In today’s challenging economy, finding ways to stretch your dollar at the grocery store is more important than ever. An easy way to save money on food is to get creative with your leftovers! With a little ingenuity, you can transform Leftovers into entirely new dishes.

Get your creative juices flowing by thinking about all the possible ingredients you have on hand. Mix and match leftovers to make casseroles, soups, salads, or stir-fries. For example, leftover roast chicken can be used in casseroles, enchiladas, sandwiches, or chopped into a salad. Likewise, extra cooked vegetables like broccoli or carrots work well in omelets, pastas, or rice bowls.

Take inventory before you shop to minimize Food Waste. Note which leftovers you already have and check expiration dates. Plan upcoming meals around what needs to be used up. An old bunch of bananas can become banana bread, wilting greens can be sautéed with garlic, and stale bread becomes breadcrumbs. With strategizing, you’ll buy only what you truly need.

When cooking, intentionally make extra portions that can be repurposed later. Grill an extra chicken breast for sandwiches, cook a double batch of rice for fried rice, or roast extra vegetables for an easy side dish. Having versatile ingredients on hand makes throwing together a meal from leftovers even easier.

Get the whole family involved in creating leftover recipes. Kids can come up with whimsical leftover combinations like “breakfast for dinner” by combining eggs, potatoes, bacon, and pancakes. Let your creativity lead the way to use up what you have.

With some cleverness and imagination, leftovers can become new family favorite meals. You’ll save money and reduce food waste by fully utilizing ingredients. Don’t let leftover ingredients linger in the back of the fridge – turn them into tasty creations!