You might go to bed on Christmas [1] vowing not to eat for a week, but we all know that at some point on Boxing Day, the hunger pangs will kick in. And the good news is that all that time in the kitchen over the festive season [2] will pay off, because by the time Boxing Day starts, your fridge will be bursting with a whole host of tasty treats just waiting to be rustled up into a second seasonal celebration.
But, it doesn't have to be hard work. From turkey to ham and sprouts to cranberries, there are all kinds of recipes that will help magic your Christmas day [3] leftovers into easy, delicious dishes that will get the party started all over again. Here are a dozen of the best Boxing Day dishes.
Turkey and Stuffing Soup
This tasty one pot soup makes good use of leftover turkey and stuffing, and includes plenty of veggies, too, with carrots, celery, and garlic all adding extra flavour.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot turkey soup with stuffing dumplings [4]
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Chop up leftover Christmas ham and turn it into this warming Winter soup with the addition of beans, vegetables, and plenty of spices and seasonings. You can easily freeze leftovers for even more tasty post-Christmas meals.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup [5]
Spicy Turkey Chilli
This warming bowl of comfort food mixes leftover turkey with tasty beans, peppers, and tomatoes for a fresh taste on Boxing Day. There's plenty of kick from the Cayenne and chilli, too.
Get the recipe: white bean turkey chili [6]
Bubble and Squeak Cakes
Roast potatoes are the star of these superversatile Boxing Day treats, which make a tasty brunch, easy lunch, or quick supper. The real beauty of this take on the traditional comfort food is you can combine the potatoes with any other leftover vegetables to make your own version in minutes.
Get the recipe: baked bubble and squeak cakes [7]
Cranberry Brie Pastry Tarts
These little pastries are perfect for using up leftover cranberries and cheese and also look pretty classy if you find yourself welcoming unexpected visitors on Boxing Day. And they're so quick, you'll have time to chat while they bake before you impress your guests with this speedy, stylish snack.
Get the recipe: cranberry brie pastry tarts [8]
Turkey Soup With Noodles
A tasty broth based on garlic, ginger, and soy sauce gives a real lift to leftover turkey. Add in mushrooms, onions, and a portion of low-carb noodles, and this recipe is the perfect light antidote to all that rich festive food.
Get the recipe: turkey soup with soba noodles [9]
Cranberry Smoothie Bowls
The beauty of this refreshing and light Boxing Day treat is that the festive cranberries that form its base can be mixed with just about any other berries you like to produce a real wake up call the day after Christmas. It also makes good use of all those oranges that Santa left for you if you've been good all year.
Get the recipe: cranberry smoothie bowls [10]
Turmeric Ginger Turkey and Carrot Soup
Festive favourites carrots and turkey combine in this healthy soup, which is quick and easy to make and packed with plenty of flavour. The ginger and turmeric add extra punch to freshen up even the most partied out palate.
Get the recipe: turmeric ginger turkey and carrot soup [11]
Devilled Ham Salad
Festive [12] ham and pickles come together in this easy-to-make salad, which is based on celery and scallions. There's plenty of zing, too, from mustard and cayenne pepper in the dressing.
Get the recipe: devilled ham salad [13]
Chocolate and Cranberry Oats
Yes, there really is such a thing as leftover chocolate. This is the ultimate easy fix and includes oats and cranberry sauce, as well as chocolate. You can whizz it up in seconds, leave it overnight, and wake up on Boxing Day morning to a light, refreshing start to the next part of your festive-food fix.
Get the recipe: cranberry overnight oats [14]
Turkey Carbonara
You can make this recipe with all kinds of leftover vegetables, depending on what's still in the fridge, and you could always swap out the bacon for festive ham to make it even easier.
Get the recipe: turkey pasta carbonara [15]
Crock Pot Parsnip Ham Chowder
A thick, luxurious chowder made from your leftover ham and vegetables, this basically cooks itself in a slow cooker, you'll just need to set aside a few minutes to whizz it up with a stick blender halfway through.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Parsnip Ham Chowder [16].