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Christmas dinner leftovers typically result in one thing – a hastily made sandwich filled with turkey, pigs in blankets, and any sauce still hiding in the fridge.
However, a viral recipe is transforming those festive scraps into something far more delightful, with fans declaring it a true game changer.
The TikTok food creator shared his upside-down Christmas leftover tart recipe onlineCredit: TikTok/ @eatlikeanadult
The clever content creator claims the tart surpasses a Boxing Day sandwichCredit: TikTok/@eatlikeanadult
The food creator @eatlikeanadult has shared his upside-down leftover tarts and confidently asserts that they are superior to a Boxing Day sandwich.
“These are incredibly delicious and can be made in just one pan,” he states, adding: “I’m going to go out on a limb here and say they’re better than leftover sandwiches.”
This brilliant idea utilizes whatever remains from Christmas dinner, all baked into crispy, golden pastry tarts that appear fancy but are surprisingly simple to prepare.
How to Make It
The process begins with ready-made pastry rolled out thinly and cut to fit a muffin tin.
Each pastry round is layered with leftovers before being baked upside down, then flipped for a glossy, gravy-soaked finish.
First, roll the pastry to about two to three millimeters thick and trim it to the size of the tin.
Next, cut it into six equal pieces and check in the tray to ensure it fits snugly.
Any leftover pigs in blankets should be sliced in half, along with parsnips or other roasted vegetables to keep everything bite-sized.
Drizzle a splash of olive oil into the tin before adding the main leftovers, including any gravy that might still be available from Christmas Day.
Spread bread sauce onto each pastry piece before layering the leftovers on top.
Once everything is stacked, gently press the pastry down around the fillings and into the gaps, creating a rustic seal around each tart.
Lightly score the tops, brush with an egg wash, and bake at 200°C for 20 to 30 minutes until they turn a deep golden color.
Once out of the oven, carefully turn out the tarts, season with salt and black pepper, and finish with warm cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
The final product features a crispy pastry, rich gravy-soaked fillings, and all the best parts of Christmas dinner in a convenient handheld tart.
What You’ll Need
- Plain ready-rolled pastry
- Leftover pigs in blankets
- Leftover roasted parsnips or other vegetables
- Bread sauce
- Leftover gravy
- Olive oil
- Egg
- Cranberry sauce
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Salt and black pepper
Optional extras like stuffing or additional leftovers can also be included.
Social Media’s Reaction
Fans have gone crazy for this recipe, with many declaring it a new festive tradition.
One user exclaimed: “OMG, this has been the Christmas 2023 revelation and is now a new tradition!”
“I admit that I added gravy before the pastry, and it was fantastic,” another wrote.
A third joked: “Stop! I’m now looking forward to these more than my Christmas dinner.”
And one simply summarized: “These are wonderful; I highly recommend them.”
Meanwhile, for those who haven’t gotten over the festive baking craze, a dietitian Sophie Pratt has shared her top ten tips for using up your Christmas Day scraps and transforming them into nutritious meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with leftover Christmas dinner?
You can turn your leftovers into various dishes, such as sandwiches, soups, or the creative upside-down tarts featured in this article.
How do I make the upside-down Christmas leftover tarts?
To make the tarts, roll out ready-made pastry, layer it with your leftover Christmas ingredients, and bake upside down in a muffin tin for a delicious and easy meal.



