Leftover rice, half a rotisserie chicken, stale bread? Pick what you need to use up and we will find recipes that turn it into a new meal. It saves money, cuts food waste and usually saves time, because part of the cooking is already done.
Recipe ideas for common leftovers
Leftover rice
5 Easy Summer Crockpot Dinners730 min · 11 ingredients
Spicy Peanut Noodles: A Vegan 30-Minute Meal30 min · 16 ingredients
30-Minute Meals: Vegetarian Curry with Rice30 min · 9 ingredients
Quick Vegetarian Pad Thai: A Simplified Recipe20 min · 16 ingredientsLeftover chicken
30-Minute Chicken au Poivre Recipe (Creamy Peppercorn)30 min · 10 ingredients
30-Minute Meals: Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps30 min · 5 ingredients
Budget-Friendly Quick Meals: Delicious Soups and Stews for Cold Nights30 min · 15 ingredients
Budget-Friendly Quick Meals: Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup10 min · 9 ingredientsLeftover bread
Quick & Healthy Breakfast for Muscle Gain10 min · 7 ingredients
Budget-Friendly Quick Meals: The Magic of Eggs12 min · 9 ingredients
Budget-Friendly Quick Meals: Quick and Easy Tuna Melts13 min · 7 ingredients
Easy Summer Meals Ready in 20 Min20 min · 10 ingredientsLeftover pasta
30-Minute Meals: Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella30 min · 11 ingredients
30-Minute Meals: Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach25 min · 11 ingredients
Quick Tomato Basil Pasta25 min · 11 ingredients
Budget-Friendly Quick Meals: The Power of Pantry Staples25 min · 12 ingredientsLeftover potatoes
Budget-Friendly Quick Meals30 min · 7 ingredients
Quick Vegetarian Gratin: Potato and Gruyere Gratin30 min · 8 ingredients
Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers: A 30-Minute Meal Classic30 min · 10 ingredients
One-Pan Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes: A Healthy Dinner35 min · 8 ingredientsLeftover ground beef
30-Minute Pumpkin Chili Recipe (Easy One-Pot Dinner)30 min · 14 ingredients
One-Pan Nachos: Your Ultimate Quick & Easy Party Please!25 min · 14 ingredients
One-Pan Taco Bake: Family-Friendly Mexican30 min · 15 ingredients
Quick Chili Recipe: A 30-Minute Meal for Cold Nights30 min · 16 ingredientsLeftover tortillas
Quick Beach Snacks for Kids12 min · 5 ingredients30-Minute Meals: Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps30 min · 5 ingredients
30-Minute Meals: Breakfast Burritos with Eggs, Sausage, and Cheese30 min · 8 ingredientsBudget-Friendly Quick Meals: The Magic of Eggs12 min · 9 ingredientsLeftover eggs
How to use the Leftover Recipe Finder
- Tap the leftovers you have, or type them in the box.
- Add any fresh ingredients you also want to use.
- Press "Find recipes" to see matches ranked by what you already have.
Examples
Day-old rice is perfect for fried rice, rice bowls and stuffed peppers: it is drier, so it crisps instead of turning mushy.
Shred it for quesadillas, wraps, soups, salads and pasta. Add it at the end so it only needs to heat through.
Make croutons, French toast, breadcrumbs, strata or bread pudding.
Popular recipes
Halloween Mummy Hot Dogs (Easy 20-Minute Kids Dinner)20 min · 5 ingredients
Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies (30 Minutes)30 min · 13 ingredients
20-Minute Fall Broth Bowls (Miso Ginger Butternut Squash)20 min · 12 ingredients
Easy Fall Charcuterie Board (Build It in 15 Minutes)15 min · 11 ingredients30-Minute Pumpkin Chili Recipe (Easy One-Pot Dinner)30 min · 14 ingredients30-Minute Chicken au Poivre Recipe (Creamy Peppercorn)30 min · 10 ingredients
Kids Lunch Box Meals That Actually Get Eaten (Plus Meal Prep Strategies)30 min · 8 ingredients
Rich Flourless Chocolate Cake: Decadent, Naturally Gluten-Free & Surprisingly Simple30 min · 7 ingredientsFrequently asked questions
How long do leftovers keep in the fridge?
Most cooked leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Cooked rice is best eaten within 1 to 2 days. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Most cooked meats, soups, sauces and grains freeze well for 2 to 3 months. Cool them quickly and freeze in flat bags or shallow containers.
How should I reheat leftovers safely?
Reheat until steaming hot all the way through, 165°F (74°C). Reheat only the portion you will eat, and reheat it only once.
Why is cold rice better for fried rice?
Chilled rice loses surface moisture, so the grains separate and fry instead of clumping together.