What to Serve on Boxing Day: Food and Drink Ideas Everyone Will Love
Boxing Day is all about slowing down, sharing great food, and making the most of the festive leftovers. Unlike Christmas Day, the menu doesn’t need to be formal — instead, it should be comforting, crowd-pleasing, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or enjoying a relaxed day at home, the right food and drinks can turn Boxing Day into a highlight of the holiday season.
In this guide, we’ll explore what to serve on Boxing Day, including buffet ideas, leftover transformations, hearty meals, and festive drinks that keep the celebrations going.
Boxing Day Food Ideas: Relaxed, Comforting, and Crowd-Friendly
1. Make the Most of Christmas Leftovers
Boxing Day is famous for clever leftover dishes that taste just as good — if not better — than the original meal.
Leftover Turkey & Ham Pie
A Boxing Day classic that’s easy and comforting.
Ingredients:
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Cooked turkey and ham (chopped)
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Leftover gravy or chicken stock
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Mushrooms
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Onion
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Puff pastry
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Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley)
Method:
Sauté onion and mushrooms, stir in turkey and ham, add gravy or stock, and simmer briefly. Spoon into a pie dish, top with puff pastry, and bake until golden.
Other leftover ideas:
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Turkey and cranberry sandwiches
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Ham and cheese toasties
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Bubble and squeak (potatoes, sprouts, cabbage)
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Turkey fried rice or noodle stir-fry
2. Boxing Day Buffet: Easy Food for Entertaining
A buffet is perfect for Boxing Day because guests can graze throughout the day.
Buffet Food Ideas:
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Cheese board with crackers, chutneys, and dried fruit
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Cold cuts (ham, turkey, roast beef)
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Sausage rolls and mini quiches
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Pork pies and scotch eggs
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Smoked salmon blinis
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Crudités with hummus or dips
Pro tip: Use wooden boards and festive napkins to make even simple food feel special.
3. Comfort Food for a Cozy Boxing Day Meal
After the big Christmas feast, Boxing Day food should feel warming and familiar.
Hearty Boxing Day Mains:
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Beef stew or slow-cooked chili
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Creamy chicken and mushroom pasta
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Shepherd’s pie or cottage pie
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Baked mac and cheese
One-Pot Boxing Day Casserole (Easy Recipe)
Ingredients:
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Cooked chicken or turkey
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Potatoes
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Carrots
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Leeks
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Cream or crème fraîche
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Cheese (cheddar or gruyère)
Layer everything in a baking dish, season well, pour over cream, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake until bubbling and golden.
4. Boxing Day Desserts and Sweet Treats
Dessert on Boxing Day should be indulgent but effortless.
Sweet Ideas:
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Leftover Christmas pudding (fried and served with cream)
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Trifle made with leftover cake
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Mince pie cheesecake
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Chocolate brownies or blondies
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Pavlova topped with winter fruits
Quick Chocolate Orange Truffles
Mix crushed biscuits, cream cheese, cocoa powder, and orange zest. Roll into balls and chill — perfect with coffee.
What to Drink on Boxing Day
1. Festive Boxing Day Cocktails
Boxing Day drinks should feel celebratory but not too heavy.
Popular Choices:
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Buck’s Fizz or Mimosa
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Mulled wine (leftover from Christmas Eve)
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Winter sangria with oranges and cinnamon
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Gin and tonic with rosemary or cranberries
Easy Spiced Gin Cocktail
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Gin
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Tonic or ginger ale
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Orange peel
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Cinnamon stick
2. Non-Alcoholic Boxing Day Drinks
Make sure everyone is catered for with warming, alcohol-free options.
Alcohol-Free Ideas:
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Hot chocolate with whipped cream
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Spiced apple juice
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Cranberry and orange mocktails
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Herbal teas or festive coffee
Boxing Day Brunch Ideas
If you prefer a late start, Boxing Day brunch is a brilliant option.
Brunch Menu Ideas:
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Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs
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Bacon, sausage, and leftover roast potatoes
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Waffles or pancakes with berries
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Croissants and pastries
Serve with fresh coffee, juice, or a light cocktail for a relaxed start to the day.
Final Thoughts: Keep Boxing Day Simple and Enjoyable
When deciding what to serve on Boxing Day, remember that the goal is comfort, ease, and enjoyment. Leftovers, simple recipes, and share-style food are perfect for the laid-back feel of the day. Whether you opt for a buffet, cozy comfort food, or casual brunch, good food and drinks will keep the festive spirit alive without the stress.
