How to host a Boxing Day buffet

Turn your leftover gammon or ham into a round of warm fresh scones, the perfect welcome for last-minute guests between Christmas and New Year.

Discover more sweet and savoury scone recipes.

2. Orange, fennel & wild rice salad

Platter of wild rice salad with carrots, lentils, red onion, fennel and mint

Do you have carrots left over from Christmas Day? You can enhance them with texture and fresh flavours in this orange, fennel & wild rice salad.

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Use up more of your leftover Christmas veg with these clever Christmas leftover salads.

3. Veg peel fritters

Stack of veg peel fritters topped with spring onions

Save your vegetable peelings from your Christmas roasts to make these easy fritters, spiced with chilli powder, cumin and nigella seeds. They go perfectly with a lime pickle, mango chutney or raita dip.

4. Honeyed beetroot & carrot salad with feta & hazelnuts

Platter of quinoa salad topped with carrots, beetroot and

If you have a bag of leftover carrots in your cupboard, spruce them up in this honeyed beetroot & carrot salad with feta & hazelnuts. Make the zesty dressing using honey, lemon zest, orange, cumin and coriander. It’s a light and refreshing main, ideal after a heavy Christmas roast.

Make the most of seasonal winter produce with our winter salad recipes.

5. Refried roasties

Roast potatoes with pickled onions and thyme

Use up any uneaten potatoes and make these refried roasties with pickled onions and thyme. They’re a great vegetarian and gluten-free addition to your Boxing Day buffet.

Boxing Day mains

6. Leftover lamb curry

Plate of lamb curry with pilau rice and naan bread

Make the most of leftover roast lamb with this simple, three-step, flavour-packed leftover lamb curry. Serve with naan, spiced rice and more side dishes for a filling feast.

7. Leftover turkey fricassee

This creamy leftover turkey fricassee can be on your table in just 20 minutes, and works well with either potatoes or pasta. You can bulk it up further by pairing it with a side of garlic bread or greens, such as our stir-fried garlic green beans or spring greens with lemon dressing, for a zesty side to cut through the creaminess.

8. Leftover lamb & potato pie

This spin on cottage pie can be made in no time, and is great for using up your leftover lamb, gravy and potatoes. Layer your meat at the bottom of a small baking dish before topping it with gravy and your crumbled potatoes, then top with cheese and cook until golden.

Discover more twists on traditional cottage pie with our guide 10 twists on cottage pie.

9. Leftover turkey curry

If you’re craving some spice after your traditional Christmas lunch, then this leftover turkey tikka masala is a great way to repurpose your leftover turkey. Made using double cream and yogurt, this curry is the perfect balance of rich and creamy while being packed with the strong flavours of chilli, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander and garam masala.

Try these leftover Christmas turkey recipes to transform your roast turkey into more filling meals.

10. Boxing Day soup

Warm up with a wholesome soup made from Christmas Day veg. This recipe not only feels light after all the festive indulgence, but also transforms your leftover vegetables into a lovely lunch.

Discover more hearty soup recipes with our winter soup recipes.

11. Christmas leftovers pizza

Sliced pizza topped with Christmas leftovers

Make the most of your Christmas leftovers with a simple twist on pizza. This Christmas pizza is a laid-back way to enjoy the remnants of your holiday feast without much fuss. Just load up your base with whatever you have remaining and enjoy while watching a festive film.

If you’re feeling more energetic, why not make your pizza base from scratch? Our pizza margherita in 4 easy steps is a good place to start.

12. Leftovers roast chicken pad Thai

Want to make the most of your leftover roast chicken? All you need is a pad Thai sauce and noodles to transform it into something new. This meal can be on your table in only 30 minutes and the kick from the sriracha and chilli will be welcome after all the rich Christmas food.

Discover more of our Thai-inspired recipes.

13. Easy leftover chicken curry

Whip up a quick and easy leftover chicken curry with just 10 ingredients. This no-fuss dinner idea is egg-free, nut-free and low in sugar, and it packs a punch of flavour. Plus, the addition of sugar snap peas brings a touch of sweetness.

Find more budget-friendly meal ideas with our leftover chicken recipes.

14. Leftover turkey wraps with cranberry sauce

Two halves of a leftover turkey wrap with lettuce, cranberry sauce and red cabbage

Craft a simple lunch using surplus cranberry sauce, red cabbage and turkey. It's a convenient no-cook option, especially when you've already spent a lot of time in the kitchen over the holidays.

Check out our no-cook recipes for more speedy supper ideas that don’t require you to turn on the hob or oven.

15. Leftover turkey casserole

This one-pot stew uses up all your roast dinner leftovers in one go and has a great honey-mustard tang. Simply soften the onions and apples before stirring in sage, stock, mustard and honey. Then, add your leftovers and simmer for 15 minutes – voila!

Boxing Day desserts

16. Christmas pudding cheesecake

Cheesecake topped with orange wheels and with a slice cut out

Combine Christmas pudding with cheesecake and what do you get? This fantastic alternative festive dessert with a crunchy ginger base and creamy filling.

Discover more Christmas cheesecake recipes.

17. Christmas brownies

Brownies topped with sweets and chocolate and rosemary sprigs

If you have an abundance of edible gifts you would like to repurpose, look no further. Our Christmas brownies are full of chocolate truffles, amaretti biscuits and chocolate buttons.

Try more Christmas brownie recipes, flavoured with mulled wine, cranberries and other festive delights.

18. Christmas rocky road

Rocky road on a board chopped into squares

Another recipe that’s great for using leftover Christmas sweets and biscuits is our Christmas rocky road. It’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, as they'll relish the chance to bash the biscuits.

Try our rocky road recipes for more recipes loved by kids and grownups alike.

19. Rye Christmas pudding cookies

Christmas cookies sandwiched with cream next to two flutes of alcohol

Transform leftover Christmas pudding into thesemoreish cookies. Even pudding sceptics will be swayed by these soft, buttery rye bakes, which taste of Christmas.

Repurpose your Christmas pudding with our leftover Christmas pudding recipes.