Perfect Your Menu With These New Year’s Eve Food Ideas

Excited about hosting your New Year’s Eve party? You’ve got the venue sorted, your playlist is nearly finished, and you already know exactly what to wear. But what about your food and drinks? Here are our favorite New Year’s Eve food ideas for your party. You’ll find everything from refreshing drinks to tasty dips, and festive appetizers to mouthwatering mains. 

New Year’s Eve Appetizers, Snacks, and Dips

As they’re right at the end of the festive season, New Year’s Eve parties give you a chance to really have fun with your appetizers and serve up plenty of fun, decadent party food. 

Here are a handful of our favorite party snacks, appetizers, and dips for your next holiday party spent ringing in the New Year. 

Cranberry Brie Bites

Jump straight into one of those festive flavors we love with these sweet puff pastry cranberry brie bites. You only need three ingredients for these delicious bite-size treats, plus some egg wash. Swap the brie for camembert if that’s your favorite. 

Italian Crostini

Sure, you can buy crostini from the store. And if you’re short on time, go for it! But, if you’d like to make your own version, here’s a simple classic Italian crostini recipe. What’s great about these is you can make them ahead of the big day, freeze them, then simply defrost and they’re ready to eat.

Fig and Goat Cheese Bites

Whip up a New Year’s Eve food favorite in less than 15 minutes with these adorable fig and goat cheese bites. This recipe uses store-bought phyllo cups, which means they’re super easy to make. For another twist, switch up your topping by swapping the fig for caramelized onion or pomegranate. 

New Year’s Day Black Eyed Peas

Add a New Year’s classic to your party menu with these delicious black-eyed peas. Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll have a great dish in no time. Plus, you can make it up to three days ahead of your big get-together. 

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

These cranberry cocktail meatballs are a festive party hit. They have a great mix of sweet and spicy flavors. Want to make this a main feature of your meal instead? Serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or fresh pasta for a warm, hearty New Year’s Eve dish. 

Smoked Salmon Bites

Worried about oven space? No problem. These smoked salmon bites don’t require any cooking. All you need is smoked salmon, cream cheese, and olives, and you have a tasty New Year’s Eve food classic in next to no time. 

Clam Dip

Mix together a handful of ingredients for a yummy clam dip. This version of this much-loved dip uses minced clams for a creamier texture, and it’s perfect to feature alongside appetizers at your New Year’s Eve party. You could even ask friends to bring a dip as part of a potluck — include a note about this on your digital invitations so everyone knows to bring something.

Artichoke Dip

Serve up a New Year’s Eve classic with this tasty artichoke dip. Add some extra spice by including jalapenos, roasted garlic, or green peppers. You could also pop your mixture into some premade pastry cups and bake until golden. 

New Year’s Eve Recipes for Main Dishes

Design: Colin Cowie

If you’re throwing a New Year’s Eve bash, most of your food choices are likely to be light finger foods that are easy for people to snack on. Sometimes though, you’ll want something heartier — especially if you plan an earlier start or a more formal dinner party. 

Here are a few of our favorite New Year’s Eve main dish recipes.

Crispy Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

All you need for this delicious main is a shoulder of pork and some salt and pepper for seasoning. Although you’re cooking this slow-roasted pork shoulder in a slow cooker for around eight hours, you’ll follow up with a high-heat quick roast to give you that gorgeously crunchy exterior. 

Duck Confit

This much-loved French dish has become a favorite at New Year’s Eve dinners. This duck confit recipe combines duck legs with juniper berries, thyme, lemon, and bay leaves to give you a flavorsome dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. 

Quinoa Paella

Give your vegan guests a main that’s full of flavor with this quinoa paella. This dish is also gluten-free, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to accommodate multiple dietary restrictions with your New Year’s Eve food spread. You could also make up a smaller version and serve it as an appetizer instead. 

Festive Desserts

Design: Design Swift

Who doesn’t love dessert? Whether you’re hosting a grand dinner or a casual party, sweet treats are always a big hit with guests. 

Take inspiration for your own dessert table with these fun, festive twists on classic recipes. 

White Chocolate, Cranberry, and Pistachio Ice Cream

This gorgeously rich white chocolate, cranberry, and pistachio ice cream is sure to be a hit with guests. With a decadent mix of flavors, it’s perfect for your holiday get-together. You’ll need an ice-cream maker for this one, so if you don’t have one ask to borrow from friends or family. 

Pomegranate Champagne Sorbet

Want to serve up a fresh alternative to ice cream? This pomegranate champagne sorbet is the perfect festive treat. You need just four ingredients, plus some whipped cream to top it off before serving. 

Pecan Pie 

Pecan pie is one of those timeless holiday favorites, and it’s easy to see why. This pecan pie recipe is super easy to follow and gives you a sweet and salty dessert with a warming hint of cinnamon.

New Year’s Drinks

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Make sure your guests have a drink ready for that all-important good luck toast at midnight. Supply plenty of champagne or opt for one of these fun alternatives with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ideas. 

Classic Champagne Cocktail 

Give your champagne a fruity twist with the classic champagne cocktail. This fan-favorite features bubbly, cognac or brandy, sugar, lemon, and bitters to create a drink with a bit of kick. Want to soften that kick? Serve it on the rocks with plenty of ice. 

Spiced Cider Punch

Ready for a lighter version of that warming spiced cider? This fresh, cool spiced cider punch is gorgeously festive and perfect for your New Year’s Eve party. Allspice, ginger ale, and cinnamon round out this otherwise fruity drink. 

Grapefruit Rosemary Mocktail 

While many guests will want a glass of bubbly or something similar, your non-drinking guests will love this grapefruit rosemary mocktail. It’s light, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make. Keep it simple by using store-bought grapefruit juice, or have a go at squeezing your own. 

Vegan Hot Cocoa 

Warm things up a little by creating a fun hot cocoa stand, complete with festive decorations, for your guests to enjoy. Offer up plenty of toppings like marshmallows and whipped cream, with this vegan hot cocoa serving as the main event. This is a cozy alternative to an alcoholic drink, and it’s perfect if you’re planning to step outside into the cold to celebrate. 

New Year’s Eve Food Your Guests Will Love 

The food and drink you serve won’t be the main attraction at your New Year’s Eve bash, but it definitely makes an impact. Add some of the food ideas above to your favorite family recipes, and you’ll have a culinary feast for your guests to enjoy at your epic New Year’s Eve bash.