What can you make with leftover Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham besides another dinner plate? Think sandwiches, breakfast biscuits, and simple flatbreads. A different spread can change the flavor enough to make the next meal feel fresh.
Finch + Fennel jams and relishes make useful companions for holiday leftovers. These serving ideas focus on small combinations you can assemble around what you already have, whether that is a few slices of turkey, extra ham, or a little cheese from the appetizer board.
Make a cranberry turkey sandwich
Layer turkey and your favorite cheese on bread, then spread on Cranberry Walnut Relish. Cranberry, orange, walnuts, port wine, and cinnamon bring a seasonal fruit-and-spice contrast to the savory filling.
For a different option, use Cranberry Bourbon Preserves. Add leafy greens for freshness, and use a modest amount of spread so the sandwich stays easy to eat. This works with a roll, sliced bread, or a croissant.
Try ham and apple grilled cheese
Pair sliced ham with cheddar and a thin layer of Bacon & Apple Jam. Prepare the sandwich using your favorite grilled-cheese method, letting the apple and smoky bacon flavors complement the cheese.
Slice it into smaller pieces if you want to serve it beside soup. You can also use the same combination in a toasted panini when you have a little more time for lunch.
Give breakfast biscuits a savory-sweet layer
Use extra ham in a biscuit with cooked eggs and a little Maple & Bacon Jam. It is an easy way to use a small quantity of meat without recreating the whole Christmas dinner.
If you enjoy heat, try Jalapeño Peach Preserves with ham and cheese instead. Keep the spread on the side when serving a group so each person can decide how sweet or spicy to make the biscuit.
Build a savory turkey flatbread
Spread a thin layer of Smoked Tomato Truffle Jam on a prepared flatbread, add turkey and cheese, and finish using a trusted flatbread recipe. The smoky tomato flavor takes the meal in a different direction from the cranberry sandwich.
A few cooked vegetables can join the toppings if they fit the flavor. Keeping the layer light helps you avoid an overloaded flatbread and lets the savory jam remain part of each bite.
Plan one meal at a time
Choose tomorrow's sandwich spread while you put the holiday meal away, then make a short note of the bread, cheese, or eggs you need. Having a specific plan is more useful than hoping every leftover will find a use.
Start with Cranberry Walnut Relish for turkey, Bacon & Apple Jam for ham, or Smoked Tomato Truffle Jam for a savory flatbread—and give the next holiday meal a flavor of its own.