🔗 Share this article

What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special?

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. 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 have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, 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. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved 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 cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot 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.