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.
See our family dinner ideas for Christmas leftovers for more dinner inspiration.
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.
Fill hungry tummies with even more quick winter recipes.
4. Leftover turkey fricassee
Make the most of leftover roast turkey with this creamy fricassee – delicious served with potatoes or pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect Boxing Day dish when you want something comforting but quick after all the festive cooking.
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. Leftover turkey korma
Turn your Christmas leftovers into a flavour-packed turkey curry. Mildly spiced and family-friendly, it’s delicious served with rice, naan and a spoonful of mango chutney. This simple dish is a great way to use up leftover turkey while bringing fresh, vibrant flavours to the table after all those rich, gravy-laden meals.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Easy leftover chicken curry
Perfect for Boxing Day or any weeknight after a roast chicken, this versatile curry is a great way to use up what’s in your fridge. We’ve used sugar snap peas, but any veg will work – just finish with a sprinkle of fresh chilli and coriander for extra flavour.
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What’s your favourite quick-fix dinner? Leave a comment below…
