1. Keep your leftovers safe

Follow these simple food safety tips to enjoy leftovers with confidence.

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Discard cooked food left at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Store leftovers in shallow containers so they cool quickly.
• Label and date leftovers so you know what to use first.
• Eat refrigerated leftovers within 2 to 3 days or freeze them for later.
• Reheat leftovers thoroughly to 74°C (165°F).

For detailed guidance on storing, freezing, thawing, and reheating leftovers, visit Health Canada’s guidelines for leftovers.

2. Reinvent them into something delicious

With a little creativity, yesterday’s meal can become today’s lunch or dinner. Turn leftover ingredients into new dishes and make the most of the food you already have.

• Turn cooked vegetables into soups, frittatas, or stir-fries.
• Add leftover proteins to wraps, sandwiches, salads, or grain bowls.
• Use leftover rice and grains in fried rice, soups, or casseroles.
• Reinvent pasta dishes with new vegetables, sauces, or toppings.
• Freeze extra portions for easy future meals.

Ready to get cooking?

3. Make them part of your plan

When planning meals, think about leftovers from the start. Making a little extra at dinner can mean a ready-made lunch the next day, saving both time and money.

Need help getting organized? Check out our meal planning tips and download our weekly meal planner to help turn tonight’s dinner into tomorrow’s meal.

4. Freeze them for the future

Think of your freezer as a pause button. If you won’t eat your leftovers within the next few days, freeze them for a future meal. It’s an easy way to reduce waste and have a homemade option ready for busy days.

Have extra ingredients instead? Whether it’s leftover coconut milk, seasonal tomatoes, or fresh herbs, our food storage guide can help you store food properly and make the most of it later.