🔗 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?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.