Holiday Leftovers Made Easy: BBQ Recipes for Ham, Turkey & Brisket

Leftover BBQ: Creative Recipes for Ham, Turkey & Brisket

The holidays are filled with joy, laughter, and great food — but once the big day is over, most of us stare at the fridge full of leftovers and feel… a little overwhelmed. The excitement of cooking fades, and suddenly, the idea of crafting another big meal feels like too much work. Still, you can’t just let all that smoky brisket, juicy turkey, or glazed ham go to waste.

That’s where this blog comes in. We’re here to help you turn your holiday leftovers into crave-worthy meals that don’t feel like “leftovers.” Whether you’ve got smoked brisket from your Christmas feast or extra turkey from Thanksgiving, these ideas will breathe new life into what’s already in your fridge. 

And if you haven’t checked it out yet, be sure to visit our other resource: When the Smoke Clears: How to Store, Reheat & Repurpose Leftover BBQ — it’s the perfect companion to this post for keeping your BBQ tasting as good as the first day you made it.

Why Leftovers Deserve a Second Chance

After days of hosting, cooking, and cleaning, the thought of firing up another elaborate meal can feel exhausting. But leftovers are actually an opportunity — a head start on something easy, comforting, and delicious. With a few small tweaks, you can turn those post-holiday meats into entirely new dishes that are faster than takeout and packed with flavor.

Plus, let’s face it: wasting good BBQ is practically a crime in our book. That smoked turkey or perfectly barked brisket still has plenty of life left in it. You just need to know how to reimagine it — and we’ve got five tried-and-true tips to help.

5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Holiday BBQ Leftovers

1. Think Beyond the Plate

When most people think of leftovers, they imagine another round of the same meal. Instead, think of your leftover brisket, ham, or turkey as ingredients — not finished dishes. Shred, chop, or dice them up and use them as the base for something brand new.

Leftover brisket becomes the protein in Brisket Tacos. That smoky brisket can transform into a cheesy Brisket Philly Sandwich or hearty Breakfast Hash. Even ham can star in Turnover or Loaded Turkey Soup.

Pro Tip: Cut leftover meats into small, uniform pieces before refrigerating. This makes them easier to toss into recipes throughout the week — and reduces cooking time when you’re reheating.

2. Batch It and Freeze It

If the sight of leftovers makes you sigh, take the pressure off by freezing portions for later. Cooked turkey, ham, and brisket all freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Divide them into meal-sized portions and label the containers with the date and contents.

Later in January when you’re craving comfort food, just pull out a batch and reheat it for a quick weeknight meal — no need to start from scratch.

Pro Tip: When freezing, add a splash of broth or leftover gravy to the container. It helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the meat juicy when reheated.

3. Bring It Back to Life with Flavor

Let’s be honest: reheated meat can sometimes taste a little flat. That’s your cue to add moisture and seasoning. A quick toss in a skillet with butter or broth can revive your leftovers instantly. Layer in new textures and flavors — think melted cheese, toasted bread, or a little crunch from fresh vegetables.

For example, leftover brisket comes alive when sautéed with onions and peppers for a Brisket Cheesesteak Sandwich. Ham pairs perfectly with melty cheese and puff pastry for Ham Hot Pockets. And turkey shines in a comforting Turkey Noodle Soup with veggies and a rich broth.

Pro Tip: Add acid! A squeeze of lemon, lime, or a splash of vinegar can instantly brighten up reheated BBQ and cut through the richness.

4. Turn Leftovers into “Snackables”

Not every meal needs to be a full sit-down spread. Use your leftovers to make snackable bites or finger foods. Shredded turkey becomes sliders or quesadillas. Chopped ham can fill breakfast burritos. And leftover brisket? It’s the star of the show in nachos, flatbreads, or even egg rolls.

It’s a great way to use smaller amounts of meat creatively and make your leftovers stretch even further — all while keeping things fun and easy.

Pro Tip: If you’ve got kids (or picky eaters), turning leftovers into bite-sized snacks or sandwiches makes them more likely to dig in without complaint.

5. Make It a “Leftover Night” Event

Instead of seeing leftovers as a chore, turn it into a fun night with the family. Set out your different leftover meats, sides, sauces, and toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own creations.

Think of it as your own BBQ Remix Night — where everyone gets to play chef. From brisket tacos to ham paninis or turkey ramen, the possibilities are endless. It’s low-stress, zero waste, and high on creativity.

Pro Tip: Warm everything up at once in the oven instead of the microwave. Place different leftovers on a baking sheet covered in foil and heat at 300°F until warm. Everything gets evenly heated, and the texture stays much better.

How to Store and Reheat BBQ Leftovers the Right Way

If you want to make the most of your post-holiday meals, proper storage and reheating are key. Store cooked meats in airtight containers and refrigerate them within two hours of serving. When reheating, aim for gentle, low heat — whether that’s in the oven, skillet, or smoker.

Need a refresher? Our in-depth guide, When the Smoke Clears, walks you through exactly how to store, reheat, and safely repurpose BBQ leftovers like a pro.

Keep the Fun, Lose the Stress

After the rush of the holidays, no one wants to feel tied to the kitchen. But with a few creative twists, those leftovers can turn into something exciting — and even more delicious the second time around. From sandwiches and soups to casseroles and sliders, there’s no shortage of ways to breathe new life into your BBQ.

And remember: BBQ isn’t just about the meal. It’s about the memories. Those leftovers are part of that story — proof that you made something special worth enjoying again. So take it easy, grab your favorite plate, and make your leftovers work for you this season.

FAQs About BBQ Leftovers

How long are leftover BBQ meats safe to eat?

Most cooked BBQ meats will stay fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator if properly stored in airtight containers. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to reheat brisket without drying it out?

Reheat brisket slowly in the oven at 300°F, wrapped in foil with a splash of broth or water. Avoid microwaving — it tends to toughen the meat.

Can you freeze cooked turkey or ham?

Absolutely! Freeze cooked turkey or ham in portions with a little liquid (like broth or gravy) to retain moisture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I make leftovers taste fresh again?

Add texture and acidity! Crisp up meats in a skillet, add melted cheese or toasted bread, and finish with lemon juice, vinegar, or hot sauce to bring flavors back to life.

What can I do with small leftover portions?

Use small amounts of leftover meat in omelets, quesadillas, soups, or grain bowls. Even a handful of brisket or turkey can elevate a simple dish.