25 Boxing Day Recipes with an International Twist for a Festive Feast

Boxing Day is a holiday that calls for celebration, relaxation, and of course, great food. Whether you're recovering from a festive Christmas feast or looking to keep the holiday spirit alive, Boxing Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in delicious dishes.

I'm sharing 25 Boxing Day Recipes with an International Twist for a Festive Feast. These recipes bring global inspiration to your table, from savory appetizers to hearty main courses and delectable desserts. Each recipe offers something unique, so you'll find new favorites to enjoy with your family and friends, making this year's Boxing Day feast one to remember.

1. Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

These savory Italian-inspired stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer for your Boxing Day gathering. Filled with a flavorful mixture of garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese, they’re a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 12 large white mushrooms, stems removed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, ricotta, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture.
4. Arrange the mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

2. Indian Butter Chicken

This creamy, flavorful butter chicken will bring a taste of India to your Boxing Day feast. It’s rich and comforting, with a perfectly spiced sauce that’s irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 can tomato puree (14 oz)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve with rice or naan.

3. Spanish Patatas Bravas

This classic Spanish tapa features crispy potatoes drizzled with a spicy tomato sauce. Perfect for sharing and great as a side dish for your Boxing Day meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the potato cubes in olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Roast the potatoes for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. In a pan, heat tomato sauce and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes.
5. Serve the crispy potatoes topped with the spicy tomato sauce.

4. French Croque Monsieur

A cheesy, decadent French sandwich that’s perfect for breakfast or a festive snack. It’s loaded with ham and gruyère cheese, making it a delicious treat for Boxing Day.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bread
• 4 slices ham
• 1 cup gruyère cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Make a béchamel sauce by melting butter, adding flour, and gradually stirring in milk. Cook until thickened.
3. Spread mustard on four slices of bread, add ham and cheese, and top with another slice of bread.
4. Pour béchamel sauce over the sandwiches and sprinkle with extra cheese.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

5. Japanese Gyoza

These dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of pork, vegetables, and seasonings. They’re crispy on the bottom and tender on top, making them an irresistible appetizer or side.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 20 gyoza wrappers

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix pork, cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
2. Place a spoonful of filling on each gyoza wrapper and fold them to form dumplings.
3. Heat a pan with a little oil and cook the gyoza for 2-3 minutes on each side.
4. Serve with soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil.

6. Moroccan Tagine

A fragrant and hearty stew, this Moroccan tagine combines tender chicken with a mix of spices, dried fruit, and vegetables. It’s perfect for a festive meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, bone-in
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can chickpeas
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a tagine or pot and brown the chicken thighs.
2. Add onions, carrots, chickpeas, apricots, cumin, cinnamon, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook for 45 minutes on low heat until the chicken is tender.

7. Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork

This Chinese classic features crispy pork in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, making it an ideal addition to your Boxing Day feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Coat the pork cubes in cornstarch and fry them until golden brown.
2. In a pan, combine vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, bell pepper, and onion.
3. Cook for 5 minutes and then add the fried pork. Toss to coat and serve.

8. Greek Moussaka

This Greek comfort food is a rich and hearty casserole made with layers of eggplant, ground beef, and béchamel sauce. It’s a dish that will bring international flair to your Boxing Day table.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants, sliced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• Nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Sauté the ground beef and onions, then add tomato paste and simmer.
3. In another pan, make a béchamel sauce by combining butter, flour, milk, and nutmeg. Add the beaten egg at the end.
4. Layer the eggplant, beef mixture, and béchamel sauce in a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.

9. Korean BBQ Short Ribs

These juicy and flavorful short ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection for a tender and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs short ribs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create a marinade.
2. Marinate the short ribs for at least 2 hours.
3. Grill the ribs for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.

10. Lebanese Falafel

These crispy, golden brown falafel are made with chickpeas, herbs, and spices, offering a delicious vegetarian option for your Boxing Day spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2. Form into balls and fry them in hot oil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Serve with pita bread and tahini sauce.

11. Thai Green Curry with Chicken

A fragrant and spicy Thai green curry with chicken will add a burst of flavor to your Boxing Day meal. It’s creamy, aromatic, and perfectly comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tbsp green curry paste
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Heat curry paste in a pan and cook chicken until browned.
2. Add coconut milk, bell pepper, bamboo shoots, fish sauce, and sugar.
3. Simmer for 15 minutes and garnish with fresh basil.

12. Peruvian Ceviche

This fresh and tangy ceviche is made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices, mixed with onions, cilantro, and spicy peppers. It's light, refreshing, and perfect for a festive starter.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of 3 limes
• 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 red chili, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine fish, lime juice, onion, cilantro, and chili in a bowl.
2. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to marinate.
3. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or crackers.

13. Brazilian Feijoada

This hearty Brazilian stew is made with black beans, pork, and sausage, slow-cooked to perfection. It's perfect for a large gathering or a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
• 1 lb sausage, sliced
• 1 lb black beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the pork and sausage.
2. Add onions, garlic, beans, and bay leaf, then cover with water and simmer for 2-3 hours.
3. Serve with rice and sautéed greens.

14. Caribbean Jerk Chicken

Jerk chicken, with its smoky, spicy marinade, will bring some bold flavors to your Boxing Day celebration. The combination of sweet and spicy is always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Rub the chicken with jerk seasoning, lime juice, and olive oil.
2. Grill or bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Serve with rice and beans.

15. Swedish Meatballs

These classic Swedish meatballs are tender and flavorful, served with a rich gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles. They’re an iconic dish that will add comfort to your Boxing Day meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp flour

Instructions:

1. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and milk to form meatballs.
2. Fry the meatballs in butter until golden brown and cooked through.
3. In the same pan, add flour, beef broth, and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened.
4. Serve meatballs with the gravy over mashed potatoes.

16. Mexican Tamales

Tamales are a Mexican holiday favorite, filled with a delicious mixture of meat, cheese, or vegetables, all wrapped in corn husks. They’re a labor of love but well worth the effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup red salsa
• Corn husks, soaked

Instructions:

1. Mix masa harina, chicken broth, oil, baking powder, and salt to form the dough.
2. Spread the masa on soaked corn husks, then top with chicken and salsa.
3. Fold the husks to form tamales and steam for 1-1.5 hours until fully cooked.

17. Turkish Baklava

A sweet and flaky pastry, baklava is a perfect dessert to end your Boxing Day feast. Layers of filo dough are filled with chopped nuts and drenched in a honey syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb filo dough
• 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds), chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Layer the filo dough in a baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
3. Sprinkle the chopped nuts between layers.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. In a saucepan, combine honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour over the baklava once it’s baked.

18. Vietnamese Pho

This aromatic Vietnamese soup is filled with tender noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of meat, all simmered in a fragrant broth. It's both comforting and fresh, perfect for a Boxing Day feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef brisket
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, halved
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 8 oz rice noodles
• Fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil beef brisket in broth with onion, garlic, cinnamon stick, star anise, and coriander for 2-3 hours.
2. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
3. Slice the beef thinly and add to the broth.
4. Serve pho with fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.

19. Italian Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder. It’s a rich and indulgent treat to end your festive meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups brewed espresso, cooled
• 24 ladyfingers
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. Whip the cream with sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold in the mascarpone.
2. Dip ladyfingers in espresso and layer them in a dish.
3. Spread a layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
4. Repeat the layers, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

20. Argentine Empanadas

These savory turnovers are filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, from beef and onions to olives and hard-boiled eggs. They're a great addition to any Boxing Day spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• Empanada dough discs

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef and onion until browned, then stir in olives, eggs, paprika, and cumin.
2. Spoon the filling onto the empanada dough discs and fold them into half-moons.
3. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

21. Portuguese Bacalhau

Bacalhau, or salted cod, is a traditional Portuguese dish that’s both simple and flavorful. The cod is paired with potatoes and olives for a festive and hearty dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salted cod, soaked overnight
• 4 potatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender.
2. Flake the salted cod and cook with garlic in olive oil for 5-7 minutes.
3. Toss the cod with potatoes and olives, then season with salt and pepper.

22. South African Bobotie

This savory dish is a spiced ground meat casserole, topped with a custard-like layer. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and spice, great for a festive feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp vinegar

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef with onions, raisins, almonds, and curry powder.
2. Transfer to a baking dish, then beat eggs, milk, and vinegar together.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the meat and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.

23. Jamaican Curried Goat

This flavorful and tender Jamaican curried goat is slow-cooked to perfection, with a mix of spices that brings depth and warmth to your Boxing Day feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs goat meat, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 2 cups coconut milk
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the goat meat with onions, garlic, and curry powder.
2. Add thyme and coconut milk, then simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the meat is tender.
3. Season with salt and serve with rice.

24. Finnish Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup)

This creamy Finnish salmon soup is light yet hearty, with fresh salmon, potatoes, and leeks in a rich broth. It’s a comforting dish for your Boxing Day feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh salmon, cubed
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 leek, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes and leeks in chicken broth until tender.
2. Add salmon and cook for 5-7 minutes until the fish is just done.
3. Stir in cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill.

25. Egyptian Koshari

This hearty and filling Egyptian dish is a combination of rice, lentils, pasta, and fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce. It’s a comforting, vegan option to round out your Boxing Day spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup lentils
• 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Cook rice, lentils, and macaroni separately.
2. Fry onions until crispy and set aside.
3. In a pan, cook garlic and cumin, then add tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Layer the rice, lentils, and macaroni, and top with the tomato sauce and crispy onions.

Conclusion

These 25 Boxing Day Recipes with an International Twist for a Festive Feast will undoubtedly add a fun and flavorful touch to your holiday celebrations. From savory mains to sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!