A Texas holiday table often looks a little different from those elsewhere. Traditional roast turkey and mashed potatoes might be accompanied by the aroma of mesquite smoke, roasted pecans, and queso bubbling away on the stove. This is due to the Lone Star State’s unique culinary heritage, which combines the best of Texas barbeque, Southern cooking, and Tex-Mex flavors.
Holiday gatherings are all about family and flavor, where Texas tradition and creativity play a big role in the celebration. Sometimes the best part is figuring out what to do with all the leftovers, and this is where holiday leftover recipes really shine.
Starters and Appetizers
Every good celebration kicks off with some tasty appetisers, and in Texas, these often set the tone for what’s to come.
Smoked Turkey & Jalapeño Popper Dip
Take some leftover smoked turkey, shred it into fine strips, and fold it into a jalapeño popper dip. This combination of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, diced jalapeños, and smoky meat makes the ultimate savory warm-up. Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread crackers and let everyone dive right in.
Brisket Queso Combo with Goode’s BBQ Sauce
Leftover brisket doesn’t have to be part of a main course. Stir chopped brisket into a pot of queso blanco, then swirl in a drizzle of our Goode Co. Shop Original BBQ Sauce to add a sweet, smoky depth of flavor.
Main Dishes Using Holiday Leftovers
Wondering what to do with leftover smoked meats? These Texas holiday recipes make a shining centerpiece to any holiday spread.
Mesquite-Smoked Turkey with Spicy Pecan Glaze
Glaze your leftover turkey with a spicy pecan sauce and give it a quick flash on the grill to reheat. It’s the perfect pairing for any of our mesquite-smoked turkey breast that you didn’t finish on the first serving.
BBQ Brisket Tamales or Enchiladas
Looking for the ultimate Texas Thanksgiving recipes with a twist? Look no further than brisket tucked into masa or rolled in tortillas, covered in chili gravy or enchilada sauce. This is the king of Brisket leftover recipes with a Texan holiday flair.
Chili with Leftover Smoked Meats
If you’ve spent too much time in the kitchen and seek a simple solution, this is the answer. Gather whatever smoked meats you’ve got—turkey, brisket, sausage—and stir them into a big pot of chili. Add beans for extra body and let that rich, smoky base do the talking.
Brisket Tacos, Sliders, Breakfast Hash
Leftover brisket is the treat that keeps on giving, whether you use it for late-night snacks or morning-after feasts. Add it to tacos with fresh pico de gallo, sliders with pickles, or a breakfast hash with potatoes and eggs to maximise your pantry’s potential.
Turkey Gumbo or Pot Pie
No two dishes represent Southern comfort quite like turkey gumbo, brimming with okra and spice, and pot pie, with a creamy filling and flaky crust. Both are guaranteed hits as Holiday leftover ideas for Texas BBQ fans.
BBQ Nachos with Smoky Queso
Stack tortilla chips, smoky queso, shredded brisket, and a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños. Suddenly, your go-to game-day snack becomes the centerpiece of your Texas BBQ holiday meal.
Sides & Fixings Using Holiday Leftovers
When it comes to holiday leftover recipes, side dishes can take center stage alongside the main event, as long as they’re done right.
Jalapeño Cornbread Dressing
Transform that leftover cornbread into cornbread dressing with diced jalapeños, onions, and a hint of sage. Use your leftover turkey stock to really bring the dish to life for the ultimate holiday reworking.
Bourbon Pecan Sweet Potatoes
Mash roasted sweet potatoes with butter, cinnamon, and a splash of holiday bourbon. As the finishing touch, sprinkle with leftover candied pecans for a sweet, smoky, and ever-so-slightly boozy accompaniment.
Creamy Green Chili Mac & Cheese
Stir roasted green chillies into a gooey mac and cheese, then top with breadcrumbs and shredded smoked brisket. This creamy, slightly spicy, and indulgent side could even stand alone as a main course.
Desserts Using Holiday Leftovers
Wondering how to use leftover pecan pie? No Texas Christmas recipes list is complete without some sweet dessert options, and leftover pie makes the perfect ingredient.
Pecan Pie Milkshakes
Throw a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and chunks of pecan pie into the blender, then top with whipped cream for a super-indulgent, messy, and fun-packed treat.
Leftover Pie Parfaits
Layer crumbled pies with whipped cream, pudding, or custard in jars for a playful way to make a little leftover dessert go further.
Texas Sheet Cake with Pecan Crunch
Give a classic Texas sheet cake the holiday treatment by folding crushed pecans into the fudgy icing for the ultimate culinary crowd-pleaser.
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is the perfect way to use leftover pecan pie, where custard-soaked cubed bread and chunks of pie are baked into a delicious, gooey, and nutty delight.
Storage and Reheating Tips
When properly handled, your holiday leftovers can be enjoyed long after the celebrations are over.
- Store Goode Co Shop smoked meats safely in the refrigerator for up to one week and in the freezer for up to a year. You can store our pies in the fridge for up to three months and in the freezer for up to one year from the shipping date.
- To reheat smoked meats without drying them out, wrap them in foil with a splash of broth or Goode Co. Shop’s Original BBQ sauce, then warm them gently in the oven at around 250°F. Be sure to check the Goode Co. Shop reheating options guide for more details.
- Reheat pies on the top rack of the oven at 250°F for 20 minutes. For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to preserve its freshness.
A Texas holiday feast is all about family, flavor, and creating happiness in every bite. With these holiday leftover recipes, you can extend the joy even further with meals that feel fresh and new, while staying true to familiar, traditional fare. You also get to stretch the all-important food dollar, so there’s every reason not to let a single crumb go to waste.
This season, why not make life easier and order your Texas BBQ and pies ahead of time from Goode Co. Shop, using our helpful Thanksgiving Pre-Order Guide. By combining Goode Co. Shop quality with these Texas holiday recipes, your leftovers won’t just be reheated, but reimagined!