Every week or two our fridge gets to the point that it seems full of leftovers. Half or even quarter-full containers of vegetables, grains and proteins take over the space which could be occupied by fresher items waiting for consumption. Some weeks we are diligent about eating leftovers for lunch the next day but some weeks we just miss that target for whatever reason. Sound like anything that you have experienced? Here’s a short list of what we have done with leftovers.

1. Quesadillas. This is best for items which do not have some sauce on them or none at all, and depending on how many people you are feeding this is a great way to use little bits of leftovers mixed together. Best for: up to  3 or 4 items of approximately 1/2 cup in size.
2. Sandwiches. Similar to quesadillas but better suited to those who have larger pieces of meat leftover. Say, thin sliced ham from a holiday dinner or roasted chicken. This is also an ideal way to take care of the last drips of bottled or jarred sauces like barbecue, pesto, or mayo. Best for: a few servings of sliced meat, sauces to finish.
3. Stuffed Vegetables. This works well in the late summer when fresh zucchini or peppers are aplenty. I tend to do this if we have leftover rice, quinoa, or potatoes to add in. Best for: chopped or small proteins like chicken or beans, variety of veggies with no sauce or light sauce, if you have a grain to use.
4. Pasta. Base a dinner around pasta works well for most combinations. How often have you perused a create-your-own pasta menu? Same idea. Cook pasta, saute veggies in your choice of oil to reheat then chop and add protein. Done! Best for: most veggie and protein combinations which have no seasoning/ sauce, very little, or with which you use more of that sauce.
5. Soup. This is one of the easiest to accomplish. Decide on a base, chop all leftovers to spoonable size pieces, heat in a soup pot, then bring to a boil with some seasonings. most sauces used on leftovers tend to melt into the soup and add to the broth. Best for: variety of quantities of leftovers. Add a side like cornbread if it is missing from your leftover options.
6. Ok. this is a bonus. Do leftover night! Some families love this night of the week since everyone can eat a dinner which differs slightly from others.

There you go! Here’s to a successful makeover on your leftovers. Waste not, want not…right?