🔗 Share this article

What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, 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 leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday 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, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.