🔗 Share this article

What types of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special?

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.