🔗 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 seem festive?

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.