25 Boxing Day Treat Recipes You’ll Love to Unveil

Boxing Day is one of my favorite times of the year. The frenzy of Christmas has died down, but the spirit of the holidays is still alive and well. It’s the perfect opportunity to whip up some delicious treats and enjoy quality time with family and friends without the stress of the big day.

With "25 Boxing Day Treat Recipes You’ll Love to Unveil," I want to share my go-to recipes that add a little extra magic to this special day. Whether you’re looking for sweet treats or savory delights, these recipes are sure to impress. So, grab your apron, crank up the holiday music, and let's make some tasty memories together!

1. Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Craving a sweet and minty treat? This chocolate peppermint bark is super easy and a holiday favorite in my house.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds.
2. Spread the melted dark chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Chill in the refrigerator until set, about 15 minutes.
4. Melt the white chocolate chips, mix in peppermint extract, and spread over the dark chocolate layer.
5. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
6. Refrigerate until completely set, about 1 hour, then break into pieces.

2. Cheesy Sausage Balls

These savory sausage balls are a hit with everyone and perfect for Boxing Day brunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pork sausage
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups bisquick mix
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. Classic Eggnog

Nothing says holiday like a glass of rich, creamy eggnog.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup bourbon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Beat the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until thick and creamy.
2. Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking continuously.
3. Stir in the vanilla, nutmeg, and bourbon if using.
4. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.

4. Cranberry Brie Bites

A delightful, bite-sized appetizer that’s both sweet and savory.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 small wheel of brie cheese, cut into small pieces
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the puff pastry into 12 squares and press into a mini muffin tin.
3. Place a piece of brie in each puff pastry square.
4. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until puff pastry is golden and cheese is melty.
6. Garnish with fresh rosemary.

5. Maple Glazed Ham

This maple glazed ham is the star of the Boxing Day table.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• Cloves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
3. Insert cloves into the diamonds of the ham.
4. Mix maple syrup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the glaze.
5. Brush half the glaze over the ham.
6. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, reapplying glaze every 20 minutes until fully cooked.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix together sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
3. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish.
4. Mix the topping ingredients (brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans) and sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until topping is lightly browned.

7. Spiced Apple Cider

A warm, fragrant spiced apple cider is perfect for sipping on a cold Boxing Day.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon fresh apple cider
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 10 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Pour the apple cider into a large pot.
2. Add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and maple syrup.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve warm with additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks if desired.

8. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

A luxurious main course for your Boxing Day feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 prime rib roast (about 6 pounds)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Mix the garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil to make a paste.
3. Rub the paste all over the prime rib.
4. Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Lower the temperature to 325°F and continue cooking for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
6. Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

9. Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in some freshly baked cinnamon rolls for a sweet treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk in a large bowl.
2. Add sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and flour. Mix until well-combined.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Roll out the dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle.
6. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Roll up the dough and cut into 12 rolls.
8. Place rolls in a greased baking pan and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
9. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

10. Stuffed Mushrooms

A delightful appetizer for Boxing Day gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 24 large white mushrooms, stems removed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Fill each mushroom cap with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the filling is golden brown.

11. Gingerbread Cookies

Classic gingerbread cookies are a holiday must-have.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the molasses and egg, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until combined.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
8. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes.
9. Let cool before decorating.

12. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Sweet and savory, these bacon-wrapped dates are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 24 pitted dates
• 12 slices bacon, cut in half
• 24 whole almonds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Stuff each date with an almond if using.
3. Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.

13. Vanilla Panna Cotta

This creamy dessert is elegant and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon gelatin
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Pour the milk into a bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Heat the cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and gelatin mixture until fully dissolved.
4. Pour into ramekins and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.

14. Turkey and Cranberry Sliders

A great way to use up leftover turkey.

Ingredients:

• 12 slider buns
• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves

Instructions:

1. Mix the cranberry sauce and mayonnaise in a bowl.
2. Spread the cranberry mayo on each bun.
3. Layer with shredded turkey and baby spinach leaves.
4. Top with the other half of the bun and serve.

15. Mini Quiches

These bite-sized quiches are perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pie crust and cut into circles to fit a mini muffin tin.
3. Press the dough into the muffin tin.
4. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cheese, spinach, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the dough-lined muffin tin.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quiches are set.

16. Chocolate Truffles

Rich and decadent, these chocolate truffles make a perfect treat.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder for rolling

Instructions:

1. Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Stir until smooth, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
5. Scoop small amounts of the mixture and roll into balls.
6. Roll in cocoa powder to coat.

17. Bread Pudding

A comforting dessert that’s great for using up leftover bread.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Place the cubed bread in a greased baking dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, pressing down to soak.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set.

18. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

Crispy and flavorful, these potatoes are a perfect side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the potatoes with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil.
3. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

19. Lemon Bars

Tart and sweet lemon bars always hit the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. For the crust, blend the flour, powdered sugar, and butter until crumbly.
3. Press into a greased baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
4. For the filling, beat eggs, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and lemon juice until well combined.
5. Pour over the hot crust.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until set.
7. Let cool before dusting with powdered sugar.

20. Butterscotch Pudding

Homemade butterscotch pudding is rich and creamy.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3 cups milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk together brown sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks.
4. Slowly mix a small amount of the hot mixture into the yolks, then return everything to the saucepan.
5. Cook until the pudding begins to bubble.
6. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
7. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate until chilled.

21. Chicken Pot Pie

A warm, hearty chicken pot pie is comfort food at its best.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 pie crusts

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Stir in chicken, peas, and carrots.
6. Place one pie crust in a baking dish, pour in the chicken mixture, and cover with the second crust.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

22. Snickerdoodles

These cinnamon-sugar coated cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Cream butter, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons sugar and ground cinnamon.
5. Form dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.

23. Mini Cheesecakes

These mini cheesecakes are perfect individual desserts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
3. Press into the bottoms of a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners.
4. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Pour over the crust and bake for 25 minutes, or until set.
7. Let cool and refrigerate until chilled.

24. Chocolate Fudge

Rich and creamy chocolate fudge is a sweet delight.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir
4. Mix in vanilla extract and nuts, if using.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
7. Cut into squares and enjoy.

25. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Bring the warmth and flavors of fall into your Boxing Day with a homemade pumpkin spice latte.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (any kind)
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus extra for serving
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
• Whipped cream, for topping

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar. Heat until hot, but do not boil.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Use a blender or frother to blend the milk mixture until frothy.
4. Pour the coffee into a large mug and add the pumpkin-spiced milk.
5. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Conclusion

Creating these Boxing Day treats is a delightful way to extend the holiday cheer. Each recipe brings its own unique flavor and joy, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy these tasty dishes and make your Boxing Day memorable. Happy cooking and savor every moment!