2024 is almost upon so I'm sharing plenty of New Year's Eve Food Ideas and a menu with every recipe you could possibly need to host the best New Year's Eve party of the year.
Going out on New Year's Eve is MAJORLY overrated so I'm thrilled to not even consider it this year. It’s all about hosting a little soiree at home and this year it's just me, Thomas, Poppy and a few very close friends. I'll be cooking up a storm so obviously I’ve rounded up a bunch of great New Year's Eve food and drinks to make it the best and easiest night if you're planning to do the same. Lots of these New Year's Eve food ideas can be made ahead, some require no actual cooking and they are exactly what you want to be eating while you ring in the new year!!
Table of Contents
New Year's Eve Food & Appetizers
Arancini
Let's talk New Year's Eve food ideas first. Fried balls of risotto make the most perfect snack for happy hour! It’s truly a heavenly bite and something that I want on repeat these chilly winter months. Pair it with a Peroni, an Aperol spritz or a negroni and you’re basically living your best Italian life!
Thyme and Garlic Baked Camembert
Baked Camembert is the perfect New Year's Eve appetizer! This dish is quite possibly one of the easiest yet most gorgeous and decadent appetizers ever. I can promise you’re going to love it!
Cheesy Artichoke Dip
It’s loaded with tons of flavors from onions to garlic, parmesan cheese, LOADS of artichoke hearts, Gruyere, Fontina, and some breadcrumbs to give it a bit of a bite. I mean, hello… it’s everything you’ve ever wanted in life and more. Then add to that some toasted naan or pita on the side and it’s a recipe for success.
Brie Stuffed Mushrooms
These brie stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer for your New Year's Eve party. The cheesy, earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the creamy brie, and the breadcrumbs add a delicious crunch. Plus they’re easy to make ahead of time and bring to an event if you’re in charge of appetizers, and if you’re hosting and want to serve these, you can prep them a day ahead of time and just bake them off when the moment is right!
Potato Chips with Caviar and Creme Fraiche
You’ve gotta love it when fancy meets easy and comes together to be the most elegant appetizer of all times aka Potato Chips with Caviar and Creme Fraîche! This New Year's Eve food idea is not to be missed.
Loaded Guacamole
You know that guacamole, in any setting, is my love language. But loaded guacamole…is next level incredible. Creamy smashed avocados with bacon, sun dried tomatoes, cotija and a few extra mix ins… sign me up!
Cheese Board
What's a New Year's Eve party without a cheese board?? This isn’t just any cheese board, it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, a piece of art that you won’t actually want to eat because they are so pretty. Oh who am I kidding, it’s cheese… we’re eating it!
Loaded Hummus
I love this easy appetizer! Simply whip up the hummus and then top it with red onions, feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, toasted chickpeas and some herbs. It’s not only gorgeous but a total winner!
Potato and Caviar Flatbread
This is 100% happening for my New Years Eve menu. This pizza, a nice bottle of bubbles, and pajamas. Does it get any better than that?
Fried Ravioli
Some people might think it’s strange to fry pasta. I think it’s totally normal. And I fully encourage such behavior, because without it, we’d never be able to enjoy Fried Ravioli. This New Year's Eve food idea is incredible.
Bruschetta Bar
Throwing a New Year's Eve party can be a lot of work! Am I right? And sometimes you want to have everyone over for a little impromptu bash and not spend the entire day in the kitchen. Bruschetta Bars are the answer. It’s essentially the best of the best when it comes to tapas style eating. Grilled bread, tons of vegetables, different kinds of sauces, meats, various cheeses…. and voila… your dinner party is done.
Garlic Wedge Fries
My Garlic Wedge Fry recipe is 100% addicting. Sorry in advance. These are drizzled with olive oil and garlic and then topped with herbs after roasted! Dip them in ketchup or ranch as you pop one after the other into your mouth and just sit back and know that these are going to be your new go-to!
Hot Caprese Dip
If you need a New Year's Eve food idea to feed a crowd this Hot Caprese Dip is it! It’s bubbly/melted cheese, pesto, cherry tomatoes and that’s basically it! You can serve it up with crostini, seedy crackers, or scoop it up with a fork and call it a day. Just make sure to make it right before you serve it – if it sits for too long it won’t be melty!
New Year's Eve Desserts
Caramel Brownies
What's New Year's Eve food without a little dessert? These Caramel Brownies are loaded with the most epic caramel swirl, plenty of chocolate chips and a brownie base that is going to change the game.
Snickerdoodle Blondie Brownies
There are some things in life that just rock your world and these Snickerdoodle Blondie Blondies are one of them! There are very few ingredients and/or tools needed to whip these bad boys up but that’s the trick!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Hands down, these are the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies!! They take some time to make, but trust me 100% worth it! When it comes to New Year's Eve food what's a better way to end the year than with a warm chocolate chip cookie.
Browned Butter Thick and Chewy Crispy Rice Treats
Upping the ante on New Year's Eve food with these Browned Butter Thick and Chewy Crispy Rice Treats. You'll never make any other Rice Krispie recipe ever again!
Pizookie
It's very simple – cookie dough, a skillet, and some ice cream. Game time.
Coconut Chocolate Baklava
New Year's Eve food doesn’t get more festive that a big batch of Coconut Chocolate Baklava! This stuff is insane!
Molasses Cookies
These Molasses Cookies come from my mom – who I think got the recipe from my her mom and she probably got it from her mom. Who knows. Either way – these Molasses Cookies are perfection. The dough comes together quickly, chills in the fridge to harden it up, and then rolled into balls and coated in sugar before baking. The result is a perfectly soft and chewy molasses cookie that you’ll totally love!
Salted Chocolate Tart with Kettle Chip Crust
Salted Chocolate Tart with a very special secret crust. Get ready for your new everything.
Slutty Brownies
Layers of homemade cookie dough, oreos and brownie batter make the most insane triple threat of a dessert! If you're looking for New Year's Eve food ideas these should definitely be on your menu.
New Year's Eve Drinks & Cocktails
Grapefruit Margaritas
New Year's Eve food ideas aren't complete without a great drink. I’m a margarita kinda girl! It’s always my cocktail of choice and this Grapefruit Margarita infused with a little rosemary and a dash of cayenne salt on the rim is the perfect margarita for colder months!
Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
Looking for a fun and festive New Year's Eve drink? Look no further than the Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule! This delicious cocktail is perfect for a party or a cozy nights at home. Plus, it’s SUPER easy to make.
Pomegranate Champagne Spritzer
Do you like champagne? Do you like spritzers? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then I have the perfect drink for you! This champagne spritzer is light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make – so cheers to the weekend!
Perfect Cranberry Sangria
Looking for a festive drink to serve at your New Year's Eve party? What about something you might be able to batch before your guests arrive? This Cranberry Sangria recipe is the perfect solution! This easy drink is simple to make and tastes delicious. Plus, it’s perfect for a crowd. Keep the drinks flowing by mixing up a batch of this delicious sangria today!
Thyme Apple Cider Spritz
This Thyme Apple Cider Spritz is the perfect cocktail or mocktail for the holiday season!
Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
If you were anything like me as a child, you LIVED for the days that you got to drink Sparkling Apple Cider! Those were truly some of my happiest memories as a kid so I’m putting a festive spin on it with a Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail!
Parmesan Arancini
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 3 ½ cups vegetable stock
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup mascarpone
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 3 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cut into ½ inch pieces
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 6 cups canola oil for frying
- 1 15-ounce jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and toast for 60 seconds, stirring frequently so that each granule is coated.
- Add the white wine and stir until all the wine has been absorbed. Start to add the chicken stock ½ cup at a time, stirring until absorbed. Continuing adding ½ cup at at time. After the final addition, let cook for about 5 minutes more, then stir in Parmesan, mascarpone cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, the remaining butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread risotto in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and wrap with plastic. Transfer to the fridge for 1-2 hours until chilled.
- Line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out ¼ cup of risotto and form into a patty about 2½" in diameter. Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of the patty. Carefully shape risotto around the cheese, then roll into a 2" ball. Place on a prepared baking sheet and repeat until you’re out of risotto and cheese. Transfer the baking sheet into the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Place the panko in a shallow bowl. Place the flour in another shallow bowl, seasoned with salt and pepper. Place the beaten eggs in a third shallow bowl. Working one at a time, roll the balls in flour, then with egg, then panko. Transfer back onto the parchment paper.
- Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat until the thermometer registers 350°. Carefully lower 5-6 of the risotto balls into oil with a slotted spoon and fry until deeply golden brown, 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer the balls to a paper towel lined plate to drain; season with salt. Repeat with remaining rice balls. Serve warm with marinara or pesto on the side.
NYE is best at home!!!! For so many years my husband (now passed away) we enjoyed so much being home to see the new year in. You get to have anything you want and make it so special. Whether it is just the two of you or family & children included of any age (we had many age ranges) it is just fabulous and adorable while at home. So special for you allowing us to see all of the wonderful recipes you share with us. Will be making lots and saving the others for another beautiful occasion to make. Thanks so very much Gaby.... Happy New Year to you & your family
Thank you Deb for sharing your special memories we too stay in. Happy Holidays!
I adore your blog and all your recipes.
Never a flop and easily adaptable to a Vegan lifestyle. Thanks Gabby!
I love your info but would like more enter ideas with healthy veggies. I’ve so overdosed on sweets and carbs.
Trader Joe’s is the best!
Going to be tough to pick one of these to bring to the party!
These look great. I am trying a few on New Year’s Eve. Will let you know how they went over. Happy New Year to you and yours. May 2019 be everything you want it to be!
Seriously, next cook book must be Little Bites! This menu is my life. ❤️ Sweet, savory and perfect for grazing. Thanks!
Any of these would be a stellar way to ring in the New Year!
All I can say is ... WOW! All of these recipes look incredible and would make any hostess look like a gourmet chef! You are a master! Thank you for sharing all of your fabulous recipes and your tips and tricks. Happy New Year and all the best in 2019!
2019 is almost upon us, not 2018 🙂
Cheers to a year full of new adventures and new recipes!
How do you get all that done before a party and have it ready on time?! This is something i seriously struggle with as a hostess! We’re away for NYE but I want to have a New Years party after we get back just to make all these recipes haha
A small gathering of friends and family with savory and sweet bites is my kind of celebration to welcome in the new year. Happy New Year!
Any of these would make it a great New Years party!! All the best in 2018!!
I love a good night in... but its the one night of the year I can get my husband to go salsa dancing with me!! So I take that opportunity every year!! ha!
I cannot even process how good all this stuff looks!! Happy New Years!!
All these recipes look oh so amazing!