In need of some ideas on ways to use leftovers? From storing turkey to reheating fritters, we’ve got you covered with these low-waste tips.
Upgrade simple meals with ham:
Omelettes are a great way to use up leftovers. Crack some eggs into a frying pan and throw in some chopped leftover ham, chopped vegetables and grated or crumbled cheese, and cook until the egg is set. You can bulk out the meal with any salad leaves you have on hand.
Use ham for easy, tasty lunches:
For quick lunches or snacks, ham-and-cheese croissants or jaffles are a great way to use up leftover ham.
Use ham to make savoury muffins:
Make a basic muffin or scone mix and add a handful of chopped ham and some grated cheese.
Give your ham and salad sandwiches a fresh spin:
Shake up your regular ham and salad sandwiches by using what you have on hand. Try combinations of ham, pickles and cheese. Use up leftover roasted vegetables, too, to make a ham-and-roast-veg toasted sandwich with melted cheese.
Whip up a tasty snack using ham:
Need a healthier mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up? Spread cottage or cream cheese on rice cakes and add some ham slices, tomato or avocado.
Make an easy bubble-and-squeak and frittata with leftover ham: this classic dish is a great way to use up leftover ham and vegetables, all combined with mashed potato. You could also make the most of leftover ham and vegetables by whipping up an easy frittata. Simply whisk the eggs and add chopped ham and any vegetables.
Make an easy bubble-and-squeak and frittata with leftover ham:
This classic dish is a great way to use up leftover ham and vegetables, all combined with mashed potato. You could also make the most of leftover ham and vegetables by whipping up an easy frittata. Simply whisk the eggs and add chopped ham and any vegetables.
Swap bacon for ham:
Ham is an easy swap for bacon in recipes such as salads, pastas, stuffings and fried rice.
How to store leg ham:
Get more slices from your leftover ham by storing it right. Soak a ham bag or clean tea towel in a mixture of vinegar and water, then squeeze out the excess liquid. Wrap the ham in the ham bag or tea towel and store in the coolest part of the fridge, soaking the ham bag or tea towel every few days. If you don’t have room for a leg of ham in the fridge, slice the ham and store in an airtight container. Leftover ham can also be stored, wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to store leftover roast turkey:
Enjoy more slices of your roast turkey by slicing leftovers and placing in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to freeze leftover turkey:
To freeze leftover turkey, divide slices into portions and wrap in foil, then place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 months. Make sure you label it with the date, so you know when you need to use it up.
How to reheat frozen leftover turkey:
Reheat frozen leftover turkey by defrosting it in the fridge first. Then place slices in a baking dish and add some stock. Cover and bake at 180°C for 30-45 minutes or until heated through.
Swap chicken for turkey:
Turkey is the perfect substitute for chicken. Use leftover turkey in salads, sandwiches, and rice paper rolls.
Use leftover turkey to make pies:
Add shredded turkey to make delicious pie fillings.
Use leftover turkey for a quick and healthy addition to meals:
Give stir-fries a healthier and heartier addition with leftover turkey.
Add leftover turkey to family favourites:
Give your favourite pasta bakes and pizzas a tasty twist by adding leftover turkey.
Switch up your sandwich fillings with leftover turkey:
Turkey sandwiches or toasted sandwiches are another great way to use up leftover turkey. Serve with salad or cranberry sauce and cheese.
How to store leftover cooked pasta:
Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. To stop the pasta from clumping together, mix through a little olive oil. Use it within 2 days.
How to freeze cooked pasta:
Freeze cooked pasta in a freezer-safe container or a sealable plastic bag. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil before freezing to stop it from clumping together. Freeze for up to 2 months.
How to reheat leftover pasta:
Reheating pasta is simple, just place the pasta in a saucepan of boiling water for a few seconds and drain. You can also place frozen pasta straight into a pan of boiling water and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Make quick and easy meals using leftover pasta:
Reheat leftover pasta and stir through your favourite store-bought sauce, then sprinkle grated cheese over the dish.
Use leftover pasta in pasta bakes:
Save time on your next pasta bake by using leftover pasta.
Use leftover pasta to make a healthier mac and cheese:
Use leftover pasta and add any chopped vegetables you have in your crisper. Then add a creamy cheesy sauce before baking in the oven.
How to store leftover roast potatoes:
To store leftover roast potatoes, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How to freeze roast potatoes:
To freeze potatoes, set them aside to completely cool, then place in a freezer-safe container or sealable plastic bag. Add a label with the date on the bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to defrost roast potatoes:
To defrost potatoes, place in the fridge and allow to defrost completely. Use within 24 hours. Add to curries or use as a pie topping.
How to crisp up leftover roast potatoes:
Try this simple hack for leftover roasted potatoes. Combine butter, garlic powder and paprika in the base of a baking pan and sprinkle over finely grated parmesan. Add the roast potatoes and cook at 200°C for 20 minutes until potatoes are heated and the base is all crispy.
Use leftover potatoes to top a shepherd's pie:
Chop leftover roast potatoes and sprinkle over the top instead of using mashed potato. Sprinkle over parmesan or pizza cheese for some cheesy goodness.
Add leftover roast potatoes to your favourite dishes:
Leftover roast potatoes can be added onto pizzas, in frittatas, or added to curries and soups.
Make an easy potato salad using leftover roast potatoes Combine some oil, lemon juice, mustard and herbs for a dressing and add some spinach or rocket, spring onions and boiled eggs. Mix together with leftover cold roast potatoes for an easy salad.
Make an easy potato salad using leftover roast potatoes:
Combine some oil, lemon juice, mustard and herbs for a dressing and add some spinach or rocket, spring onions and boiled eggs. Mix together with leftover cold roast potatoes for an easy salad.
How to store potato salad:
Potato salad – with either an oil-based dressing or a creamy mayonnaise style dressing – will last up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. To make sure your potato salad will last the distance, make sure it is refrigerated until ready to serve. Pop it back in the fridge after serving.
How to jazz up leftover potato salad:
Add in some leftover chicken or turkey with extra herbs and even some boiled eggs to create a quick and easy meal.
Make a toastie using leftover potato salad:
Make a potato salad toastie with potato salad, ham and cheese.
How to store leftover fritters:
Store leftover fritters, covered, in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to freeze fritters:
After the fritters have cooled down, pop them in a sealable plastic bag with baking paper between each fritter. This helps to stop them sticking together. Freeze for up to 2 months.
How to reheat fritters:
The best way to reheat fritters without becoming soggy is to cook them in an oiled frying pan over high heat. Cook for 2 minutes each side, then transfer to a plate lined paper towel to drain.
Make an easy breakfast or brunch with leftover fritters:
Leftover fritters make a great easy breakfast. Top with a poached egg and fresh herbs.
Make a quick afternoon snack with leftover fritters:
Need a quick snack? Top leftover fritters with your favourite dip for a healthy bite.
How to store leftover pastry:
Leftover puff pastry and shortcrust pastry can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure the sheets are covered well with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. However, they’re best kept frozen until you are ready to use them.
How to defrost leftover pastry:
To defrost pastry, remove it from the packaging and leave at room temperature for 20 minutes.
How to cook puff pastry the right way:
Make sure your oven is set to a high temperature. Between 200-220°C is perfect. Make sure the pastry is still cold and not warm when it goes in the oven. You want the layers to melt and puff as they cook.
How to prepare puff pastry:
Never use a serrated knife to cut puff pastry, as it will rough up the edges and won't allow the pastry to rise properly. Instead, use a sharp knife.
What to do with leftover puff pastry:
Leftover sheets of puff pastry can be used to make palmiers, ham-and-cheese scrolls, or tops for mini tarts.
Use leftover pastry on pot pies:
Leftover puff pastry is great on top of chicken pot pies.
Make sweet treats using leftover puff pastry:
Bake the offcuts of your pastry and top with glace icing and sprinkles for an afternoon treat.
How to store leftover pies:
Depending on the filling, leftover pies will keep, covered, in the fridge for 3-5 days. Chicken and turkey pies will last about 3-4 days, while a meat pie will last up to 5 days.
How to reheat pies:
To make the pastry nice and crisp, reheat pies in the oven or, if you made the pies in a pie maker, reheat them in that.
How to freeze leftover cooked pies:
Leftover pies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap in plastic wrap, place in an airtight container and add a label with the date.
How to defrost leftover pies:
Place the pies in the fridge overnight to defrost. If you're in a hurry and don’t have time to defrost the pies, remove from the container or plastic wrap and place on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towel. Cover with another piece of paper towel. Cook on high, in 30-second bursts, until defrosted.
How to test a pie is hot enough:
To test if a pie is hot enough, place a knife into the centre of the pie and leave it there for 30 seconds. Touch the blade of the knife – if the knife is hot, the pie is ready.