5 Ways to Use Leftovers From a BBQ

After a successful BBQ, you might find yourself with leftover delicious grilled meats, vegetables, and sides. Instead of letting these leftovers go to waste, get creative in the kitchen! Here are five innovative ways to transform your BBQ leftovers into new, mouthwatering meals so you can make the most of your grocery haul!

 1. BBQ Pizza

Turn your BBQ leftovers into a savory, crowd-pleasing, summer inspired pizza! This is a great way to use up leftover meats like chicken, pork, or beef, as well as grilled vegetables in a new a totally tasty way! 

Ingredients:

• Leftover BBQ meats (chicken, pork, or steak, chopped or shredded)
• Grilled vegetables (peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
• BBQ sauce
• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Organic Valley® Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Fresh herbs (optional, like cilantro or basil)

 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven according to the pizza dough instructions.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the dough.
4. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese.
5. Add the chopped or shredded leftover meats and grilled vegetables and a little more cheese for good measure.
6. Bake according to the dough instructions, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Top with fresh herbs if desired, slice, and serve.

 2. BBQ Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a quick and easy way to enjoy your BBQ leftovers. They’re perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be customized with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients:

• Leftover BBQ meats (beef, chicken, or pork, chopped)
• Grilled vegetables (chopped)
• Tortillas
• Organic Valley® Finely Shredded Three Cheese Mexican
• Salsa, sour cream, guacamole (optional for serving)

Instructions:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with a layer of cheese.
3. Add the chopped leftover meats and vegetables.
4. Top with another layer of cheese and a second tortilla.
5. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden-brown and the cheese begins to melt, then flip and cook the other side.
6. Once both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted, remove from the skillet and cut into wedges.
7. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

 3. BBQ Salad Bowls

Create a hearty salad bowl using your leftover BBQ meats and vegetables. This is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy your leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal twice! Plus, if you’re following Whole30, salads are a nutritious choice.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
• Leftover BBQ meats (sliced or shredded)
• Grilled vegetables (chopped)
• Leftover corn on the cob (cut off)
• Cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn (optional additions)
• Avocado
• BBQ sauce or vinaigrette for dressing
• Organic Valley® Feta Cheese

Instructions:

1. Fill a large bowl with mixed greens.
2. Add the leftover BBQ meats and chopped grilled vegetables.
3. Toss in additional toppings like cherry tomatoes, avocado, and corn if desired.
4. Drizzle with BBQ sauce or your favorite vinaigrette.
5. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese (optional).
6. Toss everything together and serve immediately.

 4. BBQ Grilled Cheese

Transform your BBQ leftovers into a flavorful sandwich! Grill up leftover meats melty, delicious cheese for a loaded grilled cheese.

Ingredients:

• Leftover BBQ meats (sliced or chopped)
• Sourdough bread (or sandwich bread of choice)
• Grilled vegetables like peppers or onions (optional)
• Organic Valley® American Cheese
• Organic Valley® Butter

Instructions:

1. Add two slices of cheese onto two slices of bread.
2. Fill the center with leftover BBQ meats and/or veggies.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add in 1 tablespoon of butter and melt.
4. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat until the cheese is melty and the bread is lightly golden-brown. Flip and cook on the other side.

5. BBQ Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a delicious and nutritious way to use up BBQ leftovers. They’re easy to prepare and make for a satisfying meal!

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers (any color)
• Leftover BBQ meats (chopped or shredded)
• Grilled vegetables (chopped)
• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Organic Valley® Finely Shredded Three Cheese Mexican
• BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix the chopped leftover BBQ meats, grilled vegetables, cooked rice or quinoa, and a bit of BBQ sauce.
4. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot.

Reducing Waste is Delicious

Leftovers from a BBQ can be more than just reheated meals. With a little creativity, you can transform them into new and exciting dishes that will make you look forward to your next meal. Whether you’re making BBQ pizza, quesadillas, salad bowls, grilled cheese, or stuffed peppers, these easy recipe ideas ensure that no delicious morsel goes to waste!