Have you ever found yourself with a surplus of barbecue leftovers after a delicious cookout? Instead of letting them go to waste or simply reheating them, why not explore the realm of culinary creativity? Whether you have leftover ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken, there are countless inventive ways to repurpose these smoky delights into mouthwatering new dishes. From barbecue pizza to loaded nachos, get ready to discover some exciting ways to transform your leftover barbecue into a sensational culinary adventure.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Leftover pulled pork from your barbecue feast can be transformed into delicious pulled pork sandwiches. Simply pile the tender, smoky meat onto a soft, toasted bun and top it with your favorite barbecue sauce. You can also add some coleslaw for a crunchy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the pork perfectly. These pulled pork sandwiches are easy to make and will satisfy any barbecue craving.
Brisket Wraps
If you have some leftover brisket, why not turn it into flavorful brisket wraps? Thinly slice the leftover brisket and place it on a warm tortilla wrap. Add some fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a dollop of your favorite BBQ sauce. Roll it up tightly and enjoy the combination of tender brisket, crunchy vegetables, and smoky flavors. These brisket wraps are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
BBQ Chicken Panini
Don’t let those leftover BBQ chicken pieces go to waste. A BBQ chicken panini is a fantastic way to repurpose them. Layer the leftover chicken onto your favorite bread along with some melted cheese, sliced red onions, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. The result is a mouthwatering BBQ chicken panini that will make you forget you’re eating leftovers.
Pizza and Flatbreads
BBQ Pizza
Leftover barbecue meat can be the star of your homemade BBQ pizza. Use a pre-made dough or make your own, then spread a layer of your favorite barbecue sauce on top. Pile on the leftover meats, such as pulled pork or sliced brisket, and load up with some sliced onions, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake it until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly, and you’ve got yourself a delicious BBQ pizza to enjoy.
Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
Repurpose your leftover BBQ chicken by topping a flatbread with it. Spread a layer of BBQ sauce on the flatbread, then add the shredded BBQ chicken on top. Sprinkle some shredded cheese, sliced red onions, and fresh cilantro over the chicken. Bake it until the cheese is melted and the flatbread is crispy. The result is a flavorful and savory barbecue chicken flatbread that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Pulled Pork Quesadilla
Transform your leftover pulled pork into a mouthwatering pulled pork quesadilla. Spread some BBQ sauce on a tortilla, then add a layer of shredded cheese and the leftover pulled pork. Top it with another tortilla and cook it in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Cut it into wedges and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. This pulled pork quesadilla is the perfect fusion of barbecue and Mexican flavors.
Salads and Bowls
Barbecue Chicken Salad
For a lighter option that still packs a punch of flavor, try making a barbecue chicken salad. Chop up your leftover BBQ chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it with some fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and sliced avocado. Drizzle some BBQ sauce or your favorite salad dressing over the top and give it a toss. This barbecue chicken salad is a refreshing and nutritious way to enjoy your barbecue leftovers.
Brisket Bowl
Create a hearty and filling meal with a brisket bowl using your leftover brisket. Start with a base of cooked rice or quinoa, then layer on the thinly sliced brisket. Add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients. You can also add a fried egg on top for a touch of richness. Drizzle some BBQ sauce over the bowl and mix it all together for a delicious and satisfying brisket bowl.
Pulled Pork Taco Salad
Put a twist on a classic by turning your leftover pulled pork into a delicious pulled pork taco salad. Start with a bed of fresh lettuce, then add some black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Top it with the tender pulled pork and drizzle some BBQ sauce on top. Finish it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and some tortilla strips for an extra crunch. This pulled pork taco salad is a fiesta of flavors and textures.
Tacos and Burritos
Brisket Tacos
Leftover brisket can be used to create mouthwatering brisket tacos. Take some corn or flour tortillas and heat them up in a dry skillet. Fill the warm tortillas with slices of tender brisket and top them with your favorite taco toppings, such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. You can also add some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. These brisket tacos are a delicious and easy way to use up your barbecue leftovers.
BBQ Chicken Burritos
Repurpose your leftover BBQ chicken into flavorful BBQ chicken burritos. Start by warming up a large tortilla wrap, then spread a layer of BBQ sauce on it. Add a scoop of cooked rice, some black beans, and the shredded BBQ chicken. You can also add some diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Roll it up tightly, tuck in the sides, and enjoy a delicious BBQ chicken burrito that’s full of smoky and savory flavors.
Pulled Pork Taco
Turn your leftover pulled pork into a tasty pulled pork taco. Warm up some corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet, then fill them with the tender pulled pork. Top it with your favorite taco toppings, such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. You can also add some sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream. These pulled pork tacos are a simple and satisfying way to enjoy your leftover barbecue.
Stir-Fries and Rice Dishes
Barbecue Rice Bowl
Transform your leftover barbecue into a delicious barbecue rice bowl. Start by sautéing some vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli in a hot skillet. Add the leftover meats, such as pulled pork or sliced BBQ chicken, and stir-fry until heated through. Serve the flavorful mixture over a bed of steamed rice and drizzle some additional BBQ sauce on top. This barbecue rice bowl is a quick and easy way to create a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Pulled Pork Fried Rice
Leftover pulled pork can be used to create a mouthwatering pulled pork fried rice. Start by heating a skillet or wok and add some cooked rice, chopped vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, and some diced leftover pulled pork. Stir-fry everything together until heated through and the flavors meld together. Add some soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of BBQ sauce for a burst of flavor. This pulled pork fried rice is a tasty and satisfying way to use up your barbecue leftovers.
BBQ Chicken Stir-Fry
For a quick and flavorful meal, turn your leftover BBQ chicken into a BBQ chicken stir-fry. Heat a skillet or wok and add in some sliced vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are crisp-tender, then add in the shredded BBQ chicken. Toss everything together and add a drizzle of BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Serve the BBQ chicken stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice for a delicious and easy dinner option.
Sloppy Joes and Sliders
BBQ Sloppy Joes
Leftover barbecue meat can be the star of a delicious BBQ sloppy joe. Simply heat up the leftover meat in a saucepan and mix in your favorite BBQ sauce. Let it simmer until the flavors combine and the meat is heated through. Toast some buns and pile on the BBQ sloppy joe mixture. Add some coleslaw on top for a refreshing crunch. These BBQ sloppy joes are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic sandwich.
Brisket Sliders
Repurpose your leftover brisket by making flavorful brisket sliders. Slice the leftover brisket into small, manageable pieces and warm them up in a saucepan with some BBQ sauce. Toast some slider buns and pile the tender brisket onto them. Add some sliced pickles or a dollop of coleslaw for added freshness. These brisket sliders are the perfect bite-sized treats that are full of smoky and savory flavors.
Pulled Pork Sliders
If you have some leftover pulled pork, why not turn it into tasty pulled pork sliders? Warm up the pulled pork in a saucepan with some BBQ sauce, ensuring it is heated through. Toast some slider buns and pile the tender pulled pork onto them. Top it off with some tangy pickles or a spoonful of coleslaw for a satisfying and delicious pulled pork slider. These sliders are perfect for any occasion, from game day to backyard picnics.
Soups and Stews
Barbecue Bean Soup
Transform your barbecue leftovers into a flavorful barbecue bean soup. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pot until they become fragrant and tender. Add in some cooked beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, and your leftover barbecue meat. Pour in some chicken or vegetable broth and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the barbecue bean soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
Pulled Pork Chili
Leftover pulled pork can be turned into a delicious pulled pork chili. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they become soft and fragrant. Add in the pulled pork, canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Let the chili simmer for about an hour to allow the flavors to develop. Serve the pulled pork chili with a dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheese for a hearty and comforting meal.
BBQ Chicken Stew
Repurpose your leftover BBQ chicken into a flavorful BBQ chicken stew. In a pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until they become tender. Add in diced potatoes, corn kernels, shredded BBQ chicken, and chicken broth. Let the stew simmer until the potatoes are cooked through and the flavors meld together. Serve the BBQ chicken stew with some crusty bread for soaking up the rich and savory broth. This hearty and comforting stew is perfect for those chilly nights.
Nachos and Loaded Fries
Barbecue Chicken Nachos
If you’re looking for a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer, use your leftover BBQ chicken to make barbecue chicken nachos. Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet, then top them with shredded BBQ chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve the BBQ chicken nachos with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh cilantro. These nachos are a perfect blend of smoky flavors, crispy chips, and gooey cheese.
Pulled Pork Loaded Fries
Transform your leftover pulled pork into indulgent pulled pork loaded fries. Start by baking a batch of crispy French fries according to the package instructions. Once the fries are done, pile on the leftover pulled pork, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. You can also add some sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess. Stick the loaded fries back in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These pulled pork loaded fries are the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy any cravings.
Brisket Nachos
Turn your leftover brisket into mouthwatering brisket nachos. Start by spreading a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet, then top them with sliced brisket, refried beans, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake the nachos in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve the brisket nachos with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh cilantro. These nachos are a perfect combination of smoky, tender brisket, and crispy chips, with a kick of spice from the jalapeños.
BBQ Pasta
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Create a delicious and comforting pulled pork mac and cheese using your leftover pulled pork. Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a saucepan, prepare a cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk and whisk until the sauce thickens. Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, and stir until melted and smooth. Mix in the cooked pasta and the pulled pork until everything is coated in the cheesy sauce. Serve the pulled pork mac and cheese with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and some chopped parsley. This dish is the perfect fusion of barbecue and comfort food.
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
For a light and refreshing BBQ pasta dish, transform your leftover BBQ chicken into a delicious BBQ chicken pasta salad. Cook your favorite pasta, such as rotini or penne, according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, prepare a dressing using BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped BBQ chicken, diced tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and sliced red onions. Toss everything together with the BBQ dressing until well coated. Serve the BBQ chicken pasta salad chilled, and garnish with some fresh cilantro or green onions. This pasta salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Brisket Alfredo
Create a luxurious and flavorful brisket alfredo pasta dish using your leftover brisket. Cook your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine, according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet and add in some butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add in the sliced brisket and cook until heated through. Pour in some heavy cream and let it simmer until it thickens slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta with the brisket alfredo sauce until everything is well coated. Serve the brisket alfredo with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is a decadent and satisfying way to enjoy your leftover barbecue.
Quiches and Omelettes
Barbecue Quiche
Repurpose your leftover barbecue meats into a delicious barbecue quiche. Start by preheating your oven and preparing a pie crust in a pie dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add in your leftover barbecue meats, such as pulled pork or sliced brisket, along with some diced onions, bell peppers, and shredded cheese. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust and bake in the oven until the edges are golden and the center is set. Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. This barbecue quiche is a tasty and savory breakfast or brunch option.
Pulled Pork Omelette
Transform your leftover pulled pork into a flavorful pulled pork omelette. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper until well beaten. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook until the edges start to set. Sprinkle the warmed pulled pork and some shredded cheese onto one half of the omelette. Carefully fold the other half of the omelette over the filling and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and the omelette is cooked through. Slide the pulled pork omelette onto a plate and serve it with a side of toast or a fresh salad. This omelette is a tasty and protein-packed way to start your day.
BBQ Chicken Frittata
For a flavorful and easy breakfast or brunch option, use your leftover BBQ chicken to make a BBQ chicken frittata. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, and a splash of milk until well combined. In a non-stick skillet, heat some oil or butter over medium heat. Add your leftover BBQ chicken, along with some diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach, into the skillet. Let them cook until softened and heated through. Pour the egg mixture over the chicken and vegetables, and let it cook on the stovetop until the edges start to set. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the frittata is set and golden on top. Slice the BBQ chicken frittata into wedges and serve it with a side of fresh fruit or salad. This frittata is a delicious and satisfying way to use up your barbecue leftovers.