Leading chef shares imaginative recipes to help households turn leftovers into showstoppers
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85% of Irish households plan to put Christmas leftovers to good use this festive season
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Reheating plates (55%) and St Stephen’s Day sandwiches (51%) are the most popular leftover servings
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A further 28% favour a curry makeover, while 13% reinvent leftovers into a festive pie
15th December 2025: Fresh data has found that over four in five Irish households (85%) are finding inventive ways to give Christmas leftovers a second life on St Stephen’s Day. With only 15% of diners admitting to binning their leftovers, appetite is rife for turning the day-after fridge into a mix of reheated favourites, stacked sandwiches and clever remakes.
The new research from Gousto, carried out by Amárach, reveals a nation that makes Christmas dinner the gift that keeps on giving and continues the feast into St Stephen’s Day and beyond.
More than half of the country warm everything back up on St Stephen’s Day for Christmas Day 2.0 (55%), while just over one in two build the classic St Stephen’s Day sandwich packed to the brim (51%).
More than a quarter get spicy, folding their leftovers into a beloved curry (28%) — a staple on Irish tables for years. And for around one in eight, pastry is the hero ingredient, transforming leftover bits into a hearty pie (13%).
To help households lift leftovers beyond the usual suspects, Gousto’s Food Innovation Manager Sophie Nahmad has created a series of fresh, playful ideas. Her recipes take familiar Christmas flavours and turn them into something a little unexpected, ideal for gatherings or anyone hoping to bring more joy to the slower stretch of the festive break.
Sophie says, “It’s clear from our survey results that nobody likes to see food go to waste at this time of year. To make St Stephen’s Day that bit more exciting, we encourage households to try some of these creative twists on Christmas leftovers. Who knows, you may even find your new go-to to replace the St Stephen’s Day sandwich.”
Sophie’s favourite ways to elevate Christmas leftovers include:
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Stilton and cranberry on soda bread crostinis: Thinly slice soda bread, brush with olive oil, grill and top with leftover sauces and nibbles.
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Crispy mini champ and Camembert bites: Sauté leftover fillings and tuck them into pastry for a warm and indulgent bite.
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Leftover Pigs in Blankets Bao Buns with Brussels Sprout Slaw: Soft bao buns pair surprisingly well with Gousto’s sprout slaw blitzed in a food processor.
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Mini pulled turkey and cranberry sliders: Slider buns become ideal carriers for leftover meats and sauces. A quick grill brings everything together.
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Mince pie no-bake cheesecake bites: Blend leftover mince pie filling with biscuits and cream cheese, then chill as balls or in a tray.
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Leftovers grazing board: Stack cheeses, sliced cold turkey, chutneys, nuts and stuffing balls for an easy festive spread."
Gousto aims to help bring more creative, exciting solutions to leftovers beyond the typical curry or pie. More festive dish ideas are available now on the Gousto Christmas Recipe Hub.
