10 Ways to Reuse Easter Leftovers, No Mint Jelly Required
If you weren't able to send it all home with the relatives, you might be overwhelmed at the amount of food you have leftover from yesterday's Easter feasting (never mind the abundance of jelly beans and chocolate treats). So, rather than have a repeat meal for the next five nights in a row, use these helpful tips from our test kitchen to put it all to better, more inspired use. Sure, it might take a little extra finessing—but we promise it'll save you from some serious palate fatigue.
1/10Artichokes
Steamed artichokes can easily be turned into this knockout grilled appetizer. But leftover stuffed artichokes require a little more work to tranform: Remove leaves and choke, making sure to scoop out and reserve stuffing. Coarsely chop hearts in a food processor, then mix with stuffing, freshly chopped herbs, parmesan and sour cream, and bake until hot. Voila! Creamy artichoke dip better than anything from the frozen aisle.
Jonathon Kambouris2/10Parker House Rolls or Popovers
Savory bread puddings take very little effort, and are often overlooked. Use any combination of sautéed or roasted vegetables, cheese, and/or meat, and your stale rolls just turned into breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Courtesy D'Artagnan3/10Ham
Sure, you could slice it and cook it into your favorite omelet, savory muffins, or fried rice. But for us, there's no better place for leftover ham than on fresh rye bread with plenty of mustard, or on a griddled roll topped with a fried egg and a slice of cheese.
4/10Mashed Potatoes
We swear these don't need more cream and butter to be saved. Instead, turn leftover mashed potatoes into delicious crispy pancakes. Just fry them up in a pan, top them with sour cream, apple sauce, or an egg or two and you're set. Or, finally have a go at those pierogies you've been dying to make.
5/10Applesauce
If it's not going to the kiddies, leftover applesauce can easily make its way into oatmeal, smoothies, and baked goods. But mix it with a little lemon juice and freeze it in a shallow pan, and you'll have the easiest granita-style treat for later.
6/10Leg of Lamb
Feta and red onion make a masterful sandwich out of shredded lamb meat. A tangy tzatziki or minty salsa verde (no, not mint jelly), round out the Mediterranean flavors.
Hirsheimer & Hamilton7/10Peas
Preserve their bright, fresh flavor with a simple pea soup: Blend with sauteed onions, garlic, and enough broth until smooth, then top with freshly whipped cream and chives.
Jennifer Jenner8/10Hot Cross Buns
If you're not going to split, toast, and slather them with butter, these leftover sweet buns make for really delicious french toast. Slice and soak in a milk, egg, and cinnamon mixture, then griddle to a just-crisped, brown exterior.
9/10Carrot Cake
Cake pops seem like the obvious answer here, but real pros are much more inventive than that. Slice off the iced parts, crumble, and store. Then use the crumbs to top ice cream, layer into cakes, and fold into cookie dough.
10/10Hard-Boiled Eggs
We know it seemed like good idea dying two dozen eggs at the time, but now you're left with two dozen hard-boiled eggs to figure out what to do with. There's only so much mayo-y egg salad a human can eat, but hopefully by now you know you have options.
