🔗 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?

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.