Festive Finger Food: Ways to Transform Christmas Remains into NYE Appetizers

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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve 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. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.