Boxing Day is a chance to unwind, graze, and enjoy a spread that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
A buffet feels right for Boxing Day because it’s casual, everyone can help themselves, mix and match, and wander back for seconds (or thirds).
Leftovers get a second life, and a few simple recipes bring fresh energy to the table.
The best part? You can prep most of it ahead of time, leaving you free to actually enjoy the day.
The Heart of the Buffet – Mains
A Boxing Day buffet isn’t complete without a couple of standout centerpieces.
They don’t have to be fussy; they just need to taste great and look impressive enough to anchor the table.
Think ham glistening with glaze, sliders piled high with turkey, and a charcuterie board loaded with seasonal favorites.
Honey-Glazed Ham
There’s something almost ceremonial about carving into a glazed ham the day after Christmas.
The salty-sweet balance feels indulgent but not heavy, and the leftovers make excellent sandwiches later in the week.
How to Make It:
- Score the surface of a pre-cooked ham in a diamond pattern.
- Brush with a glaze made of honey, mustard, and a splash of orange juice.
- Stud with whole cloves if you like that old-school holiday touch.
- Bake until glossy and caramelized.
Serve thick slices on a platter with little jars of mustard on the side.
Handy tool: a sturdy Ham Glazing Brush & Carving Set makes prep and serving so much easier.
Turkey & Cranberry Sliders
Got leftover turkey from Christmas? Don’t let it dry out in the fridge. Shred it and tuck it into soft slider buns with cranberry sauce and a swipe of mayo or brie for creaminess.
How to Assemble:
- Warm shredded turkey with a little gravy to keep it moist.
- Spread cranberry sauce on slider buns.
- Layer turkey, add a thin slice of cheese, and pop the top bun on.
- Serve warm or at room temp—they disappear fast either way.
These are small but mighty, perfect for grazing. Line them up on a baking tray for easy serving.
Serving idea: keep them warm with a Buffet Warming Tray.
Cheese & Charcuterie Board with Holiday Flair
No buffet feels complete without a board. Charcuterie isn’t just trendy—it’s practical, because it feeds many with minimal cooking.
What to Include:
- Cheeses: brie, sharp cheddar, blue cheese, goat cheese.
- Meats: salami, prosciutto, and leftover Christmas roast beef slices.
- Extras: candied nuts, dried cranberries, fig jam, and crackers.
- Garnish: rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds for color.
Spread everything across a large wooden board or platter, filling gaps with fruit or crackers so it looks abundant.
Shortcut: pick up a Charcuterie Board Set with built-in knives and compartments.
Satisfying Sides
Sides are what turn a buffet from “snack table” to “proper meal.” They’re hearty enough to keep everyone full but easy to prep in bulk.
Think crispy potatoes, bite-sized stuffing, and a pasta salad that feels festive instead of summery.
Bubble & Squeak
This dish is Boxing Day’s best-kept secret. It’s a classic British way of turning yesterday’s leftovers into something golden and comforting.
How to Make It:
- Mash leftover potatoes with cooked cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
- Form into patties or press into a skillet like a hash.
- Fry in butter or oil until crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.
It’s humble, but everyone ends up spooning it onto their plate.
Time-saver: a non-stick Cast Iron Skillet gives it that perfect crust.
Festive Pasta Salad with Cranberries & Pecans
Pasta salad doesn’t have to be a summer-only dish. With the right tweaks, it feels festive and fresh.
How to Make It:
- Cook short pasta like farfalle or penne.
- Toss with olive oil, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, chopped spinach, and crumbled feta.
- Add a honey-mustard vinaigrette for sweetness and tang.
It’s colorful, filling, and makes a great cold option on the buffet table.
Store & serve in a Glass Salad Bowl with Lid.
Stuffing Bites with Gravy Dip
Everyone loves stuffing, but reheating a giant tray can feel clunky. Turn it into bite-sized portions instead.
How to Make It:
- Take leftover stuffing, roll into balls or press into mini muffin tins.
- Bake until crisp around the edges.
- Serve with a small bowl of warmed gravy for dipping.
They’re like holiday finger food and disappear almost instantly.
Use a Mini Muffin Pan for perfect portions.
Fresh & Lighter Options
After days of heavy meals, it’s nice to balance the buffet with dishes that feel bright and refreshing.
Think crunchy salads, smoked salmon, and fresh veggies with dips that bring seasonal colors to the spread.
Winter Green Salad with Pomegranate Seeds
Greens are a welcome sight after so much meat and starch. A salad that looks festive makes people want to grab a scoop.
How to Make It:
- Toss mixed greens with thinly sliced apples or pears.
- Sprinkle in pomegranate seeds for color.
- Add goat cheese crumbles and candied walnuts.
- Drizzle with a light balsamic vinaigrette.
It’s crunchy, sweet, tangy, and looks like Christmas in a bowl.
Stylish option: serve in a Wooden Salad Bowl Set.
Smoked Salmon Platter with Dill Cream
This feels fancy but requires almost no effort. A platter of smoked salmon is elegant, refreshing, and perfect for grazing.
How to Assemble:
- Lay smoked salmon slices on a platter.
- Add lemon wedges, capers, thin red onion slices.
- Mix sour cream, lemon juice, and dill for a quick dip.
- Serve with rye bread or crackers.
It’s light but flavorful, and people always go back for seconds.
Pretty serving idea: arrange it on a Marble Cheese Board.
Vegetable Crudité with Holiday Hummus Trio
Veggies don’t have to be boring if you present them with a little flair.
How to Make It:
- Slice carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Arrange in a wreath shape on a round platter.
- Add three hummus flavors: classic, beetroot (for red), and roasted pepper (for golden).
The colors pop, and it gives everyone a lighter nibble option.
Serve in a Sectioned Serving Tray.
Sweet Treats
No Boxing Day buffet feels complete without a few desserts. The trick is to go for sweets that can be cut, stacked, or prepped ahead, so they’re easy to serve without fuss.
Mince Pie Bites
A smaller twist on the traditional pie, perfect for nibbling alongside tea or coffee.
How to Make It:
- Use store-bought pastry or puff pastry sheets.
- Cut into circles and press into mini muffin tins.
- Fill with mincemeat, top with a star-shaped pastry lid, and bake until golden.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
These keep the holiday flavor alive without needing forks or knives.
Chocolate Bark with Nuts & Fruit
This is the easiest festive treat to make, and it looks like something from a fancy chocolatier.
How to Make It:
- Melt dark or milk chocolate and spread thinly on parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with dried cranberries, pistachios, and a drizzle of white chocolate.
- Chill until set, then break into rustic shards.
It’s colorful, indulgent, and great for gifting too.
Sticky Toffee Pudding Squares
A British classic, but portioned into buffet-friendly bites.
How to Make It:
- Bake sticky toffee pudding in a rectangular pan.
- Cut into small squares once cooled.
- Drizzle with warm toffee sauce just before serving.
These little squares are rich and gooey—small portions are perfect after all the feasting.
Drinks & Festive Sips
A Boxing Day buffet deserves more than just soda. Drinks set the mood, a refreshing spritz, or something fun for kids.
Prosecco Punch
Light, bubbly, and festive, it’s perfect for a buffet table.
How to Make It:
- Mix chilled Prosecco with cranberry juice and orange liqueur.
- Add fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish.
- Serve in a large punch bowl with a ladle.
It looks gorgeous and makes pouring drinks easy for guests.
Use a Glass Punch Bowl with Ladle.
Spiced Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic)
For kids or anyone skipping alcohol, a warm apple cider feels just as festive.
How to Make It:
- Heat apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel.
- Sweeten lightly with honey or brown sugar.
- Serve in mugs with a cinnamon stick stirrer.
It’s comforting, fragrant, and family-friendly.
Tips for a Stress-Free Boxing Day Buffet
A Boxing Day buffet is all about keeping things relaxed after the whirlwind of Christmas.
The food should be delicious, but it doesn’t have to feel like a second holiday marathon in the kitchen.
A few smart shortcuts can keep the day low-stress and enjoyable for both you and your guests.
1. Prep Ahead
Do as much as possible the day before. Slice cheese, bake desserts, and wash serving dishes.
Store items in airtight containers so all you need to do is lay them out when guests arrive.
2. Keep it Simple
Boxing Day isn’t the time for complicated recipes. Stick to easy crowd-pleasers like cold meats, simple salads, and bread rolls.
Pair them with a few homemade touches (like dips or a pudding) to keep it special without overworking yourself.
3. Mix Homemade & Store-Bought
There’s no shame in combining shop-bought treats with homemade ones. Buy crackers, dips, or pastries, and balance them with one or two recipes you’ve made yourself.
This keeps variety high and stress low.
4. Let Guests Help Themselves
A self-serve style buffet makes everything easier. Set up food in stations—like savory, sweet, and drinks—so guests can grab what they like.
This keeps traffic flowing and takes the pressure off you.
5. Keep Drinks Self-Serve Too
Have a punch bowl, bottles of wine, and a stack of glasses ready so guests can top themselves up.
For warm drinks like cider or mulled wine, use a slow cooker to keep them hot without babysitting.
6. Relax & Enjoy
The whole point of a Boxing Day buffet is to enjoy good company without fuss. Light some candles, and let the food take care of itself.
Guests won’t remember if the bread rolls were homemade—but they’ll remember the laughter and warmth around the table.
