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    Home » Recipes » Low-Carb Keto Seasonal Holiday Recipes

    31+ Christmas Leftover Recipes (You'll Actually Want To Eat)

    Published: Dec 6, 2019· Modified: Dec 15, 2021· By Libby Jenkinson May contain affiliate links.

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    Collage of 31+ Christmas leftover recipes

    What do you do with all your Christmas leftovers? Do you dread eating ham or turkey every single day?

    Use your holiday leftovers wisely with these clever recipes (you'll actually want to eat).

    If you are fed up with leftover turkey casserole, these low-carb keto recipes are for you.

    Collage of 31+ Christmas leftover recipes
    31+ clever ways to use leftover turkey and Christmas leftovers for an easy keto dinner (you'll actually want to eat).

    Low-carb Christmas leftover recipes don't have to be boring, or difficult. All that leftover turkey can be used in so many ways, other than a low-carb leftover turkey casserole.

    mockups of Low-carb Keto Festive cookbooks
    Jump to:
    • Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
    • Can I use pork instead of ham?
    • What are the best low-carb and keto side dishes?
    • Recipes to use leftover turkey and chicken
    • Recipes to use leftover pork
    • Recipes to use leftover beef
    • Recipes to use leftover bread
    • Recipes to use leftover salmon
    • 💬 Comments

    These are the easiest ways to use Christmas leftover turkey or chicken, ham, beef, and even how to use leftover salmon so nothing goes to waste and to help you keep on track. All the low-carb keto recipes are gluten-free.

    What is a traditional Christmas meal? For many, it is traditional to cook a turkey on Christmas day but others like to cook roast beef, roast pork, a whole poached salmon, or glazed ham. And if you have just finished celebrating your Thanksgiving dinner, then you will need clever new ideas to use up your leftover turkey ... again.

    Most of these festive recipes are also very adaptable to whichever leftover meat you have for Christmas leftovers or Thanksgiving leftovers.

    Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

    Yes, chicken is a great and cheaper alternative to leftover turkey. Not everyone likes turkey but most people love chicken.

    All the keto recipes below can be used interchangeably for leftover turkey or chicken. You can even make most of these low-carb keto recipes with cooked chicken, chicken breast, or a rotisserie chicken

    Can I use pork instead of ham?

    Yes, you can use leftover pork instead of leftover ham. You can make a tasty low-carb keto casserole, soups, broths, and casseroles with both.

    What are the best low-carb and keto side dishes?

    collage of the best side dishes for pork
    Best side dishes for leftovers.

    Once you know to avoid high-carb vegetables such as green beans and mashed potatoes, you'll discover how many delicious recipes you can enjoy on your low-carb diet or keto diet.

    The best low-carb keto side dishes for chicken and low-carb turkey casserole are steamed vegetables, keto garlic bread, mashed cauliflower, cauliflower rice, and keto dinner rolls.

    If you want to know what to serve with pork, then go for cheddar keto biscuits, creamy asparagus, or baked broccoli and cauliflower.

    And if you are serving beef, the easiest side dishes are coleslaw, spaghetti squash, and creamed Brussels sprouts.

    If you don't want to cook, then buy a pre-bagged salad and make a 1-minute magic mayonnaise.

    Libby's Keto Tortillas Recipe
    These easy 3-ingredient keto tortillas will make you excited for Taco Tuesday again!
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2.1 g
    keto tortillas cooked and on a dish ready to roll
    Cheesy Keto Garlic Bread Recipe (mozzarella dough)
    The BEST recipe for cheesy keto garlic bread - using mozzarella dough. At only 1.5g net carbs per slice, this is an absolute keeper for your low-carb recipe folder.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 1.5 g
    cooked garlic bread on a wooden board garnished wth parsley
    3 Ingredient Easy Keto Pasta Recipe (egg-free)
    This easy keto pasta will blow your mind. It can be made from scratch in a few minutes and doesn't contain gluten, eggs, or nuts. The perfect recipe for 2 or double to feed 4.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 1 g
    keto pasta on parchment paper in front of rolling pin
    Low-Carb 3 Seed Bread Recipe
    This is it!! The famous 3 seed bread kiwis and Aussies are raving about. Perfect toasted with butter then sweet or savoury toppings. 
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 1.9 g
    multigrain seed bread sliced with butter

    Recipes to use leftover turkey and chicken

    Delicious roast turkey and chicken can be interchanged in many of these keto recipes. Whether you're looking for a low-carb turkey casserole, leftover turkey or chicken salad, or ways to use your Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner without anyone knowing these low-carb recipes will make your meal prep a breeze.

    keto Caesar salad in a white bowl on a blue and white cloth
    Keto Caesar salad with leftover turkey or leftover chicken.

    The ultimate high-protein keto meal, chicken Caesar salad can be made with leftover turkey and even leftover coconut flour cornbread stuffing instead of croutons.

    Keto Caesar Salad Recipe (High Protein)
    Keto Caesar salad is the best keto meal to order at any restaurant, but you can make it at home with a few simple ingredients PLUS the magic 1-minute homemade Caesar salad dressing.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 4.5 g
    keto Caesar salad in a white bowl on a blue and white cloth

    ABC burgers (avocado, bacon, and chicken leftovers)- perfect for chopped cooked turkey. The whole family will love easy turkey burgers.

    keto avocado, bacon and chicken burger on a white plate
    Delicious keto ABC burgers (avocado, bacon, and chicken leftovers)
    Keto ABC bun-less burger recipe
    ABC bun-less keto burgers are easy to remember and even easier to make for dinner tonight. Naturally gluten-free and so healthy and nutritious.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2.7 g
    keto avocado, bacon and chicken burger on a white plate

    Leftover turkey meat can be mixed with mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl, cooked as leftover turkey soup, mixed with cream cheese as a dip, or shredded leftover turkey can be served as a quick and easy turkey salad.

    4 Lazy Keto Chicken Meals
    4 Lazy Keto Chicken Meals - for lazy keto dinners: These 4 keto rotisserie chicken recipes are perfect for lazy nights when you don't want to cook! Learn how to meal prep + eat like a pro.
    Check out this recipe ...
    4 lazy keto chicken meals served in four different bowls

    Bone broth, don't even think about throwing those amazing turkey bones away. Save the turkey carcass or chicken carcass and any leftover vegetables and throw them in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and allow them to release all their amazing nutrients and flavours to make bone broth, turkey stock, or turkey soup.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
    Turn the bones from a whole chicken into delicious bone broth.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 4 g
    A glass of homemade chicken bone broth
    sliced pizza on a wire rack

    Fathead pizza, the most downloaded recipe for my entire site. Why not add any leftover meat here and add suitable herbs and cheeses that best accompany the meat. If you want to add leftover turkey, add some slices of brie, camberbert, and leftover cranberry sauce too.

    FatHead Pizza Recipe (Best Keto Pizza Crust)
    FatHead pizza recipe is the NUMBER ONE recipe that every reader NEEDS to make. It has won over many traditional pizza lovers who are never going back. See the conversion below to see how to make these using almond flour or coconut flour.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2.4 g
    sliced fathead pizza recipe with a pizza cutter

    Easy Avocado Boats - 3 ways - these are simply amazing with leftover turkey mayonnaise. Simply mix some leftover chopped turkey with 1-minute mayonnaise.

    Stuffed Avocado Recipes (3 ways)
    This is recipe heaven for those who don’t like to cook. Healthy easy avocado boats filled with tuna mayo, prawn cocktail or a baked egg with bacon bits. Keto, Paleo low-carb heaven.  
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2 g
    Avocado Boats served 3 ways on a plate

    Instead of serving leftover chicken or leftover turkey with traditional fresh green beans, mix it with a few simple herbs and spices then serve in a large lettuce leaf.

    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
    Slow cooker buffalo chicken lettuce wraps is a tasty meal that is nutritious and easy to throw together. This recipe is low-carb, keto friendly, and gluten-free.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 4 g
    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Using leftover turkey in a turkey casserole can get boring pretty quick, so jazz it up and find new keto recipes with this easy chicken salad (or leftover turkey salad).

    Easy Versatile Keto Chicken Salad
    This low-carb chicken salad is a quick and easy meal that is full of flavour and vegetables. It makes the perfect dip, snack, or meal.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 1.9 g
    4 ways to serve chicken salad and side dishes

    Marinade your leftover turkey with a few simple herbs and spices, coconut cream, and a piece of keto naan bread, served on a bed of golden brown cauliflower rice, is the perfect antidote to Christmas dinner.

    Keto Butter Chicken Recipe
    Keto Butter Chicken is a delicious Indian dish with bold and rich flavors. Served over cauliflower rice this easy dish is low-carb, gluten-free, and sugar-free.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2.9 g
    keto butter chicken being served in a shallow dish topped with cilantro.
    mockups of Low-carb Keto Festive cookbooks

    Recipes to use leftover pork

    Collage of 31+ Christmas leftover recipes
    Low-carb keto recipes to use Christmas leftovers (you'll actually want to eat).

    If you have any leftover pork and sage sausage stuffing, keto glazed ham, pulled pork, or roast pork will all work well in these easy ways to use leftovers.

    Keto Stuffing Recipe
    The easiest Keto Stuffing (Pork Sage Sausage Stuffing) you'll ever make! Perfect for keto Thanksgiving and Christmas. Gluten-free and quick to make.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 1.2 g
    collage of keto stuffing made with sage sausage

    Mix some leftover pork with a cheat's cheese sauce and throw it in a casserole dish, cover with shredded cheese and BBQ sauce, and you've got dinner sorted for tonight. A tasty casserole even the pickiest eater will love.

    Keto Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Recipe
    Keto Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese combines all your favorite comfort foods into one with a healthier twist!
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 6.5 g
    A close up of keto pulled pork mac and cheese being served from a glass serving dish

    You can use leftover pulled pork or roast pork and serve it in gluten-free keto dinner rolls for a quick mid-week low-carb family dinner.

    Easy Keto Dinner Rolls Recipe
    These mozzarella dough keto dinner rolls are soft, pillowy, and delicious with a crunchy crust!
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2.3 g
    keto dinner rolls in a basket

    Any leftover meat will work well inside a keto breakfast casserole or a breakfast burrito.

    Keto breakfast casserole recipe (egg and bacon pie)
    Nothing can be simpler than making a keto breakfast casserole (crustless egg and bacon quiche) - 1.6g NET carbs. It's the perfect high-protein breakfast and freezer-friendly for easy low-carb meal prep.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 1.6 g
    keto breakfast casserole served on a white plate
    Keto Breakfast Burrito Recipe
    Keto Breakfast Burrito is a quick and easy healthy breakfast option the whole family will love. There are so many variations of the base and the fillings you can make.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 1.5 g
    keto breakfast burrito served with avocado on a white plate

    An easy way to make a gluten-free breakfast that is also low-carb keto is by making baked ham and egg cups. You can add any low-carb leftovers from your Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving dinner inside.

    Keto Baked Ham And Egg Cups Recipe
    Add anything you like into baked ham and egg cups. What about sneaking some extra veggies in there? Extra cheese?
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 0.8 g
    baked ham and egg cups baked in a muffin tray
    mockups of Low-carb Keto Festive cookbooks

    Recipes to use leftover beef

    If you have been lucky enough to enjoy roast beef over Christmas and have leftover beef to spare, you can make any of these recipes.

    Mix your cooked beef with the cheat's cheese sauce and pour it into your prepared baking dish, making for a quick and easy low-carb casserole.

    Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
    A family-friendly easy recipe for low carb bacon cheeseburger casserole. Yes, you read that right. Your kids will guarantee to love this, the only thing missing is the bun and the soda - perfect!
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2.9 g
    low-carb ground beef recipes -Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
    Low-Carb Sloppy Joes Recipe
    A tasty sloppy joe that can be served over 1-minute muffins, chaffles, or between a keto bagel.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 4.9 g
    Low-carb sloppy joes served on a white plate.
    Easy Keto Chilli Casserole Recipe (chili dog casserole)
    EASY keto chili casserole recipe can be ready in 25 minutes! A healthy winter family meal everyone will enjoy. High-protein comfort food.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 7 g
    keto chili casserole in a bowl served with sour cream

    Fry leftover beef, leftover turkey or chicken, with a bag of coleslaw. Serve it as it is or serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb fast food.

    Easy Keto Crack Slaw Recipe (10-minute dinner)
    Have a healthy dinner ready in 10 minutes with this keto dish. Crack slaw is like eggroll in a bowl but with the delicious flavors of bacon. Perfect for dinner, lunch, or meal prep. Recipe can be doubled or cut in half.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 4.5 g
    crack slaw in a glass bowl being lifted by chopsticks
    Keto Hamburger Salad Recipe (Big Mac salad)
    This keto hamburger salad lets you enjoy all the flavors of a McDonald's Big Mac without the carbs or added sugar.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2.2 g
    keto hamburger salad on a white plate and blue cloth
    Keto Zucchini Taco Boats Recipe (courgettes)
    Super easy recipe for keto zucchini stuffed taco boats. A delicious and healthy Mexican meal for the whole family. Quick and easy.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 5.9 g
    Keto Meatloaf Cupcakes Recipe
    Versatile and easy meatloaf cupcakes are great for dinner, lunch or the school lunch box. Make extra as they freeze really well in an airtight container. They can even be used when you need a protein hit.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 0.6 g
    Mini meatloaves served with asparagus on the plate

    Recipes to use leftover bread

    What do you do with leftover bread, leftover stuffing, or even stale bread? Never throw it away, keep bread in a ziplock bag in the freezer and plan these tasty gluten-free dinners when you don't want to cook.

    • Fry leftover bread for quick and easy keto croutons for a leftover turkey salad.
    • Mix bread with mayonnaise and leftover turkey to fill avocado boats.
    • Make a quick leftover turkey casserole by mixing turkey leftovers, cream cheese, bread cubes, and leftover vegetables. Cook and serve your turkey casserole with mushrooms, mozzarella, and cauliflower.
    Low-Carb and Keto Stuffing Recipe (Cornbread)
    Delicious keto cornbread stuffing 3.4 g net carbs (low-carb and keto stuffing) - the perfect healthy Thanksgiving side dish the whole family will LOVE.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 3.4 g
    keto cornbread stuffin served with a wooden spoon
    Easy Keto Cornbread Recipe
    Whip up a batch of easy keto cornbread that is low-carb and gluten-free! Serve this cornbread on the side or turn it into stuffing!
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2.9 g
    A close up of food, with Cornbread

    Recipes to use leftover salmon

    A whole poached salmon can be a refreshing change from roasted turkey or chicken, so if you have any leftover salmon, these are the best ways to make sure it doesn't go to waste.

    Low-Carb Salmon Patties Recipe (dairy free)
    A quick and easy meal ready in under 20 minutes. Paleo low-carb salmon patties served with a lime avocado dressing.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 3.2 g
    salmon patties with lime avocado dressing served in a white bowl with baby spinach
    Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roulade (Keto Friendly)
    Utterly delicious high protein keto smoked salmon and cream cheese roulade. Serve cold with a large salad at holiday barbecues or sliced as a small appetizer.
    Check out this recipe ...
    NET carbs = 2.4 g
    rolled smoked salmon roulade sliced with lemons

    What is your favourite way to use leftovers at Christmas? How do you make sure you stay on track and keep eating low-carb over the holiday season? Leave a comment below, I love getting new ideas.

    mockups of Low-carb Keto Festive cookbooks
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    Libby Jenkinson in her garden

    I'm Libby Jenkinson MPS. A registered pharmacist, Health Coach, Cert.Adv Nutrition, mother of 3 and founder of Ditch The Carbs and Low-Carb Practitioners.

    Learn more about me →

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    Comments

    1. Wendy

      January 03, 2016 at 2:41 pm

      What crackers fit the LCHF eating plan

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        January 04, 2016 at 8:24 pm

        Try these crackers, they are grain free and crunchy. Alternatively, I use cucumber slices now instead of crackers. Simple, nutritious and low carb.

        Reply
    2. Carolyn

      December 22, 2015 at 5:32 pm

      Thanks for including me, Libby! Pinning this...

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        December 24, 2015 at 9:57 am

        It was my pleasure to include you and your fabulous recipe. Have a great Christmas, Libby x

        Reply

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    I'm Libby Jenkinson, MPS. A registered pharmacist, Health Coach, Cert.Adv Nutrition, mother of 3 and founder of Ditch The Carbs and Low-Carb Practitioners. READ MORE→

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