauce and I definitely agree with this suggestion.

Biscuit Banana Bread Pudding Is Even Better Than It Sounds

Talk about an over-the-top dessert! This biscuit banana bread pudding has it all. Everything you could ever want in a dessert is included in this tower of treats. 

Some whipped cream, honey oat crunch, and vanilla wafer cookies are added on top of the bread pudding to make a picture-perfect dessert. 

Feel free to add your own toppings to the bowl. I like adding fresh blueberries and strawberries to give the bread pudding a little color. You can’t go wrong with chocolate sauce either!

Fresh Peach Cobbler (Biscuit Topping)

A fresh peach cobbler is such a perfect summertime dessert.

You just can’t beat the taste of fresh peaches, marinated in honey and then placed on top of flakey biscuits. And to imagine you can have all this with leftovers… You definitely can!

This recipe uses peaches and plums along with fresh ginger to make the peach cobbler filling. The syrupy fruit is added to a biscuit and topped with fresh whipped cream. 

The cobbler has the perfect blend of buttery and sweet, savory and sugary. I always have it with a glass of sauvignon blanc. You can’t go wrong with that combination! 

Respectful Cooking – Biscuit Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Making biscuit pudding is a classic way to use leftover biscuits. This recipe has been around for decades since it is so easy and also so tasty. 

Bake the pudding until it is completely set. Then top the whole thing with some warm caramel bourbon sauce. Everyone will be asking for seconds of this incredible dessert!

I also think that whipped cream is essential on top of biscuit pudding. You need that fluffy cream to cut the heavy caramel sauce. Give it a try and I bet you’ll agree. 

Toffee Biscuit Bread Pudding

I am obsessed with this bread pudding. I usually like bread pudding anyway thanks to its caramel taste but this toffee biscuit bread pudding takes it to the next level.

Toffee bits are added into the bread pudding mix as well as chocolate chips. The day-old biscuits soak up the sweet cream and butter and create a gooey, incredible pudding.

Scoop some vanilla ice cream on top of the toffee bread pudding and you will be in heaven. This is a dessert I just can’t resist. 

EASY Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

You can make this dessert in just a few minutes. This is possible because you already have leftover biscuits to use! All you need to do now is make the strawberry filling and the whipped cream.

Marinated, sliced strawberries are placed on top of buttery biscuits. If the biscuits are a little dry, that is totally okay since the strawberry syrup will soak right into them. Add a little whipped cream and you have a quick, tasty, summer dessert. 

I like to add a little fresh vanilla bean scrapings to my marinated strawberries. The pretty black specks and vanilla taste are really great with the fresh berries. 

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie | Kathleen's Cravings

Not only does this recipe use leftover biscuits, but it also uses leftover turkey. You may just have these two exact things on hand after thanksgiving!

I know I am always wondering what to do with all my leftover food. Here is the answer!

There are also lots of veggies in this dish. Onions, celery, peas, and potatoes make the meal nice and hearty. 

Chicken & Dumpling Casserole

I love chicken and biscuits and so does my whole family. It is actually a dish I make all the time.

I use this recipe to make chicken and biscuits all the time because it not only tastes amazing but also uses up my leftover rotisserie chicken and extra biscuit dough. 

The chicken and biscuit casserole is loaded with rich chicken gravy, shredded chicken, and veggies. The biscuits are baked on top and turn into tasty little dumplings.

Serve this dish with a simple side salad. It is also filling enough to eat on its own. 

Indian Butter Chicken Dip

Looking for something with a whole lot of flavor? Then this butter chicken dip is definitely what you need. Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that is packed with spices.

Chop up your leftover biscuits and serve them alongside this dip. The soft biscuits will soak up the dip and give you a delicious, very flavorful meal. I never thought of serving biscuits with Indian food until I tried this recipe. Now I am hooked! 

Turkey Dinner in a Biscuit

These little turkey biscuits are my favorite way to use up all my holiday leftovers. All of your favorite Thanksgiving flavors are packed into a little biscuit that you can then enjoy warm for days after the holiday is over. 

Extra biscuit dough is pressed into a muffin tin and then mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey and gravy is scooped into the center of the tin. Seal the dough, enclosing all the fillings, and bake! 

I like to top my turkey dinner biscuits with a little cranberry sauce for some extra Thanksgiving flavor. Besides, I often have leftover cranberry sauce, too!

French Dip Biscuits – Football Friday

This recipe will work if you have leftover biscuit dough or if you have leftover baked biscuits. If you have a dough, stuff it with the shredded beef, provolone, and horseradish, and then bake. The meat and cheese will melt right into the biscuit.

If you already have baked biscuits, simply slice them in half and add the french dip ingredients to the middle. Heat up the biscuit sandwich and then enjoy! 

Don’t forget the au jus sauce on the side. It is key to a good French dip! I like the premade jars of au jus you can find in the grocery store but don’t be afraid to make your own. Homemade au jus is also delicious. 

Easy Meatball Biscuit Bake

Dinner doesn’t have to take hours to put together. You also don’t need to make everything completely from scratch.

A jar of sauce, some packaged meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and some biscuit dough are all you need. The recipe uses a little fresh basil which really makes the meal taste homemade. 

John Wayne Casserole - delicious ground beef dinner

John Wayne was a quintessential cowboy who many kids and adults idolized. If you are also a cowboy fan like me, then you need to eat like a cowboy. This recipe for John Wayne biscuit casserole will help!

The casserole is made with beef, cheese, spicy jalapenos, and buttery biscuits. It is also packed with crunchy bell peppers and sour cream, mayonnaise sauce.

One big serving of this biscuit casserole and you will have more energy than a cowboy, that’s for sure!

Biscuit Egg Casserole

I love this biscuit casserole for breakfast. It is one of my go-to recipes when I am serving a lot of people early in the morning. One recipe uses up a lot of extra biscuit dough and will serve 12 people!

Eggs, pepper, salt, milk, and shredded cheese are mixed together. Some sausage crumbles are added in and biscuits are popped on top. The whole pan bakes until bubbly and golden brown. 

Apple Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake

I love sweet and savory dishes, especially at breakfast. I am just one of those people who can’t choose between a sweet breakfast like pancakes or a savory breakfast like bacon and eggs. So I like to choose both!

This apple butter biscuit bake is made with sweet apple butter, savory ham, and flakey biscuits. It is also packed with salty cheddar cheese, which rounds out the dish. 

Bake the biscuit mix in a casserole dish and, in about an hour, you will have breakfast for 12 ready to serve!

This recipe is easily doubled if you need to serve even more people. Just a hint: everyone will want more than one serving, so you should probably make extra…

BBQ Chicken Bubble Up Pizza

This recipe has it all. It is cheesy and saucy like a pizza. It is spicy and rich with BBQ sauce. It is also packed with buttery biscuits. It is the ultimate pizza casserole and it is made with biscuits!

You just need five quick ingredients to make this tasty pizza casserole. Everything is packed into a casserole dish and baked, giving you a perfect meal in just minutes. 

Feel free to add some of your favorite pizza toppings. I added blue cheese to the mix and it was incredible. It makes the casserole even creamier!

Chicken & Cheddar Biscuit Casserole

This recipe is perfect for using any extra biscuit baking mix you may have. Dry biscuit mix of leftover biscuit dough will work too.

The biscuit dough is rolled into a large rectangle and then topped with carrots, celery, cheddar cheese, and shredded chicken.

The dough is rolled up and then sliced like a jelly roll, making perfect biscuit spirals. Bake the spirals together in a casserole dish to make pull-apart chicken and biscuit casserole. 

This casserole is great for serving a large crowd. Try using shredded turkey to make it a Thanksgiving-style dish. I like to add a nice salad on the side and you have a complete meal! 

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

This is an easy casserole recipe that you can make in just a few minutes, giving you a perfect dinner to serve your family. I promise everyone will gobble this right up! I know my kids absolutely loved this meal. 

Ground beef, crispy fried onions, mozzarella cheese, and sauce are all spread in a casserole dish.

Chili Dog Biscuit Casserole

I can’t believe how easy this recipe was to make. I am already planning on making it again and again. In fact, it will probably go on my weekly dinner rotation.

All my kids ate it and it only took about 5 minutes to put together- total perfection!

A can of chili, chopped hot dogs, a bunch of cheese and some leftover biscuit dough were all mixed together then placed in a casserole dish.

The casserole bakes into a bubbly, buttery casserole that you can just scoop and serve.

I made some roasted veggies in the oven alongside the casserole to add a little nutrition to the meal. The casserole is great on it’s own, too!

Ham and Cheese Pull Apart Biscuits Recipe

Do you have some leftover canned biscuit dough? Or maybe you bought an entire extra can of biscuit dough. Here is what you need to make. You are going to love this tasty solution to your biscuit dough problem. 

This recipe is made with just six ingredients. Cheddar cheese, chopped ham, green onions some eggs, and a little milk mixed together with chopped biscuit dough.

The mix bakes in a casserole dish until golden brown. The result is cheesy, gooey biscuits that are filling enough to be a complete meal. 

I like to add both the ham and cheese but you can definitely use just cheese. This makes a delicious vegetarian version of the cheddar pull-aparts. 

One thing is for sure, you will never want plain biscuits again after trying these pull-aparts!

Garlic Parmesan Biscuit Pull Apart Bread - Cook Eat Go

I love garlic bread but I rarely make it. I either don’t have leftover bread or I don’t have time to make fresh bread. Then, I discovered biscuit garlic bread and now I have been making this recipe quite often.

Serve this biscuit garlic bread with pasta and tomato sauce, on the side of a chicken noodle soup, or just with a simple salad. Biscuit garlic bread goes with just about anything! 

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Biscuits

You can use your leftover biscuit dough to make a completely new type of biscuit. Better biscuits. A cheesy, gooey, perfect-for-breakfast biscuit. This recipe will show you how!

Ham and cheese are stuffed inside biscuit dough and then baked. The biscuits open up to reveal a whole lot of gooey cheese and meat. 

Tip: Ham and cheese biscuits are perfect for breakfast on the go or to pop into your lunch box. They are a great way to liven up your biscuit dough and turn it into a real meal.

I like to make this recipe using different kinds of cheeses. You can make a whole new biscuit just by switching the cheese.

Skillet Peach Cobbler with Biscuit Crust

I love foods that can bake and serve in the same pan. Cooking foods in a cast iron skillet enables you to go straight from the oven to the table. It’s flawless!

This skillet peach cobbler is a perfect example of a dessert that is all made and served in one perfect pan.

As the biscuits bake, they blend into the peachy syrup and become sweet and tender. A big scoop of biscuit peach cobbler is a perfect summery dessert. 

Jalapeno Popper Monkey Bread

I am crazy about this savory monkey bread. Monkey bread is typically super sweet and dessert-like. This biscuit dough monkey bread is spicy and cheesy- two of my favorite things!

The recipe uses canned jalapenos but feels free to use fresh, chopped jalapenos which have just as much spice and a little more crunch. 

Shredded cheese, cream cheese, and butter make a delicious “glue” that holds the monkey bread together.

Serve these as an appetizer or side dish to your meal. They are especially good with Mexican foods.

Quick & Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots

Making garlic knots with biscuit dough never even crossed my mind. It is such a genius idea! It is also the perfect way to use up any extra refrigerated biscuit dough you may have. 

The biscuit dough is rolled into long strands and then tied into knots. The dough knots are covered in butter, cheese, and herbs and then baked. 

I highly recommend eating these garlic knots while they are warm. They are extra delicious straight from the oven.

They are so good that you will feel like you just stepped out of a pizza shop in NYC. Best. Garlic Knots. Ever!

Easy Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs

Four ingredients are all you need to make incredible, irresistible cheese bombs. Just a quick warning that you won’t be able to resist these little buttery biscuits. You are going to want to eat quite a few of them. I know I did!

The biscuit dough is stuffed with fresh mozzarella and then baked. As soon as they come out of the oven, they are brushed with melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. So simple but soooo good!

I like to serve these with some marinara dipping sauce. They make a great passed appetizer or game-day snack. 

Biscuit French Toast

Get ready to try your new favorite breakfast. Making buttermilk biscuit french toast is one of the best things you can do with leftover biscuits.

Not only does it taste great, but it only takes a few minutes to whip up. It really is one of my favorite morning meals. 

Leftover buttermilk biscuits are soaked in a mix of eggs, cinnamon and milk. Using day old biscuits actually helps the biscuits absorb more of the french toast mix. 

Once the biscuits are soaked, fry them in a skillet until they are perfect and golden brown.

Add some maple syrup or fresh fruit to create the perfect breakfast. Some fresh berries are also a great touch. 

Leftover Biscuit Croutons

Leftover buttermilk biscuits make incredible croutons. These croutons may actually be the best I have ever had. I think the slight tang from the buttermilk biscuits is what makes them so incredible. 

To make leftover biscuit croutons, all you need to do is chop up your biscuits, toss them in some butter and herbs and then dehydrate them in the oven. This recipe will show you exactly how to do it!

Monkey Bread Minis

If you have leftover buttermilk biscuit dough, monkey bread minis are what you should make. These super sweet little muffin bites really benefit from the tangy taste of buttermilk in the biscuit dough.

The recipe uses store-bought buttermilk biscuits but feels free to use homemade dough instead. I have tried both and they both work well. 

Biscuit dough is chopped and mixed with cinnamon sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. The mix is divided into small muffin cups and then baked.

The result is small, bite-sized monkey bread muffins that are perfect for breakfast or for dinner. 

Air Fryer Donut Bites - Easy Air Fryer Dessert

This may be the easiest dessert you ever make. It also works as a breakfast. Don’t you love how donuts are an all-day food? 

Chop up your buttermilk biscuit dough and toss it with some butter, cinnamon and sugar. Spread the sweetened dough on the tray of your air fryer and bake. You will have perfect mini donut bites in just minutes. 

The tangy taste of buttermilk biscuits really compliments the sweet cinnamon sugar on the donut bites. Make these in the morning as a special treat for your kids. They will likely ask for these again and again…

Healthy Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits make fantastic sandwiches. If you have leftover buttermilk biscuits, try using them to make these breakfast sandwiches.

I like to make the sandwiches at night, wrap them tightly then just reheat them in the morning. This is such an easy way to have breakfast ready to go, on the table, in just minutes. 

Feel free to switch up the meat and cheese in the recipe. You can quickly make these biscuit sandwiches vegetarian by omitting the bacon. Try using double the cheese for a decadent breakfast. I always need extra cheese!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are leftover biscuits good for.

Leftover baked biscuits will keep for about 2 days when stored at room temperature. Leftover biscuit dough will keep in the fridge for about a day.

After that, the dough will start to oxidize and turn an unappealing grayish color. Use that dough ASAP using one of these great recipes!

Can You Freeze Leftover Biscuits?

Yes! You can freeze leftover biscuits. Wrap them tightly in an airtight container or zippered freezer bag.

Store the baked leftover biscuits in the freezer for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature anytime you are ready to eat!

How Do You Store Leftover Biscuits?

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. I like to put them in a gallon sized zippered bag and seal it shut.

Reheat the biscuits for about 20 seconds in the microwave or 6 minutes in the toaster oven to freshen them up. Delicious!

Final Considerations

You can never have too many biscuits especially when there are so many great recipes you can make using leftover biscuits and leftover biscuit dough.

Whether your biscuits are homemade or from a tube, you can put the leftover to good use! Enjoy. 

You might want take a peek at our Leftover Bagel Recipes .

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• Family Life
• What to do with leftover food: creative ways to use food leftovers

What to do with leftover food : creative ways to use food leftover s  

In a world where small actions can have big impacts on our planet, it's important to find innovative ways to reduce waste. One area we can all make a difference in is how we handle our food leftover s and food scraps . Instead of tossing them in the bin, why not transform them into something tasty? Transform the leftover dregs of roasted veggies into a vibrant frittata that reminds you of last night’s hilarious gathering where only half of the last bottle of red was sloshed onto the carpet...  

So, let’s dive into these different ways to reuse food scraps and leftover food and explore creative ways to care for the planet by cutting down on food waste. With our clever tips for what to do with leftover food , including delicious recipes that taste amazing, you don't have to sacrifice quality to reduce waste.  

What to do with leftover food?

Some food makes it into our mouths, some ends up as leftovers, and some ends up on the hob, the floor, walls and... ceiling!? Splashes, spills and stains happen in the kitchen (and just about everywhere else), but when you have food leftover , think of it as an opportunity.  

With a bit of creativity, you can turn it into something delicious and reduce waste in the kitchen . But what to do with leftover food very much depends on what type of food leftover s you have. From stale bread to the remnants of that tasty Sunday roast, join us as we go through the most common leftovers and learn how to reuse leftover food !

What to do with leftover bread

Bread is often left to go stale, but there are a few great ways to give it a new lease of life. Here are two simple ideas for what to do with leftover bread :  

• Bread pudding. A classic comfort dish, bread pudding allows you to mix leftover bread with a few simple ingredients like milk, sugar, and eggs, to create a delicious, hearty dessert. Enlisting the help of a budding baker? Don’t be surprised if a spontaneous flour fight erupts... You might wish you’d dived for cover, as now there’s a perfect silhouette of flour on the kitchen wall behind you. It’s a good thing your baking buddy is also your clean-up companion...  
• Croutons. Dice your stale bread, toss it with olive oil and your choice of seasoning, and bake until crispy. These are perfect for soups and salads. And if you can’t resist popping a few of those crispy cubes in your mouth while the coast is clear, just be sure to keep some kitchen roll close by to wipe the literal breadcrumb trail from your path!  

Leftover chicken ideas

Here are a couple of leftover chicken ideas that are sure to give your leftovers new life:  

• Chicken salad. Shred the chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, mustard, and your choice of vegetables for a quick and easy meal.  
• Chicken quesadillas. Combine your chicken with cheese, place it between tortillas, and grill. Serve with salsa for a delicious treat.  
• Chicken soup . Throw your leftover chicken with skin, bones and giblets included in your soup pot to make a delicious leftover chicken soup, or to add more flavour to any other soup of your choice. With this idea, no part of the chicken goes to waste.  

What to make with leftover rice

If you're wondering what to do with leftover rice , consider these tips and tricks:  

• Rice pudding. Combine rice with milk, sugar, and vanilla, and cook until creamy. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the pudding (as well as the obligatory dusting of the kitchen counter) for a sweet finish and even sweeter smiles on the faces of those diving into the delicious dessert.  
• Stuffed peppers. Fill bell peppers with a mixture of rice, protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, and beans, and seasoning, then bake until the peppers are tender.  
• Fried rice. Stir-fry the rice with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce for a quick and satisfying dish.  
• Rice cakes. Mix rice with a bit of flour and egg, form into patties, and pan-fry until golden brown.  

What to do with leftover mashed potatoes

Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be repurposed into loads of dishes. Here's what to do with leftover mashed potatoes :  

• Potato pancakes. Combine mashed potatoes with an egg and some flour, shape into pancakes, and fry until crispy.
• Shepherd's pie. Use the mashed potatoes as a topping for a shepherd's pie, adding a layer of rich, meaty filling underneath.  

How to reuse leftover food - general ideas

Beyond specific dishes, there are general ways to reuse leftover food to create a hearty, tasty meal. So, if you haven’t got a specific dish in mind and want a few simple and versatile ideas, here’s what to do with leftover food :

• Frittatas. Whisk some eggs and pour them over any leftover food in a pan. Cook until the eggs are set for a quick frittata. This works well with loads of leftovers and you can get creative and add your own flair to it, too! 
• Soup. Almost any leftover food can be turned into a soup with the addition of broth and a bit of seasoning. Whether it’s a hunk of ham leftover from lunch at the weekend, or a medley of vegetables from a midweek dinner, so much food can be saved by turning it into a soup.

Food scraps for compost

When your food leftovers have gone beyond the point of reusing, it might be time to repurpose those food scraps for compost. This age-old method allows you to convert what would be waste into nutrient rich compost for your garden.   

Whether you’re having a competition to see who can toss the slimiest banana skins into the compost heap, or laughing as you and your green-fingered helper see who can spread the crumbliest compost across the flower beds (and your jeans, t-shirt, shoes, hands, face...), c omposting is simple and loads of fun! What’s more, it teaches us that everyday waste can be incredibly useful.

Plenty Original , Flexisheets and Max kitchen roll sheets are now certified compostable!* Once you’ve finished using your compostable sheets on a compostable mess, throw them on the compost heap where they begin their journey to a new life. Check out our handy explainer to find out what you can and can’t compost and when to compost your kitchen roll.

By setting organic waste – like vegetable peels, fruit skins, and coffee grounds - aside in a compost bin or heap, they gradually break down with the help of microorganisms and turn into compost, which is great for enriching soil. New to composting? Check out our guide to the basics of composting to get acquainted.  

Composting can not only help reduce landfill waste but provides your garden with a nutritional boost, leading to healthier plants. Adopting composting habits is a simple yet effective step toward living more sustainably, allowing you to recycle kitchen scraps into something beneficial for your garden. Not sure what you should be composting? Find out what you should and shouldn’t put in the compost bin .  

Doing more, with less

We love smart solutions that help you reduce waste and make your resources stretch further. By sharing clever tips and innovative ideas, we hope you’re inspired to take a less-is-more approach to everyday living, especially in the kitchen. It's not just about using fewer resources; it's about using what we have wisely.  

Love doing more with less? Then you’ll love Plenty Flexisheets . Product of the Year 2024** winner, Flexisheets have more perforations per roll, meaning you choose what you use. With 50% longer rolls***, Flexisheets are the perfect partner for big or little messes around the house!

Whether it's turning leftovers into a new meal or finding a second life for food scraps (like this delicious homemade vegetable stock ), we hope you're empowered to do more with the things you already have. Getting more out of less is a practical way to add value to our daily lives, and it's something everyone can appreciate.

Now you know what to do with leftover food

By following these simple, step-by-step guides, you can turn your food scraps and leftovers into delicious new meals. Not only does this approach save you money, but it also reduces your environmental footprint, allowing you to care for our planet in your daily life. Remember, it's about doing more with less—more flavour, more creativity, and more care, all while using and wasting less.  

Waste is a part of life, but with these top tips, you can turn that waste into something tasty. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover chicken, rice, bread, or mashed potatoes, don't throw them out. Use these tips to give your leftovers a second chance at delighting your taste buds and contributing to a sustainable lifestyle. Tuck in!  

*Plenty kitchen towels are certified as home and industrially compostable according to NF T 50-800 and EN14995.  

**Winner General Household Category. Survey of 8,000 people in UK & ROI  

** Length of roll when compared to Plenty Original   

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Explore MyRecipes

Profile menu, 25 recipes to use up your leftovers.

Leftovers are an inevitable part of life. Easy, big-batch recipes exist for a reason (convenience!) but there's no shame in wanting to switch things up on the second or third day you're eating on that pork shoulder or pot roast. Whether you've got meat for days or just need to use up some vegetables, these recipes will make sure you don't waste any of your bounty of leftovers. Use them to plan out your meal prep week or just solve a mid-week dinner rut. 

Roast Beef Hash

Roast Beef Hash Recipe

This super filling hash is an ideal Monday night breakfast-for-dinner, using leftovers from a Sunday night  Oven-Braised Pot Roast . Be sure to leave some pot roast for Tuesday's  Pot Roast Tacos with Chimichurri .

Chicken Parmesan Dip

Chicken Parmesan Dip Recipe

This is a rich and creamy way to use up leftover marinara sauce or chicken. For an extra-Italian twist, use Italian sausage instead. 

Cheesy Spinach Ramen

Cheesy Spinach Ramen Recipe

Use quick-cooking packaged ramen noodles (ditching the seasoning packet) as a base for this easy and cheesy noodle bowl. This Cheesy Spinach Ramen is the perfect go-to for a crazy comforting last-minute meal. Feel free to toss in any other veggies or proteins, like leftover rotisserie chicken, you might have hanging out in your fridge. 

Chicken and Herb Crêpes

Chicken and Herb Crêpes Recipe

This is the perfect finale to a three-meal big-batch feast. Making  French Onion Roast Chicken  on one night will give you plenty of leftovers for  Thai Chicken Pizza  the night after, and this recipe the night after that. And the dishes are so varied in flavor your family won't get tired of them! 

Southwestern Pork Lettuce Wraps

Southwestern Pork Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These easy lettuce wraps make for a perfectly light and lovely summer supper that won’t heat up your kitchen. We use a quickly grilled pork tenderloin here, but you could easily substitute any other protein you feel like tossing on the grill (like steak, chicken, or shrimp) or even smoked, pulled pork leftover from yesterday’s barbecue. Simply set out your components in separate bowls and let everyone assemble their lettuce wraps as they please for a fun family meal. 

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms Recipe

Up your Brussels sprouts game with this mushroom-packed skillet side dish. Shopping hint: Cremini mushrooms are often labeled as baby bellas; there’s no flavor difference. Substitute your favorite variety, or pick up pre-sliced mushrooms to cut your chopping time in half. Leftovers are delicious served atop a salad or tossed with a quick tahini dressing.

Thai Chicken Pizza

Thai Chicken Pizza Recipe

Part of the joy of this easy-to-make weeknight meal is that you get to repurpose leftovers—make the  French Onion Roast Chicken the night before, and you'll have enough delicious meat to make both this, and  Chicken and Herb Crêpes  the night after. 

Sheet Pan Cuban Sandwiches

Sheet Pan Cuban Sandwiches Recipe

Make perfectly pressed and toasty Cuban sandwiches for a crowd in one go with this genius sheet pan technique. Beyond being an obvious choice for your next party or tailgate , this recipe is an incredible way to recycle leftover pork roast or pork tenderloin into a delicious way to feed a group. Brushing the bread with pickle juice is a smart trick for keeping the bread from drying out too much and delivers an additional punch of flavor. 

Grilled Cheeseburger Nachos

Grilled Cheeseburger Nachos Recipe

It was determined in our test kitchen that it is legitimately impossible to be anything other than happy while eating these cheeseburger nachos—do with that information what you will. The cookout-inspired food mashup is as perfect served as a fun, grilled snack for guests (especially during tailgating season) as it is an easy, throw-together meal to use up leftovers from a weekend get-together. So while the cheeseburger recipe provided here does produce an extremely moist and flavorful patty, you can certainly use leftover cooked burgers if you already have them on hand. Same idea applies to the nacho toppings; we went with a blend of typical Tex-mex toppers and backyard cookout accouterments, but you can vary things up however suits you. Your baking sheet will only be on the grill for a few minutes (just long enough for the cheese to melt) so you shouldn’t experience any issues with the pan warping or taking on grill marks. However, for easy clean-up, you can certainly go ahead and wrap your pan in aluminum foil. 

Tex-Mex Breakfast Bake 

Tex-Mex Breakfast Bake  Recipe

This flavor-packed take on breakfast casserole is a great way to use up leftover Texas toast or garlic bread. Rich, indulgent, and spicy, its gooeyness is perfectly complimented by the tang from the crema, which can be found in a Latin market. Play around with frozen toast flavors to spice things up, or serve it as breakfast for dinner. 

Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein

Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

You can make this Panda Express menu favorite at home in less time than it’d take you to load in the car and hit the drive thru. Even better, you can customize our copycat chow mein easily by adding in any favorite veggies you have on hand. If you want to bulk this easy noodle dish into an entree, add your protein of choice—leftover chicken, shrimp, or a freshly fried egg would all make great additions ( and they won’t cost extra). 

Best Roasted Veggies

Best Roasted Veggies Recipe

Parents of picky eaters, rejoice - the kids will actually want to eat these vegetables! It only takes a few pantry staples to transform roasted vegetables into a side everyone will enjoy. These are so savory and delightful, it's hard not to love them.

Roasted Vegetable Baked Ziti

Roasted Vegetable Baked Ziti Recipe

This hearty pasta bake is the ideal dish of cheesy comfort food for cooler weather. We love the depth of caramelized flavor roasted veggies bring to this dish; plus, and you can swap in your favorite vegetables to make your own perfect pan of baked ziti. In fact, this dish is also a delicious way to utilize leftover roasted vegetables you might have hanging out in the fridge. In order to keep the dish entirely vegetarian, be sure to double check the labels on your cheese (especially the Parmesan) to make sure you pick up a package that is free of rennet and vegetarian-friendly.  

Chicken, White Bean, and Spinach Salad

Chicken, White Bean, and Spinach Salad Recipe

The beans, chicken, and dressing can all be made a day ahead in your  slow-cooker . Assemble this meal in minutes and round out this light  summer salad  with a loaf of crusty bread. If you have any leftover, it will make a great lunch the following day. Slow cooking requires little fat, so trim the excess from meats and poultry. Preserve the flavor of fresh herbs by adding them to the dish once it comes out of the slow cooker. Removing the slow cooker lid while cooking releases valuable heat, so resist the urge to check on the dish as it cooks.

Leftover Green Bean Niçoise

Leftover Green Bean Niçoise Recipe

Classic salade niçoise gets a big flavor boost from our leftover green bean recipe: Dried cranberries provide unexpected sweet-tart notes, while hazelnuts add lightly sweet, meaty depth.

Zucchini Fried Rice

Zucchini Fried Rice Recipe

This single skillet dinner is a weeknight-friendly meal the whole family can get behind, not to mention—it’s a genius way to put a bulk of summer zucchini to good use. The grated zucchini helps to lighten and brighten this take-out favorite, and stealthily bulks up the nutritional value of pickier eaters’ plates. Plus, this budget-friendly dish is actually best made using day-old rice , so it’s a great meal to plan on for utilizing leftovers later in the week. You can definitely use whatever you have on hand, but smaller-sized zucchini tend to work best in this recipe, as you want to minimize the number of seeds. Feel free to eliminate the pork or replace it with tofu to make this meal vegetarian. 

Curry Fried Chicken Chicken Salad 

Curry Fried Chicken Chicken Salad  Recipe

Got leftover fried chicken? Chop it up and put it to work in this insanely tasty chicken salad. Make it once, and you'll find yourself going out to buy fried chicken specifically to make it again. While it might seem a little weird to coat fried chicken in mayo—trust us, it's a revelation. The fried chicken provides an insane depth of rich flavor, not to mention, all of the salt your salad will probably need. And keep in mind that this fast and easy chicken salad is completely adaptable based on your tastes and what you have on hand. Not a curry fan? No problem, this chicken salad will be just as delicious without the curry powder. Don't have an apple in the crisper? You could always substitute grapes in for the apple. Have a smaller amount of fried chicken on hand? Not a problem, scale the recipe to work with what you have. Serve sandwiched between slices of whole-grain bread or on a bed of lettuce.

"Crawdogs" Recipe

If you serve our étouffée and have leftovers, slather it on top of grilled 'dogs.

Hamburger Bun Glazed Donuts

Hamburger Bun Glazed Donuts Recipe

Ever notice how after every cookout, you seem to find yourself with a handful of leftover hamburger buns, but not so many leftover burgers to fill them? Don’t toss the strays, turn them into breakfast with this brilliant recipe for burger bun donuts. 

Pork Congee

Pork Congee Recipe

Congee is one of East Asia's best comfort foods--a soft, almost puddingy rice soup with any number of toppings. Usually it's made with raw rice, but the beauty of this recipe is that it uses up both leftover Chinese takeout rice and leftover sliced Chinese roast pork (or shrimp, or whatever protein you may have ordered).

Bagel Casserole

Bagel Casserole Recipe

Putting together a full bagel spread is a lot of work, and you may spend more time artfully arranging the lox than spending time with your friends at brunch. Instead of the platter approach, give your friends a full bagel experience in casserole-form. Plus, you can use any stale savory bagels you have left over from last week (shh!).

Whisk together eggs and milk with cubed bagels in an assortment of flavors—pumpkernickle will add some fun dark colors and a toasty flavor, while sesame and poppy seed bagels will add a satisfying crunch. For extra flavor, add a spoonful of everything bagel seasoning, then mix it all together with sliced red onion and tomatoes. Dot the casserole with cream cheese, then bake until warm. Top that bad boy with torn lox, dill, and chives, then dive on in.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce Recipe

Are you ready for the best chicken enchiladas of your life? While you could use a rotisserie chicken for this cheesy enchilada recipe, poaching chicken breasts in a delicately flavored liquid both creates succulently tender meat (that won’t dry out as the casserole bakes) and adds another layer of flavor to the dish. The key to successful poaching is temperature control; you want to keep your poaching liquid from ever reaching a boil. In fact, you should aim to keep the water at a state of releasing wispy spouts of steam from the surface, but never bubbling, throughout the entirety of the cooking process. (It’s not nearly as intense/difficult as it seems.) You should also try to purchase chicken breasts that are roughly the same size so that they cook at the same rate. While the total prep time on this recipe isn’t exactly what you might consider “speedy,” it’s a fun dish to prepare and assemble with another helper in the kitchen. Prep a pan (or two, so you have one for the freezer!) on Sunday to enjoy heading into a new week. Featuring smoky ancho chili powder and some of the poaching liquid, the homemade enchilada sauce is another distinguishing delight of this dish; however, if you’re looking to shave time off of the recipe, you can substitute store-bought sauce. And if you opt to use rotisserie or leftover chicken as a shortcut, but still want to make your sauce from scratch, simply substitute water and/or chicken stock for the liquid called for. 

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Toast

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Toast Recipe

Need to use up a small amount of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal that won't fill a bowl? Use it as a crunch-tastic accent for toast instead. This fun twist on cinnamon toast is easy enough for kids to make, and thanks to the cereal, no additional cinnamon sugar is needed. 

Niçoise Gnocchi Salad

Niçoise Gnocchi Salad Recipe

Haven’t made it to the grocery store in a minute? That doesn’t mean you can’t whip up an impressive dish. This lovely, snackable take on a salad Niçoise is composed largely from pantry items, like canned tuna and roasted red peppers, plus a couple of common refrigerator staples—frozen green beans and eggs. We use packaged gnocchi, shelf-stable gnocchi as a creative swap  for the fresh potatoes typically found in a salad Niçoise.  Dressed up with a super simple vinaigrette this “throw-together” salad could easily pass for a well-planned. In other words, keep this one in your back pocket for the next time you need a last-minute appetizer for entertaining. 

BBQ Chicken Bean Dip

BBQ Chicken Bean Dip Recipe

Step aside, Buffalo chicken. Move it along, basic bean dip. The game day dip to rule all game day dips has arrived. This bold yet balance BBQ Chicken Bean Dip has so much going for it: It’s easy to make, you likely have most of the necessary ingredients on hand, and most importantly—this cheesy chicken appetizer will be a winner with any crowd. The barbecue sauce used in to make the dip couldn’t be easier to mix up, and it’s one you can come back to again and again for all of your BBQ needs; however, if you want to shave a few minutes off the recipe, you can certainly use your favorite bottled sauce instead. We suggest topping the dip with cheese towards the end of baking in order to prevent the dip from becoming too greasy. 

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19 Of The Best Recipes For Leftover Meatloaf

Meatloaf is an absolute staple of American cuisine and has gone down as one of the most popular dinner-time meals for people across the States.

Meatloaf is incredibly easy to make and can be served in a number of ways all throughout the year. 

However, many often find themselves having to deal with the annoying consequences of leftover meatloaf. Leftover meatloaf often gets left in refrigerators until it is too late, and it needs to be thrown away!

But why put perfectly good meatloaf to waste when you could easily follow some of the very best recipes that can make leftover meatloaf taste better than ever before? 

If you have some leftover meatloaf that you want to put to good use, then make sure to check out the following 19 recipes to get some amazing inspiration that will turn ordinary leftovers into incredible meals!

1. Meatloaf And Egg Scramble

Meatloaf actually makes for a perfect replacement for sausages when it comes to building a perfect morning breakfast, and this episode puts it to perfect use!

The savory flavor of the meatloaf mixes perfectly with the creamy taste of the scrambled eggs to create a dish that will wake you up right away.

The inclusion of parsley helps to give the dish some color, as well as a refreshing aftertaste. 

2. Meatloaf Chili

Either chop the leftover meatloaf into simple cubes or mash it up to create mince and in no time you have the perfect accompaniment to an amazing chili dish.

This recipe will show you how to create one of the best chilis we have ever had our hands on, and the mix of spices used within the recipe is so delightful that it’s nigh impossible to resist seconds!

3. Meatloaf Tacos

With this recipe, you can easily host an incredible Mexican-inspired dinner party that will have your guests feeling amazing!

The leftover meatloaf makes a perfect filling for tacos, and the inclusion of iconic toppings like sour cream, salsa, and plenty of cheese helps to make these tacos totally unforgettable.

The meaty flavor of meatloaf makes every bite of these tacos an experience unto itself!

4. Grilled Meatloaf Sandwich

Throw some slices of your leftover meatloaf onto the grill and allow them to char slightly before then throwing them between some soft and delicious bread, and you will have a sandwich that you’ll be craving again for weeks.

The inclusion of mustard, mayonnaise, and cheese helps to make this sandwich incredibly creamy and decadent. It somehow gets better bite after bite!

5. Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers

Grab yourself some green bell peppers, and then stuff them with this delightful concoction of flavor that will help you to put your leftover meatloaf to perfect use. 

Once they are ready, simply sprinkle some cheddar cheese over the top, and then serve them out. They’re easy to eat and just as easy to make!

6. Cheesy Meatloaf Spring Rolls

Cheese and meatloaf practically belong together, thanks to the unique combination of flavors that the two create, but they are even better when wrapped up and lightly fried to create unique spring rolls.

Trust us when we say that you have never experienced flavor like this before! We instantly had to go back for more once we tasted them!

7. Leftover Meatloaf Soup

Allow the leftover meatloaf to stew in this broth made up of various vegetables, spices, broths, and herbs, and shortly you will have a delightfully rich soup that is easy to serve and also easy to store away for later!

This can be a great way to make use of leftover meatloaf, and helps to significantly lengthen its lifespan!

8. Leftover Meatloaf Quiche

This meatloaf quiche is perfect for eating at any time of the day, and any time of the year.

The softness of the egg and the pastry makes this dish work so well because they both absorb the meaty flavors of the leftover meatloaf to become incredibly decadent. 

This quiche is especially perfect if you are hosting a brunch event, and you will quickly find it becomes a highlight amongst your guests! 

This was one of the biggest surprises that we came across while producing this list, but it proved to be so incredibly satisfying.

9. Meatloaf Grilled Cheese

Are there any sandwiches more iconic than a classic grilled cheese?

The way the cheese oozes out of these decadent sandwiches is enough to get our mouths watering even just thinking about them!

But imagine just how much better a grilled cheese would taste with some meatloaf added in!

Well, thanks to this recipe, such an idea does not have to remain trapped in your imagination!

10. Meatloaf Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is wonderful to enjoy during the colder months of the winter, as it is full of incredible spices and boasts a sense of warmth that is deeply enriching.

But a shepherd’s pie doesn’t just have to make use of ordinary mincemeat, and you can easily use your favorite meatloaf instead!

11. Meatloaf Burgers

Make sure to add some slices of bacon to these magical meatloaf burgers in order to give them a truly meaty taste that you won’t soon forget.

This is such a great way to make use of leftover meatloaf, and if you have a particular aversion to leftover meatloaf, this recipe will show you how to create burgers that taste almost like the real thing!

12. Meatloaf Fried Rice

Want to use up your leftover meatloaf without having to spend hours slaving over a hot stove to create new meals with it?

Then try out this incredible recipe to make a simple fried rice dish that is full of meaty flavors and is as easy to eat as it is to make!

13. Meatloaf Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese has come back into popularity in recent years, and this is partly thanks to some of the amazing ways you can make it unique by adding interesting ingredients.

This recipe allows you to add your leftover meatloaf to add an interestingly meaty flavor!

14. Meatloaf Spaghetti

A bed of spaghetti is the perfect resting place for this incredible recipe that gives your leftover meatloaf a new lease of life (see also ” 19 Ways to Use Leftover Spaghetti ‘).

Make sure to top it with some grated parmesan for that final flourish!

15. Meatloaf Hash

This is another recipe that shows off the immense potential of meatloaf as a breakfast food.

Mixing it up in a hot skillet alongside some potatoes, eggs, and plenty of peppers can create a fiery delicacy that will wake both you and your taste buds right up!

16. Meatloaf Pizza Subs

With this recipe, you can create a dish that easily rivals the glory of even Subway’s iconic meatball subs.

Piling the lightly toasted subs with meatloaf, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese creates a sandwich that is oozing with flavor!

17. Meatloaf Sliders

Is there anything better than a burger? How about small bite-size burgers that can be enjoyed by anyone?

These awesome sliders are great if you are hosting an outdoor event, as they are easy to make and serve!

18. Meatloaf Sandwich

This is one of the simplest recipes on this list, but easily one of the most satisfying. Its simplicity is easily one of its greatest assets!

19. Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich

It may sound redundant to close off this list with another sandwich recipe, but we couldn’t resist the opportunity to wax lyrical about this recipe.

It’s so simple but so deeply enjoyable!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is meatloaf good in the fridge.

Meatloaf can last for around 3 to 4 days in the fridge provided it is placed within the fridge as soon as possible. Properly wrapping or containing the meatloaf will allow it to last an extra day. 

Freezing meatloaf allows it to last up to six months, which is incredibly useful!

How Do You Fix Bland Meatloaf?

If you find that your meatloaf keeps ending up incredibly bland, then try adding some garlic, onion powder, or paprika to the recipe next time you make it.

This can help to make it more flavorsome and appetizing!

Can You Freeze Meatloaf After It’s Been Cooked?

Definitely. It is perfectly safe to place meatloaf into your freezer after it has been cooked.

However, in order for the meatloaf to last in the freezer, you should make a point of storing it in the freezer as soon as you can.

Meatloaf is one of America’s favorite meals, but leftovers are an inevitability. How can you put the leftovers to good use? Let’s find out together!

Ingredients

Meatloaf And Egg Scramble

Meatloaf Chili

Meatloaf Tacos

Grilled Meatloaf Sandwich

Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers

Cheesy Meatloaf Spring Rolls

Leftover Meatloaf Soup

Leftover Meatloaf Quiche

Meatloaf Grilled Cheese

Meatloaf Shepherd’s Pie

Meatloaf Burgers

Meatloaf Fried Rice

Meatloaf Mac And Cheese

Meatloaf Spaghetti

Meatloaf Hash

Meatloaf Pizza Subs

Meatloaf Sliders

Meatloaf Sandwich

Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich

• Pick a recipe from above
• Click the recipe name and visit the website
• Collect the ingredients and the food
• Enjoy- don’t forget to leave a review

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Trending Post : French Toast your kids will love

31 Things To Do With Leftover Pizza {Quick and Easy Recipes}

Enjoying a hot and crispy pizza during a cold day is close to perfect. But if you have leftover pizza at home then here are 31 things to do with leftover pizza next time.

There are many things that you can do with leftover pizza. I have always wondered what to do with leftover pizza and this post is the solution to that.

Pizza can be used in ways that you might not have imagined yet. You can make sandwiches, casseroles, toasts, and many more with your leftover pizza without spending too much money.

You no longer need to deal with soggy and cold pizza if you are hungry. Reheating your leftover pizza is good but you can make it even better by adding some twists to the leftover recipe.

Adding more ingredients will help you get a better-tasting food but making it simple will also give you an edge. You can still use your leftover pizza at your next party or afterparty.

Pizza can be healthy and you can make the best leftover pizza recipe without breaking a sweat. Reworking your pizza can be fun so you would not have to get tired of the same flavors.

1. Pizza Grilled Cheese, Pizza Corn Dog, Pizza Lasagna, and Pizza French Toast Bake

I love how this guide includes multiple options for making leftover pizza work. There are 4 recipes to choose from that you can do with any type of pizza.

Pizza grilled cheese is my favorite since it is the easiest recipe to do and you do not need complicated ingredients. It can be done within a few minutes which is great.

You reheat the pizza’s crust but this time, with more cheese in between the two slices. The pizza French toast bake is also really easy to do using almost the same ingredients.

With this guide, you can choose what recipe you are up to for that day and use your leftover pizza to make it.

2. Loaded Pizza Fries

Fries are one of the main side dishes that go well with pizza when you want to go all-out. So it is a great recipe to make with your leftover pizza and enjoy a delicious snack whenever.

Making the fries does not necessarily mean that you will make potato fries to eat with your pizza. You essentially are going to use the leftover pizza and make fries with it.

That may seem complicated, but really, you just need to cut the pizza slices into thinner ones and then load them on your cast-iron skillet with cheese and sliced crispy bacon.

From there, you can bake it and then drizzle your favorite dressing. You can also store them in the fridge in case you have leftovers.

Leftover pizza with fries is going to be a favorite of many and it is a super easy thing to make with leftover pizza. Consuming it can be messy so prepare some paper towels.

3. French Toast Leftover Pizza

Leftover pizza can be made into many things, but perhaps one of the French toast’s most common recipes. This French toast leftover pizza recipe will have you wanting more of that pizza.

There are not a lot of ingredients needed as you only need eggs, cream, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Now, the paprika gives that reddish color but not too much spiciness.

From there, all you need to do is to cook or toast the pizzas on a medium-high heat griddle. You can use a cast-iron skillet over the stovetop if you are making just a slice of pizza.

This is a perfect recipe for your next game-day watch party or when you just want to eat something filling. You can even save some of the leftovers in fridge for the next watch party.

4. Scrambled Egg Pizza

Personally, the best breakfast involves scrambled eggs. That is the concept behind the scrambled egg pizza as it has a lot of nutrients, and it will surely get your day started.

You are going to be using leftover pizza with eggs in this recipe. If you love both leftover pizzas and eggs then you are going to enjoy this leftover pizza with eggs recipe.

After slicing the pizzas into smaller bite-sized pieces, you can then add them to the bowl with the eggs and stir them, beat the eggs, and mix all the pizza pieces into the mixture.

Just like how you would cook your scrambled eggs, place the mixture in a frying pan and cook it. 

After the pizza pieces are warmed up and the egg has been cooked to the consistency you like, you can top it with grated parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese for maximum flavors.

This is another interesting way to use up the leftover pizza.

5. Leftover Pizza Omelette

More leftover pizza with egg recipes? Yes, please! Making a full breakfast with an omelette is never boring and it can start your day in a great way.

All you need to do is to deconstruct the pizza leaving most of the crust. You get all the toppings, cheese, and include some of the crust from the tip of the pizza slice for the omelette.

The toppings are chopped up into smaller pieces and then set aside. You can then prepare your eggs by seasoning them with salt and pepper before heating your butter or oil on a pan.

The eggs will be the food base, so you need to pour them into the pan first. Add the bits of pizza that you have cut and then fold the egg inside to help heat the pizza bits as you cook the entire omelette.

This one tastes better than most recipes and if you are wondering what to do with your leftover pizza then using it up while making a leftover pizza with egg recipe is the best way to eat pizzas.

6. Leftover Pizza Lasagna

Leftover pizza lasagna is not the most common recipe for your leftover pizza but it is up there. It is really easy to make and you get to add more familiar ingredients to the food.

There is also another way of making the recipe: simply cut the pizza slices into smaller ones and then stack them in a casserole with the toppings side facing down.

If you have those ingredients available, you can also do it with more complicated ingredients like parmesan, spaghetti sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and seasoning.

I just stack up the pizza slices together to preserve the pizza flavors as the other ingredients are pretty hard to find. You can check in firdge compartments for the ingredients and be as creative with what you have.

7. Crunchy Leftover Pizza Croutons

Croutons are one of my favorite snacks, especially when I am watching my favorite movies. They are really easy to make and since they are small, they are not messy to consume.

Leftover pizza croutons are made with small cubes of sandwiches. I mean that you simply press the pizza slices against each other so the toppings are in the middle.

From there, all you need to do is slice them into smaller cubes and then saute them on a pan until the cheese melts and the crust has turned golden brown.

I love how this recipe also uses tomato sauce for the dip as it accentuates the flavors within the leftover pizza croutons.

8. Pizza Bread Pudding

If you are used to sweet bread pudding and want a twist, then this leftover pizza bread pudding recipe is for you. It is a savory mix of flavors with soft and chewy textures all around.

Just cut the pizza slices into smaller cube pieces and then place them on a baking dish. From there, all you need to do is soak the pizza slices in a mixture of milk, eggs, and Italian seasoning.

You do need to soak the pizza slices in the mixture, so to do this, help the crust absorb more of the mixture by pressing the pizza slices into the baking dish.

Bake the pudding and then enjoy a delicious mix of slightly salty but savory bread recipe as a snack.

9. Leftover Pizza With Eggs

Get your cast-iron skillet ready and at least three eggs. Leftover pizza goes well with eggs and that is why you have many options on this post that include eggs in the recipe.

I promise this one is different from the previous leftover pizza with eggs recipes shared in this list so do try this one out as well.

You will make scrambled eggs, but this time, you will make sure that the pizza is crispy to get an additional texture to the mix by reheating it first on the cast-iron skillet.

All you need to do is butter up the skillet and then reheat the pizza slices first. That way, you will still have that crisp on the crust and so that the cheese starts to melt as well.

Add your eggs and simply mix them until they are cooked. You will have a delicious breakfast that takes only 2 minutes to make from the ingredients in the firdge.

11. Leftover Pizza Breakfast Casserole

This leftover pizza breakfast casserole recipe is full of flavors that you can taste on a pizza, only this time, the cheese is accentuated along with eggs to add more crispy textures to the mix.

After slicing the pizza into small cubes, place them in a casserole dish and spread them loosely. Make sure that they do not press themselves into each other so the slices won’t squash each other.

With added seasonings and spices, you can taste better flavors of your favorite pizza topping as well as the delicious and fragrant flavors that you get from the herbs and spices.

Top the casserole with pepperoni to highlight the pizza flavor even more.

I like how the recipe truly gets to the base of the flavors and the soft texture that almost melts in your mouth is perfect.

12. Leftover Pizza Waffles

The hardest thing to do when reheating leftover pizza is to make the crust crispy again. This leftover pizza waffles recipe will teach you how to make the pizza crispy like it is fresh.

You need to fold the pizza over so that it can fit in the waffle maker. Add your favorite toppings in the pizza or more cheese so that the pizza will have more flavors inside when cooked.

I love putting extra toppings on the pizza waffles since the ones from when it was initially cooked can be hard to bring back and make it taste better.

This is a very easy way to cook your leftover pizza and make sure that you have a crispy snack or meal with your leftover pizza.

13. Leftover Pizza Fries

This is another creative option for making leftover pizza fries. It’s just a little disclaimer on the language on this video, but the recipe is perfect, so you can almost ignore that when you watch it.

The pizza slices are placed on top of each other so the toppings are mushed between the two slices. I love how the pizzas are pressed the entire time to squish all the toppings in between.

This creates a slim sandwich which you can then cut into smaller slices to create the fries. The fries are packed with toppings so every bite is filled with delicious pizza toppings that taste better.

The technique is to place another heavy object while cooking so that the pizza fries will become slimmer.

14. Leftover Cheese Pizza Salad

Have you ever had a salad with bread in the mix? It is delightful as you get a healthy appetizer with many textures and flavors to make the food even more exciting.

You can use your leftover pizza as a substitute for the bread. This recipe uses leftover cheese pizza which means that you are also adding more flavors to the salad.

I love how the toppings also blend well together with the fresh greens. The flavor is amazing and you get to have the perfect flavors while enjoying a healthy snack.

You can leave the leftover pizza crust or add it to create a crisp texture that goes well with the crunchy vegetables left in your fridge.

Check out this recipe.

15. Leftover Pizza Grilled Cheese by Rachael Ray

Adding more cheese into a recipe that already has a lot of cheese is great. While it does add more cholesterol to the mix, you are already eating pizza so might as well go all-in. 

Using butter to fry the crust slightly makes it even more savory and the crispy texture is regained. You can also add more toppings if you want so you get fresh-tasting flavors.

The cheese in between the pizza slices can vary. I love how you can mix different slices of cheese so that the flavor is even more versatile.

The guide also helps you how to properly toast the crust of the pizza slices.

The melted gooey cheese perfectly goes with the savory and crispy crust. This recipe is the perfect answer to someone who asks what to do with leftover pizza.

16. Leftover Pizza Rolls

Leftover pizza rolls are really easy to make and you only need 3 main ingredients to be creative. The leftover pizza, red sauce, and garnishes for the pizza rolls.

Instead of using raw dough, you can replace it with leftover pizza so it does not go to waste. This also brings more potential to make the rolls crispier than raw dough.

Just simply roll the pizza slices and create large snacks, or you can cut them into smaller pieces and use toothpicks to skewer the small folds in place and so they do not roll out, you can use air fryers or do it on the grill.

Put the red sauce you have made in the center of the plate and then surround it with the leftover pizza rolls for your perfect watch party snacks.

Check out the Recipe .

17. Leftover Pizza Corndogs

You can see that I have used the same source as the first one on the list. I like this guide because it gives you 4 options for making your leftover pizza into a delicious meal.

Corndogs are one of my favorite foods and making them is easy. You do not need hard-to-find ingredients as only a mixture of flour, seasonings, eggs, and water will do.

Just roll the pizza slices like you would with pizza rolls, only this time, you will insert a hotdog in between. Dip them in the batter and then deep-fry them for a few minutes.

The golden brown color of the corndogs is delicious and it makes you want to eat more of this delicious snack!

18. Leftover Pizza Paninis

While this recipe guides you on making paninis using pizza dough, you can save your time and use your leftover pizza to make the paninis and save your energy for making dough.

I always wondered what to do with leftover pizza and after trying different ways to use up leftover pizza, I found this recipe and it saved my day.

Paninis are a great snack that you can make whenever you like. The leftover pizza will give you all the flavors you need without mixing the ingredients from the beginning.

Pressing the two leftover pizza slices together, you will create a snack full of flavor with every bite. Place them in your panini maker and wait for the crust to become golden brown.

I love adding more cheese or more toppings to the pizza. The cheese melts easily and it gives the paninis more flavor.

19. Leftover Pizza Skewers

If your kids do not want to eat leftover pizza, you might want to make it more creative and fun. Making pizza skewers is easy and the soggy leftover pizza suddenly looks very tasty.

All you need to do is to slightly deconstruct the pizza if you have pepperoni toppings. Alternate the toppings and the crust when skewering the leftover pizza to give it a better look.

Within just 7 to 10 minutes of reheating over the grill, the pizza skewers will become crispy and full of flavor once again. Indoors, I usually use my air fryer and it works just as well.

I love dipping these leftover pizza skewers in either red sauce or BBQ sauce. If you find that weird, you can always choose your sauce for the dip.

Check out this recipe and let me know what you think.

20. Quick Leftover Pizza Soup

If you are not feeling well and you think that you cannot handle eating crunchy or crispy foods like the pizza’s crust, you can always use this pizza leftover hack and make pizza soup from your leftover pizza.

The secret here is to accentuate the flavors even more which will be perfect if you have a palate that cannot taste that well because of a clogged nose or if you want more flavors.

This is the perfect recipe you can make during the incoming cold months to keep your body full and warm.

It is easy to make and easy to consume since the recipe teaches you how to use either a regular blender or an immersion blender to make the soup look like a soft puree.

21. Bloody Mary With Leftover Pizza

If you love a casual drink in the afternoon, then you will be happy with this recipe. Making bloody mary is not hard and you only need a few ingredients to make delicious drink hacks.

Using your leftover pizza as toppings is perfect for this drink. You just need to cut the slices into thinner cuts to make the drink look more aesthetically pleasing when you top the pizza.

Get your vodka, lemon juice, pickle juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, and spices ready for making this delicious drink.

You can always get a bite of the leftover pizza slices if you want to neutralize the alcohol in your mouth for a little bit. It depends on how strong you want your drink to be.

Click here for the recipe.

22. Leftover Pizza Potato Pancakes

You might not want this on the same night that you have eaten pizza but the next day, you will want to have a delicious snack made with your leftover pizza.

All you need to do is either bake or boil potatoes and then mash them into a smooth mixture. Get all the toppings from your leftover pizza and then mix them into the mashed potatoes.

You are still going to use the crust so nothing goes to waste here. Just use the crust as breadcrumbs for the leftover pizza potato cakes.

The crumbs add texture to the mix while the savory flavors from the pizza toppings and the sweetness from the potatoes go well together and you can taste better every flavor in every bite.

23. Pizza Stuffing

You might have heard or even eaten stuffed pizza and it is delicious. However, you might not have heard of this pizza hack where pizza is used as the stuffing for other recipes you can make.

If you are going to cook turkey, you can use your leftover pizza for the stuffing. All you need to do is cut the pizza into small cubes and then soak them in a mixture of broth and butter.

Bake the leftover pizza and then it will be ready. You can consume it as it is or put it inside the turkey before you roast it to add more flavors inside the body cavity of the turkey.

Some stuffing can be put to waste because they only add fragrance, this stuffing can be a whole meal, so it is sure to not waste.

24. Leftover Pizza Cake Stack

Thin-crust pizza is one of my favorite types of pizza and even though they are light, I often have leftovers. So I figured that stacking them together would make a great hack for me to eat more, and it did.

It is pretty cool and easy to do as you only need to stack all the pizza layers together and then bake them again. This somehow softens the crusts in between but the bottom part still gets that crispy texture.

Using cheese as the frosting for the leftover pizza cake is great as it becomes more savory and makes you want to eat more.

Keep in mind that you will still have to cook it in ovens like regular home ovens instead of a microwave oven. A microwave oven still heats the leftover pizza but it leaves it dry and soggy.

It is also better to use an air fryer as air fryers function like regular ovens by using conductive heat so the cake stack will be heated all around.

Check out the recipe.

25. Leftover Pizza Meatballs

The guide that you will see in the video uses fresh dough that is leftover when making pizzas. You can still use your leftover pizza in this recipe to make the best pizza meatballs.

There are two ways to make cool0 leftover pizza meatballs and both are easy to do so you can choose what you prefer.

The first is to mix your ground beef in a bowl and heat them before wrapping them in the leftover pizza. This gives you two distinct flavors that go well together.

The other method is to cut up the leftover pizza or give it a few turns in the blender.

From there, you can mix the leftover pizza in the ground beef mixture and then cook them together.

26. Leftover Pizza Quiche

Making pie out of your leftover pizza is cool and fun as you still get to taste the flavors on your pizza while highlighting other flavors from the added ingredients in the pizza quiche recipe.

Replacing the raw dough with leftover pizza is perfect as it gives the pizza a crispier texture when cooked. Use ground turkey or any meat that you want to put in the quiche.

You can also opt to let the toppings stay or scrape them off so you can get the flavors from the other ingredients to be highlighted. 

This recipe tells you to cut the pizza into smaller pieces and use it as a pie filling. This is a great method as you still get to keep all the flavors in the pizza while adding some more as you cook it in oven.

27. Tomato Bisque

If you have a tomato soup ready, you can always get your leftover pizza and twist it. You can either cut up the leftover pizza and dip it into the sauce or mix it with the tomato sauce.

Just cut the slices into small, longer cuts and then toast them with butter to turn them into savory bread recipes like breadsticks. You can dip them into the sauce later for a satisfying snack.

There are other ways to make it and you can also go the other way where you mix the leftover pizza into the sauce.

All you need to do is cut up the leftover pizza into smaller cubes and then put them in a pan with cream and cheese.

From there, puree the mixture and then garnish with cheese and parsley.

28. Leftover Pizza Burgers

Pizza and burgers go well together so making burgers out of your leftover pizza is really cool for many food enthusiasts. There are also two main ways of making leftover pizza burgers.

You can either make regular burgers and mix the pizza toppings into the burger patties. From there, you can use the pizza sauce and cheese on the pizza as the toppings for the burgers.

The other way is making the burgers using the leftover pizza as the buns. Just place the burger patties between two pizza slices and then place them on the grill to cook and become crispy.

I figured that cutting the pizza slices into small circular pizza burgers is best to make up for the shape of the burger patties.

29. Onion Soup With Leftover Pizza

The ingredients you use on your onion soup can be used as pizza toppings as well. However, that is not what we are going for when making an onion soup with leftover pizza.

What we are going to do is assemble the onion soup like how you would usually do. The difference is lining the bottom of the soup bowl with leftover pizza instead of French bread.

This will incorporate the flavors of the pizza into the mix, making the soup even more delicious and savory. You can also always reheat it in oven when you want another batch.

As the hot soup melts through the leftover pizza, the crust, along with the toppings and the cheese will get incorporated into the soup, creating a new, delicious, and savory flavor.

Onion Soup with Leftover Pizza is probably one of the most comforting recipes that you can make with leftover pizza.

Check out the recipe here.

30. Dessert Leftover Pizza

I would not like pizza as a dessert after getting full of pizza. I am thinking of making a dessert out of pizza so you can enjoy the same sweet and savory taste for another meal without cooking in ovens.

This might sound complicated but it is a really easy process. You do not get to waste the savory flavors from the cheese and the pizza toppings as you can turn them into a meal.

I love this recipe because all you need is scrape off the pizza toppings and then cook them into anything you want. In this guide, you get to make scrambled eggs with them.

The slices of pizzas that are scraped off of their toppings can be used as pitas, just put some Nutella or jelly and have yourself a dessert after eating the savory leftover pizza topping scrambled eggs.

This is one of the dessert edition of the best things to do to make with leftover pizza and you are not going ot regret it.

31. Leftover Pizza Quesadilla

Deep-fried quesadilla is one of the best things I usually make. This leftover pizza quesadilla is a great example of what you can make to get a light meal with your leftover pizza.

Instead of using the classic tortillas, use your leftover pizza and put any cheese that you want in it. This makes the quesadillas more savory because of the toppings from the pizza.

Coat the leftover pizza and extra cheese in flour and then dip them in egg batter. From there, you can either coat it again with flour or use bread crumbs to get more crispy textures on it.

Deep-fry the leftover pizza quesadillas until they are golden brown and then enjoy a hearty meal with your favorite dip. You can always reheat it in ovens but cooking it for the first time should be fried.

Quesadillas in general are my favourites and if you have never tried this recipe then you should because it is one of my favourite recipes.

32. Leftover Pizza Popcorn

Popcorn is best eaten with a coating in it. While there are common coatings like caramel, chocolate, and salt, you can also use your leftover pizza and make a savory popcorn coating.

Scrape off the pizza toppings from your leftover pizza and then saute them in a pan. Add cream and cheese and let the mixture reduce until it has a sticky consistency, this is the perfect popcorn movie hack.

I usually add cheese and ignore the pizza sauce as it is harder to reduce and will hardly become sticky when cooked.

From there, toss your popcorn into the mix as well as the pizza crust that you have cut into small cubes. Stir until the popcorn and the pizza crust cubes are coated evenly with the mixture.

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How to Use Leftovers: 14 Ingredients You Never Finish and How to Put Them to Work

According to sustainable cookbook author, Melissa Hemsley

Have you ever gazed into the fridge to see a collection of leftover items that you aren't quite sure what to do with? You're not alone.

So, for all kinds of reasons — environmental, social and financial — it makes sense for us to get to grips with using up our leftovers.

That's where Melissa Hemsley comes in. The self-taught cook, who rose to fame as one half of healthy food dup Hemsley + Hemsley with sister Jasmine, has a new book out, Eat Green.

Speaking to our collective concern around throwing things out, it's stuffed with flexible tips, waste-cutting advice and easy-to-modify, feel-good recipes to are designed to give you the confidence to use up your odds and ends, spice up your leftovers, befriend the freezer, make the most of ingredients and to switch up your vegetables depending on the season.

Eat Green: Delicious flexitarian recipes for planet-friendly eating

Extracted from Melissa's book, here's 14 super common foods that wind up leftover – and how you can put those extras to better use.

How to use leftovers: 14 repeat offenders

Sprinkle stale bread with water to rehydrate or steam in the oven before turning this leftover into garlic bread.

You can also blitz your left over slices into bread- crumbs to top gratins and bakes, or cut into cubes to make croutons.

Not to mention, you can also freeze slices of bread to use at a later date.

Carrots are a household must, but what do with them? You can grate them into porridge with a hint of cinnamon for a delicious breakfast treat.

Or, if you're looking to save your carrorts for a lunchtime snack, roasted carrorts can be blitzed into hummus or smoothies.

3/ Cauliflower

Use your leftover cauliflower to to make a quick dip or mash. All you have to do it blitz the cauliflower along with chickpeas and olive oil for a perfect little snack. You can also roast the cauliflower leaves to turn them into a handy vessel for dipping.

Cheese is a common leftover that is far too good to simply throw away. So, what to do with it? Try adding leftover cheese and Parmesan rinds to bean soups or pasta sauces to enrich their taste.

In addition, Feta can be added to dips or quinoa fritters, while halloumi can be fried, grilled, baked or made into veg skewers.

Over, if you're having a shindig, why not turn all of your leftover cheese into a fondue?

5/ Courgettes

There are plently of options for your leftover courgette. First of all, you can grate your raw courgette into a salad or griddle, or you can barbecue before tossing into a dressing.

Next up, you can blitz cooked courgettes with tahini, garlic, lemon and beans into a dip.

And finally, you can combo any leftover tomatoes with your courgette to create a simple summer veg frittata.

6/ Cucumbers

A perfectly healthy ingredient that can be used for any occasion. Your leftover cucumber can be used for a quick and easy lunch for one or a dinner party hosted by yours truly.

Nibbles are a must for any successful party, so why not simply grate your leftover cucumber into yoghurt and add garlic to make tzatziki.

Or, upgrade your snacks by using your leftovers as a fantastic canape base. Just top with smoked fish and cream cheese or hummus and a few olives.

And if you're really looking to blow the socks off your guests, peel cucumber ribbons to add to drinks, cocktails, smoothies and lollies.

Or, finally, if you're simply looking for a quick lunch, try blitzing your leftovers with tomatoes and chill to make a gazpacho.

There is nothing worse than a lonesome dollop of hummus. So what to do with it? Stir that last spoonful into noodles, soups or stews for a creamy garlicky kick. Or, try adding it to your dressings to make them creamier and thicker.

Use your leftover tea for a mid-morning pick me up, by rustling up a cup of Chai Tea. You can also freeze milk to eliminate any disappointment when craving that first cup of tea back from holiday.

Try caramelising and then freezing your leftover onions to create an excellent base for future cooking of gravy or caramelised onion chutney. You can also add to salads, frittatas or simple lentil and pasta dishes.

10/ Parsnips

Try cutting up your leftover parsnips into chips and roast them to accompany your lamb chop. If chips aren't your style, you can alternatively mash up your parsnips instead.

Or, if you're looking for something completely different, you can grate them raw into a fritter or even add them to a cake.

11/ Peppers

Peppers can be used to upgrade any meal. Simple dice raw peppers into your salsas and salads, or add to tomato sauces, stir-fries, stews, curries, ketchups and chilli sauces to boost flavour.

You can also use them for a range of sauces and dips. Some examples include: a romesco dip, muhammara (blitzed with walnuts and garlic) or a sauce with garlic, spices and nuts.

Pesto can be used for various meals. Simply spread some on fish or chicken before baking or grilling to enhance their taste.

You can also stir pesto into your yoghurt, hummus or risotto for an added kick.

Or, you can loosen pesto with a drop of oil to then drizzle over a bowl of soup or stew.

13/ Radishes

Another canapé option, you can simply slice your radishes in half and use them as a base. Alternatively you can grate or finely chop into yoghurt with garlic, salt and mint to make a quick dip or use raw to add crunch to salads.

In addition, Mel says she loves to slow-roasted in butter for Sunday roasts, as well as pickled with fennel seeds and dill.

Tip: Don’t throw away your radish greens – they are peppery, so use them like rocket in salads or add to a pesto or salsa verde or gently fry in garlic butter.

14/ Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most common leftovers, but that doesn't mean they have to be wasted. Whether they’re raw or cooked, you can add them to salads, salsas, bolognese or blitz with other roasted veg to make pasta sauce.

Or, if you want to step a little further outside the box, you can also make Carrot Ketchup or midnight tomatoes.

After some extra kitchen wizardry? Check out Mellisa's top at-home food tips, below.

Melissa Hemsley's top tips for the kitchen

1/ make your dressings in finished off honey jars.

When you’ve almost finished your mustard or honey and there’s just a tiny bit left, make your dressings straight into that jar.

2/ Make the most of what's in your jar

Pour a little hot water into any leftover jars of chutney, jam, pickle, tinned tomatoes or ketchup, swirl around and pour into a stew, soup or Bolognese.

3/ Save your chicken fat

Save your chicken fat or dripping from a roasting tin to roast vegetables in another day.

4/ Boil your veg in as little water as possible

Cook vegetables in the minimum amount of water and, if there’s any leftover, add it to your stockpot.

5/ Avoid bad smells in the kitchen

A dash of vinegar or lemon juice in a saucepan of brassicas (like cauliflower and cabbage) helps with the smell.

You can also put a small bowl of coffee grounds in the fridge can help with other rogue smell.

6/ Make a frittata or soup once a week

Clear the fridge with a soup or a frittata once a week before you go shopping. If you can’t eat all your soup, freeze it or give some away.

For your frittata, add raw grated veg or chop in cooked veg and add leftover pasta and sauce.

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The Genius Trick To Make The Most Of Your Leftover Corn Cobs

Corn cob stock is liquid gold for the creamiest, yummiest grits.

What Is Corn Cob Broth?

How do you make corn cob broth.

• How To Use Corn Cob Broth
• Tips For Making Corn Cob Broth

Recipes To Try With Corn Cob Broth

Frequently asked questions.

Getty Images: Lisa Romerein

Whether it's boiled, grilled, or steamed, sweet yellow corn kernels appear in so many of our favorite recipes, from traditional creamed corn to seasonal pastas, salads , and soups —but what about the leftover cobs? Save 'em to whip up a corn cob broth that can be used to boost flavor in soups, stews, sauces, and even Southern-style grits.

You might be familiar with corn milk , which is a staple of many Central and South American cuisines and also quite popular in tried and true creamed corn recipes . It's made from scraping or "milking" the starches of the corn cob, most often by using the back of a knife or a spoon. From there, it goes into a refreshing summer beverage or back into any number of savory dishes to form the base of sauces, stews, or even grains.

Corn cob broth can be used in dishes that need a little help with thickening up, such as stews or sauces.

That's because corn cobs contain a great deal of starches and nutrients even after the kernels are removed. Simmering them in a modest mixture of salt, water, and any other veggies you might have on hand results in a flavorful broth that is sweet, robust, and can even be used to thicken up stews and sauces.

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Instead of immediately tossing or composting your corn cobs after cutting the kernels, place them in a large pot with water with a generous pinch or two of kosher salt, and bring it to a boil and then a simmer. Soon enough, you'll have a tasty, velvety-sweet broth.

Alternatively, break out the slow cooker, and let the cobs simmer in water with salt slowly and steadily all day long until the broth is opaque and rich in color.

Some recipes—like this one for Creamed Corn Grits —call for boiling cobs in milk, and the same principle applies: Heating leftover cobs up in any liquid extracts lots of starches and nutrients. The resulting stock is super flavorful and delightful to use in a wide range of popular recipes.

How To Use Leftover Corn Cob Broth

So you've made the corn cob broth. Now what? To put it simply, corn cob broth is just an extra-special type of vegetable broth and can be used one-for-one in recipes that call for either chicken broth or vegetable broth . (There's a reason why "corn" is a top ingredient in most vegetable stocks on the market!)

So when it comes to using corn cob broth in recipes, remember that it's particularly sweet and aromatic of—you guessed it—corn. This means it works well with recipes that already feature sweet summertime veggies, such as corn chowders, soups, or light pasta sauces.

In the wintertime, corn cob broth can be swapped in place of water for boiling pastas or grains like grits or quinoa for an extra creamy, flavorful result. Our Creamed Corn Pasta recipe is a great example of corn cob broth in action: It uses every part of the corn cob, from the kernels to the stripped cobs, which are used to enrich the flavor of the pasta water.

Tips For Making Leftover Corn Cob Broth

• This should probably go without saying, but it’s best to use corn cobs that you’ve cut the kernels off of, rather than cobs that have been gnawed on all summer's night long—probably best to compost those gnarled cobs that have passed through many hands (and teeth).
• If you're feeling bold and have oodles of leftover veggies to use up, add onions, peppers, carrots, celery, or any other vegetables that you might typically use for building a classic vegetable stock. Try adding spices like coriander or other sweetly aromatic veggies like fennel to build a simple stock with a uniquely mildly sweet yet peppery flavor profile. Just remember to strain out the solids before saving it for using later.
• By making your own corn cob broth, you can control the concentration of flavor and season it to your liking. The longer you simmer and the greater ratio of corn to water, the richer the starch and corn flavors will be.

When you've got corn cob broth in the freezer, consider making one of these recipes to use it:

• Shrimp Risotto
• Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder
• Crab and Corn Chowder
• Quick Shrimp and Corn Chowder
• Vegetable Soup with Cheesy Saltines

Let it cool in the pot (or slow cooker) to room temperature, then transfer it to store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Broth can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Yes! If you don't want to make broth right away, leftover cobs can be stored in a freezer-friendly zip-top bag and placed in the freezer until you're ready to use them to build a hearty, sweet broth.

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19 Ways to Make the Most of Your Barbecue Leftovers

When I’m hosting a barbecue, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach and my fridge. I’ll grill way too much chicken and make too many sides , enough to feed a small wedding. This level of ambition, although fun at first, becomes quickly regrettable once the coals have cooled, the beer has been drunk, and I’m left with too many leftovers and a palate prone to boredom. So there I stand, like a used car salesman, desperately trying to give away as much food to my guests as I possibly can. If you’ve ever found yourself with more barbecue leftovers than you know what to do with, this roundup of recipes is for you. Scroll down for 19 ways to use up leftover pulled pork, grilled chicken, sausages, and shrimp.

Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Salad of Dreams

To liven up grilled chicken the day after your cookout, toss the charred meat with a bunch of herbs, vegetables, vermicelli noodles, and a big drizzle of lemongrass and fish sauce dressing for the ultimate barbecue leftovers salad.

Cheesy Chicken Melt With All of the Onions Relish

Yesterday’s grilled chicken is pretty much begging to be transformed into this cheesy, melty sandwich loaded with an every-type-of-onion relish.

Breakfast Nachos

These nachos really lend themselves to customization and are an excellent way to use up little bits of barbecue leftovers, like grilled chicken or pulled pork.

Grilled Pizza

Not tired of grilling yet? This grilled pizza recipe works with a wide array of toppings, including burst cherry tomatoes, lemony Swiss chard, and tomato sauce. Shred any leftover pieces of grilled meats and slice any grilled vegetables to add to the mix.

Easy Fried Rice

Fried rice is great with lap cheong, but you can riff on this simple recipe with leftover chicken or grilled pork. Throw in an extra handful of vegetables, leafy greens, and some mushrooms for the perfect clean-out-the-fridge meal.

10-Minute Sausage Skillet With Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini

This recipe works with a package of pre-cooked sausages, but it’s even better with sausages that you’ve already grilled or smoked. They add a smoky depth to the buttery tomato sauce, waiting to be sopped up with crusty bread.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

Basil -chive aioli brings any cut of grilled pork back to life in the form of an open-faced sandwich.

White Chicken Chili

Hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing, white chili is a breeze to make and an ideal way to use up scraps of chicken you’re desperately trying to get rid of.

Grilled masa disks get crispy on the edges while remaining tender on the inside. Top with black bean paste, fresh queso, and whatever barbecue leftovers you have lying around.

Arroz Caldo

Cure your meat sweats and empty your fridge with this soothing rice porridge made with leftover chicken from a cookout.

Rustic Shrimp Toasts

This recipe was born out of the need to use up unsold raw shrimp at a restaurant, but it will work wonderfully with grilled shrimp too—just be sure to reduce the cooking time so your seafood doesn’t overcook.

Peach-Pecan Kale Salad With Hot-Honey Vinaigrette

To turn this summery salad into a main dish, just throw some leftover grilled shrimp, chicken, or spicy sausage on top.

Pickle Potato Salad

The pickle brine–inspired dry rub turns the potatoes and carrots crispy-creamy with a pleasantly sharp vinegary tang. Toss them, still warm, with leftover shredded chicken and crunchy raw celery, onion, and yes, sliced pickles for a double-the-pickle, double-the-fun dinner salad.

Sausage and Mushroom Toad-in-a-Hole

Mushrooms and a simple batter turn leftover grilled sausage into a loaded savory pancake of sorts for a perfect leftovers brunch.

Steamed Bao

This steamed bun recipe makes twelve perfect little half-moons with cloudlike chew, ready to be filled with grilled chicken, pork, or any meat you might have leftover from a cookout.

“Nextover” Chile-Orange Pork Stir-Fry

Turn your leftover pulled pork into crispy bits for this super quick gingery green bean and cabbage stir-fry.

Chicken Congee

Congee is leftover chicken’s calling. To make it extra flavorful , throw the bones and carcass into the pot and simmer until delicious.

Swiss Chard Beer Garden Salad

Dark leafy Swiss chard forms the bed for briny, salty mustard -macerated onions, aged or sharp cheddar, crushed pretzels, and kielbasa or bratwurst—whichever you happen to have at hand.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

We'd recommend grilling extra chicken over the weekend so you can pair it with a crunchy and refreshing fennel-basil slaw, stuffed between buns or slices of bread.

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Home > Articles > 8 Ideas for what to do with leftovers

8 Ideas for what to do with leftovers

Any hate for leftovers should be chalked up to a lack of good marketing. The word “leftovers” isn’t a remotely adequate name for the great gift your past self left in the fridge for Present You. It doesn’t capture their flexibility, or truly clutch nature. But once you learn what to do with leftovers, you truly understand their power, convenience, and versatility.

Even if you just reheat and eat, they’re still a precious commodity—tucked safely and securely in a glass container—waiting ever so patiently to provide an oasis of deliciousness amid an endless desert of daily to-dos.

Leftovers aren’t the unwanted, unloved scraps of past meals. They aren’t ghosts of bygone menus haunting your fridge. Nothing could be further from the truth. Leftovers are a golden gift and an amiable companion on your quest for satiety.

And leftovers can be a culinary springboard to new, tasty, and filling meals with little time or effort. Not convinced? You’ll find the proof in the eight ideas for what to do with leftovers that await you below.

If you want to expand beyond “heat and enjoy,” join our journey into the heart of delicious possibility and let your culinary creative side out to play. Follow along and discover fun, easy, and satisfying options for using leftovers.

Remix with a new sauce, fresh herbs, or a different seasoning profile

Sometimes a shot of fresh flavor can completely transform a dish. That’s the philosophy behind this approach to using leftovers. In a spoonful or two, a sauce or dressing can remake a dish of leftovers into a totally different taste experience. A dose of fresh herbs or a different seasoning mix also work the same magic.

Try this with one of our dip, dressing, and sauce recipes. Or use the compatible sauce or dressing of your choice.

Breakfast hash or scramble

Need to freshen up your normal morning egg routine? Want to know what to do with leftovers from last night? The answer to both questions is a breakfast hash or scramble. It lets your eggs and leftovers share center stage without too much fuss or extra preparation.

Almost anything can become a hearty, delicious breakfast scramble. So the only limit is your imagination. But leftover roasted vegetables, ground or shredded meat, and potatoes are your best bet for a traditional hash or scramble.

Salad topper

A lunch salad is an absolute classic. And it’s a food format that can benefit from a helping of leftovers. Dumping roasted brussels and butternut squash on a bed of your favorite greens is a perfect way to use leftovers and make a more interesting salad.

Soups, stews, or chilis

Nothing fills and warms the belly like a bowl of soup. Except for a bowl of stew. And chili, too, for that matter. Any of these three hot, hearty meals can be packed with leftovers. This is especially true if you’re roasting a chicken. The leftover parts and carcass can make a broth or add protein to the finished product.

Casserole or bake

This approach is more of a dinner option than lunch in a hurry. But the time and patience with your oven-baked remix will pay off. Veggies, potatoes, and protein can join some Whole30 Approved Kite Hill cream cheese or our amazing Whole30 cream of mushroom soup before being topped with some compatible crunchies.

This favorite is perfect if you have ham on hand, but could also be the basis for delicious experimentation.

“Sandwich” (Whole30 style)

Leftover turkey on a roll is a well known example of using leftovers. The roll or sliced bread is out during your Whole30, though. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a Whole30-style sandwich with leftover protein as the main attraction. Take a look at these seven options for a Whole30 sandwich that would work with a variety of leftover protein.

A hot wok. A dish of leftover vegetables and protein. A hit of compatible sauce, fresh ginger, and garlic. That’s all you need to stir fry your leftovers into a brand new dish. You can cook this leftover stir fry quickly and experiment with different flavor combinations. Some frozen, pre-riced cauliflower can give you a take-out-worthy experience. (P.S. The sauce in this dish is a great starting point for your stir fry.)

Top a baked potato

Few culinary canvases are as reliably tasty as a baked potato. The fantastic, fluffy filling of your baked potato really only needs some ghee, salt, and pepper to sing. But loading up extra flavor—in the form of leftovers, of course—takes a reliable favorite to a new level of culinary bliss.

You know what to do with leftovers—eat them!

Leftovers are amazing in so many ways. If you want quick, easy, and convenient, you can pull a container out of the fridge or freezer and pop it in the microwave.* It can be that fast and simple. But leftovers also have the flexibility to play a supporting role in a new dish or try on new flavors for a variety of exciting meals.

However you decide to remix, reimagine, or just reheat your leftovers for future meals, cherish them for the gift they are. Leftovers are so much more than the parts left from yesterday’s meals. That’s why they need a new name. How does “fridge treasure” sound?

* According to the FDA guidelines for food safety, 165 degrees is the internal temperature you need to hit when reheating leftovers.

The Whole30 team is a diverse group of professionals passionate about supporting individuals through the Whole30 program, a transformative dietary journey. We work collaboratively to produce a vast array of content, including detailed program guidelines, recipes, and motivational support, all designed to empower participants to make lasting dietary changes. We provide a comprehensive support system that not only guides participants through the Whole30 program but also fosters a supportive community focused on health, wellness, and sustainable lifestyle changes.

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I Asked 2 Corn Farmers the Best Way To Cook Corn—They Both Said the Same Thing

The experts have spoken.

Simply Recipes / Getty Images 

Corn on the cob is one of the best summer foods. I love to boil and slather it with butter and a sprinkle of salt. Do you have a favorite way to cook corn?

Not surprisingly, corn farmers agree it’s a perfect summer dish, and that the best way to cook corn on the cob is nothing fancy or difficult— boil it in water .

“To cook [corn], boil it for three minutes , then put butter and salt and pepper on it and go at it,” says Mike Buis, a farmer from Martinsville, Indiana, who farms 3,000 acres of corn and soybeans with his brother. Buis started farming as a teenager and is now in his 60th crop season. Bring the water to a rolling boil first. Then, drop in the shucked ears .

April Robertson of Robertson Family Farm in King, North Carolina agrees. "I like grandma's way of boiling it." She likes to boil her corn just a little bit longer. “We love to simply boil it for about six minutes after shucking and silking it,” she says. “This makes the kernels more tender while not robbing the flavor from the corn. And it helps it to stay very juicy.” 

Corn Farmer Tips for Cooking Corn

If you are going to grill or microwave corn on the cob, here are some tips:

Tips for grilling corn on the cob : Buis says grilling is a good option if your corn isn’t the freshest. “You need to soak it for a few hours to get that husk good and wet, and that way, it steams it when you put it on the grill,” he says. “The only negative part of a grill is that it’s a slower process.”

Buis suggests turning the corn four times—once on each side—and cooking it for 40 minutes to an hour. “We used to do corn for a lot of parties that way when we had a big pit, a lot of time, and a lot of help,” he says.

Tips for microwaving corn on the cob : If you want to use the microwave to cook your corn, again, soak the ears in the husks first. Like on the grill, wet husks in the microwave help steam the corn and make it more tender. Buis says it depends on the microwave, but you probably only need to zap it for two to three minutes.

“It’s alright like that, but I’m old fashioned and like to boil my corn,” he says.

What To Do With Leftover Corn

Don't even think of tossing leftovers when you have more corn than you know you’ll eat. “If you don't eat it all, then cut it off the cob and make cream corn to go over biscuits,” says Robertson. 

Buis likes to freeze young, tender corn before cooking it. He blanches it first. “Pick it, shuck it, boil it for just one minute, then let it cool,” he says. “Cut the kernels off the cob, put it in plastic bags, and refrigerate overnight.”

Then, the next morning, put it in the freezer. “You want to get the corn good and cool before you freeze it.”

He makes a lot of cornbread with fresh corn and some good vegetable soup. But not everything works, Buis says. “I tried deep-fat frying corn once, and that was a failure.”

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Clever Things You Can Do With Leftover Lemons In The Kitchen

Lemons are a giant when it comes to kitchen staples. They lend their brightly colored peel and distinctive tangy flavor to so many dishes, both savory and sweet. Yet much of the flesh of these beautiful fruits can often end up in the bin after the juice has been used in a recipe. While your intentions might be good — think: fresh lemonade or a citrus-based dessert – it's not uncommon to have an abundance of (whole) lemons languishing in a bowl on the counter or halved and quartered at the bottom drawer of the refrigerator.

And every day, you look at those lemons and watch as they go from bad to worse. Before throwing leftover lemons on the compost heap, however, consider putting them to use in a multitude of clever ways. From cleaning your kitchen to feeding flowers, let's uncover resourceful methods to utilize every part of your old-ish lemons, reducing food waste and enhancing your culinary repertoire.

Make a lemony dressing

A healthy salad deserves dressing that will elevate it to a higher level. Store-bought dressings are often full of unhealthy ingredients and can never compare to homemade, and with a few leftover lemons from your fridge, a fresh, piquant dressing is moments away.

The first step in making your citrus dressing is to juice the lemon. If your lemon has gone hard from being in the fridge for a while, roll it firmly on the chopping board with your hand for at least 10 seconds. This will break the membranes inside, releasing more juice when you cut it open. 

Grate some zest from the lemon too, and add it to the juice before slowly whisking in some extra-virgin olive oil. As you whisk, the liquid will become thick and velvety — the perfect viscosity to cling to those vibrant salad leaves. Add seasonings such as salt and pepper, dried herbs, and even some raw garlic or mustard if you want a punchy flavor.

Drizzle over your salad and enjoy the refreshing zing that lemons can add to your midweek salad. In fact, this dressing can be used to top any grilled vegetables or even a pasta dish and will keep for up to five days in the fridge, meaning you can liven up your veggies for the whole week.

Use lemons to stuff chicken

If you are planning to make a roast chicken for your Sunday dinner — or any other day of the week — try using leftover lemons to flavor the meat as it cooks. Stuffing a bird with lemon has two benefits — the citrusy flavor will infuse into the chicken, and the moisture will keep the meat tender and juicy.

To prepare the meat, cover the skin with olive oil and season generously. Cut the lemon in half, place half inside the cavity, and squeeze the other liberally over the skin. If you want a slightly more unusual way to impart the lemon flavor to your roast, try Jamie Oliver's tip — he boils the lemon with the potatoes, then stabs the flesh and immediately stuffs it into the chicken cavity. The hot lemon juice will add depth of flavor to the chicken flesh; be careful not to scald yourself in the process.

After the chicken has cooked, you can go one step further by removing the lemons and squeezing the remaining juice over the vegetables and potatoes to amp up their flavor with the caramelized lemon juice. The juices from the chicken and the lemon will have collected at the bottom of the pan to create a decadent sauce. If you wish, you can turn this into a more substantial gravy by adding some white wine, onions, and butter and simmering in the pan until thickened.

Make apple butter

If you are looking for a way to turn your leftover lemons into a comforting treat, including them in homemade apple butter is the perfect choice. This indulgent spread has notes of autumn running through it, and adding lemon into the mix will lift the taste and create a symphony of sweet and sour flavors. The addition of lemon gives the apple butter marmalade-like qualities, meaning it can be spread on toast, used in baked goods, or simply eaten straight from the spoon.

To make your citrusy apple butter, chop the apples (you can leave the skins on) and add the juice of half a lemon to a pot with cinnamon and sugar. You can also add lemon zest for a fragrant citrus flavor. Simmer for around two hours, then blend until smooth when it has cooled.

Once it has a buttery texture, scoop it into a jar and keep in the fridge for up to a week — though likely it will all be eaten before then. Add it to bread and pancakes, or use it in overnight oats for a delicious breakfast.

Make your own flower food

Before binning your past-their-best lemons, bear in mind that you could use them to delay throwing away another plant-based feature of your kitchen — your bouquet of flowers. Cut flowers will last longer when given a bit of nourishment, and although commercial flower food is available, you can create an all-natural food in minutes using those leftover lemons.

All you need is 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon bleach mixed with 1 quart of water.  The citric acid from the lemon juice creates a more suitable, lower pH environment for the flowers, in addition to having an antibacterial effect. The sugar nourishes the flowers, while the small amount of bleach keeps away harmful microbes.

This homemade flower food is ideal if you are picking flowers from your own garden, if your bouquet did not come with a sachet of food, or if you would rather use a natural option from your own kitchen. By using leftover lemons to feed your flowers, you're living more sustainably and reducing the use of single-use plastic.

Dry lemon peel for drinks and other things

Before you sip your favorite drink, stop to consider what it may be missing. Whether it's a chilled glass of sparkling water, a warming cup of herbal tea, or a sophisticated cocktail, a touch of citrus might elevate it to the next level. Making dried lemon peel from leftover lemons will allow you to have your soon-to-be favorite garnish on hand whenever you need it.

If you thought drying lemon peel would require fancy equipment like a dehydrator, think again. Citrus peel can be dried in the oven or even on a countertop if the room temperature is warm enough. The smaller the zest, the faster it will dry — bear that in mind if you're short on time.

The lemon peel can either be grated using a cheese grater or a lemon zester, both of which will give small shavings — or it can be peeled in long strips using a vegetable peeler. Finely grated zest will dry out in the oven within 30 minutes, whereas strips of peel will take a few hours. To air dry in the house, leave the peel in a sunny spot, if possible, and shake regularly to stop them from sticking together. They should dry out within a few days. Once you have your dried lemon peel, you can add it to drinks, sauces, and even dishes such as oatmeal or pasta.

Clean the microwave

The microwave is such a reliable appliance, always on hand to prepare a quick meal or heat up last night's leftovers. But for some reason, cleaning the microwave is a much-hated job, on par with unclogging the sink or scrubbing tiles. Food spatters in the most awkward places in microwaves, and the lingering odors can be unpleasant. 

Keeping the microwave in tip-top shape is easier if you stay on top of it rather than pushing it to the bottom of your to-do list. Leftover lemons can turn this dreaded chore into a breeze and have your microwave looking and smelling fresh in no time. The acid in the lemons breaks down grease, and the scent from citrus neutralizes nasty smells.  Using lemons as a way to naturally clean your kitchen means avoiding harsh chemicals that could pose a threat to the health of your family.

Cleaning your microwave with leftover lemons doesn't have to be a chore — it's pretty straightforward: Half-fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, then cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water. Next, you'll add the lemon halves to the bowl and microwave for three minutes. Keep the microwave door closed for five minutes to allow the steam to do its job. Finally, remove the bowl of lemons and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a cloth. Done! And now you also have the peace of mind that comes from using natural cleaners instead of synthetic ones.

Make lemon bars

Though lemons are famous for being sour and tangy, they can enhance desserts and sweet treats when combined with the perfect amount of sugar. With the addition of a few pantry staples, those leftover lemons on your counter can be transformed into a delightful and refreshing dessert after a midweek meal.

Lemon bars, for example, with their buttery shortbread base and bright lemon curd filling, are a great example of how sweet and sour come together to create a mouthwatering delicacy. Making delicious lemon bars requires minimal time and effort and will allow you to make the most of your aging lemons.

But if lemon bars aren't your thing, whip up a lemon curd and use it to make a lemon fool, lemon crumble, or a lemon Swiss roll. With a variety of sweet options at your fingertips, using leftover lemons in your scrumptious treats will be a joy. And yes, it's pretty clever, since you're cutting down on food waste and indulging your tastebuds simultaneously. It's a win-win!

Freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays

Having some lemons on hand to freshly squeeze juice into drinks and sauces is crucial for any aspiring chef. It's frustrating to open the refrigerator mid-recipe and realize that you used the final lemon for last week's gin and tonic. But there is a way to always have lemon juice available whenever you need it — hello, freezer!

Create a stock of lemon juice by freezing the juice of your leftover lemons in ice cube trays, ready to use at a moment's notice. Start by prepping your leftover lemons to make sure you get as much juice as possible. Soft lemons will yield more juice, and lemons that are past their prime have a tendency to be quite hard — you can soften those by heating them up, either in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for 30 minutes or by putting the whole lemon in the microwave for 20 seconds. 

Once you have juiced your lemons, pour the juice into an ice cube tray. You can add fresh herbs or chopped fruit to some of the cubes if you want to infuse different flavors. After freezing for a few hours or overnight, empty the ice cubes into a freezer bag and repeat the process until you have used up all your leftover lemons. You will now have a stock of frozen lemon juice at your disposal, ready to throw into a cocktail, iced tea, or homemade curry.

Make limoncello

Who doesn't love limoncello — the silky, zesty Italian liqueur that takes you to the shores of the Amalfi coast with one delicious sip? Its sweet but tart flavor is enjoyed as a classic after-dinner digestif, and it can be purchased at many liquor stores. But have you considered making your own? Those leftover lemons in your fridge may be the perfect opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure right in your kitchen. You will need to be patient between bottling the limoncello and drinking it — and trust us, it's worth the wait!

The basic ingredients for homemade limoncello are lemon rinds, vodka, and agave or sugar syrup. The quantities of each will depend on how many lemons you have. If you want to make a large batch of limoncello, you can freeze the lemon rind (peels) whenever you have lemons to spare and make the liqueur once you have the rind of 10 lemons. Add the peels of the 10 lemons to 750 milliliters of vodka (almost any glass jar or bottle you can secure at the top will work) and leave to infuse for a few days if you want a mild version — up to a month for a very strong flavor. Once it has infused, strain the liquid and add the syrup to finish off the limoncello. 

For an authentic experience, chill the limoncello in the freezer for a few hours before serving. Cold limoncello will have a thicker, more luxurious texture, providing a cool, zesty sensation with every flavorful sip.

Add to the dishwasher

While many of these hacks are great for using whole leftover lemons, this next clever tip puts to use lemons that have already been juiced and zested and are destined for the bin. While you may think you have made great use of your lemons in the recipe you are making, there is still life in them yet. Instead of chucking them in the compost bin, throw them in the dishwasher. The citric acid in the lemon can cut through grease and make your dishes shine a little brighter, as well as create a lovely, natural, lemony smell in the kitchen. Just be sure to place them in the cutlery rack to make sure they don't get clogged in a filter.

Another excellent way to put this concept to use is when you don't have access to running water — at a picnic, for instance. Pack a lemon, and having used it to season your food, rub it across your dishes after you've finished eating to clean the grease before putting them into your basket.

Make candied lemon peel

Though lemons are mostly used for their juice, the peel has just as much potential and can be used in a number of innovative ways. If you've ever tasted candied lemon peel, you will understand just how fabulous that citrus skin can be. Time to transform those leftover lemons into decadent crystalline treats.

Begin by peeling your lemons either with a lemon zester or a vegetable peeler, depending on what size you want your candied treats to be. Take care to include as much of the zest as possible without any of the bitter white pith. Blanch the lemon peels in boiling water, then drain, repeating this process two or three times to remove as much bitterness as possible. Then simmer in sugar and water (roughly 2 cups each) for around 15 minutes. Remove the peels from the syrup and let them dry — then toss in a bowl of sugar until they are well coated. Your leftover lemon peels have now become sparkling, chewy treats.

Candied lemon peels can be used to top cakes, as garnish for cocktails, and even to add tart sweetness to savory dishes such as salads. The beauty is that once you have peeled your lemons, you can still use the juice in other dishes.

Make gremolata

Italians are the masters of taking simple ingredients and transforming them into delicious concoctions, and they particularly excel when it comes to fresh produce. Gremolata is an example of such a dish, and it is a delicious way to use leftover lemons.

A basic gremolata has only three ingredients — lemon, garlic, and parsley. The fresh, earthy parsley complements the strong flavors of the lemon and garlic to create a dressing that is fresh and zingy. It is often used to accompany braised meat, traditionally osso buco , but it goes wonderfully with fish and pasta as well.

To prepare the gremolata, finely chop both the garlic and parsley and zest the lemon. You can add lemon juice to the mix, or just go with the zest. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, or pound together in a mortar and pestle to create a paste. Use the gremolata straight away to benefit from its freshness, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a week.

While this is the classic Italian gremolata, you can mix it up depending on what you have in your cupboards. Basil and mint take the flavor in a different direction, or you can add orange zest to contrast the lemon peel. Whatever ingredients you add, you will end up with a bright, flavorsome dressing that will elevate any dish.

Remove stains from the chopping board

One piece of kitchen equipment most of us couldn't cope without is our trusty chopping board. This reliable sidekick bears the brunt of our gastronomic activities on a daily basis and can use some TLC. The good news is you can breathe new life into your wooden chopping board with the help of one of your leftover lemons.

The citric acid in the lemon breaks down grease and stains, and their antibacterial properties mean it should stay cleaner for longer. You also have the advantage that the lemon juice will leave your kitchen smelling fresh for hours. All you need is salt and half a lemon. Rub salt on the board, paying particular attention to any bad stains. Then squeeze lemon juice over it and use the lemon to rub the salt across the board before wiping with a damp cloth. 

This natural cleaning method not only allows you to cut down on food waste but also ensures that your board is free from potentially toxic chemicals that are found in many household kitchen cleaners. This cleaning method can be used every few weeks alongside regular washing with hot, soapy water, ensuring that your chopping board will look great, be free from germs, and devoid of stains.

Tenderize meat with a lemon marinade

It turns out the unassuming lemon has yet another string to its bow: It can start to "cook" meat before you even add heat. Though technically cooking requires the application of heat, the process of cooking meat causes the proteins to be denatured, resulting in a change in texture. The citric acid in lemon juice causes the same effect, meaning that marinating meat or fish in lemon juice can begin the tenderizing process before cooking begins.

Marinating steak in lemon juice — or chicken or fish, for that matter — will not only lift the meat with a bright, zingy flavor but will also make the meat more tender, meaning that cooking time can be reduced to lower the likelihood of drying it out. In the Spanish classic ceviche, lemon or lime juice is used to break down the seafood protein, and the fish is not cooked at all. It is worth noting, however, that although lemon juice can denture the proteins, cooking is much more effective at killing bacteria, so marinating is best utilized in conjunction with cooking.

To create a citrus marinade, combine lemon juice (even from older leftover lemons or lemons that have been used for another dish but still have juice left), olive oil, dried herbs, and salt. Coat the meat liberally in the mixture. Leave the meat in the marinade for at least two hours to let the lemons work their magic.

Make lemon purée

The versatility of lemons is what makes them such essential ingredients in our pantry or fridge. From a tangy curry to a sweet, indulgent cake, lemons can lend their amazingness to a huge variety of dishes, and there are very few ingredients they would seem out of place with. While lemon juice is used in so many recipes, another clever culinary trick is to make a purée using leftover lemons . 

Creating lemon puree from spare lemons is not only a sustainable approach to minimizing food waste, but it will also allow you to create an ingredient that you can have up your sleeve to elevate dishes. Simply boil your leftover lemon halves in a pot until they soften, blend them up in a food processor, and store the resulting purée in the fridge, ready to make its mark the next time you need to add a bright, zesty flavor to any sweet or savory dish.

The lemon puree will have all the delightful features of lemon juice but without the underlying bitterness. It can be added to fruit desserts or yogurt to give a vitamin-packed zing — or lend its flavor to sauces and dressings for salads. As with lemon juice, purée can be frozen in an ice cube tray to make sure you always have some to liven up your recipes.

Freeze lemon zest

Lemon zest is a wonderful ingredient to have on hand to add a bright and refreshing touch to your cooking. Lemon zest has a more intense flavor than the juice and is great to use in baking and sauces without affecting the volume of liquid. The issue is that often, when a recipe calls for lemon zest, we don't have any lemons in the fridge — yet we use lemons so often for their juice and throw the zest away. The perfect solution to avoid wasting citrus peels  is to freeze the zest whenever you have a few lemons on hand, and it will always be ready to use when you need it.

The simplest way to zest a lemon — or any other citrus fruit — is to remove the zest before you cut it open. While it is possible to zest half a lemon, it certainly isn't as easy! Use a dedicated citrus zester or a fine grater to remove the zest, but try not to take too much of the white pith off underneath, which doesn't have as pleasant a flavor. 

To prevent the zest from clumping together in the freezer, spread it out onto a baking tray and freeze for an hour before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. The best thing about frozen zest is there is no need to defrost it; simply chuck it into the dish you are cooking and enjoy the zingy flavors it will add.

Make a buttermilk substitute

If you enjoy baking, buttermilk is likely an ingredient you use often. With its tangy flavor and ability to create a light, airy batter, buttermilk is a key ingredient in pancakes, muffins, and coated fried foods, especially chicken. If you need buttermilk for a recipe but don't have any in the fridge, don't panic — you can whip up a great substitute using simply milk and lemons.

The name buttermilk comes from the fact that it was originally a by-product of churning cream into butter. However, the modern buttermilk that we know and love is produced in a similar way to yogurt by adding Lactococcus lactis or Lactobacillus bulgaricus to milk. These bacteria cause the milk to ferment, creating that distinctive sharp taste.

Adding lemon juice to milk can create a similar tangy flavor thanks to the citric acid present, which also creates carbon dioxide bubbles when mixed with baking soda — a must for a fluffy batter. The good news is that the recipe for this couldn't be easier. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to a cup of full cream milk and leave for 10 minutes to react. You can then use the mixture as a direct substitute for buttermilk in your recipes and never have to miss out on delicious buttermilk chicken again.

Brighten your mornings with lemon water

If you're looking to start each day off on the right foot and be energized for the tasks ahead, having a glass of hot lemon water is supposedly a great way to start. Many health books and programs recommend this since the health claims surrounding lemon water are quite significant — including reducing fatigue, supporting a healthy weight, and even preventing kidney stones.

This is great motivation to start adding a glass of lemon water to your morning routine, but there is one small issue: Many of us are already pressed for time in the morning, and the thought of spending time juicing lemons to add to the water can be enough to make us pass.

To save you a few precious moments in the morning and make it more likely you will actually make the lemon water, try freezing individual portions of lemon juice in advance. Squeeze the juice out of enough lemons to fill an ice cube tray, then freeze and transfer to a plastic bag once they have frozen. This will free up your ice cube tray, allowing you to experiment with different combinations of flavors. You could make honey and lemon juice ice cubes, or lemon and turmeric, or even lemon and mixed herbs. In each case, you can simply grab a couple of ice cubes from the freezer bag first thing in the morning and add them to a glass of boiling water to release their wonderful properties.