3 Creative BBQ and Grill Recipes for Using Up Leftovers

In this blog, we'll share some delicious recipes and tips for using up those leftover Christmas goodies and reducing food waste. So before you reach for the rubbish bin, consider giving these ideas a try. Your taste buds (and the planet) will thank you!

Facts about Food Waste at Christmas in the UK

Christmas is a time for celebration and indulgence, but it can also be a time of excess and food waste. Here are some facts about food waste in the UK during the Christmas season:

On average, UK households waste around £60 ($78) worth of food during the festive period.

Approximately 10% of all food purchased in the UK during the Christmas period goes to waste.

The most commonly wasted items are vegetables, followed by leftovers and drinks.

The average household wastes around 2.2 kg of food over the Christmas period.

The UK generates around 4.1 million tons of food waste each year, with a significant portion occurring during the Christmas season.

Food waste has a significant environmental impact, as it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and waste sent to landfill.

Top Tips for reducing food waste at Christmas

By being mindful of our food waste and finding ways to use up leftovers, we can help reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season. Some ways to reduce food waste include planning meals carefully, using up leftovers, and composting food scraps.

Here are some top tips for using up leftovers at Christmas:

Make a plan: Before the festive season starts, think about what you will do with leftovers. This could include making a list of recipes to use up leftovers, or setting aside specific days to eat leftovers.

Get creative: Don't be afraid to get creative with your leftovers! You can turn leftover roast potatoes into potato pancakes, leftover turkey into turkey curry, or leftover vegetables into a frittata.

Freeze it: If you don't think you'll be able to eat all your leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them for later. This is a great way to preserve leftovers and enjoy them at a later date.

Share it: Don't want to eat the same thing every day? Consider sharing your leftovers with friends or neighbours. This is a great way to spread the holiday cheer and reduce waste at the same time.

Compost it: If you do have leftover food that you can't use, consider composting it. This is a great way to reduce waste and give back to the environment.

By following these tips, you can help reduce food waste and make the most of your Christmas leftovers.

BBQ Recipe Ideas for leftovers

In the days after Christmas, chances are you have a fridge full of leftovers. Here are three recipes to help you turn your Christmas leftovers into tasty meals! ​​So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy these delicious dishes while also reducing food waste. 

Gammon and Cheese Croissant Bake | Leftover BBQ recipes

This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover gammon (or ham) that you may have. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

4 croissants, sliced in half lengthwise

4 slices of gammon

4 slices of cheese (such as cheddar or swiss)

2 tbsp butter, melted

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

Method:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Lay the croissant halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.

Place a slice of gammon and a slice of cheese on top of each croissant half.

In a small bowl, mix together the butter, Dijon mustard, and honey. Brush this mixture over the tops of the croissants.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the croissants are toasty and the cheese is melted.

Serve warm and enjoy!

View this BBQ Recipe

Spicy Pepperoni Pizza | Grill recipes for leftovers

This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover pepperoni from your holiday charcuterie board. It's also a fun and easy recipe to make with the kids.

Ingredients:

1 lb pizza dough

1 cup tomato sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup diced pepperoni

1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet.

Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.

Top with the diced pepperoni and red pepper flakes (if using).

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Slice and serve warm.

View the Recipe

Turkey Tarragon Pie | Creative BBQ recipes for leftovers

This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover turkey from your Christmas feast. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients:

2 cups diced cooked turkey

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and green beans)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, mix together the turkey, frozen vegetables, mayonnaise, chicken broth, tarragon, salt, and pepper.

Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the turkey mixture into the crust.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is heated through.

Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

View the recipe page

We hope these recipes inspire you to make the most of your Christmas leftovers. Happy cooking!

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