Boxing Day, a day steeped in tradition and celebrated primarily in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations, follows the whirlwind of Christmas Day. While its origins are debated – some say it’s named for the tradition of giving gifts to service workers, others believe it stems from alms boxes placed in churches – Boxing Day is now often observed as a day of relaxation, spending time with family and friends, and, of course, enjoying some delicious food.
After the grand Christmas feast, the question of what to eat on Boxing Day often arises. Do you simply reheat leftovers? Or do you embark on a culinary adventure, transforming those festive remnants into something new and exciting? The beauty of Boxing Day food lies in its versatility. It’s a chance to be creative, to embrace comfort food, and to savor flavors that extend the holiday cheer. This article is packed with Boxing Day food ideas to help you create a memorable feast, whether you’re looking to reinvent leftovers or craft entirely new dishes.
Mastering the Leftovers: A Traditional Approach
Let’s face it, most of us end up with a mountain of leftovers after Christmas Day. While the thought of simply reheating them may seem appealing, there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting to be unlocked. With a little creativity, you can transform those leftovers into culinary masterpieces that are just as delicious as the original feast.
Turkey or Chicken Curry
This is a perennial favorite for good reason. It’s warm, comforting, and a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey or chicken. Simply shred the meat and sauté it with onions, garlic, ginger, and your favorite curry spices – think turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Add a can of diced tomatoes, some coconut milk for creaminess, and simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve with rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal. Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes to the curry for extra substance.
Turkey or Chicken and Stuffing Pie
A comforting and hearty pie is the perfect way to warm up on a cold Boxing Day. Combine shredded turkey or chicken with leftover stuffing, gravy, and any vegetables you have on hand. Pour this mixture into a pie dish and top with a layer of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry. Bake until golden brown and bubbly. This pie is a fantastic way to use up a variety of leftovers and create a truly satisfying meal.
Ham and Cheese Croquettes
Turn leftover ham into a delicious and elegant appetizer or snack. Dice the ham into small pieces and combine it with shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or mozzarella work well), mashed potatoes, and a little bit of flour. Form the mixture into small croquettes and coat them in breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Serve with a dipping sauce like Dijon mustard or a creamy aioli.
Leftover Roast Sandwiches
Elevate the humble sandwich with gourmet ingredients. Use crusty bread or rolls and fill them with slices of leftover roast turkey, ham, or beef. Add cranberry sauce, brie cheese, and a handful of fresh arugula for a truly decadent sandwich experience. For an extra touch, toast the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remember that food safety is paramount. Store leftovers properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consume them within a few days.
Beyond Leftovers: Fresh and Festive Dishes
While leftovers are a staple of Boxing Day, there’s no reason why you can’t create entirely new dishes. Embrace the opportunity to try something different and explore new flavors.
Boxing Day Brunch or Lunch Ideas
Smoked Salmon Bagels
Quick, easy, and elegant, smoked salmon bagels are a perfect brunch option. Top toasted bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a relaxed Boxing Day brunch.
Bubble and Squeak
A traditional British dish made with mashed potatoes and cabbage, Bubble and Squeak is perfect for using up leftover vegetables. Fry up leftover potatoes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and any other vegetables you have on hand. The name comes from the sound the vegetables make as they cook. Serve with a fried egg on top for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Frittata
A frittata is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of ingredients. Whisk together eggs with milk or cream and season with salt and pepper. Add leftover meats, cheeses, and vegetables to the mixture and pour it into an oven-safe skillet. Bake until the frittata is set. This is a great way to use up small amounts of leftovers and create a delicious and satisfying brunch or lunch.
Dinner Party Delights
Boxing Day Charcuterie Board
Assemble a selection of cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers for a sophisticated and easy dinner party appetizer. Include a variety of flavors and textures to appeal to all tastes. Add some olives, nuts, and pickled vegetables for extra interest.
Hearty Winter Stew
A hearty winter stew is the perfect way to warm up on a cold Boxing Day evening. Choose from beef, vegetable, or lentil stew, and focus on seasonal ingredients like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. Slow-cook the stew for maximum flavor and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Homemade Pizzas
Make it a pizza night! Homemade pizzas are fun and customizable for a group. Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone create their own pizzas. This is a great way to get everyone involved in the cooking process and create a fun and interactive meal.
Sweet Treats and Festive Drinks
No Boxing Day feast is complete without some delicious desserts and festive drinks. Get creative with leftover Christmas pudding or mince pies, or try something entirely new.
Desserts Using Leftover Christmas Pudding or Mince Pies
Christmas Pudding Ice Cream
Give your Christmas pudding a makeover by turning it into ice cream. Crumble the pudding and mix it into vanilla ice cream. Freeze until solid. This is a surprisingly delicious and refreshing dessert.
Mince Pie Crumble Bars
Easy to make and delicious, mince pie crumble bars are a perfect way to use up leftover mince pies. Crumble the mince pies and mix them with oats, flour, butter, and sugar to create a crumble topping. Press half of the crumble mixture into a baking pan and top with the remaining mince pie filling. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top and bake until golden brown.
Other Festive Dessert Ideas
Chocolate Yule Log
A visually appealing and delicious dessert, the Chocolate Yule Log is a classic Christmas treat. Decorate it with meringue mushrooms and dusted powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Gingerbread Cake or Cookies
Spiced and warming, gingerbread cake or cookies are perfect for a Boxing Day treat. The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a comforting and festive flavor.
Boxing Day Drinks
Mulled Wine or Cider
Warm and festive options, mulled wine and cider are perfect for a cold Boxing Day evening. Simmer wine or cider with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Add some orange and lemon slices for extra flavor.
Festive Cocktails
Using seasonal ingredients like cranberries, rosemary, and pomegranate, create some festive cocktails. A Cranberry Rosemary Gin Fizz or a Pomegranate Margarita are both great options.
Quick and Easy Bites for Relaxed Snacking
Boxing Day is a day for relaxation, so don’t feel pressured to spend all day in the kitchen. Quick and easy bites are perfect for relaxed snacking throughout the day.
Dips and Spreads
Hummus
Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Warm and cheesy.
White Bean Dip
Healthy and flavorful.
Finger Foods
Mini Quiches
Easy to make and customize with various fillings.
Sausage Rolls
A classic party snack that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Easy Boxing Day Entertaining
To ensure a stress-free Boxing Day, here are a few tips for easy entertaining:
Plan ahead: Prepare dishes in advance to save time on the day.
Delegate: Ask guests to bring a dish or drink to share.
Keep it casual: Focus on enjoying time with loved ones. Boxing Day is about relaxing and spending quality time together, so don’t worry about perfection.
Conclusion
From reinventing leftovers to crafting entirely new dishes, there are countless Boxing Day food ideas to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a light snack, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, this Boxing Day, embrace the opportunity to be creative in the kitchen and enjoy a delicious feast with family and friends. Happy and delicious Boxing Day to all!
