The Boxing Day Feast Awaits
The wrapping paper has been torn, the carols sung, and the Christmas feast devoured. But wait! The festive season isn’t over yet. Boxing Day dawns, a day traditionally for giving gifts to service workers and those in need, but now often celebrated as a second day of Christmas festivities, a time for family, relaxation, and… more food! After the grand Christmas spread, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen might feel daunting. But fear not! This article is your guide to delicious and easy Boxing Day food ideas that go beyond simply reheating Christmas dinner. We’ll explore creative ways to use those Christmas leftovers, discover fresh and light options to cleanse the palate, and find some simple and festive snacks to keep everyone happy throughout the day. Get ready to transform your Boxing Day into a culinary celebration that’s both satisfying and stress-free.
Leftovers: The Stars of the Show (Redux!)
Let’s be honest, Christmas often results in a mountain of leftovers. But don’t see them as a chore; view them as a treasure trove of culinary possibilities. With a little imagination, those Christmas dinner remnants can be transformed into exciting new dishes that are anything but boring.
Transforming Turkey into Treasure
The centerpiece of many Christmas dinners, the turkey, often leaves behind a significant surplus. Forget dry, reheated slices – let’s give that turkey a makeover! One fantastic option is Turkey Curry. Aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk can completely transform the flavour profile. Simply sauté some onions, garlic, and ginger, add your favourite curry powder (or paste), and then simmer the turkey in coconut milk with some chopped vegetables like bell peppers and peas. Serve with rice or naan bread for a warming and satisfying meal. For a quicker option, consider Turkey and Cranberry Sandwiches or Wraps. Elevate them from the ordinary by using artisan bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough, or opting for a hearty whole-wheat wrap. Add a layer of creamy brie cheese, some crisp lettuce, and a dollop of cranberry sauce for a flavour explosion.
Another brilliant way to use leftover turkey is in a comforting Turkey Pot Pie. Use pre-made puff pastry to keep things simple. Sauté some vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, add the shredded turkey, and then bind it all together with a creamy sauce made from chicken broth and a touch of cream. Top with the pastry and bake until golden brown for a hearty and warming dish. For a lighter take on leftover turkey, consider making Turkey Soup. A simple broth-based soup with shredded turkey, noodles, and vegetables is a perfect way to nourish the body and cleanse the palate after the richness of Christmas.
Ham: From Festive to Fantastic
The glazed Christmas ham is another potential source of delicious Boxing Day meals. A classic and simple option is Ham and Cheese Quiche or Frittata, ideal for a Boxing Day brunch. Whisk together eggs, cream, and your favourite seasonings, then add diced ham, shredded cheese, and any leftover vegetables you like. Bake in a pre-made pie crust or a cast-iron skillet for a satisfying and easy brunch.
For a quick and easy weeknight-style meal, consider Ham and Pea Pasta. Cook your favourite pasta shape, then toss it with diced ham, frozen peas, and a creamy sauce made from cream cheese or crème fraîche. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg for a comforting and satisfying dish. Finally, a hearty Ham and Bean Soup is perfect for a chilly Boxing Day. Combine diced ham with dried beans (like white beans or navy beans) in a slow cooker or stockpot, add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and simmer until the beans are tender and the soup is flavourful.
Vegetables: No More Veggie Guilt
Don’t let those leftover roasted vegetables go to waste! They can be transformed into delicious dishes. Bubble and Squeak is a traditional Boxing Day dish made from mashed leftover vegetables, typically potatoes, cabbage, and sprouts, fried until golden brown and crispy. Simply mash the vegetables together, form into patties, and fry in butter or oil until heated through and nicely browned. This is best served with a fried egg for extra protein. You could also make a Roasted Vegetable Frittata, a healthy and delicious way to start Boxing Day.
Leftover vegetable scraps, like carrot peelings, onion skins, and celery ends, can be used to make a flavourful Vegetable Stock. Simply simmer the scraps in water with some herbs and spices for an hour or two, then strain the liquid and use it as a base for soups and sauces.
Fresh and Light: A Welcome Change
After the heavy indulgence of Christmas, many people crave something lighter and fresher. Boxing Day is the perfect opportunity to embrace vibrant salads, seafood, and other refreshing options.
Salads: Bright and Beautiful
A Winter Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette is a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal ingredients. Combine mixed greens with segments of orange or grapefruit, pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a homemade citrus vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, and a touch of honey. The bright flavours and vibrant colours of this salad are sure to invigorate the senses. A Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is another visually appealing and flavourful option. Roast beets until tender, then slice them and combine them with crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, and baby spinach. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious and satisfying salad.
Seafood: Elegant and Effortless
A Smoked Salmon Platter is an elegant and effortless option for Boxing Day. Arrange smoked salmon slices on a platter with bagels, cream cheese, capers, red onion, and lemon wedges. This requires minimal preparation and is always a crowd-pleaser. For a touch of retro flair, serve a Prawn Cocktail. Combine cooked prawns with a classic cocktail sauce made from ketchup, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Serve in individual glasses with a lettuce leaf for a classic presentation.
Dips and Spreads: Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
Hummus with Pita Bread and Veggies is a healthy and crowd-pleasing option for a Boxing Day snack. Serve store-bought or homemade hummus with warm pita bread, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. A White Bean Dip is a lighter and flavorful alternative to hummus. Blend cooked white beans with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and tahini for a creamy and delicious dip. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables. Add a little smoky flavor with Baba Ghanoush, a flavourful dip made with roasted or grilled eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil.
Mini Quiches or Tarts offer a savory bite perfect as a snack or starter. Pre-made pastry shells make preparation quick and easy.
Snacks and Appetizers: Casual and Creative
Boxing Day is often a relaxed day for lounging and snacking. Embrace this with easy and festive appetizers that require minimal effort.
Cheese and Charcuterie: A Perfect Pairing
A Cheese Board or Charcuterie Board is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Choose a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, brie, and goat cheese, and pair them with cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and chorizo. Add crackers, fruits like grapes and berries, nuts, and olives to create a visually appealing and delicious spread.
Mini Pizzas: Fun for Everyone
Mini Pizzas are a fun and customizable snack for Boxing Day. Use pre-made pizza bases, English muffins, or even baguette slices as the base, then top with your favourite pizza toppings, such as tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Festive Dips: Always a Hit
Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic party dip that’s always a hit. Combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or crackers. French Onion Dip is another crowd-pleaser. Caramelize onions slowly, then combine them with sour cream or mayonnaise for a creamy and flavorful dip. Serve with potato chips or vegetables. Consider a classic Seven Layer Dip for a quick, crowd pleasing appetizer.
A classic choice is Pigs in a Blanket, a timeless favorite, are always a welcome addition to any snack spread. Wrap cocktail sausages in strips of puff pastry and bake until golden brown.
Sweet Treats and Drinks: A Festive Finale
No Boxing Day celebration is complete without some sweet treats and festive drinks.
Christmas Pudding: A Second Act
Even leftover Christmas pudding can be reimagined in delightful ways! Transform it into Christmas Pudding Ice Cream by crumbling it into softened vanilla ice cream. The festive flavours will infuse the ice cream with a touch of Christmas magic. Or try making Christmas Cake Truffles. Crumble the Christmas cake, mix it with cream cheese or mascarpone, roll it into balls, and then dip them in melted chocolate.
Simple Desserts: Easy and Elegant
Chocolate Bark is an easy and customizable dessert that requires minimal effort. Melt chocolate and spread it on a baking sheet, then top with your favourite nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, or sprinkles. Let it cool and harden, then break it into pieces. For a lighter option, consider a Fruit Salad with Yogurt and Honey. Combine your favourite fruits, such as berries, melon, and kiwi, then drizzle with yogurt and honey. This is a refreshing and healthy way to end the meal.
Festive Drinks: Raise a Glass!
If you happen to have leftover wine, consider making Mulled Wine. Simmer red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with orange slices and a touch of honey. This warming and aromatic drink is perfect for a chilly Boxing Day. For a non-alcoholic option, try Sparkling Cider with Cranberries and Rosemary. Combine sparkling cider with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive and refreshing drink. A Hot Chocolate Bar is always a hit with kids and adults alike. Set out a variety of toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles, so everyone can customize their own cup of hot chocolate.
A Relaxed and Delicious Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a time for relaxation, family, and good food. By embracing creative leftover transformations, exploring fresh and light options, and indulging in easy and festive snacks and drinks, you can create a culinary celebration that’s both satisfying and stress-free. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the day with loved ones, so don’t be afraid to keep things simple and focus on flavour.
So, this Boxing Day, step away from the pressure of elaborate cooking and embrace the joy of easy, delicious food. Try one or two of these ideas and create a meal that’s perfect for your family and friends. And don’t forget to share your own favourite Boxing Day food traditions in the comments below! Happy Boxing Day!
