Boxing Day: Creative ways to enjoy Christmas BBQ leftovers

The holiday season is almost here, and while Christmas Day is magical, Boxing Day has its own charm! But what is Boxing Day, and how can you make the most of it—especially regarding BBQ leftovers?

Boxing Day, celebrated the day after Christmas, began as a tradition in the UK when employers gave gift boxes to their staff. It’s a relaxed day to wind down with family, enjoy leftover food, and extend the festive cheer. In the Algarve, we’re lucky to have mild winter weather, making it the perfect time to fire up the BBQ and reimagine your holiday leftovers.

Boxing Day: origins and traditions 

Boxing Day, celebrated the day after Christmas, has deep roots in British culture. Traditionally, it was a day when servants and tradespeople received “Christmas boxes” filled with gifts, money, or food from their employers or clients as a gesture of gratitude. It was also common for families to give boxes of essentials to the less fortunate, extending the holiday spirit of giving. Today, Boxing Day has transformed into a relaxed day for people to gather, enjoy leftovers, and wind down after the festive hustle of Christmas. It’s a day to share food, savor holiday moments, and embrace cosy family traditions.

Celebrating Boxing Day with Christmas BBQ leftovers

If you enjoyed a big BBQ feast on Christmas Day, Boxing Day is your chance to reimagine those flavours creatively. In the Algarve, where the weather is mild, Boxing Day can still be spent outdoors, making it the perfect setting for a casual gathering with family or friends. Here are some tasty ideas to celebrate:

Leftover BBQ skewers

Gather leftover grilled meats and veggies, thread them onto skewers, and lightly grill them for a warm, easy-to-eat snack. A BBQ sauce or herbs drizzle can bring fresh flavour to these festive bites.

BBQ Sandwiches or wraps

Turn BBQ meats into delicious sandwiches with fresh rolls, or wrap them up with leftover salads or veggies. For a holiday twist, add a touch of cranberry sauce.

Charcuterie board of BBQ goodies

Charcuterie boards are so trendy right now! Take a little twist on traditional cured meats, grapes, and cheese and create a rustic board with leftover BBQ meats, cheeses, grilled vegetables, and sauces. This platter is perfect for relaxed sharing and a fun way to sample all the flavours from the previous day’s meal. Get creative!

Seasonal BBQ salad

Toss leftover grilled meats with fresh greens, roasted nuts, or seasonal fruits like citrus slices or pomegranate seeds. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy Christmas BBQ flavours in a lighter, more colourful dish.

What to do on Boxing Day

To make this day a special one and even more engaging and festive, you could add a couple of elements:

A toast to Boxing Day!

Suggest raising a glass of a favourite seasonal drink. For example, mulled wine or a festive Algarve-inspired cocktail made with local citrus fruits could be a great way to toast to the end of the season while enjoying the BBQ feast.

Fun activity ideas for Boxing Day

Add some suggestions for activities that could make the day memorable—like playing family games, watching a holiday movie, or even taking a scenic walk in the Algarve countryside or along the coast if the weather is good. This could bring warmth to the post and emphasize the Algarve’s unique atmosphere during the holidays.

Homemade pizza

Making pizzas at home is a fun activity with the kids and a way to repurpose all those barbecue leftovers. Imagine a pizza with a barbecue sauce base, lots of cheese, and those meat leftovers! Delicious! Check out our shop and all the pizza ovens with free assembly in the Algarve! If you want to prepare the perfect sauce for pizza, read our article on a Tasty homemade pizza sauce recipe.

Christmas in the Algarve

Christmas in the Algarve offers an unbeatable blend of festive spirit and beautiful weather, letting you enjoy BBQs year-round. So, gather your loved ones this Boxing Day, repurpose those delicious leftovers, and enjoy a BBQ feast celebrating the best of the season! Here’s to more unforgettable BBQs in the Algarve!

Visit our shop and showroom in Almancil, Algarve, for exclusive discounts and free assembly on all our barbecues, outdoor kitchens, grilling accessories and many more. Let us help you cook up an unforgettable holiday feast!