13 Easy Ways to Use Up Leftover Ham and Turkey Today

Switching things up with 13 easy ways to use up leftover ham and turkey makes post-holiday cooking much more manageable. After a busy day of hosting or family meals, leftovers are a handy shortcut. Those extra portions work for filling lunches, quick dinners, or next-day snacks.

A close-up of a slice of quiche on a plate, with a fork beside it. The quiche has a golden crust and a creamy, egg-filled interior.
Ham and Cheese Quiche. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Turkey Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce, grated cheese, and chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the plate.
Turkey Bolognese. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bringing a winter twist to pasta night, this Turkey Bolognese makes everything feel cozier and more filling. Rich sauce with savory turkey helps stretch leftovers into another comforting dinner. I often save some for lunch since it reheats beautifully and always draws praise. Turning extra meat into crowd-pleasers never gets old during chilly months.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Bolognese

Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

A plate of baked crescent rolls filled with slices of ham and melted cheese, topped with black sesame seeds and garnished with parsley.
Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Lifting the lid on these Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls sparks instant interest at potlucks and holiday spreads. Each bite wraps creamy cheese and smoky ham in a soft, golden pastry. I like to offer these when brunch needs something grab-and-go. Party guests circle back for seconds, especially after tasting the first warm roll.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs.
Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

After big holiday meals, leftovers shine in this Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole layered for maximum winter comfort. Savory flavors come together in every scoop, mixing all your favorites. I find bringing one pan to gatherings keeps cleanup simple and appetites happy. The blend of familiar textures earns compliments as people enjoy every last forkful.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.
Savory Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Snack trays get more lively with slices of these Savory Turkey Pinwheels lined up for easy sharing. Portable pieces are perfect for mingling and chatting at cold-weather parties. I always notice people reach for another as soon as their plate is empty. These pinwheels transform leftovers into fun finger food with very little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Comforting Turkey Soup

A bowl of chicken soup with rice, carrots, celery, herbs, and pepper sprinkled on top.
Comforting Turkey Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm bowls help winter evenings feel more inviting, especially with this Comforting Turkey Soup steaming on the stove. Simple flavors and rich broth turn leftover turkey into a brand new experience. I serve extra at dinner since everyone wants to refill their bowls. Cozy soups make cold days fly by much faster.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup

Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

A close-up of two baked savory stuffing balls with visible chunks of onion, celery, herbs, and bread on a golden tray.
Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Finger foods steal the spotlight during holiday parties, especially when serving these Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls. Each ball combines sweet and savory for a festive treat that’s easy to eat while mingling. I put these out early as a snack, then watch as the tray empties before dinner. Mixing leftovers into something fun gives a new reason to celebrate.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ham and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy chicken and vegetable soup with potatoes, corn, carrots, and fresh parsley, served with a metal spoon.
Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chilly afternoons get more cheerful with steaming cups of this Ham and Potato Soup at the table. Creamy, hearty spoonfuls make leftovers feel fresh instead of tired. I prefer cooking extra so everyone can take some home for lunch. Soup like this turns holiday scraps into the highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Soup

Festive Christmas Casserole

A close-up of a spoon scooping a portion of creamy baked casserole topped with herbs, with a dish of the casserole and a spoon in the background.
Festive Christmas Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Holiday gatherings stay stress-free with pans of this Festive Christmas Casserole ready to bake. Comforting layers disguise all sorts of tasty leftover meats, making them feel unique and special. I make this for parties when kitchen time needs to be fast without sacrificing flavor. Guests chat about its flavor through dessert.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

A close-up of a tray of sesame seed slider buns filled with shredded meat, melted cheese, and cranberry sauce.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Savory meets sweet as mini sandwiches like this Turkey Cranberry Sliders grab attention at winter snack tables. Compact bites make a perfect party appetizer for holiday leftovers. I assemble these for game nights and watch guests come back for more. The festive color combo brightens any cold-weather spread.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini . Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.
Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stretching leftovers into a brand new meal feels easy with the comfort of this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini. Silky pasta, creamy sauce, and turkey help warm up chilly evenings. I prepare big batches for busy nights since everyone asks for more. Transforming odds and ends into cozy, filling dishes is part of the season’s charm.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Hearty Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Hearty Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pots simmering on the stove start looking even better with a scoop of this Hearty Turkey Chili. Bold flavors and a bit of heat help winter nights feel lively and full. I set out bowls for parties and everyone piles on their favorite extras. Chili brings excitement to leftovers while keeping dinner easy.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Chili

Flaky Turkey Pot Pie

A steaming chicken pot pie with a golden-brown crust, partially cut open to reveal chunks of chicken, peas, carrots, and mushrooms. Sprigs of rosemary garnish the top.
Flaky Turkey Pot Pie. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Turning cold evenings cozy becomes simple with a serving of this Flaky Turkey Pot Pie straight from the oven. Golden crust paired with a creamy filling helps leftovers taste brand new. I try to make extra since even picky eaters want a second slice. Baking comfort food with turkey at the center is always a good winter move.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Turkey Pot Pie

Ham and Cheese Quiche

A close-up of a slice of quiche on a plate, with a fork beside it. The quiche has a golden crust and a creamy, egg-filled interior.
Ham and Cheese Quiche. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Brunch buffets glow brighter with wedges of this Ham and Cheese Quiche as the centerpiece. Savory layers baked in a golden shell impress even casual eaters. I make this for breakfast meetings, knowing leftovers serve well for lunch later in the week. Gathering around warm slices starts winter mornings just right.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Quiche

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *