6 Creative Ways to Transform Your Leftovers Into a Second Meal

Use Rice for Stir Fry and Porridge

The next time you have cooked rice leftover, cool it down ASAP to prevent bacterial growth, says Nathan Lyon, professional chef. “To do this, spread it on a parchment-lined sheet tray, then transfer the cooled rice to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to one day,” he says. In addition to reducing food waste, this will increase resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that supports the gut.

Instead of quickly breaking down into glucose in the body, resistant starch “reaches the colon intact, serving as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria,” shares Kristen Lorenz, RD. The best part? You can use leftover rice for a myriad of recipes, including stir-fry, fried rice balls, and casseroles. It’s especially delicious as rice porridge, which is delightfully easy to make. Simply simmer the rice in milk with cinnamon and top with chopped dates, nuts, and honey, per Ann Ziata, professional chef.

Turn Pasta Into a Frittata

It’s common to have extra pasta, especially if you’re cooking a meal without a recipe. To use it up in one go, take a tip from Lyon and make a leftover pasta frittata. “Chop your leftover pasta into a small or medium dice, [then] sauté in olive oil in an oven-safe nonstick pan until thoroughly warmed,” Lyon says. Add whisked eggs, seasonings, and cooked vegetables, then bake in the oven for a hearty egg dish. “You can also quickly reheat pasta and serve tossed with a room-temperature sauce, like pesto, which will prevent the noodles from overcooking,” Ziata says. By incorporating leftover pasta into new dishes, you’ll be able to fuel up on carbohydrates—the body’s main source of fuel. Extra points if the pasta is whole wheat or legume-based, which will provide fiber, protein, and micronutrients, Lorenz says.

Heat Up Broth for Soups and Sauces

After opening a container of broth, it’s easy to forget to use it up, especially if you needed a small amount to begin with. The same goes if you’ve prepared a large pot of from-scratch broth at home. To extend its lifespan, “freeze leftover broth in an airtight container to use at a later date,” Lyon suggests. From there, you can defrost and use leftover broth to make a simple soup with your favorite vegetables (along with leftover rice or pasta).

Aside from adding flavor to your dishes, broth provides a plethora of nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals. Bone broth is especially nutritious, as it contains collagen, which may support gut and joint health, Lorenz says.

Slice Bread for Toasts, Salads, and Pudding

There are few things worse than stale, sad bread—but luckily, it’s one of the easiest leftovers to save and reuse. The simplest method is to freeze pre-sliced bread in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, then toast individual slices as needed, Lyon says. Otherwise, old bread is the star ingredient for perfect French toast and fresh-baked croutons, according to Ziata. Feeling fancy? “Make bread pudding or a panzanella bread salad,” she suggests. If you still have leftover bread, prepare your own breadcrumbs by baking it at a low temperature until dry. Next, break it into pieces and crush it in a food processor. Bread—especially whole-grain varieties—will help make your meals more filling and provide energizing carbohydrates. Additionally, the fiber and complex carbs in whole grain bread will sustain blood sugar levels, Lorenz says.

Turn Fruits Into Jams

Many of us know what it’s like to buy fresh fruit with the best of intentions, only to find them moldy and wrinkled. If you have extra fruit, freeze it ASAP to extend its lifespan. You can use frozen fruits in smoothies, baked goods, or homemade sorbet. Alternatively, consider turning extra fresh fruit into preserves, jams, jellies, compotes, sauces, butters, or mustards, Ziata suggests. Another option is to make dried fruit snacks in a food dehydrator or low-temperature oven. “Blend the fruit with a touch of honey and spread out on a parchment-lined sheet pan,” says Ziata. Next, dehydrate or bake at 150°F until dry (about six to eight hours). No matter how you decide to use extra fruits, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of health benefits. “Whole fruits provide prebiotic fiber, which supports good gut health and function,” Lorenz says. They also contain antioxidants, like vitamin C and polyphenols, which combat oxidative stress and support immune function, especially when the fruit is paired with healthy fats or protein, Lorenz adds.

Warm Up Vegetables for Snacking or Side Salads

Vegetables, like fruits, are another common leftover food that often goes to waste. Freezing fresh versions will ensure you can use them later—but otherwise, you can warm leftover cooked vegetables in the oven and serve with lemon juice or your favorite condiment, Lyon says. “Depending on the vegetable, you can also turn leftovers into soup by blending them with your stock of choice and seasoning to taste,” she adds. Another option is to use leftover vegetables (cooked or raw) in soups, stews, or salads, like this Grilled Honeynut Squash Salad. By incorporating leftover vegetables into dishes, you’ll be able to bulk up your meal while increasing the fiber content, Lorenz says. They’ll also add a plethora of essential nutrients, such as bone-supporting vitamin K from dark leafy greens and immune-boosting vitamin C from bell peppers.