That magical week between Christmas and New Year’s is a time to relax, reflect, and of course, eat! The hustle of holiday cooking is done, but we’re not quite ready for the New Year’s Eve festivities. This in-between period calls for comfort foods, creative leftover ideas, and a mix of light and hearty dishes to keep us cozy. Here’s a list of 10 delicious options to inspire your table during this quiet yet indulgent stretch of the holiday season.
1. Turkey Pot Pie
Introduction: Christmas turkey leftovers find a second life in this comforting pot pie. With a flaky, golden crust and a creamy filling loaded with turkey, vegetables, and herbs, this dish feels like a warm hug. It’s an ideal way to use up leftovers while creating something that feels entirely new. Best of all, it freezes well if you’re prepping for busy post-holiday days.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 cup chicken or turkey stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, combine turkey, vegetables, stock, and cream. Heat until thickened.
- Pour the mixture into a pie dish, cover with the pie crust, and seal the edges.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
2. Bubble and Squeak
Introduction: A British classic, bubble and squeak is a genius way to turn leftover vegetables into something exciting. The dish combines mashed potatoes, cabbage, and other veggies into a crispy, golden pancake. Whether served as a side or a standalone meal with a fried egg on top, it’s a fun, frugal, and satisfying dish that reduces food waste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup cooked cabbage, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots or Brussels sprouts, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until combined.
- Heat butter in a skillet and shape the mixture into patties.
- Cook until each side is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Ham and Bean Soup
Introduction: After a rich Christmas dinner, this hearty soup is a lighter yet satisfying choice. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, and the beans add a creamy texture and protein-packed boost. This soup warms you from the inside out, making it the perfect meal for a chilly, laid-back evening at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced leftover ham
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups chicken stock
Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté onion and carrots until softened.
- Add ham, beans, and chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with crusty bread.
4. Shepherd’s Pie
Introduction: If comfort food had a crown, shepherd’s pie would be royalty. This dish layers a savory filling of ground meat and vegetables under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s cozy, filling, and ideal for feeding a crowd—or just keeping leftovers for yourself. Plus, it’s easy to adjust for dietary preferences by swapping in ground turkey or lentils.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup peas and carrots
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
Directions:
- Cook lamb and onion in a skillet until browned.
- Stir in peas and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Layer in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
5. Lentil and Vegetable Stew
Introduction: After the indulgence of Christmas, a bowl of lentil stew feels like the reset button your body needs. Packed with protein, fiber, and hearty vegetables, this stew is wholesome without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel virtuous yet still warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Directions:
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in a pot until softened.
- Add lentils and vegetable broth. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
6. Baked Mac and Cheese
Introduction: Sometimes you just need a little indulgence, even after Christmas. Enter baked mac and cheese: creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a casual family dinner or as a side for New Year’s prep dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
Directions:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- Make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in milk. Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine with macaroni, place in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
7. Vegetarian Grain Bowls
Introduction: After rich holiday meals, a vibrant grain bowl is a welcome change. Packed with roasted vegetables, hearty grains, and a zesty dressing, it’s light yet satisfying. These bowls are endlessly customizable, making them a perfect option for using up odds and ends from your fridge. Plus, they’re as visually appealing as they are nourishing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa or farro, cooked
- 1 cup roasted vegetables (e.g., sweet potato, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts)
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, roasted
- 2 tbsp tahini dressing
Directions:
- Cook grains according to package instructions.
- Arrange grains, roasted vegetables, and chickpeas in a bowl.
- Drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle with herbs or nuts for extra flavor.
8. Turkey Noodle Soup
Introduction: This classic soup is like a cozy sweater for your stomach. It’s a simple, delicious way to use leftover turkey and warm up during the chilly days between holidays. Packed with tender noodles, vegetables, and savory broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Make a big batch—you’ll thank yourself later.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken stock
Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté carrots and celery until softened.
- Add stock, turkey, and noodles, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
9. Mini Quiches
Introduction: Mini quiches are the perfect in-between snack or light meal. They’re portable, versatile, and great for grazing while preparing for New Year’s festivities. Whether filled with spinach and feta or ham and cheddar, these little bites are a crowd-pleaser—and an easy make-ahead option for busy days.
Ingredients:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or feta)
- 1/2 cup cooked fillings (e.g., spinach, ham, or mushrooms)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut pie crust into small circles and press into a mini muffin tin.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cheese, and fillings together. Pour into crusts.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until set.
10. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Introduction: Nothing says “lazy holiday morning” like warm, gooey cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. These homemade treats are worth the effort, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and sugar. Serve them with a drizzle of cream cheese icing and a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgent breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp cream cheese
Directions:
- Mix flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, and egg to form a dough. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out dough, spread with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. Roll into a log and cut into rolls.
- Place in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Drizzle with icing before serving.
