Quick Boxing Day dinners
Make a quick and easy Boxing Day dinner using up your Christmas Day leftovers. Whip up spicy noodles, some comforting gnocchi or a simple yet filling salad.
Everyone's had a lie-in, you've been in your new pyjamas all day and now you're craving something speedy and satisfying for dinner. Boxing Day is the one day everyone looks forward to leftovers, but you can do so much better than turkey sandwiches. Dare we say, you may even prefer these tempting dishes to Christmas dinner itself. Plus, all these Boxing Day recipes take 20 minutes or less to make, allowing you more time to spend with the family.
1. Chicken tikka masala pizza
Skip stretching the pizza dough and pile Indian toppings on a naan instead. Our chicken tikka masala naan bread pizzas boast tender chicken breast, but you could also use leftover turkey quickly warmed through in a pan with curry paste. Finish with spoonfuls of cooling natural yogurt and sweet mango chutney to balance the spices. If you're bored with heavy Christmas fare, this is the perfect antidote.
2. Poached eggs with salmon and bubble & squeak
Everyone loves a potato hash, especially if topped with a runny egg and waves of smoked salmon. Our dish of poached eggs with smoked salmon and bubble & squeak is ideal for using up leftovers. Fry up your roasties with cabbage, or leftover sprouts and other Christmas veggies in this versatile dish.
3. Herby bean sausage stew
If you have any chipolatas languishing in the fridge come Boxing Day, put them to good use in our herby bean sausage stew. Serve up a plateful of this comforting mix with a hunk of crusty bread for mopping up the sauce. This dish is as simple as combining six ingredients in a pan and simmering until the sauce is deliciously thick.
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4. Speedy red pepper chana masala
This basic curry really is a storecupboard hero. Our red pepper chana masala uses mainly tinned ingredients, along with sweet roasted red peppers and a ready-made curry paste. Serve with fluffy rice, warm naan breads and a dollop of natural yogurt on top. Don't be deceived, this quick-fix marvel packs plenty of flavour and it's even low-fat. Of course, meat eaters can stir through leftover turkey as well.
5. Hot 'n' spicy roasted red pepper & tomato soup
Soup is the ultimate quick and filling meal. If you need something warming, try our hot 'n' spicy roasted red pepper & tomato soup. Whizz up this vibrant veggie treat in just 10 minutes. Spice not your thing? Try our earthy beetroot & onion seed soup with subtly sweet apple, or our creamy sweet potato & coconut soup – and if you have any cheese leftover from the Christmas cheeseboard, melt it on toast and serve alongside.
6. Pea & pasta frittata
If you have pasta in the cupboard, try making our easy mint & pea frittata. This gorgeous grilled beauty needs a handful of ingredients and takes just five minutes to prep. It's also delicious served cold with a simple green salad and your leftover Christmas trimmings. Everyone will want a slice!
Find even more fabulous fillings in our frittata recipe collection.
7. Marmite & pancetta spaghetti
Pasta doesn't get easier than this, and trust us when we say our Marmite & pancetta spaghetti is an umami taste sensation. Even Marmite haters will want more. The saltiness of the pancetta, which you can substitute with leftover bacon, is paired with savoury Marmite and rich cheese to make a super satisfying supper. If you have a jar of the black stuff lurking in the cupboard, you're already halfway there.
8. Pasta with salmon & peas
Salmon is a Christmas staple, but if you prefer fresh fillets to smoked, this is for you. Kids will also love this creamy pasta dish, rich in omega-3. Stir in crème fraîche for a velvety smooth sauce (or some of that double cream you bought for the Christmas pudding) and snip in fresh chives for an extra touch of freshness. Our pasta with salmon & peas needs just five minutes to prep.
9. Charred brussels, beetroot & bulgur salad
Give much-maligned sprouts some love with our charred Brussels, beetroot & bulgur salad. Use up a festive surplus, including blue cheese, in this casual throw-together dish that'll set you well on the way to five-a-day. Griddling your sprouts gives them an irresistible subtle smoky flavour while the creamy and sharp dressing is the perfect complement to earthy beetroot.
10. Gnocchi with mushrooms & blue cheese
Want a change from pasta? Make the most of your cheeseboard leftovers and try our gnocchi with mushrooms & blue cheese. Either use a soft, creamy goat's cheese or a strong blue cheese like stilton to flavour these pillowy potato parcels. Enjoy with a slab of garlic bread for a filling vegetarian feast. If you want even less washing up, make our sausage, kale & gnocchi one-pot with chipolatas.
Want more inspiration for speedy vegetarian suppers? Check out our quick vegetarian recipes collection.
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What's your favourite quick-fix dinner? Leave a comment below...
