🔗 Share this article

What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still seem festive?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat 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, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, 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. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.