Christmas Day has come and gone. The tree is twinkling a little less brightly, the wrapping paper mountain has been conquered, and the house is filled with the lingering scent of pine and roasted goodness. But let’s be honest, there’s also a mountain of leftovers staring you down from the refrigerator. If you’re anything like most families, you’re probably wondering, “What am I going to DO with all this leftover turkey?” This is where the magic of Boxing Day comes in!
For those not familiar, Boxing Day, celebrated primarily in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries on December twenty sixth, is traditionally a day for giving to the less fortunate and for service workers to receive boxes of appreciation. While the tradition has evolved, the spirit of generosity and relaxation remains. And what better way to embody that spirit than by transforming your Christmas surplus into a delicious and heartwarming Boxing Day feast?
Boxing Day offers a golden opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, significantly reduce food waste, and enjoy delicious, relaxed meals with family and friends, all while utilizing those delicious remnants from the holiday celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this article is packed with inspiring Boxing Day food ideas that will help you turn your leftovers into culinary masterpieces – or simply provide a fresh, easy start to post-Christmas dining.
A Glimpse into Boxing Day Food Traditions
Historically, Boxing Day was a day of giving, a time when wealthy landowners would box up gifts for their tenants and tradespeople. Servants were also given the day off to visit their families, often taking with them boxes of food and gifts. This is where the name “Boxing Day” originates. Food-wise, the focus was on convenience and sustenance, with cold cuts, pickles, and bread being common staples.
Today, the holiday has evolved, especially when it comes to food. It’s less about necessity and more about enjoying a laid-back day with loved ones, often centered around creative ways to use Christmas dinner leftovers. The emphasis is on simplicity, minimal effort, and maximizing flavor. It’s a day to relax after the hustle and bustle of Christmas, to enjoy good company, and, of course, fantastic food.
Creative Leftover Transformations: Main Course Ideas
Don’t let those leftovers languish in the fridge! With a little imagination, you can transform them into entirely new and exciting dishes. Let’s explore some delicious Boxing Day food ideas for your main course.
Turkey and Stuffing Reinvented
No Boxing Day discussion is complete without addressing the star of the show: leftover turkey.
Turkey Curry
Turkey curry is a fantastic way to add some spice and warmth to a cold December day. There are countless variations, from mild and creamy kormas to fiery vindaloos. Simply shred the turkey, sauté some onions, garlic, and ginger, add your favorite curry paste or powder, and simmer with coconut milk and vegetables like potatoes, peas, and cauliflower. This dish is perfect served with rice or naan bread. Finding a good recipe online is easy – just search for ‘leftover turkey curry recipe’ to find options that suit your taste preferences.
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
A classic comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly Boxing Day. Layer shredded turkey with a mixture of sautéed vegetables (carrots, peas, celery) in a gravy made from leftover turkey stock or gravy granules. Top with mashed potatoes (another potential leftover!) and bake until golden brown.
Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas
Quick, easy, and a definite crowd-pleaser. Spread cranberry sauce on a tortilla, top with shredded turkey and cheese, fold in half, and cook in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Turkey Tetrazzini
A creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s pure indulgence. Combine shredded turkey with cooked pasta, a creamy sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, and some mushrooms and peas. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Ham and Potato Dishes
If ham was the star of your Christmas table, don’t despair! Here are some ways to give it new life:
Ham and Potato Hash
A simple and satisfying breakfast or brunch option. Dice the ham and potatoes into small cubes, sauté them with onions and peppers until browned and crispy, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Serve with a fried egg on top for an extra boost of protein.
Ham and Cheese Strata
A great make-ahead brunch option. Layer cubed ham, bread, and cheese in a baking dish, then pour a mixture of eggs, milk, and seasonings over the top. Let it sit overnight and bake in the morning.
Ham and Leek Pie
A savory and flavorful pie that’s perfect for a Boxing Day lunch. Sauté sliced leeks with butter until softened, then add diced ham and a creamy sauce made with flour, milk, and cheese. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake until golden brown.
Roast Beef Revival
Don’t let that beautiful roast beef go to waste!
Roast Beef Sandwiches (with horseradish sauce and caramelized onions)
A classic for a reason. Thinly slice the roast beef and pile it high on crusty bread with a generous dollop of horseradish sauce and some sweet caramelized onions. Add some lettuce and tomato for extra freshness.
Beef Stroganoff
Elevate your leftovers with this decadent dish. Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions with butter, then add thinly sliced roast beef and a creamy sauce made with sour cream, Dijon mustard, and beef broth. Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Beef and Barley Soup
A hearty and warming soup that’s perfect for a cold day. Combine diced roast beef with barley, vegetables (carrots, celery, onions), and beef broth. Simmer until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Sides and Starters: Light and Refreshing Options
After the richness of Christmas dinner, a lighter touch is often appreciated. These Boxing Day food ideas offer refreshing alternatives.
Salads with a Twist
Balance the richness of Christmas with a vibrant salad.
Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon and Cranberries
Shaved or thinly sliced Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Winter Citrus Salad with Pomegranate and Feta
A bright and flavorful salad with segments of oranges, grapefruits, and clementines, tossed with pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette.
Roasted Vegetable Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Use leftover roasted vegetables (such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts) tossed with a balsamic glaze. Add some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Soup’s On
A comforting bowl of soup is always welcome.
Creamy Vegetable Soup
A healthy and comforting option made with a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, blended until smooth and creamy.
Broccoli and Stilton Soup
A rich and flavorful soup made with broccoli, Stilton cheese, and cream.
Spiced Carrot and Ginger Soup
Warming and festive, this soup combines carrots, ginger, and warming spices like cumin and coriander.
Dips and Spreads
Serve these with crackers, crudités, or crusty bread.
Hummus with Roasted Red Peppers
A healthy and flavorful dip made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and roasted red peppers.
Cranberry and Brie Dip
Festive and easy to make, this dip combines cranberry sauce with melted brie cheese. Serve warm with crackers or baguette slices.
White Bean Dip with Herbs
A light and refreshing dip made with white beans, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Sweet Treats and Festive Drinks
No Boxing Day feast is complete without a sweet treat and a festive drink!
Dessert Remixes
Christmas Pudding Ice Cream
Transform leftover Christmas pudding into a decadent dessert. Crumble the pudding into softened vanilla ice cream, swirl it together, and freeze until firm.
Mince Pie Crumble Bars
A new way to enjoy mince pies. Crumble the mince pies and combine them with oats, butter, and sugar to make a crumble topping. Press half of the mixture into a baking dish, spread with a layer of mincemeat, and top with the remaining crumble mixture. Bake until golden brown.
Gingerbread Cheesecake
Festive and delicious, this cheesecake combines the flavors of gingerbread and cheesecake. Use gingerbread cookies as the base of the cheesecake and add gingerbread spices to the cheesecake filling.
Festive Drinks
Spiced Apple Cider
Warm and comforting, spiced apple cider is a perfect winter drink. Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
Cranberry and Rosemary Gin Fizz
Refreshing and festive, this cocktail combines gin, cranberry juice, rosemary syrup, and sparkling water.
Homemade Eggnog
A classic holiday drink made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and spices.
Tips for Reducing Food Waste on Boxing Day
Beyond just finding delicious recipes, let’s also focus on minimizing food waste.
Proper Food Storage
Ensure all leftovers are stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Use them within a few days.
Freezing for Later
Many leftovers, such as turkey, ham, and soup, can be frozen for later use. Divide them into portion-sized containers for easy thawing.
Plan Ahead
Estimate how much food you’ll realistically eat during the Christmas period to avoid over-purchasing.
Creative Use of Scraps
Use vegetable scraps (carrot peels, onion skins, celery ends) to make a flavorful vegetable broth. Use leftover bread to make breadcrumbs or croutons.
Composting
If you have a garden, consider composting food scraps. This is an eco-friendly way to reduce waste and enrich your soil.
Boxing Day Brunch Bites
Boxing Day is the perfect occasion for a relaxed brunch. Consider setting out a spread with items that can be prepared ahead of time or quickly assembled. Frittatas with leftover vegetables and cheeses are always a hit. Breakfast casseroles, filled with sausage or ham, bread, and eggs, are another great option. For something sweeter, whip up a batch of muffins using leftover fruit or spices. Don’t forget a pot of freshly brewed coffee or tea to complete the meal.
A Boxing Day to Remember
Boxing Day isn’t just about dealing with leftovers; it’s a chance to extend the holiday cheer, spend quality time with loved ones, and get creative in the kitchen. By embracing these Boxing Day food ideas and tips, you can transform your Christmas surplus into a delicious and memorable feast. So, gather your family and friends, roll up your sleeves, and let the Boxing Day culinary adventures begin!
We encourage you to try these ideas and share your own favorite Boxing Day recipes in the comments below. Let’s all work together to make this Boxing Day a celebration of flavor, creativity, and reduced food waste! Happy cooking, and happy Boxing Day!
