Clever Ways to Turn Leftovers into Specials

The holidays are a whirlwind for restaurants, leaving chefs with a unique challenge: what to do with the inevitable leftovers? Don’t let that extra turkey, stuffing, or cranberry sauce go to waste. With a little creativity, those holiday leftovers can be transformed into exciting specials that keep your menu fresh and your bottom line thriving.

Here are some clever ways to repurpose your holiday surplus into customer-worthy dishes:

1. Reinvent the Roast: Sandwiches and Wraps

Leftover turkey, ham, or roast beef can take center stage in gourmet sandwiches and wraps. Think warm turkey melts with cranberry mayo, ham and Swiss sliders, or roast beef wraps with horseradish cream. Pair them with a holiday-inspired side for a quick, crowd-pleasing lunch special.

2. Soup’s On!

Turn extra vegetables, mashed potatoes, or roasted meats into hearty soups or chowders. A creamy turkey and wild rice soup or a roasted vegetable bisque can become the star of your winter menu. Bonus: soups are great for batch cooking and freezing.

3. Build Bowls with Flair

Customers love customizable options, and leftover ingredients are perfect for hearty grain bowls or holiday-themed salads. Use extra stuffing as a topping, cranberry sauce as a dressing base, or roasted vegetables as the foundation. Add a protein and you’ve got a winning dish.

4. Flatbreads and Pizzas

Transform your leftovers into a creative flatbread or pizza special. Turkey, brie, and cranberry sauce on a crispy crust, or mashed potato and stuffing pizza with a drizzle of gravy, can offer a fun twist to traditional holiday flavors.

5. Desserts Reimagined

Did you overstock on pie fillings or whipped cream? Turn them into parfaits, dessert bars, or even milkshake specials. A leftover pumpkin pie milkshake might be just what your customers didn’t know they needed.

6. Brunch It Up

Use leftovers to create brunch specials. Ham can star in omelets or quiches, while cranberry sauce becomes a perfect topping for pancakes or French toast. Even stuffing can be reinvented as savory waffles or fritters.

7. Holiday Take-and-Bake

Package leftovers into ready-to-go meals for customers to reheat at home. From turkey pot pies to layered holiday casseroles, these options are perfect for busy families who want a taste of the holidays without the hassle.

Make the Most of What You Have

Turning leftovers into specials isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about creating value and offering something unique to your customers. A little ingenuity can turn yesterday’s holiday fare into tomorrow’s star dish.

Encourage your staff to share ideas for repurposing ingredients, and market your specials creatively to your customers. Highlight the “limited time only” nature of these dishes to create urgency and excitement.

Let’s make this holiday season both sustainable and profitable!

What’s your favorite way to transform leftovers? Share your ideas with us on our social media blog post comments.