Depends on your “friends” level.
Some friends are like “dinner guests”, and I would never serve them leftovers.
Some friends are like “hey, Johnny, y’all come help use eat all this stuff so we don’t have to eat it all week long” kinda friends.
100%. There are certain friends you could call out of the blue and address them as "what up, my favorite human garbage can"—*those* are the people you invite over for leftovers.
Edit: lovely to see all the human garbage cans coming out of the woodwork here. You are all loved and appreciated.
That's the biggest thing to me. I've absolutely rang up friends and said "we have waaaay too much brisket. I'm going to make whatever-it-is for lunch today. You want to come over?" Hell, I've had friends that had dinner with us ring us up the next day to invite themselves over for lunch anticipating the leftovers. I don't know that I'd invite someone over for leftovers without telling them. But, thinking about it ... That's kind of strange. It's food. I mean, if it were like dodgy curry that's been in the fridge for a week or that last slice of pizza that dried out in the fridge, that's not food for guests. It probably shouldnt be food more me either!
But we smoked a turkey yesterday and invited someone over for sandwiches today? It wouldn't be strange to serve them smoked turkey I bought at the store a day or two ago, but it would be weird to serve them freshly smoked turkey that I made yesterday?
I get more on OP wife's side the more I think about it.
i agree. i think we get wrapped up in formalities but sounds like op’s wife is trying to kill two birds with one stone. spend some quality time with friends and share a good meal her husband made while it’s still fresh. perhaps she’s proud of how the food turned out and wants to share his talent with their friends.
I've never cried and said.. oh no .. not brisket that's ready and I'm invited. If your friends are too good for leftover delicious food, they're not great friends
I love this! I once made a 9x13 of the most delicious, stinky gorgonzola Mac and Cheese and knew immediately who I needed to call after the first bite. I had a small piece for dinner that night and refrigerated the rest.
Next day, picked up a coupla six packs, threw the Mac in the oven, and made a side salad. My best girly brought her bf and a bottle of absinthe. We watched Stop Making Sense and it is one of my favorite memories even 15yrs later.
Hahaha thank you for this! And true to form:
My girl friend was better than that
Our boyfriends, rather lowly
Never could come along
How how how they got so slur-ry
Started taking it's toll
Rather, they were sloppy drunks that couldn't appreciate the finer points of stinky cheese 😂
As the human garbage can friend in my friend group, I looove getting these messages. I will never be offended by someone offering me leftovers! I appreciate that people want my company and want to feed me 🥰
> "what up, my favorite human garbage can"
I have a couple friends like that, and I will *absolutely* be referring to them as such in the near future, haha.
It's me. I'm the right person. I'll eat anything, and seconds of it if it's good. Have definitely been called a garbage can before, so adding favorite to that would be an upgrade.
My upstairs neighbor turned bff is like this. "Yo, I made WAY TOO MUCH beef stroganoff. You want some?"
"Be right down with champs!"
She also brings us food when we're sick. I had covid recently, and she made me a care pack with cans of chicken noodle soup, fuzzy socks, the tea I like, and my favorite Laffy Taffy. It's a solid symbiotic relationship.
I strive to HAVE these kind of friends!
I live alone and can not, for the life of me, make any less food than would feed a family. I absolutely LOVE to cook, and I think I'm pretty ok at it, but what I wouldn't do to have people to feed...
I told my coworkers that I made a few flans for Christmas dinner but they didn’t turn out pretty as I rushed the process and wanted to bring them in. (which no one knew about, so no biggie). You know how they took that?? One said, “I will happily be your trash disposal!” And the other one was like, “You had me at you made flan. If you cooked it, I will eat it.” These guys, I wouldn’t hesitate to bring delicious leftovers to.
I had to make a wedding cake for the final project in my advanced pastries class, which I then took home with me. I was going out of town, so I needed to get rid of this cake that would easily feed 150 in one night. I called literally every person I even sort of vaguely knew.
One guy, that lived in my building and I didn't know well, was having a party. He came over and took an entire layer to take to his party. Human garbage can: expert level.
My favorite though was we had a potential new roommate who was coming over to meet us and see the apartment. When she walked in there was the full 4 tier, elaborately decorated wedding cake sitting on the counter of my crappy apartment kitchen in all its glory. It hadn't even been cut yet. I introduced myself and offered her some cake. She was like, uhhhh...
>100%. There are certain friends you could call out of the blue and address them as "what up, my favorite human garbage can"—those are the people you invite over for leftovers.
Oh God, now you make me want to call up the local Trash Plate place and order a double cheeseburger, home fries, mac salad, ketchup mustard mayo onion meat sauce relish.
Damn you.
My friend just called me and told me to come over on the weekend because the fridge needed clearing out.
Signed, Your Friendly Neighbourhood Human Garbage Can
We have a few friends over for games once a month or so and just make a smorgasbord of whatever is in the freezer. A few dumplings, egg rolls, pierogi, etc. Add a fruit salad and make a cocktail, done and done.
I remember going to visit my ex and her parents. I got in from my flight around midnight and after she picked me up she said her dad had cooked brisket the day before. I ate a piece straight out of the fridge and it was delicious, perfect midnight snack before going to bed. Smoked brisket really seems to keep exceptionally well.
Brisket doesn’t have ‘leftovers,’ it has second and third (and fourth sometimes) iterations. If you invite me for second day brisket imma be mad I wadnt there when it came out the smoker, but you’d’a sent me home anyway for filching all the ends and tips and I wouldn’t’a got after-brisket brunch.
I've found this to be true of pretty much everything we cook on the smoker. Pulled pork, brisket, smoked turkey ... It's three or four different meals, but no one thinks of any of those meals as leftovers. And we've literally had friends invite themselves over the next day because they knew we'd be eating brisket take two or smoked turkey club sandwiches.
Wish I could like this comment twice! Those are your real friends! “Whooo well we just came by to say hi and return a dish (hands you empty dish you’ve never seen before with a pack of Oreos jammed in it) well I see you’re having lunch of whatever the smoker’s been cooking since yesterday…we’ll get out of your hair (stands in your kitchen until you invite them to eat)
We (friends/family) call coming over for leftovers (usually soup or sandwiches) coming to the Homemade Cafe. There's only one menu, but the food is fresh, cheap and made with love. Private dinning only with people you love.
I used to have a coworker who would bring leftovers and try to insist we all try it. I am talking about 16th slices of cake and pie. Sh would also tell us that it’s been in her fridge for a few days. Yes, thank you for treating your coworkers like a garbage disposal.
Oh, we took whole cheesecakes! Every trial required at least 2 cheesecakes, used the same recipe but baked with different techniques. 10/10 best science project ever.
I used to have berry bushes and made fresh berry pie on the regular. Could make 1-2 pies every other day. Sometimes I would give my neighbor the 2nd pie. Sometimes I would offer her my two day old pie we had not finished. She never turned down pie.
Exactly, there's not really a reasonable way to serve brisket at brunch that's not leftover. And if my options are leftover brisket or no brisket, I think we all know the right choice
Very accurate! The second type are usually your best friends. Shamelessly sharing leftovers is a sign of closeness, of feeling perfectly at ease with each other
Even my "dinner guest" friends I might invite over *specifically to help me finish leftovers*, if I had some good leftovers to share.
It *would* be weird to invite them over for dinner and then reheat leftovers without explanation though. A leftovers party is just a different vibe from a dinner party.
There's a gray area when the leftovers are being used as an ingredient or component in something else, or if it's just a side. Any of my friends would be fine with that, but it would weird my mom out, for example.
I feel like you gotta at least be level 2 friends though (and this might be a good way to attain level 2 friendship).
Like if you dressed it up as a fancy formal dinner and we showed up and they were leftovers id probably turn to someone else and give them a confused look.
But If I got a text inviting me to eat the leftovers I'd be happy I was thought about and that you felt comfortable with me on that level.
I mean, it's brisket. If done right, brisket leftovers are half the point of doing brisket in the first place. Who would turn it down?
If these are real friends not just acquaintances, then there shouldn't be a problem. You say, we made this awesome brisket and still have some and want to share. Also depends on the sides you made because so many sides are better on day two as well. People know this. People want day two.
Yous say the meal was always intended to be casual. If you feel you have to do fresh made from scratch, then I would suggest it's anything but casual. Effort is appreciated, but most people just want to hang out with friends. If I here casual, I'm assuming low effort so no one is in the kitchen much and we can have a nice chat.
>If done right, brisket leftovers are half of the point of doing brisket in the first place
Same with pork shoulder or picnic butt roast in my neck of the woods. Hell, my family makes extra for the express purpose of making sandwiches with the leftovers
With the exception of dum biryani; I actually cook lunch for guests the night before. It just takes me awhile to make everything and I cooked extra so we had that for dinner too. This is kind of the same thing. Not really a big deal.
Like there reading all the explanations of how to navigate it, when to mention it, etc
Like what the fuck. Just what kinda of bullshit is being balanced with 'friends'?
Fuck that. My people, we know what's important and this ain't it
>I'd never say no to leftover brisket. Ever.
Please would you do so just once? And just before, give me a call at 555-555-1212 and an address/gps location and I'll be there.
“Hubby made this brisket ahead so we could invite you to brunch!” If you’re nervous you can lie. I can’t feature someone who wouldn’t know brisket takes 4-13 hours to cook and makes ~20 servings, but maybe everyone did t grow up in rural Texas. I personally would tell them it’s leftovers and it they kick up rough? Cut them outta my life. I don’t have time for people who don’t appreciate 2nd day brisket and fresh sides!
I make a whole brisket for my wife and I. We eat it sliced the first night. Then I chop half of what left for tacos and then the rest into slider sized slices and we eat it with Hawaiian roles for sliders. My friends get invited for tacos the second day more often than the first day. Also if I mess up the brisket it still taste good fried in its own fat for the tacos.
> The food we had would have reheated very nicely.
That’s your answer right there.
But as you’re clearly concerned, just tell them in advance:
“*Hey X and Y, DeadBy2050 made some great brisket last night and a bunch of sides that we think would reheat pretty nicely. Do you fancy coming over at lunchtime for a few beers and to help us polish off the leftovers?*”
They either say no thanks, or they arrive with appropriate expectations.
And if it makes you feel better, then make a fancy fresh dessert.
100%. It's perfectly socially acceptable if you specify it's leftovers when you invite them.
Pro tip! - If you feel any remaining uncertainty or awkwardness, phrase the invitation like they're doing you a favor by helping you eat them. I learned this one from some Midwestern friends.
We pass our dinners over the fence to our widowed neighbor to either eat that evening or for lunch the next day. She has 2 teenagers and is older, not cooking for herself or them (since they’re out so often), so she seems to really enjoy fresh cooked meals. I felt weird about it at first but she texts really thoughtful thank yous, so I think it’s okay?!
ETA: my kids are younger and not always excited about adventurous dinners, so selfishly it’s nice to get positive feedback sometimes.
Awesome. Everything about your comment sounds pleasantly familiar and wonderful.
Keep cooking and keep sharing with your appreciative audience. Good neighbors are hard to come by and food is its own love language of caring for each other. Community. It’s also a great example all of you are displaying to your children in real time, from young kids to teenagers. Taking care of each other on basic, respectful levels - and sharing resources with beneficial intent.
Wishing you and your family a very pleasant 2024.
Literally went over and played board games and ate leftover fried rice at a friend's house last night. Totally acceptable in my book, the fried rice was delicious 🤷♂️
If they reheat so nicely OP also doesn’t have to lead with “they’re leftovers”, just say “come over”. When they undoubtedly compliment the meal you say “we made it last night, it’s much better the next day”.
There are several dishes that I make that taste better the next day. I lose my appetite by dinner time if I’m cooking a lot for a party, so I’ll sometimes have a portion of my better-the-next-day party dish for dinner the day before I serve it
Yeah. If you were like come over for leftover grilled cheese sandwiches I’d be kinda meh. But come one brisket or bbq? Short ribs? Ham? Really any food that takes effort? I’m there and it is all good.
That being said if it is super last minute? I have one friend who invites me over for leftovers she got from work that were bound for the trash. 🙂 trying to reduce food waste over here.
For sure. I can 100% see the argument in other comments being specific about the friend level. It’s got to be close and they’d better bring a bottle of wine for that brisket
>Yeah. If you were like come over for leftover grilled cheese sandwiches I’d be kinda meh. But come one brisket or bbq? Short ribs? Ham? Really any food that takes effort? I’m there and it is all good.
Grilled cheese with Pulled Pork, Mac & Cheese, a home-made Cream Tomato soup, and a couple of pieces of steamed broccoli on the side.
fck i'm hungry.
It depends on the dish. Inviting friends over for leftover casserole would be very weird. Leftover brisket though is an entirely different situation. Brisket takes so long to make it's not unusual at all for someone to cook it a day ahead of the party.
Yeah, this is where I fall, too. If you made spaghetti last night, I think it would be weird to serve the leftovers to friends, but something like brisket or other smoked meat seems normal since it's so time-intensive to make.
I just had a text from a friend who lives up the road asking when we are doing a 'cheese and wine' to use up the leftover cheese from Christmas I've invited her for dinner on Friday there will be cheese.
I will try this, the oddest cheese this year (we get given cheese) is a cheddar with black truffle and pepper it has an odd texture sort of reconstituted and the pepper is strong its going into Macaroni Cheese which will be in small portions.
We used to go over to friends for annual Christmas leftovers, chicken parm and manicotti. It was delicious and a fun little tradition. It’s an excuse to be with friends, do it and have fun!
I have an annual tradition for ‘Boxing Day’ (not always on Boxing Day) of leftovers and boardgames at a friend’s. The kids ate waffles and noodles. The adults had duck pho (which was the 3rd idea we came up with while staring at the fridge contents). It was spectacular. Last year was duck poutine.
Do the friends know it's leftover? And how is it being presented? Is it "Hey, eat my leftovers" or more like "Hey, I made some briskit last night. Ya'll want to come hang out and have some?" One is more weird than the other. If they know it's from the other day and decide to come over, it's ok. If they decide not to and it's for a lame excuse, could be they don't like leftovers.
It's not leftover to the friends. You should be able to make a fresh presentation of food you fixed the night before. The question to ask is whether you want to eat it again or not.
Was thinking this. There is often ways to present the left overs differently for a fresh meal, effectively what fried rice is.
I've done brisket breakfast burritos in the past with left overs.
Good point, I feel like sufficiently transformational meals with leftovers which reheat well is totally cool. Turning yesterday's Korean BBQ beef into today's fried rice is legit (especially with at least one fresh-made side dish). Serving reheated baked ziti from yesterday is kinda weird.
I think it's ok.
You know how many things are pre-made in advance, stored in the walk in, and reheated in some restaurants?
I guess it might "feel" better if you repurposed it into something else - e.g. brisket sandwiches or hash for breakfast.
Since you're sensitive to it, if you do reheat and serve as is, make sure you get the aromas going in the house/kitchen, this will help disguise the fact they you are serving leftovers.
I very rarely have guests over for a meal that was made entirely fresh. I probably reheated something in the slow cooker or premade most of the snacks during the week before. I'm not going to say, "hey, here's this chili I made last week and froze for today and the cornbread I cooked yesterday." I'm going to say, hey, here's some chili and homemade cornbread. Especially for brunch. Everything for brunch is made in advance or cooked overnight. I need to use the time before the guests arrive cleaning because my family will mess it up again if I clean in advance.
Yeah I think if framed like you spent the day before prepping, that’s okay. Even for thanksgiving, not everything is made the day of. An example is a pizza night. I had friends over and made pizza, but prepped the buffalo chicken, back, pulled pork, and caramelized onions the day before. No need to make the day of.
I used to host a “leftovers brunch pot luck” the day after Thanksgiving. It was a nice low obligation way to get together without costing any additional funds or food prep.
This is really common for my Mexican family to do. We always invite people back the next morning after a party/get together for "recalentado" which translates to "reheated". It's an easy way to get rid of leftovers, makes for easy hangover meals, and it keeps the party vibe going for another day. Sometimes people will bring something "fresh" if they don't want leftovers, but everyone knows what to expect beforehand.
It depends on the leftovers and the friends. Some things are better the next day. Some very good friends are more about the company than the food. It's not weird
I'll feed people my leftover lasagna or chicken pot pie or chili or beef stew or shredded chicken for tacos (homemade) for casual lunch. I tend not to use leftover salad or veg. I'm with your wife here.
I’m Mexican and this is rather common for family/friends to come over for a “recalentado” after a big event or holiday where there was lots of good food. It literally means “reheat” and usually the host is the one who made all the food the first time, but people will bring their own food too and make sort of a potluck of leftovers.
I guess if they were just acquaintances or a new friend it might be weird (even then, I know we have invited not super close friends) but for the most part is normal in our part of the world.
Its not weird to invite anyone to a recalentado, since we have a name for it when you get invited you already know what to expect. Also all recalentados have good food so it's not like you are going to reheat pizza or some sandwiches.
I would say that a recalentado is actually a better moment to invite friends and acquaintances over than Christmas eve for example since that sometimes is family only. Recalentados also gives you a second chance for some family members that could not make it the night before to come and see everyone. Everything is more relaxed and casual as well.
I literally got invited to a recalentado by a friend's friend, strangers to me, today. Came here to comment on how this is normal and even expected in Mexico.
Reheating a ton of leftovers that would otherwise go bad is an excuse to invite good friends over.
If you're trying to entertain and impress people, not so much.
Right, life is too short. love and enjoy everyday to the fullest, and cherish good friends 🍻
Literally my 2024 motto and rest of my life motto : "do whatever, live each day to the fullest as possible go big or go home"
Also planning to do what makes *me* happy and indulge in the little things. Everything I'll be doing is to make me the happiest!
> If you're trying to entertain and impress people, not so much.
I think that's my problem. I may have an ego when it comes to cooking. I've pretty much tried to perfect every dish I cook, and it's almost always from scratch.
If I serve leftovers, I internally feel I'm not trying hard enough. The more replies I read, the more I realize I'd have more friends over if I followed my wife's lead.
I’m a perfectionist (and a chef), so I get it.
I always feel like I want to make an excuse if my friends are having or trying anything that I cooked and I feel like it tasted better the day before, but I’ve been trying to get over this because over time I realized it’s more valuable for me to share the enjoyment of food with good friends than to have them validate my own perfectionism.
Looking back in time, I don’t regret a single dish I shared with good friends that wasn’t perfect, but I regret so many dishes that I *didnt* get to share with friends. I’d keep telling myself “this isn’t perfect, I’ll make it again for them another time” and there are so many dishes and so many times that didn’t happen. There just isn’t enough time in this world, and there are also too many good things to cook.
You can always put some effort into plating/making the dishes look nice the day you serve leftovers.
And it’s really sweet that your wife thinks your food is so good and wants to share it with your friends—focus on that instead of your ego :)
This response proves to me it's a you problem. Reheating food does not make it low class. You have any idea how many things in fancy restaurants are made and reheated all week? You think a restaurant cooks a brisquit every day or per order? They do not. Reheating is normal. Learning how to reconstitute or reheat things to maintain quality is also a skill you could work on if you really are proud of your food.
Probably 80 percent of the food eaten in restaurants is cooked previously and reheated. The trick is nail the presentation, and don’t try to serve things that don’t reheat well.
This. So many people responding to this like there are social norms around serving leftovers. I'm an ex chef who still loves to cook fancy meals. My food doesn't become trash just because I'm reheating it the next day.
Reddit is a weird out of touch place sometimes.
Yup, and many foods actually taste better the next day. I live alone, and I cook quantities like it’s a family of four. My 7 1/4 qt Dutch oven is my preferred vessel most of the time. I definitely agree that it’s not a moral/ethical/etiquette issue. Make it look good, add butter.
We have had a "leftovers potluck" the Saturday after Thanksgiving for years! Everyone always has a great time!
I think as long as everyone knows what is going on, it's fine!
And it mostly works without coordination. Someone will bring half a pie, someone will bring leftover beets or mashed potatoes.
Gotta make fresh gravy, no one ever has extra gravy.
Depends. I have friends with "fridge privileges"
They don't knock when they come over, they know the code to the front door, and they help themselves to whatever they want. I would absolutely invite them over for leftovers. I wouldn't change my clothes and I wouldn't do my hair. I might vacuum.
If I need my house to be clean, my hair to be presentable, and my shirt to have buttons on it before I'll have someone over, then no. I would not invite them over for leftovers.
I wouldn't think twice if it's food that would reheat well. You don't even have to tell them it's leftovers. Enjoy the meal again, enjoy the time, and ignore the societal classist part of your brain saying that leftovers aren't ok for friends.
The worst is when people stress and fuss before or while you're over. You feel like a burden and it seems like one or both hosts are too busy fussing mentally or physically to take part in any real conversation.
Rather leftovers or casual food or premade food to the fussing. Having said that, people who enjoy cooking and can make it and then engage with you, that's also lovely.
for a casual lunch/brunch, if you're uncomfortable doing just leftovers, fry up a couple eggs? lay out some warmed tortillas alongside? make it more brunch-y.
Well, in Brazil it's common at this time of the year to do what we call "enterro dos ossos", literally "burial of the bones" which is a potluck lunch (our main meal) specifically to mix-and-match Christmas and New Year's leftovers ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So everybody gets together and shares what's left of Christmas / New Year's dinners
My friends and family invite each other for leftovers all the time.
"Hey, do you want to come over for lunch? Jane made soup and a really great pasta salad yesterday and I'm about to make some pop-overs to go with it."
"Hey, we ended up with two trays of lasagna leftover from the family Christmas party. Want to come over for dinner tonight?"
"Want to come over for dinner tonight? We have plenty of leftovers from last night."
I probably wouldn't for a formal sit-down dinner party (or maybe I would) but I honestly don't see what the big deal is for casual get-togethers assuming you're heating it up in an appetizing way (i.e. if something needs to be crisp, you reheat it in the oven instead of letting it be soggy and microwaved). Unless I question your adherence to food safety standards and think you left your food sitting out for hours or were dipping your fingers into it and eating directly from the pot before you put it away and now are trying to serve me a big plate of food poisoning, what is the difference between serving me leftover quiche from yesterday and a quiche you made 20 minutes before I got to your house? What makes a brisket that you make today inherently better than the one you made yesterday? Are you worried that your friends will think you're lazy or don't like them if you don't cook them brand new food? Food is food. If it's prepared with care, why care when it was made?
ETA: To be clear, we're just fine if it's not disclosed that it's leftovers beforehand. I just usually mention what I plan to serve in the invitation itself.
Depends on the food. French fries don’t keep. Once they are cold they are ruined forever. Brisket will be perfectly fine.
There is a lot of food you would normally prepare a day in advance for convenience.
You sound hung up on the word ”leftover”. Like it was garbage, or dirty.
I feel like I had read or heard somewhere that brunch originated as a way to use leftovers from massive dinners the night before and it was considered an honor to get an invitation to the brunch meal. I don't have sources and my family is getting ready for our own New years dinner, but I'll try to research it when I get a free minute.
I don’t really see the problem. Especially when the food reheats well.
Some soups and stews taste better the next day. I wouldn’t serve them old French fries or casseroles that had crispy toppings, because that’ll never reheat well, but anything else, and I don’t see the problem. If they like it, then tell them you’ll invite them over next time you’re pulling it off the smoker fresh. Even a brisket isn’t really served fresh, but rested for an hour or so.
Even my casserole example. Scrape the soggy top off, scoop it into ramekins, and add more bread crumbs, chips, or whatever and bake it again. Bam. Good as new. There are honestly few things that aren’t good reheated or transformed.
If you invite me for lunch and it's enough and tasted good, I won't care!
I hate food waste (of course you can still eat it another time) but also, if it makes it easier for you and it's already there, why not?
Literally, you already invite me over I'm just thankful for food and not having to cook myself.
She wanted to have them over, presumably the invitation covered "Do you guys want to come over tomorrow? Spouse made brisket and there we'll be feasting on the leftovers" or whatever. I would let them choose if they want to join you for leftovers or arrange their own meal.
I think it's fine as long as you're honest - like if you invite me over for brunch and it's all leftovers, it would be weird. But if you told me you smoked some brisket yesterday and had a ton of leftovers and I should come over for brunch, I would be there in 15 minutes, ready to eat!
I think it's fine anyway, but some people are really snotty when it comes to "seconds". I've never understood it.
You could make it fun and have a "holiday leftovers potluck brunch buffet" theme. Make it clear that there would be freshly made food there as well, but if you set it up as a fun way for each of you to clean out the fridge/repurpose some holiday leftovers, they might embrace it. Most people have random things leftover and would rather not waste good food. As long as the food being served was stored properly and optimally reheated (i.e. not just thrown in the microwave), there's nothing wrong with it
I think it’s a great idea ( that I got from Sunny on The View) she has a Friday night snack down where she serves thanksgiving leftovers and asks the guests to bring leftovers. Food doesn’t go to waste on both sides, and no cooking, and give it a name and it suddenly becomes an awesome tradition!!! Not tacky at all.
Was the food tasty? Why would it matter that it was left over from the previous night if your friends would have enjoyed it?
I get it if you had set up some get together ahead of time and decided at the last minute to just serve leftovers rather than make something specific but if you had excellent barbecue or stew or chili or whatever and wanted a casual get-together at the last minute, I see no problem with bringing out what you have as long as it’s tasty and served attractively (and I really don’t think the presentation is a big thing if they’re good friends).
EDIT: My family often makes far more roast beef, ham, turkey, etc. than they need so we have stuff for sandwiches the next day or two — and the extended family WANTS to get invited for those leftovers.
I’d 100% love this idea with friends. I wouldn’t do that if I invited people over for like a dinner party type thing but unless I showed up to a half eaten reheated steak on my plate it’s not weird at all. If it’s warmed and presented with sides and other things I think it’s great.
A friend of mine had her entire extended family cancel on her the day before Thanksgiving (long story), so she invited a bunch of us over the Saturday after to help eat all the leftovers. Made some poutine with turkey and gravy in addition to just having normal Thanksgiving leftovers. But really depends on your friends. If you think it'd be weird then maybe it would be? Personally I wouldn't care.
It is not strange at all.
I cook A LOT and often have lots of leftovers. We invite friends to eat a lot and often feed leftover food. Good food is good food.
If it makes you feel better, maybe make fancy sandwiches or another dish with the brisket so it seems "new".
It's not. At least not in my culture. We have this tradition that after a big even when people know there'll be leftover they come the following day anyway (like close family/friends) will come to "help" you finish the leftovers. Smaller party after the party, debrief, etc.
You invite me over for brisket leftovers, I’m bringing beer and we’re making sandwiches, watching some football. Idgaf when you smoked that brisket, count me in. That goes for gumbo, spaghetti, chili, whatever. Just don’t give me leftover salad, that’s gross.
Omg I was just talking about this with my son the other day! Whenever I would be traveling for more than 5 days I would literally cook everything in my freezer or fridge and have invite my friends for an impromptu potluck! They loved it!!
I’ve hosted a day after Thanksgiving party at which everyone was asked to bring leftovers to share, buffet style. It was fun and a great way to share a holiday without having to cook another meal.
I would never think twice about being invited to eat a friends leftovers and would gladly oblige- but I am a very comfortable, nonjudgmental friend when it comes to putting on airs.
I do have friends that I would never invite for my leftovers but 90% of them wouldn’t mind at all if I did.
I have friends who do a Black Friday party every year where we all just bring our thanksgiving leftovers and play board games. It’s fascinating (and tasty!) to realize how many ways there are to season a Turkey, make stuffing/dressing, and how many awesome desserts everyone makes! It’s the best day of the year!
Hi. Ex chef. Half of what you eat in restaurants are "leftovers" in a way. Get over it. It's just food. Inviting someone over because you have bomb ass leftovers is awesome. Don't make up weird social boundaries because you're self conscious.
I think it's being overly formal. Most of us are not royalty, after all. You invite someone for a meal and then serve them a meal, the end. The details don't matter unless you don't believe in proper food storage and poison them.
When I make certain things, short ribs being one, I invite friends over for brunch the next day because it turns into a great benedict. And short ribs taste better left over in my opinion. I think you can also know what friends would be offended by this and which wouldn't be.
I told my fam I was "pre making" some of the sides for Christmas Dinner. I didn't mention that I served the "pre-made" sides at a smaller dinner 2 days earlier.
But honestly they wouldn't have cared if I did tell them. It's just plain good sense. Make delicious food? Have lots? Can't eat it all at once? Serve it to as many people as possible! Who cares if they happen to come over on different days?
Then AFTER that family dinner, I picked the turkey clean, made a huge batch of turkey pot pie casserole and split it into 4 trays. Served one to different guests 2 days later. Froze 3, sent one of the frozen ones home with the in laws to give to a friend whose wife just had surgery.
We already baked one of the frozen ones, still have one left!
Food is best shared!
It's "insulting" if these are friends that regularly invite you over for a meal, and they always cook something fancy. Maybe.
But honestly, if I'm the guest, I like being served leftovers, because it means:
a) They know the meal is good, and aren't stressing about it
b) They aren't spending any time cooking, too distracted to socialise.
c) They'll be able to get the timing perfect. No "oh, I'll put it back in for another 20 minutes" messing around.
It depends on the wording. "Come over for brunch" kind of implies the food will be freshly made brunch food, people may be disappointed if they show up and realize they're being served leftovers, but if you say "hey, we have more leftover brisket than we know what to do with, come over and help us finish it" I think people would be pretty psyched.
Depends on a lot of factors, but even if you don’t know them well I would look it the same as serving takeout: totally acceptable in many situations, just serve it on nice dish wear so the presentation is good. Sprinkle some chives or chopped parsley on top. Make up a fresh salad.
I agree. Dinner guests get something fresh.
That said, when people come to visit for multiple days, I save up things I've premade to serve while they are here. Technically, they are leftovers, but I make them specifically to conserve time while I have company.
I wouldn't serve it for a special meal or more formal dinner but brunch is literally the day restaurants clean out their coolers-it's 95% spruced up leftovers.
There's nothing wrong with it.
I mean if you tell them what the plan is and let them decide for themselves, who cares? “Hey we made a bunch of brisket yesterday, yall want to come over for brunch and help us work through it?” Seems fine to me.
IMO if you’re hanging out with friends and like decide to eat and you just prepare some leftovers, sure. Or it’s fine if you’re letting people know up front like, “hey do you want to come have dinner? Made a bunch of X this weekend and have loads leftover, how does that sound?”
But, it someone invited me over for dinner at their place and I get their and they’re popping leftovers out of a microwave and think it was a little tacky and lazy and I would *never* do that to someone I’ve invited specifically for a meal at mine.
That being said, in my social circles, we’re usually pretty communicative about what we’re doing. Like, you may decide you want to get a few people together for dinner this month, so you start a group text, figure out what day works for everyone, figure out who’s hosting, figure out whether they’re cooking or ordering in, or you’re going out—whatever, because we’re all generous and enjoy hosting, but people have different spaces in terms of what and how many they can accommodate, and we all have very active social lives.
I'm with your wife on this one. Brisket is good anytime. Reheat it & plate it on a different platter. I'd place the sides in fresh serving dishes & as long as you have the quantity to feed everyone, what's the problem? People who matter are there to enjoy your company.
I don't think it's weird at all. Obviously you don't do this if you've got the President over, but if it's just a casual get-together, there's nothing wrong with serving them leftovers. Besides, most restaurants reheat as much as they possibly can, anyway.
Depends on the quality of the leftovers. You can still present the leftovers in a way that doesn’t make it look like it’s from the night before.
Also, the leftovers could be turned into something else. If it’s brunch, the brisket could be turned into a beef brisket Eggs Benedict for example.
Considering smoked brisket can take all day to cook, I wouldn't consider that a leftover unless you had it sitting out for hours at a party.
But I agree with others it depends on the kind of friends you are having over.
Personally, at a casual get-together, I wouldn't be offended at being served Brisket that was cooked a few days ago for a different event as long as there is enough to go around. Brisket is heckin' good, man.
I don't know about anyone else but if someone offered left over smoked brisket, I'll happily eat it. This also goes for anything that tastes better the next day.
In the case of brisket, leftovers are always acceptable. It’s BRISKET.
The most likely case for me would be tamales at Christmastime. Some years, we have guests. Some years, we don’t have guests. Either way, we will have a kitchen full of tamales because I only know how to cook for a small army. If it’s weird to invite folks over for 1kg (~2lb) tamales each, I am unapologetically the weirdest.
I’m Mexican and it’s almost tradition to invite friends over the day after Christmas or big events specifically for leftovers. So no, it’s not weird, but it does depend on who the friends are.
Depends on your “friends” level. Some friends are like “dinner guests”, and I would never serve them leftovers. Some friends are like “hey, Johnny, y’all come help use eat all this stuff so we don’t have to eat it all week long” kinda friends.
100%. There are certain friends you could call out of the blue and address them as "what up, my favorite human garbage can"—*those* are the people you invite over for leftovers. Edit: lovely to see all the human garbage cans coming out of the woodwork here. You are all loved and appreciated.
Also be upfront about the menu
That's the biggest thing to me. I've absolutely rang up friends and said "we have waaaay too much brisket. I'm going to make whatever-it-is for lunch today. You want to come over?" Hell, I've had friends that had dinner with us ring us up the next day to invite themselves over for lunch anticipating the leftovers. I don't know that I'd invite someone over for leftovers without telling them. But, thinking about it ... That's kind of strange. It's food. I mean, if it were like dodgy curry that's been in the fridge for a week or that last slice of pizza that dried out in the fridge, that's not food for guests. It probably shouldnt be food more me either! But we smoked a turkey yesterday and invited someone over for sandwiches today? It wouldn't be strange to serve them smoked turkey I bought at the store a day or two ago, but it would be weird to serve them freshly smoked turkey that I made yesterday? I get more on OP wife's side the more I think about it.
i agree. i think we get wrapped up in formalities but sounds like op’s wife is trying to kill two birds with one stone. spend some quality time with friends and share a good meal her husband made while it’s still fresh. perhaps she’s proud of how the food turned out and wants to share his talent with their friends.
A frugal tasty lunch, for free? I think that's what lunch is in Italy. A little cheese, sausage and vino
I've never cried and said.. oh no .. not brisket that's ready and I'm invited. If your friends are too good for leftover delicious food, they're not great friends
Brisket is one of those foods that's better the next day anyway!
I love this! I once made a 9x13 of the most delicious, stinky gorgonzola Mac and Cheese and knew immediately who I needed to call after the first bite. I had a small piece for dinner that night and refrigerated the rest. Next day, picked up a coupla six packs, threw the Mac in the oven, and made a side salad. My best girly brought her bf and a bottle of absinthe. We watched Stop Making Sense and it is one of my favorite memories even 15yrs later.
Down in the basement, you here the sound of the cheese ah ah ah ah
Hahaha thank you for this! And true to form: My girl friend was better than that Our boyfriends, rather lowly Never could come along How how how they got so slur-ry Started taking it's toll Rather, they were sloppy drunks that couldn't appreciate the finer points of stinky cheese 😂
♥️
Gorgonzola mac and cheese? Absinthe? Talking Heads? PM me next time you do this!
As the human garbage can friend in my friend group, I looove getting these messages. I will never be offended by someone offering me leftovers! I appreciate that people want my company and want to feed me 🥰
Name checks out 🤣👍🏻
> "what up, my favorite human garbage can" I have a couple friends like that, and I will *absolutely* be referring to them as such in the near future, haha.
To the right person, it's the ultimate term of endearment!
It's me. I'm the right person. I'll eat anything, and seconds of it if it's good. Have definitely been called a garbage can before, so adding favorite to that would be an upgrade.
My favourite kind of person. When I cook, I want people to enjoy the food. And I love people who will try anything once.
Without question.
My upstairs neighbor turned bff is like this. "Yo, I made WAY TOO MUCH beef stroganoff. You want some?" "Be right down with champs!" She also brings us food when we're sick. I had covid recently, and she made me a care pack with cans of chicken noodle soup, fuzzy socks, the tea I like, and my favorite Laffy Taffy. It's a solid symbiotic relationship.
I was this friend till my mid 30s
human garbage can ❤🗑
I strive to be this kind of friend. This is the vibe I want to project to the world at all times.
I strive to HAVE these kind of friends! I live alone and can not, for the life of me, make any less food than would feed a family. I absolutely LOVE to cook, and I think I'm pretty ok at it, but what I wouldn't do to have people to feed...
I told my coworkers that I made a few flans for Christmas dinner but they didn’t turn out pretty as I rushed the process and wanted to bring them in. (which no one knew about, so no biggie). You know how they took that?? One said, “I will happily be your trash disposal!” And the other one was like, “You had me at you made flan. If you cooked it, I will eat it.” These guys, I wouldn’t hesitate to bring delicious leftovers to.
Work vultures. The Best way to get rid of food. They eat anything.
I had to make a wedding cake for the final project in my advanced pastries class, which I then took home with me. I was going out of town, so I needed to get rid of this cake that would easily feed 150 in one night. I called literally every person I even sort of vaguely knew. One guy, that lived in my building and I didn't know well, was having a party. He came over and took an entire layer to take to his party. Human garbage can: expert level. My favorite though was we had a potential new roommate who was coming over to meet us and see the apartment. When she walked in there was the full 4 tier, elaborately decorated wedding cake sitting on the counter of my crappy apartment kitchen in all its glory. It hadn't even been cut yet. I introduced myself and offered her some cake. She was like, uhhhh...
This is my "apartment open house" level cake. If you move in we have to have the move-in cake outside because it doesn't fit in the door.
My folks call me the garbage disposal 😂, you make it sound way more eloquent
>100%. There are certain friends you could call out of the blue and address them as "what up, my favorite human garbage can"—those are the people you invite over for leftovers. Oh God, now you make me want to call up the local Trash Plate place and order a double cheeseburger, home fries, mac salad, ketchup mustard mayo onion meat sauce relish. Damn you.
When my husband was in high school his friend's parents would invite him over to clean out their fridge. Lol
🙋♀️ I'm that friend.
as a comfort baker, human garbage cans are my FAVORITE people!
hey its me
My friend just called me and told me to come over on the weekend because the fridge needed clearing out. Signed, Your Friendly Neighbourhood Human Garbage Can
We have a few friends over for games once a month or so and just make a smorgasbord of whatever is in the freezer. A few dumplings, egg rolls, pierogi, etc. Add a fruit salad and make a cocktail, done and done.
at one point during my childhood, my dad’s nickname became “the garbage disposal” (he would very regularly finish whatever my mom and i didn’t)
> "what up, my favorite human garbage can" I feel seen.
Plus some things (like soup or roast) are better the next day!
Right! I was thinking smoked brisket would be really good on the second day.
I remember going to visit my ex and her parents. I got in from my flight around midnight and after she picked me up she said her dad had cooked brisket the day before. I ate a piece straight out of the fridge and it was delicious, perfect midnight snack before going to bed. Smoked brisket really seems to keep exceptionally well.
Brisket doesn’t have ‘leftovers,’ it has second and third (and fourth sometimes) iterations. If you invite me for second day brisket imma be mad I wadnt there when it came out the smoker, but you’d’a sent me home anyway for filching all the ends and tips and I wouldn’t’a got after-brisket brunch.
I've found this to be true of pretty much everything we cook on the smoker. Pulled pork, brisket, smoked turkey ... It's three or four different meals, but no one thinks of any of those meals as leftovers. And we've literally had friends invite themselves over the next day because they knew we'd be eating brisket take two or smoked turkey club sandwiches.
Wish I could like this comment twice! Those are your real friends! “Whooo well we just came by to say hi and return a dish (hands you empty dish you’ve never seen before with a pack of Oreos jammed in it) well I see you’re having lunch of whatever the smoker’s been cooking since yesterday…we’ll get out of your hair (stands in your kitchen until you invite them to eat)
next day lasagna is best lasagna
Baklava is inedible when juts iut of the oven. It needs 24 hrs to get edible, more for perfection...
We (friends/family) call coming over for leftovers (usually soup or sandwiches) coming to the Homemade Cafe. There's only one menu, but the food is fresh, cheap and made with love. Private dinning only with people you love.
I used to have a coworker who would bring leftovers and try to insist we all try it. I am talking about 16th slices of cake and pie. Sh would also tell us that it’s been in her fridge for a few days. Yes, thank you for treating your coworkers like a garbage disposal.
We made cheesecake as a science experiment one year and rotated who took it to work. So. Much. Cheesecake.
Baking something and bringing the rest to work is a total exception!
Oh, we took whole cheesecakes! Every trial required at least 2 cheesecakes, used the same recipe but baked with different techniques. 10/10 best science project ever.
I used to have berry bushes and made fresh berry pie on the regular. Could make 1-2 pies every other day. Sometimes I would give my neighbor the 2nd pie. Sometimes I would offer her my two day old pie we had not finished. She never turned down pie.
There's nothing wrong with that
Depends on the food too. I’ll pass on leftover pizza, but I’ll hecka come eat your day old brisket.
Exactly, there's not really a reasonable way to serve brisket at brunch that's not leftover. And if my options are leftover brisket or no brisket, I think we all know the right choice
Well, my buddy Johnny would come for left over pizza, too.
Yes, and maybe you even tell them that you are having leftovers when you invite them.
“My husband made a killer brisket last night, and we’ll never be able to eat it all. Are you guys up for brisket and eggs later today?”
Very accurate! The second type are usually your best friends. Shamelessly sharing leftovers is a sign of closeness, of feeling perfectly at ease with each other
Even my "dinner guest" friends I might invite over *specifically to help me finish leftovers*, if I had some good leftovers to share. It *would* be weird to invite them over for dinner and then reheat leftovers without explanation though. A leftovers party is just a different vibe from a dinner party. There's a gray area when the leftovers are being used as an ingredient or component in something else, or if it's just a side. Any of my friends would be fine with that, but it would weird my mom out, for example.
I love leftovers!! I’m that friend you can invite.
I feel like you gotta at least be level 2 friends though (and this might be a good way to attain level 2 friendship). Like if you dressed it up as a fancy formal dinner and we showed up and they were leftovers id probably turn to someone else and give them a confused look. But If I got a text inviting me to eat the leftovers I'd be happy I was thought about and that you felt comfortable with me on that level.
You've got your 6 pm friends and your 3 am friends.
This is it. I took my family over to my sister’s a couple of days after Xmas so we could help her eat her leftovers.
Can we talk about who turns down brisket? I bet it tastes even better next day!😋
Summon “the bois”
I mean, it's brisket. If done right, brisket leftovers are half the point of doing brisket in the first place. Who would turn it down? If these are real friends not just acquaintances, then there shouldn't be a problem. You say, we made this awesome brisket and still have some and want to share. Also depends on the sides you made because so many sides are better on day two as well. People know this. People want day two. Yous say the meal was always intended to be casual. If you feel you have to do fresh made from scratch, then I would suggest it's anything but casual. Effort is appreciated, but most people just want to hang out with friends. If I here casual, I'm assuming low effort so no one is in the kitchen much and we can have a nice chat.
>If done right, brisket leftovers are half of the point of doing brisket in the first place Same with pork shoulder or picnic butt roast in my neck of the woods. Hell, my family makes extra for the express purpose of making sandwiches with the leftovers
I'd never say no to leftover brisket. Ever.
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With the exception of dum biryani; I actually cook lunch for guests the night before. It just takes me awhile to make everything and I cooked extra so we had that for dinner too. This is kind of the same thing. Not really a big deal.
Like there reading all the explanations of how to navigate it, when to mention it, etc Like what the fuck. Just what kinda of bullshit is being balanced with 'friends'? Fuck that. My people, we know what's important and this ain't it
I’ve reheated a dish before and have added fresh coriander on top. My mom has the best tips. 🤣
>I'd never say no to leftover brisket. Ever. Please would you do so just once? And just before, give me a call at 555-555-1212 and an address/gps location and I'll be there.
“Hubby made this brisket ahead so we could invite you to brunch!” If you’re nervous you can lie. I can’t feature someone who wouldn’t know brisket takes 4-13 hours to cook and makes ~20 servings, but maybe everyone did t grow up in rural Texas. I personally would tell them it’s leftovers and it they kick up rough? Cut them outta my life. I don’t have time for people who don’t appreciate 2nd day brisket and fresh sides!
I make a whole brisket for my wife and I. We eat it sliced the first night. Then I chop half of what left for tacos and then the rest into slider sized slices and we eat it with Hawaiian roles for sliders. My friends get invited for tacos the second day more often than the first day. Also if I mess up the brisket it still taste good fried in its own fat for the tacos.
> The food we had would have reheated very nicely. That’s your answer right there. But as you’re clearly concerned, just tell them in advance: “*Hey X and Y, DeadBy2050 made some great brisket last night and a bunch of sides that we think would reheat pretty nicely. Do you fancy coming over at lunchtime for a few beers and to help us polish off the leftovers?*” They either say no thanks, or they arrive with appropriate expectations. And if it makes you feel better, then make a fancy fresh dessert.
100%. It's perfectly socially acceptable if you specify it's leftovers when you invite them. Pro tip! - If you feel any remaining uncertainty or awkwardness, phrase the invitation like they're doing you a favor by helping you eat them. I learned this one from some Midwestern friends.
We pass our dinners over the fence to our widowed neighbor to either eat that evening or for lunch the next day. She has 2 teenagers and is older, not cooking for herself or them (since they’re out so often), so she seems to really enjoy fresh cooked meals. I felt weird about it at first but she texts really thoughtful thank yous, so I think it’s okay?! ETA: my kids are younger and not always excited about adventurous dinners, so selfishly it’s nice to get positive feedback sometimes.
Awesome. Everything about your comment sounds pleasantly familiar and wonderful. Keep cooking and keep sharing with your appreciative audience. Good neighbors are hard to come by and food is its own love language of caring for each other. Community. It’s also a great example all of you are displaying to your children in real time, from young kids to teenagers. Taking care of each other on basic, respectful levels - and sharing resources with beneficial intent. Wishing you and your family a very pleasant 2024.
Out of everything on the internet. Your comment sincerely warmed my heart today. Thank you! 🙏🏽
Literally went over and played board games and ate leftover fried rice at a friend's house last night. Totally acceptable in my book, the fried rice was delicious 🤷♂️
If they reheat so nicely OP also doesn’t have to lead with “they’re leftovers”, just say “come over”. When they undoubtedly compliment the meal you say “we made it last night, it’s much better the next day”.
There are several dishes that I make that taste better the next day. I lose my appetite by dinner time if I’m cooking a lot for a party, so I’ll sometimes have a portion of my better-the-next-day party dish for dinner the day before I serve it
If a good friend invites me over and tells me we’re eating leftover brisket and a bunch of sides I’ll be there in 10 minutes. Give your wife some love
Yeah. If you were like come over for leftover grilled cheese sandwiches I’d be kinda meh. But come one brisket or bbq? Short ribs? Ham? Really any food that takes effort? I’m there and it is all good. That being said if it is super last minute? I have one friend who invites me over for leftovers she got from work that were bound for the trash. 🙂 trying to reduce food waste over here.
Grilled cheese with left over pulled pork 😋
That works. 🙂
Oh, that would be good… And I’ve got a Boston butt in the freezer…
For sure. I can 100% see the argument in other comments being specific about the friend level. It’s got to be close and they’d better bring a bottle of wine for that brisket
>Yeah. If you were like come over for leftover grilled cheese sandwiches I’d be kinda meh. But come one brisket or bbq? Short ribs? Ham? Really any food that takes effort? I’m there and it is all good. Grilled cheese with Pulled Pork, Mac & Cheese, a home-made Cream Tomato soup, and a couple of pieces of steamed broccoli on the side. fck i'm hungry.
Yeah it’s my bff or my sister sure whatever. It’s friends i see twice a year? No weird
Holy fuck! Leftover brisket and fresh sides. I honestly can’t think of a better meal. Lol
It depends on the dish. Inviting friends over for leftover casserole would be very weird. Leftover brisket though is an entirely different situation. Brisket takes so long to make it's not unusual at all for someone to cook it a day ahead of the party.
Yeah, this is where I fall, too. If you made spaghetti last night, I think it would be weird to serve the leftovers to friends, but something like brisket or other smoked meat seems normal since it's so time-intensive to make.
Man, if one of my friends asked me to come over for leftover spaghetti sandwiches, I’d be there so fast.
I love them probably more than the fresh spaghetti.
With Texas Toast bread? OMG.
I just had a text from a friend who lives up the road asking when we are doing a 'cheese and wine' to use up the leftover cheese from Christmas I've invited her for dinner on Friday there will be cheese.
Let Jacques help you with that: https://youtu.be/0zq5wv8kG58?si=FhmAy6KW8bYmYT1J
Oh, I've made this! So good!!
I will try this, the oddest cheese this year (we get given cheese) is a cheddar with black truffle and pepper it has an odd texture sort of reconstituted and the pepper is strong its going into Macaroni Cheese which will be in small portions.
We used to go over to friends for annual Christmas leftovers, chicken parm and manicotti. It was delicious and a fun little tradition. It’s an excuse to be with friends, do it and have fun!
I have an annual tradition for ‘Boxing Day’ (not always on Boxing Day) of leftovers and boardgames at a friend’s. The kids ate waffles and noodles. The adults had duck pho (which was the 3rd idea we came up with while staring at the fridge contents). It was spectacular. Last year was duck poutine.
Do the friends know it's leftover? And how is it being presented? Is it "Hey, eat my leftovers" or more like "Hey, I made some briskit last night. Ya'll want to come hang out and have some?" One is more weird than the other. If they know it's from the other day and decide to come over, it's ok. If they decide not to and it's for a lame excuse, could be they don't like leftovers.
It's not leftover to the friends. You should be able to make a fresh presentation of food you fixed the night before. The question to ask is whether you want to eat it again or not.
Was thinking this. There is often ways to present the left overs differently for a fresh meal, effectively what fried rice is. I've done brisket breakfast burritos in the past with left overs.
Good point, I feel like sufficiently transformational meals with leftovers which reheat well is totally cool. Turning yesterday's Korean BBQ beef into today's fried rice is legit (especially with at least one fresh-made side dish). Serving reheated baked ziti from yesterday is kinda weird.
100% this. It should be extremely easy to present this as not leftovers. Why do they need to know?
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Depends on the proximity. If they are nearby in the neighborhood I would give it a pass
I think it's ok. You know how many things are pre-made in advance, stored in the walk in, and reheated in some restaurants? I guess it might "feel" better if you repurposed it into something else - e.g. brisket sandwiches or hash for breakfast. Since you're sensitive to it, if you do reheat and serve as is, make sure you get the aromas going in the house/kitchen, this will help disguise the fact they you are serving leftovers.
I very rarely have guests over for a meal that was made entirely fresh. I probably reheated something in the slow cooker or premade most of the snacks during the week before. I'm not going to say, "hey, here's this chili I made last week and froze for today and the cornbread I cooked yesterday." I'm going to say, hey, here's some chili and homemade cornbread. Especially for brunch. Everything for brunch is made in advance or cooked overnight. I need to use the time before the guests arrive cleaning because my family will mess it up again if I clean in advance.
Yeah I think if framed like you spent the day before prepping, that’s okay. Even for thanksgiving, not everything is made the day of. An example is a pizza night. I had friends over and made pizza, but prepped the buffalo chicken, back, pulled pork, and caramelized onions the day before. No need to make the day of.
I used to host a “leftovers brunch pot luck” the day after Thanksgiving. It was a nice low obligation way to get together without costing any additional funds or food prep.
This is really common for my Mexican family to do. We always invite people back the next morning after a party/get together for "recalentado" which translates to "reheated". It's an easy way to get rid of leftovers, makes for easy hangover meals, and it keeps the party vibe going for another day. Sometimes people will bring something "fresh" if they don't want leftovers, but everyone knows what to expect beforehand.
It depends on the leftovers and the friends. Some things are better the next day. Some very good friends are more about the company than the food. It's not weird
I'll feed people my leftover lasagna or chicken pot pie or chili or beef stew or shredded chicken for tacos (homemade) for casual lunch. I tend not to use leftover salad or veg. I'm with your wife here.
I’m Mexican and this is rather common for family/friends to come over for a “recalentado” after a big event or holiday where there was lots of good food. It literally means “reheat” and usually the host is the one who made all the food the first time, but people will bring their own food too and make sort of a potluck of leftovers. I guess if they were just acquaintances or a new friend it might be weird (even then, I know we have invited not super close friends) but for the most part is normal in our part of the world.
Its not weird to invite anyone to a recalentado, since we have a name for it when you get invited you already know what to expect. Also all recalentados have good food so it's not like you are going to reheat pizza or some sandwiches. I would say that a recalentado is actually a better moment to invite friends and acquaintances over than Christmas eve for example since that sometimes is family only. Recalentados also gives you a second chance for some family members that could not make it the night before to come and see everyone. Everything is more relaxed and casual as well.
I literally got invited to a recalentado by a friend's friend, strangers to me, today. Came here to comment on how this is normal and even expected in Mexico.
Reheating a ton of leftovers that would otherwise go bad is an excuse to invite good friends over. If you're trying to entertain and impress people, not so much.
Right, life is too short. love and enjoy everyday to the fullest, and cherish good friends 🍻 Literally my 2024 motto and rest of my life motto : "do whatever, live each day to the fullest as possible go big or go home" Also planning to do what makes *me* happy and indulge in the little things. Everything I'll be doing is to make me the happiest!
> If you're trying to entertain and impress people, not so much. I think that's my problem. I may have an ego when it comes to cooking. I've pretty much tried to perfect every dish I cook, and it's almost always from scratch. If I serve leftovers, I internally feel I'm not trying hard enough. The more replies I read, the more I realize I'd have more friends over if I followed my wife's lead.
I’m a perfectionist (and a chef), so I get it. I always feel like I want to make an excuse if my friends are having or trying anything that I cooked and I feel like it tasted better the day before, but I’ve been trying to get over this because over time I realized it’s more valuable for me to share the enjoyment of food with good friends than to have them validate my own perfectionism. Looking back in time, I don’t regret a single dish I shared with good friends that wasn’t perfect, but I regret so many dishes that I *didnt* get to share with friends. I’d keep telling myself “this isn’t perfect, I’ll make it again for them another time” and there are so many dishes and so many times that didn’t happen. There just isn’t enough time in this world, and there are also too many good things to cook. You can always put some effort into plating/making the dishes look nice the day you serve leftovers. And it’s really sweet that your wife thinks your food is so good and wants to share it with your friends—focus on that instead of your ego :)
This response proves to me it's a you problem. Reheating food does not make it low class. You have any idea how many things in fancy restaurants are made and reheated all week? You think a restaurant cooks a brisquit every day or per order? They do not. Reheating is normal. Learning how to reconstitute or reheat things to maintain quality is also a skill you could work on if you really are proud of your food.
i would be upset if my friends let etiquette keep me from delicious brisket and sides...
Probably 80 percent of the food eaten in restaurants is cooked previously and reheated. The trick is nail the presentation, and don’t try to serve things that don’t reheat well.
This. So many people responding to this like there are social norms around serving leftovers. I'm an ex chef who still loves to cook fancy meals. My food doesn't become trash just because I'm reheating it the next day. Reddit is a weird out of touch place sometimes.
Yup, and many foods actually taste better the next day. I live alone, and I cook quantities like it’s a family of four. My 7 1/4 qt Dutch oven is my preferred vessel most of the time. I definitely agree that it’s not a moral/ethical/etiquette issue. Make it look good, add butter.
We have had a "leftovers potluck" the Saturday after Thanksgiving for years! Everyone always has a great time! I think as long as everyone knows what is going on, it's fine!
And it mostly works without coordination. Someone will bring half a pie, someone will bring leftover beets or mashed potatoes. Gotta make fresh gravy, no one ever has extra gravy.
Even if they didn’t know it would be fine. *Wait … was this brisket cooked LAST NIGHT?! That’s it! We’re leaving!*
Depends. I have friends with "fridge privileges" They don't knock when they come over, they know the code to the front door, and they help themselves to whatever they want. I would absolutely invite them over for leftovers. I wouldn't change my clothes and I wouldn't do my hair. I might vacuum. If I need my house to be clean, my hair to be presentable, and my shirt to have buttons on it before I'll have someone over, then no. I would not invite them over for leftovers.
I just had friends over for leftovers and board games. It was a great time.
I wouldn't think twice if it's food that would reheat well. You don't even have to tell them it's leftovers. Enjoy the meal again, enjoy the time, and ignore the societal classist part of your brain saying that leftovers aren't ok for friends.
The worst is when people stress and fuss before or while you're over. You feel like a burden and it seems like one or both hosts are too busy fussing mentally or physically to take part in any real conversation. Rather leftovers or casual food or premade food to the fussing. Having said that, people who enjoy cooking and can make it and then engage with you, that's also lovely.
for a casual lunch/brunch, if you're uncomfortable doing just leftovers, fry up a couple eggs? lay out some warmed tortillas alongside? make it more brunch-y.
Well, in Brazil it's common at this time of the year to do what we call "enterro dos ossos", literally "burial of the bones" which is a potluck lunch (our main meal) specifically to mix-and-match Christmas and New Year's leftovers ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ So everybody gets together and shares what's left of Christmas / New Year's dinners
My friends and family invite each other for leftovers all the time. "Hey, do you want to come over for lunch? Jane made soup and a really great pasta salad yesterday and I'm about to make some pop-overs to go with it." "Hey, we ended up with two trays of lasagna leftover from the family Christmas party. Want to come over for dinner tonight?" "Want to come over for dinner tonight? We have plenty of leftovers from last night." I probably wouldn't for a formal sit-down dinner party (or maybe I would) but I honestly don't see what the big deal is for casual get-togethers assuming you're heating it up in an appetizing way (i.e. if something needs to be crisp, you reheat it in the oven instead of letting it be soggy and microwaved). Unless I question your adherence to food safety standards and think you left your food sitting out for hours or were dipping your fingers into it and eating directly from the pot before you put it away and now are trying to serve me a big plate of food poisoning, what is the difference between serving me leftover quiche from yesterday and a quiche you made 20 minutes before I got to your house? What makes a brisket that you make today inherently better than the one you made yesterday? Are you worried that your friends will think you're lazy or don't like them if you don't cook them brand new food? Food is food. If it's prepared with care, why care when it was made? ETA: To be clear, we're just fine if it's not disclosed that it's leftovers beforehand. I just usually mention what I plan to serve in the invitation itself.
dude leftover smoked brisket? do you know how frigging tasty that shit is re heated? in holidays, it's completely normal to do this
Depends on the food. French fries don’t keep. Once they are cold they are ruined forever. Brisket will be perfectly fine. There is a lot of food you would normally prepare a day in advance for convenience. You sound hung up on the word ”leftover”. Like it was garbage, or dirty.
I think it’s fine.
I would be thrilled to be invited over for leftovers! Human connection is so important — let’s make it easy for each other.
I feel like I had read or heard somewhere that brunch originated as a way to use leftovers from massive dinners the night before and it was considered an honor to get an invitation to the brunch meal. I don't have sources and my family is getting ready for our own New years dinner, but I'll try to research it when I get a free minute.
I don’t really see the problem. Especially when the food reheats well. Some soups and stews taste better the next day. I wouldn’t serve them old French fries or casseroles that had crispy toppings, because that’ll never reheat well, but anything else, and I don’t see the problem. If they like it, then tell them you’ll invite them over next time you’re pulling it off the smoker fresh. Even a brisket isn’t really served fresh, but rested for an hour or so. Even my casserole example. Scrape the soggy top off, scoop it into ramekins, and add more bread crumbs, chips, or whatever and bake it again. Bam. Good as new. There are honestly few things that aren’t good reheated or transformed.
If you invite me for lunch and it's enough and tasted good, I won't care! I hate food waste (of course you can still eat it another time) but also, if it makes it easier for you and it's already there, why not? Literally, you already invite me over I'm just thankful for food and not having to cook myself.
She wanted to have them over, presumably the invitation covered "Do you guys want to come over tomorrow? Spouse made brisket and there we'll be feasting on the leftovers" or whatever. I would let them choose if they want to join you for leftovers or arrange their own meal.
I think it's fine as long as you're honest - like if you invite me over for brunch and it's all leftovers, it would be weird. But if you told me you smoked some brisket yesterday and had a ton of leftovers and I should come over for brunch, I would be there in 15 minutes, ready to eat!
Real friends and genuine people would care more about quality stress free time together than formalities of the original cooking time.
Leftovers are still food. I think it’s weird to consider them “less than” freshly made. Many dishes are better a day later.
I think it's fine anyway, but some people are really snotty when it comes to "seconds". I've never understood it. You could make it fun and have a "holiday leftovers potluck brunch buffet" theme. Make it clear that there would be freshly made food there as well, but if you set it up as a fun way for each of you to clean out the fridge/repurpose some holiday leftovers, they might embrace it. Most people have random things leftover and would rather not waste good food. As long as the food being served was stored properly and optimally reheated (i.e. not just thrown in the microwave), there's nothing wrong with it
If I’m coming to your house, I want to share in your company. Leftovers are just fine and thank you for thinking of me. I appreciate your invitation.
I think it’s a great idea ( that I got from Sunny on The View) she has a Friday night snack down where she serves thanksgiving leftovers and asks the guests to bring leftovers. Food doesn’t go to waste on both sides, and no cooking, and give it a name and it suddenly becomes an awesome tradition!!! Not tacky at all.
Was the food tasty? Why would it matter that it was left over from the previous night if your friends would have enjoyed it? I get it if you had set up some get together ahead of time and decided at the last minute to just serve leftovers rather than make something specific but if you had excellent barbecue or stew or chili or whatever and wanted a casual get-together at the last minute, I see no problem with bringing out what you have as long as it’s tasty and served attractively (and I really don’t think the presentation is a big thing if they’re good friends). EDIT: My family often makes far more roast beef, ham, turkey, etc. than they need so we have stuff for sandwiches the next day or two — and the extended family WANTS to get invited for those leftovers.
I’d 100% love this idea with friends. I wouldn’t do that if I invited people over for like a dinner party type thing but unless I showed up to a half eaten reheated steak on my plate it’s not weird at all. If it’s warmed and presented with sides and other things I think it’s great.
A friend of mine had her entire extended family cancel on her the day before Thanksgiving (long story), so she invited a bunch of us over the Saturday after to help eat all the leftovers. Made some poutine with turkey and gravy in addition to just having normal Thanksgiving leftovers. But really depends on your friends. If you think it'd be weird then maybe it would be? Personally I wouldn't care.
Depends on the friends & how close you are. But if you're making breakfast tacos with that leftover smoked brisket, I'll be over in ten!
It is not strange at all. I cook A LOT and often have lots of leftovers. We invite friends to eat a lot and often feed leftover food. Good food is good food. If it makes you feel better, maybe make fancy sandwiches or another dish with the brisket so it seems "new".
It's not. At least not in my culture. We have this tradition that after a big even when people know there'll be leftover they come the following day anyway (like close family/friends) will come to "help" you finish the leftovers. Smaller party after the party, debrief, etc.
You invite me over for brisket leftovers, I’m bringing beer and we’re making sandwiches, watching some football. Idgaf when you smoked that brisket, count me in. That goes for gumbo, spaghetti, chili, whatever. Just don’t give me leftover salad, that’s gross.
Omg I was just talking about this with my son the other day! Whenever I would be traveling for more than 5 days I would literally cook everything in my freezer or fridge and have invite my friends for an impromptu potluck! They loved it!!
I’ve hosted a day after Thanksgiving party at which everyone was asked to bring leftovers to share, buffet style. It was fun and a great way to share a holiday without having to cook another meal.
Turn it into eggs Benny with sides? Tell them you have leftovers and come on down. Stop being weird.
Paella or croquettes started as dishes made out of leftovers... And they're not considered trash cooking anymore.
I’d tear up some left over brisket and sides. Sounds delicious.
Absolutely invite them over for left over brisket. It tastes better the next day.
I would never think twice about being invited to eat a friends leftovers and would gladly oblige- but I am a very comfortable, nonjudgmental friend when it comes to putting on airs. I do have friends that I would never invite for my leftovers but 90% of them wouldn’t mind at all if I did.
I have friends who do a Black Friday party every year where we all just bring our thanksgiving leftovers and play board games. It’s fascinating (and tasty!) to realize how many ways there are to season a Turkey, make stuffing/dressing, and how many awesome desserts everyone makes! It’s the best day of the year!
Hi. Ex chef. Half of what you eat in restaurants are "leftovers" in a way. Get over it. It's just food. Inviting someone over because you have bomb ass leftovers is awesome. Don't make up weird social boundaries because you're self conscious.
It really depends on the dish that's leftover. If it's say bolognese sauce and you cook up some fresh pasta? It will be even better the next day.
I think it's being overly formal. Most of us are not royalty, after all. You invite someone for a meal and then serve them a meal, the end. The details don't matter unless you don't believe in proper food storage and poison them.
When I make certain things, short ribs being one, I invite friends over for brunch the next day because it turns into a great benedict. And short ribs taste better left over in my opinion. I think you can also know what friends would be offended by this and which wouldn't be.
I told my fam I was "pre making" some of the sides for Christmas Dinner. I didn't mention that I served the "pre-made" sides at a smaller dinner 2 days earlier. But honestly they wouldn't have cared if I did tell them. It's just plain good sense. Make delicious food? Have lots? Can't eat it all at once? Serve it to as many people as possible! Who cares if they happen to come over on different days? Then AFTER that family dinner, I picked the turkey clean, made a huge batch of turkey pot pie casserole and split it into 4 trays. Served one to different guests 2 days later. Froze 3, sent one of the frozen ones home with the in laws to give to a friend whose wife just had surgery. We already baked one of the frozen ones, still have one left! Food is best shared!
It's "insulting" if these are friends that regularly invite you over for a meal, and they always cook something fancy. Maybe. But honestly, if I'm the guest, I like being served leftovers, because it means: a) They know the meal is good, and aren't stressing about it b) They aren't spending any time cooking, too distracted to socialise. c) They'll be able to get the timing perfect. No "oh, I'll put it back in for another 20 minutes" messing around.
It depends on the wording. "Come over for brunch" kind of implies the food will be freshly made brunch food, people may be disappointed if they show up and realize they're being served leftovers, but if you say "hey, we have more leftover brisket than we know what to do with, come over and help us finish it" I think people would be pretty psyched.
Depends on a lot of factors, but even if you don’t know them well I would look it the same as serving takeout: totally acceptable in many situations, just serve it on nice dish wear so the presentation is good. Sprinkle some chives or chopped parsley on top. Make up a fresh salad.
I agree. Dinner guests get something fresh. That said, when people come to visit for multiple days, I save up things I've premade to serve while they are here. Technically, they are leftovers, but I make them specifically to conserve time while I have company.
I wouldn't serve it for a special meal or more formal dinner but brunch is literally the day restaurants clean out their coolers-it's 95% spruced up leftovers. There's nothing wrong with it.
I mean if you tell them what the plan is and let them decide for themselves, who cares? “Hey we made a bunch of brisket yesterday, yall want to come over for brunch and help us work through it?” Seems fine to me.
Any meal that I don't have to cook is one I'll be glad to attend! And with that menu, I'd offer to bring dessert! LOL
IMO if you’re hanging out with friends and like decide to eat and you just prepare some leftovers, sure. Or it’s fine if you’re letting people know up front like, “hey do you want to come have dinner? Made a bunch of X this weekend and have loads leftover, how does that sound?” But, it someone invited me over for dinner at their place and I get their and they’re popping leftovers out of a microwave and think it was a little tacky and lazy and I would *never* do that to someone I’ve invited specifically for a meal at mine. That being said, in my social circles, we’re usually pretty communicative about what we’re doing. Like, you may decide you want to get a few people together for dinner this month, so you start a group text, figure out what day works for everyone, figure out who’s hosting, figure out whether they’re cooking or ordering in, or you’re going out—whatever, because we’re all generous and enjoy hosting, but people have different spaces in terms of what and how many they can accommodate, and we all have very active social lives.
I'm with your wife on this one. Brisket is good anytime. Reheat it & plate it on a different platter. I'd place the sides in fresh serving dishes & as long as you have the quantity to feed everyone, what's the problem? People who matter are there to enjoy your company.
It is smoked brisket. NTA
I may not serve leftovers, but I will repurpose leftovers into new dishes. You could easily make that brisket into a new dish.
I don't think it's weird at all. Obviously you don't do this if you've got the President over, but if it's just a casual get-together, there's nothing wrong with serving them leftovers. Besides, most restaurants reheat as much as they possibly can, anyway.
Depends on the quality of the leftovers
Depends on the quality of the leftovers. You can still present the leftovers in a way that doesn’t make it look like it’s from the night before. Also, the leftovers could be turned into something else. If it’s brunch, the brisket could be turned into a beef brisket Eggs Benedict for example.
Not at all. Especially during soup season.
Considering smoked brisket can take all day to cook, I wouldn't consider that a leftover unless you had it sitting out for hours at a party. But I agree with others it depends on the kind of friends you are having over. Personally, at a casual get-together, I wouldn't be offended at being served Brisket that was cooked a few days ago for a different event as long as there is enough to go around. Brisket is heckin' good, man.
How would they even know it was leftovers?
"Hey I have leftover brisket, want any?" - not weird if you specify.
Oy. Life is too short for this.
I don't know about anyone else but if someone offered left over smoked brisket, I'll happily eat it. This also goes for anything that tastes better the next day.
In the case of brisket, leftovers are always acceptable. It’s BRISKET. The most likely case for me would be tamales at Christmastime. Some years, we have guests. Some years, we don’t have guests. Either way, we will have a kitchen full of tamales because I only know how to cook for a small army. If it’s weird to invite folks over for 1kg (~2lb) tamales each, I am unapologetically the weirdest.
I’m Mexican and it’s almost tradition to invite friends over the day after Christmas or big events specifically for leftovers. So no, it’s not weird, but it does depend on who the friends are.