🔗 Share this article

What kinds 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 fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste 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. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, 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 sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.