29 Fall Comfort Foods That Make Leftovers a Win

Fall meals have a way of showing up twice and still stealing the spotlight. That’s why 29 comfort foods are celebrated for being just as good on round two. Cold nights call for second helpings that are ready to reheat, making weeknights less hectic. The best part is knowing tomorrow’s lunch is already handled.

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish.
Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

French Onion Soup

A savory dish of French Onion Soup, topped with melted cheese and garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Making extra means soup stays just as good for quick meals later in the week. French Onion Soup bakes up with a thick layer on top that melts smoothly for reheating in single portions. Bowls fill up with plenty of flavor each time and leftovers never sit for long. You might plan to make it again soon.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds.
Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Slider trays work well for leftovers when nights get busy and lunch needs packing. Turkey Sliders stay soft after chilling and hold together inside buns for easy stacking. Kids like grabbing these for snacks or quick dinners. You’ll see stacks disappear from the fridge faster than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Pumpkin Soup

A mouthwatering close-up of pumpkin soup garnished with a swirl of cream, crunchy pumpkin seeds, a crispy slice, and aromatic sage leaves.
Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Single bowls make a full meal when extra gets packed away after dinner. Pumpkin Soup thickens overnight for spoonfuls that hold up for lunch the next day. Warm comfort is easy to find whether served as a starter or just enjoyed by itself. Most of the leftovers get finished before the week’s out.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible.
Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Warming up casserole for a second meal makes the day easier when time runs short. Cabbage Casserole cuts neatly so leftovers stack in containers and hold flavor with every bite. Some people like it even more after settling overnight. Great for feeding a full house with only one round of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Close-up of sliced roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with herbs.
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Big meals at home lead to plenty of ways to use leftovers for sandwiches and salads. Perfect Spatchcock Turkey carves easily for next-day meals and packs up for lunchboxes without drying out. Pieces shred well for soups or wraps all week. Let everyone mix up flavors with basic sides to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hearty soups handle leftovers well for quick reheats after work or school. Leek and Potato Soup stays smooth and rich for each bowl whether hot or chilled. Extra portions work for easy lunches or quick sides. Good for making ahead and storing for later.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese.
Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Casserole dishes give a full meal plus enough extras for busy families. Million Dollar Casserole has layers that pack tightly so leftovers stack well for lunches or freezer meals. Each bite brings familiar flavor and everyone grabs seconds at dinner. Slices heat up without losing their shape.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

A plate of golden-brown, cheesy sausage balls stacked on top of each other, with one ball partially broken to show the inside texture.
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Keeping snacks simple works best for leftovers during game nights. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls hold their crunch and can be grabbed straight from the fridge for a quick bite anytime. Good for breakfast or packed lunches. Extra often gets eaten up fast before anyone asks for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

A close-up of a sourdough cinnamon roll topped with creamy icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a plate.
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet rolls always mean extras for early mornings or late-night snacks. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls stay soft in containers and heat up quickly for a grab-and-go breakfast. Swirls never dry out while flavors deepen after sitting. People end up wanting another batch before the first is gone.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Chicken Salad Sandwich

A shredded chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, raisins, and a creamy dressing served in a brioche bun.
Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Doubled recipes help stretch meals when leftovers fit in sandwiches for lunch. Chicken Salad Sandwich stacks easily and keeps flavor strong even after a night in the fridge. School lunches or picnics just need a quick wrap to go. Extra filling often gets finished before anyone packs the last sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Close-up of a savory biscuit with a creamy ham filling, looking like a gourmet twist on a Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, served elegantly on a plate.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Packing up breakfast makes next-day mornings run smoother for everyone. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole spooned out in squares that stick together well as leftovers. Flavors hold up and plates come back empty every time. Good for prepping ahead for busy weekends.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

A square piece of pumpkin dessert bar topped with a swirl of white frosting and pecans sits on a cooling rack.
Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Dessert bars work well for leftovers since pieces slice neatly and taste even richer later. Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars keep their texture overnight so snacks last longer than you think. Fridge trays always go empty before the next baking round. Makes a reliable treat anytime someone wants something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Close-up of seasoned and roasted meat with crispy edges.
Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Thick slices end up filling sandwiches or getting diced for salads throughout the week. Copycat Honey Baked Ham stays juicy after chilling and packs full flavor for every reheated bite. Leftover chunks work for breakfast bowls or dinner sides. Most end up eaten before anyone worries about food waste.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Casseroles make easy leftovers for dinners or party trays the next evening. French Onion Casserole stacks well and keeps a smooth top layer even after chilling. Each spoonful reheats without drying out so plates keep coming back for more. Parts of the pan get picked at until nothing is left.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bite-sized pieces make storing leftovers easy in any container after baking. Loaded Potato Skins crisp up with every reheat and keep their flavor without turning soggy. Good for quick snacks or paired with salads at lunch. Most trays empty out before anyone thinks about making another meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Amish Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a serving of savory bread pudding with bacon and herbs being lifted from a white baking dish.
Amish Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

One pan feeds a crowd and leftovers stay good for grab-and-go breakfast all week. Amish Breakfast Casserole stays firm after chilling and slices keep their shape for easy serving. Good packable meal for school or work. Frequently becomes the top pick for meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

White Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty white bean soup topped with melted cheese and a slice of toasted bread, garnished with fresh parsley.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stews and soups always offer leftovers that taste better the next day after flavors settle. White Bean Soup fills up bowls with each reheat and doesn’t get thin after sitting overnight. Lunch stays easy when portions are ready in the fridge. Bowls come back clean even with little effort.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Banoffee Pie

A slice of Banoffee pie with whipped cream and caramel.
Banoffee Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet pies never last long once slices stack up in dinner leftovers. Banoffee Pie firms up overnight for clean cuts that are perfect after lunch or dinner. Good for quick snacks or surprise desserts later in the week. Plates tend to go empty fast after folks get a second taste.
Get the Recipe: Banoffee Pie

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pasta casseroles mean hearty leftovers for busy nights when time is short. Ravioli Casserole scoops easily after chilling so every serving heats up with full flavor. Extra portions work for lunches or another round of dinner. Don’t expect this to stick around for more than a day or two.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pie slices end up as snacks or breakfast after dinner leftovers get saved in containers. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie holds together with every reheat and mixes fruity and sweet without falling apart. Everyone asks for another piece after tasting it. Multiple days of treats from just one dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sandwiches get better with extra meat after big meals during the week. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork shreds up well and fits neatly on buns or wraps for fast lunches or dinner. Makes a strong showing at potlucks or parties. Leftovers almost always go before anyone asks for reheating tips.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Beef Pot Pie

A golden-brown homemade pie with a flaky crust, garnished with a sprig of rosemary on the side.
Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Storing savory pies in the fridge means leftovers pack lots of flavor when reheated. Beef Pot Pie slices clean and holds gravy in each bite after chilling. Good for packed lunches or family dinners. Likely to please that last-minute hunger with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie

Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with wide noodles, chunks of chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs in a clear broth.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bowls of soup refill fast with next-day portions for easy fixes after work. Chicken Noodle Soup holds noodles well without getting mushy so each serving comes out right every time. Great for making ahead of time before a busy week. Everybody agrees soup is better after the first night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Combining pie and cake gives desserts with leftovers that people fight over. Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake slices thick with flavor and keeps its texture after sitting in the fridge. Easy to move from dinner to breakfast if there’s any left. Those last slices rarely survive the next day.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Extra meat keeps lunches hearty for days with minimal effort to heat and serve. Slow Cooker Pot Roast shreds without losing moisture for great sandwiches or simple plates. Classic comfort in every serving. Dinner leftovers always disappear earlier than planned.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup garnished with herbs, seeds, and two slices of seasoned bread. The soup has a swirled texture and a vibrant orange color.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pureed soups fill up containers for easy lunches and single-serve snacks. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup stays creamy for each spoonful and warms up quickly in a pot or bowl. Good for meal prepping or quick bites alone. Most people end up grabbing it more than once a day.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Casserole pans give two meals in one with leftovers packed for quick dining. Chicken and Rice Casserole stays firm after chilling and lets flavors deepen for later bites. Good for working lunches or busy nights. Dishes rarely sit in the fridge for more than a day or two.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Best Chocolate Cake

A person holding a slice of chocolate layer cake with frosting from a chocolate cake recipe.
Best Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thick slices from cake pans keep dessert time interesting after dinner is over. Best Chocolate Cake cuts neatly so leftovers stack well for next-day treats or lunchbox surprises. Rich flavor improves after a night tucked away in the fridge. Plates come back empty before anyone asks for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Cake

Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish.
Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

One dish means less mess and plenty of filling leftovers to pack away. Ham and Potato Casserole holds up for next-day portions, and each bite warms up easily in a small pan. Kids reach for it first for after-school snacks. Extras barely make it through a second round before being finished.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

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.

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