Eating delicious bbq is always a treat, but the leftovers can sometimes be challenging to use up. With some creativity and clever storage solutions, those remnants of ribs, brisket, pulled pork and more don’t have to go to waste. There are many appetizing ways to repurpose extra bbq, ensuring you get the most out of your next backyard cookout or restaurant takeout order.

Storing Leftover BBQ Properly

The first step to making the most of leftover bbq is storing it correctly right after your meal. Here are some tips for keeping bbq leftovers fresh and safe to eat later:

Allow bbq to cool slightly before putting into airtight containers or bags. Covering hot food speeds up bacteria growth. Let it cool down for 30 minutes first.
Portion bbq into smaller containers rather than one big one. This prevents repeated openings and closing that reduce freshness.
Use shallow containers if possible, so the bbq cools faster when refrigerated.
Make sure to label storage containers with the type of bbq and date.
Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. The fridge slows bacteria growth.
Frozen bbq leftovers keep much longer – up to 2-3 months. Best to freeze in single portion sizes.
When reheating bbq, make sure it reaches 165°F internally to kill any bacteria. Bring sauces to a boil.

Following proper storage methods will ensure your leftover bbq stays fresh, so you can later reinvent it into tasty new dishes.

Transforming Leftover Pulled Pork

Pulled pork bbq makes amazingly versatile leftovers. That tender meat soaks up sauce flavors and can be used in many different ways. Here are some recommended options:

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

Top a prepared pizza crust with bbq sauce, shredded mozzarella, leftover pulled pork and other favorite pizza toppings like red onion and mushroom. Finish with a drizzle of extra bbq sauce.

Pulled Pork Omelets or Breakfast Tacos

Give breakfast a smoky twist by adding shredded pulled pork to omelets, breakfast burritos, hash or even pancake batters. The pork pairs well with eggs, cheese, beans, potatoes and more.

Pulled Pork Salad

Toss leftover pulled pork with greens, tomatoes, corn, beans, shredded cheese and ranch dressing for a hearty main-dish salad. Can also use coleslaw mix instead of leafy greens.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

This classic is easy to make using leftover pork. Pile it onto a bun with extra bbq sauce and any desired toppings like coleslaw or crispy fried onions.

Pulled Pork Wraps

Wrap pulled pork, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo and a drizzle of bbq sauce in a tortilla or flatbread for a quick and easy handheld meal.

With so many possibilities, leftover pulled pork bbq will never get boring. It shines in both sweet and savory applications.

Repurposing Extra BBQ Brisket

Smoked brisket is sublime straight off the grill, but also adapts beautifully to other dishes once refrigerated. Here are some creative ways to use up leftover brisket:

Brisket Hash

Dice leftover brisket and sauté with potatoes, peppers, onions and seasonings for a decadent bbq-flavored hash. Top with a fried egg for breakfast.

Brisket Chili

Chop brisket into a pot of beef chili. It adds rich, smoky flavor that takes plain chili to the next level. Ladle over rice, pasta or baked potatoes.

Brisket Tacos

Chop or shred brisket and pile onto warmed corn tortillas with cheese, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo and bbq sauce for easy homemade tacos.

Baked Potatoes with Brisket

Top baked russet potatoes with chopped or shredded brisket, cheese, green onion, bbq sauce and sour cream.

Brisket Casserole

Make a hearty casserole by combining chopped brisket, barbecue sauce, tomatoes, beans, corn and macaroni or rice. Top with cheese and bake.

The deeply beefy flavor of brisket improves so many dishes. Don’t let those coveted leftovers go to waste!

Making the Most of Extra Ribs

Leftover ribs present a unique challenge, since the meat is attached to the bones. Here are tips for using them up creatively:

Carefully cut or scrape off any remaining rib meat left on the bones after your initial meal. Discard bones.
Chop, shred or dice the rib meat, removing any excess fat or gristle.
Mix diced rib meat into mac and cheese, rice dishes, pasta bakes, omelets, etc. The small bits add rich flavor.
Make rib meat sliders on mini buns with extra bbq sauce and toppings.
Add rib meat to tacos, salads, pizza, sandwiches and more just as you would pulled pork or brisket.
Simmer shredded rib meat in bbq sauce and extra chicken stock to make a hearty, chunky bbq soup.

With a little work to remove the remaining meat, leftover rib bones can impart their flavor into a variety of dishes. Get creative with the precious rib meat that would otherwise go to waste.

Imaginative Ways to Use Leftover Chicken

Barbecued chicken has amazing potential beyond straight reheating. Try these tasty ways to repurpose extra bbq chicken:

BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad

Chop or shred chicken and mix with romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons and classic Caesar dressing for a satisfying main meal salad.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Simmer diced chicken in seasoned tomato broth with beans, corn and taco seasonings. Top bowls with tortilla strips, cheese, cilantro and lime.

Chicken Pot Pie

Make a chicken and veggie filling using leftover chicken. Spoon into a pie crust and top with second crust or biscuit dough to bake.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Shred chicken and blend with mayo, chopped celery and any other desired crunchy ingredients like grapes or pecans. Enjoy between slices of bread or stuffed in avocado halves.

Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Top flatbread or naan with grilled chicken, mozzarella, caramelized onions, bbq drizzle and fresh arugula or basil.

The lean protein and mild flavor make leftover bbq chicken extremely versatile. It shines in soups, salads, sandwiches and more.

Turning Leftover Ribs into Soup

One of the most comforting ways to use leftover bbq ribs is transforming the remaining meat into a hearty soup. Follow these steps:

Carefully remove any leftover rib meat from the bones after your initial meal. Discard bones.
Roughly chop or shred the rib meat, trimming off any excess fat or gristle.
Sauté aromatics like onion, celery and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add chopped rib meat along with chicken or vegetable stock, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, beans and spices.
Simmer 20-30 minutes until thick and flavorful.
Finish with bbq sauce swirled in, fresh herbs and green onion.

The tender rib meat and smoky barbecue flavor take a simple soup to new levels of crave-worthy comfort food. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying one-pot meal.

Building the Perfect Leftover BBQ Frittata

A frittata is a great breakfast option for using up leftover bbq meats. Follow this formula:

Preheat oven to 375°F and heat a 10-12 inch oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Cook a tablespoon of oil or butter until hot, sautéing any leftover veggies like onions or peppers.
Add bite-size pieces of leftover brisket, pulled pork, chicken or sausage. Heat through.
Whisk 8-12 eggs with milk or cream, salt and pepper. Pour evenly over meat and veggies.
Cook 3-5 minutes without stirring until eggs start to set on the bottom.
Transfer to oven and bake 10-15 minutes until frittata is puffed and set throughout.
Let cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

The possibilities are endless for combinations of bbq meat, veggies and cheese in a frittata. It keeps things interesting at breakfast!

Perfecting Leftover BBQ Fried Rice

Fried rice is a great way to repurpose small bits of leftover bbq meats along with grains and veggies. Try this method:

Cook rice according to package instructions up to 1-2 days in advance and chill before using.
Heat oil in wok or skillet. Quickly stir-fry aromatics like garlic, ginger and onion.
Add chopped bbq meat – brisket, pork, chicken all work well – heating through.
Add chilled rice and continue stir-frying 3-5 minutes until heated. Mix in frozen peas and carrots halfway through.
Finish with a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil and/or teriyaki glaze.
Garnish with sliced green onions, cilantro or toasted sesame seeds.

The key is properly chilled, drier rice, which fries up to a nice texture instead of getting mushy. Bbq meats add lots of flavor to this easy weeknight meal.

Building Delicious Leftover BBQ Nachos

Leftover pulled pork or brisket makes the ultimate bbq nachos:

Layer tortilla chips on a sheet pan and top with shredded bbq meat.
Add black beans, pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes and shredded cheese.
Broil 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Finish with drizzles of bbq sauce and sour cream or guacamole.

The mix of spicy, savory, cheesy flavors complement the hearty bbq meats. Swap in chicken if you have that instead. Easy to make for a crowd!

Answering Common Questions About Leftover BBQ

What is the best way to reheat bbq leftovers?

Use the oven or microwave to safely reheat bbq to 165°F. Stovetop works for saucy meats. Bring sauces to a boil. Reheating maintains tenderness better than complete reheating. Avoid sogginess.

How long does cooked bbq meat last in the fridge?

Store bbq leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, they will last 3-4 days. Discard if smells off or has mold.

Can you freeze leftover bbq?

Yes, bbq leftovers freeze very well for 2-3 months. Portion into single servings and wrap tightly before freezing. Thaw in fridge before reheating. Freeze sauces separately to avoid meat sogginess.

Should you keep bbq leftovers in the cooking vessel?

No. Transfer bbq to shallow covered containers to allow faster chilling in the fridge, preventing bacteria growth. Do not store directly in foil or slow cooker insert.

Is it safe to eat reheated bbq a second time?

Only reheat bbq leftovers once for food safety. Do not let them cool and reheat again after initial refrigeration. The multiple temperature changes encourage bacteria. Eat within 3-4 days.

Can you make sandwiches with leftover bbq?

Yes, sandwiches are a great use for extra pulled pork, brisket, chicken or sausage. Combine meats with desired bbq sauce and toppings. Refrigerate assembled sandwiches for up to 2 days.

What are good sides to serve with bbq leftovers?

Coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, baked beans, collard greens, cornbread and watermelon make classic accompaniments. Grain bowls work well for leftover bbq skillet dishes.

Is leftover bbq safe for pregnant women?

If stored properly, leftovers are generally safe. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F. Avoid excessive nitrates from charred meat. Discuss any food safety concerns with your doctor.

Creatively repurposing leftover bbq requires a little strategic planning but pays off in future meals that have guilt-free enjoyment! With endless possibilities for sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, egg dishes, nachos and more, you can turn the remnants of that amazing barbecue feast into something equally delicious.

Conclusion

Leftover bbq often gets overlooked, but it has amazing potential if handled properly. With strategic storage, delicious reinventions and safe handling, those remnants of ribs, brisket, pulled pork and chicken can become crave-worthy new meals. From pizzas to breakfast tacos, pot pies to grain bowls, there are endless ways to creatively transform bbq leftovers. With some inspiration and the willingness to get creative in the kitchen, no tasty morsels or sauce drippings of that fingers-licking feast need go to waste. Your barbecue can keep on giving for many future meals if you embrace the possibilities.

What to Do with Leftover BBQ