Throwing away leftovers might seem like the easiest option, but before you scrape your plate or bin those extra ingredients, think about what else they could become.
Food waste isn’t just bad for the environment — it’s also a waste of money and missed opportunities for delicious, creative meals. Whether it’s turning scraps into flavour-packed dishes or using food in unexpected ways around the house, there’s so much more you can do before tossing things away. These are some of the most clever and surprising ways to make the most of your leftovers.
1. Turn stale bread into crispy croutons or breadcrumbs.
That loaf of bread sitting on the counter for a few days might not be great for a sandwich anymore, but it’s still got plenty of life left in it. Chop it into cubes, toss with olive oil, garlic, and your favourite seasoning, then bake until golden and crunchy.
These homemade croutons add texture and flavour to salads and soups, making them much better than anything store-bought. If you prefer, blitz the bread in a blender to create fresh breadcrumbs—perfect for coating chicken, topping pasta bakes, or adding to meatballs.
2. Make homemade vegetable stock from kitchen scraps.
Instead of tossing onion skins, carrot peels, or celery ends, collect them in a freezer bag until you have enough to make a homemade stock. Simmer them in water with a few herbs, garlic, and a pinch of salt for a rich, flavourful broth. This stock can be used in soups, stews, or risottos and tastes so much better than store-bought versions. Plus, it’s completely free and keeps food waste to a minimum.
3. Use leftover pasta to make a crispy snack.
Overestimated your pasta portions? Instead of reheating soggy leftovers, turn them into a crunchy snack. Toss cold, cooked pasta in a little olive oil and seasoning, then bake or air-fry until crispy. These pasta chips are perfect for dipping in pesto, hummus, or tomato sauce and make a fun alternative to crisps. If you prefer, add them to a frittata for a creative way to use up extra noodles.
4. Freeze fresh herbs in olive oil.
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and coriander often wilt before you get a chance to use them all. Instead of letting them go to waste, chop them up and freeze them in an ice cube tray with olive oil. These little cubes can be dropped straight into a pan when cooking, instantly adding flavour to sauces, soups, and roasted vegetables. It’s a great way to preserve fresh herbs without wasting a single leaf.
5. Mash overripe bananas into pancakes or muffins.
Bananas past their prime might look unappealing, but they’re perfect for baking. Mash them up and add them to pancake batter, muffin mix, or banana bread for natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re not ready to use them straight away, peel and freeze them. Frozen bananas can be blended into smoothies, stirred into porridge, or even turned into a creamy, dairy-free ice cream.
6. Save citrus peels for homemade cleaning spray.
Before tossing lemon, lime, or orange peels, repurpose them into a natural cleaning solution. Soak the peels in white vinegar for a couple of weeks, then strain and mix with water to create a fresh-smelling, all-purpose cleaner. This homemade cleaner cuts through grease, disinfects surfaces, and smells far better than harsh chemical alternatives. It’s perfect for cleaning kitchen counters, sinks, and even glass.
7. Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy potato cakes.
Cold mashed potatoes might not sound appealing, but they can be transformed into something delicious. Mix them with cheese, spring onions, and a little flour, then shape into patties and pan-fry until golden and crispy. These potato cakes make a perfect side dish, brunch option, or quick snack. You can also mix in other ingredients like chopped ham, grated carrots, or sweetcorn to make them even more flavourful.
8. Infuse water or tea with fruit peels.
Apple, pear, and citrus peels add natural flavour to water or tea. Simply steep them in hot water with a cinnamon stick or a slice of ginger for a refreshing, homemade infusion. Not only does this make use of leftovers, but it also reduces the need for shop-bought flavoured water, cutting down on both waste and unnecessary sugar intake.
9. Turn leftover rice into restaurant-style fried rice.
Day-old rice is actually better than freshly cooked rice for making fried rice because it’s drier, which helps it absorb flavours and crisp up in the pan. Simply sauté it with soy sauce, garlic, vegetables, and an egg for a quick, delicious meal. If you have leftover chicken, prawns, or tofu, throw them in for extra protein.
10. Use leftover wine to enhance cooking.
If you have an open bottle of wine that’s past its best for drinking, don’t pour it down the sink. Instead, freeze it in ice cube trays and use the cubes for cooking. Red wine adds richness to stews, pasta sauces, and gravies, while white wine is great for risottos, seafood dishes, and pan sauces. Cooking with wine gives depth of flavour to dishes and makes the most of every last drop.
11. Make homemade jam or compote from soft fruit.
If berries, peaches, or plums are starting to go soft, don’t let them spoil. Cook them down with a little sugar and lemon juice to create an easy homemade jam or compote. Spread it on toast, stir into yoghurt, or drizzle over pancakes for a delicious, no-waste treat. You can also freeze fruit compote in small portions to use later.
12. Save cheese rinds for extra flavour.
Hard cheese rinds, like Parmesan, are packed with umami-rich flavour and can be used to add depth to soups, sauces, or stews. Simply drop the rind into a pot while cooking, let it infuse its savoury taste, then remove before serving. It’s an easy way to extract every bit of flavour from your cheese.
