Last Updated on March 25, 2021
One of the most intimidating things about holidays is the heaping piles of leftovers. What was delicious and exciting at dinner the first-go-round often becomes tired and boring when you’re reheating it for the umpteenth time.
Leftovers don’t have to be a burden. Contrary to some opinions, dinner remains can be the best fodder for food creativity. This St. Patrick’s Day, don’t worry about what to do with all of that leftover corned beef, potatoes, and bottles of Guinness. These recipes will keep the post-holiday meals just as exciting as the holiday feast.
Corned Beef Hash
What was great for dinner can be even better as a breakfast hash. Soft and salty corned beef, sautéed with potatoes, is a fabulous morning dish, either on its own or served beside some eggs. If you want to go fancier, you can poach your eggs, whip up some hollandaise sauce, and serve corned beef hash eggs Benedict.
Scottish Tatties/Irish Potato Cakes
Too many leftover mashed potatoes? No problem. These Irish potato cakes use flour and butter to turn your leftover mash into tasty pan-fried cakes. They’re great served with eggs for breakfast, or as a side at dinner. For a different take on the same idea, there are Scottish Tatties—also known as tattie scones—that are found in the traditional Scottish breakfast. Thinner and crispier than their Irish cousins, they go great with eggs and side of sautéed spinach.
Reuben Sandwich
You don’t have to go to a New York deli in order to eat a proper Reuben. Especially if you have leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day. Our recipe combines all of the favorite actors—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread—to make that hulking, lick-your-finger sandwich that reminds you of the Big Apple.
Corned Beef Casserole
Give that leftover corned beef a second life in the form of a casserole. With a creamy cheese sauce, Dijon mustard, russet potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, that Irish dinner from the night before will transform into a comfort-food staple that feels fresh and new.
Asparagus Swiss Quiche
Baked or grilled asparagus is one of the vegetables that, while crisp and tender the night before, can become sad and wilted the following day. A good solution is to toss it into a breakfast quiche. The combination of Swiss and asparagus, which go quite well with bacon, will make great use of a tricky leftover.
Chocolate Guinness Cake
No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without some Guinness. But when you have a whole case of leftover Guinness, that excitement can become a burden. It’s time to think outside the beer bottle. Take the smoothness of the classic Irish drink and turn it into the sweetness of a moist, chocolate cake with a cream cheese frosting.
