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Summer is in full swing and the 4th of July is right around the corner, so naturally, it’s time to bust out that barbecue set and grill ALL THE THINGS. But after you’ve spent a weekend (or many weekends) grilling, chances are you’ll end up with a freezer full of leftovers.
Instead of trashing all that perfectly good food or eating the same old thing for the next few meals, try out one of these 15 recipes that will not only put your leftovers to good use, but will also transform them into entirely different and tasty eats.
Table for Two
Grilled Corn Fritters
Sweet, crisp and refreshing, these grilled corn fritters are the bees’ knees. Take all those ears of corn that have already been grilled and turn them into crunchy corn fritters to snack on the next day. (via Table for Two)
Bon Appétit
Grilled Chicken Tacos
When in doubt, make a taco. Add some crisp radishes and slices of avocado for a light and refreshing summer bite. (via Bon Appétit)
Neighborhood Food
Easy Spicy Shakshuka
This Middle Eastern one-pot wonder is the perfect place to throw in all those leftover grilled accompaniments, like tomatoes, onions and peppers. Runny, poached eggs and a thick tomato base make for a hearty breakfast the next morning. (via Neighborhood Food)
She Wears Many Hats
Chicken Pot Pie
Pot pies are traditionally made with roast chicken, but we see no reason why grilled chicken won’t work just as well. The puff pastry topping turns this homey dish into a little present we can’t wait to get our spoons into. (via She Wears Many Hats)
Cook Eat Paleo
Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Turn grilled pineapple into a salsa that packs a smokey punch. Use it as a fresh accompaniment to almost anything, including those leftover chicken tacos above. (via Cook Eat Paleo)
Little Leopard Book
Tomato Herb Cheddar Bread Pudding
Hot dog buns may not be high on your list of foods to save, but why wouldn’t they be when you can turn them into a cheesy bread pudding? (via Little Leopard Book)
Creole Contessa
Steak and Sausage Hash
Steak, ribs, sausages, bacon… let your imagination run wild with this cheesy hash recipe. Another bonus: Cold, pre-cooked potatoes crisp up better than fresh ones, so this dish is just begging to be made using leftovers. (via Creole Contessa)
Recipe Runner
Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Like tacos and fried rice, pizzas are a great blank slate to cover with anything and everything. Try this variation with chicken, onions, corn and cilantro or come up with your own pie using whatever leftovers you may have. (via Recipe Runner)
Minimalist Baker
Sweet Potato and Orange Smoothie
Sweet potatoes are packed with good stuff like vitamins A and C + loads of fiber. This healthy smoothie is exactly what you need after a day of heavy drinking and greasy food. (via Minimalist Baker)
Tara Rochford Nutrition
Baked Root Vegetable Hash
This hearty hash can be made with any and all veggies you may have already grilled up, including cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, beets and carrots. Throw a fried egg on top for a complete and nutritious breakfast. (via Tara Rochford Nutrition)
Food and Wine
Grilled Salmon Sandwiches
Using leftover seafood can be a little questionable, so make sure to store cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate within a couple hours of cooking. To be on the safe side, use it the next day for lunch to make a sandwich. We love the sound of this upscale BLT with layered salmon, bacon and watercress. (via Food and Wine)
Food 52
Grilled Bread Salad
Turn burger buns and other breads into glorified croutons for this grilled bread salad. Toss it with some broccoli rabe and squash for a side dish that’s perfect for summer. (via Food52)
What are your favorite ways to cook leftovers? Leave us a comment and let us know.
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