Favorite New Year’s Eve Appetizers
I’m not sure if you are entertaining on New Year’s Eve or joining others…but, here are a few of my FAVORITE New Year’s appetizers! Make them for those gathered with feet under your table…or take them along for gatherings elsewhere.
Somehow, New Year’s Eve just screams appetizers here. A little nibble during a game or a movie or even a gathering allows for meaningful conversation and a grazing fare.
Whether you prepare them all or buy local bakery or deli favorites? You make the selections.
Perhaps Super Bowl Sunday is the next gathering perfect for appetizers…but, this New Year’s Eve?
These are a few of our favorite appetizers to be included.
New Year’s Eve Appetizer Menu
First, a Charcuterie wreath or tray.
I don’t know about you, but any gathering is a perfect time to add a fancy platter or wreath made with crackers, cheeses and meats. Add some fresh herbs from your produce section, some peppers, fresh veggies, and olives, and you have the great beginning for New Year’s Eve. It’s also a perfect spot to add in your fruit.
Cheese Roll
Next, will be the cheese roll that is the Watkins’ family favorite. A coating of a great chili powder makes this one the best.
Cheese Roll
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 8 oz. Cream cheese, softened
- 1 C Pecans, chopped
- 2 clove Garlic, minced
- Chili Powder Savory Peruvian Chile Lime seasoning is my favorite
- Parchment Paper and ziploc bags for storage
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and mix until well blended.
- Tear off 2 pieces of parchment paper about 8-10" long.
- Divide mixture in half and place each half onto long side of parchment paper.
- Using the parchment paper, roll back and forth until you have about 10" long roll that is about the size to fit onto a favorite sized appetizer cracker, such as, a Ritz.
- Sprinkle the outside of the roll with chili powder to coat the roll completely.
- Carefully close the parchment paper around the roll and slide into a ziploc bag to chill.
- Set out a few minutes before serving to soften for easy slicing.
Notes
The perfect menu addition is the Fig and Proscuitto Pizza…
For a New Year’s Eve appetizer, I love cutting this one into squares. Perfect bite sized pieces full of savory and sweet goodness. This is such a great one.
Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
Equipment
- oven
- microwave
- Lodge cast iron pizza pan, baking stone or baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 T olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 oz. prosciutto, chopped
- 1 T fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 C fig preserves
- 3/4 C crumbled feta or blue cheese
- 1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
- 1 11 oz. can, refrigerated thin pizza crust pizza crust of your choice
- Garnishes, if desired- fresh fig
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Combine oil and garlic in microwave safe bowl and microwave for 20 seconds.
- You may cook prosciutto in a skillet or oven until crisp and drain and then crumble for pizza OR you can chop prosciutto and add to pizza without cooking. Your preference!
- Unroll pizza dough and place on cast iron pizza pan or lightly greased baking sheet or stone.
- Brush dough with garlic infused oil and spread with fig preserves.
- Sprinkle evenly with prosciutto, cheese, rosemary and pepper.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until crust is browned and crisp. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting. You may garnish with more rosemary or figs.
Notes
Coffee Punch
Now, this is a great non alcoholic punch that ticks all the boxes. A small amount of caffeine that may help you make it until midnight…a decadent flavor…and enough for a larger group if you are hosting.
Coffee Punch
Equipment
- 1 punch bowl
- 1 Ladle
- 1 saucepan
- 1 set measuring cups
- 1 Stove
Ingredients
- 1/4 C instant coffee
- 1 C water
- 3 C sugar
- 1 gallon milk
- 1 gallon vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Add instant coffee, water and sugar to a saucepan and bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Then add to a pitcher and refrigerate.
- When ready to serve, pour coffee mixture into punch bowl and stir in milk.
- Top with scoops of ice cream and serve immediately. Provide a ladle with cups for easy serving for guests.
Notes
A great dip is always loved among New Year’s Eve appetizers.
This one is so loved that every bite will be eaten here. Promise. Hopefully, you can find Captain Rodney’s products locally. Several businesses carry them in our small town.
Captain Rodney’s Cheese Bake
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef's knife
- 1 baking dish
- 1 microwave
Ingredients
- 1/2 C mayonnaise
- 1 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1 1/2-2 C grated mild cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions chopped
- 10 butter crackers, crushed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 C Captain Rodney's Boucan Glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Measure out all ingredients.
- Microwave cream cheese in microwave safe dish for a few seconds to soften.
- Remove roots from green onions and chop.
- Cook bacon, drain on paper towel and crumble.
- Crush crackers in a ziplock bag.
- In a mixing bowl, mix together mayonnaise, cream cheese, green onions, and cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased pan.
- Top with crushed crackers. Add crumbled bacon on top and then pour glaze over the dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Serve with crackers.
Notes
Crab cakes are perfect additions to your New Year’s Eve appetizers menu.
We love crab cakes for ANY celebration. Making a smaller version with that remoulade sauce will make all of your guests happy.
Fish Cakes
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Surimi- (Imitation crab made from pollock)
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 1/2 C Panko bread crumbs oriental or plain
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 C mayonnaise
- 1/2 t cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 t dry mustard
- 1/2 t salt
- 1/2 t black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Finely chop the imitation crab and combine with remaining ingredients.
- Add mayonnaise a little at a time just until it all sticks together. It may take less than 2 C.
- Pat together into 12 individual cakes. (I used a 1/2 C measuring scoop.)
- Place onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes until they begin to lightly brown. Careful to not dry them out and overbake.
- Serve with remoulade sauce.
Notes
Spicy Goldfish Crackers
If you need just a savory cracker that will to add a little heat to the party? These are your new best friend. Just warning you that they may be addictive…I make several batches when having guests. They are JUST THAT GOOD!
Spicy Goldfish Crackers
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 liquid measuring cup
- 1 set measuring spoons
- 1 Baking sheet with sides
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 8 C goldfish (or cheez-it) crackers
- 1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1/2 C canola oil
- 3-5 t red pepper flakes OR Korean red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250℉.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together all ingredients.
- Cover baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour even layer of crackers onto parchment paper.
- Bake for 10 minutes and then stir.
- Bake an additional 5-10 minutes, being careful not to over bake or brown.
- Cool and store.
Notes
And, last, but not least? Potato skins
This last recipe added to the New Year’s Eve appetizers? Well, it may become your new favorite, too.
These bite sized loaded potato skins will go quickly.
Quick and Easy Potato Skins
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 chef's knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 oven
- 1 set measuring spoons
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 4 Yukon potatoes. sliced into 1/2" rounds
- 2 T olive oil
- 1/2 t garlic powder
- 1/2 t onion salt
- 1/4 t pepper
- 1/4 t kosher salt
Toppings
- Cheddar cheese, grated
- bacon, cooked and chopped
- green onions, sliced
- sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Measure all ingredients.
- Add parchment to baking dish with sides.
- Wash potatoes and slice into 1/2" rounds.
- Add potatoes into a mixing bowl and add olive oil and seasonings and mix well.
- Add potatoes into a single layer onto the baking sheet.
- Place on the top shelf of a preheated 400° oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and flip potatoes over.
- Add baking sheet back into oven and bake for another 20 minutes.Feel free to bake longer for crispier potatoes.
- Remove from oven and add chopped bacon and grated cheese on top of each potato round.
- Place baking sheet back into the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Add potatoes to a serving platter and top with sour cream and sprinkle with diced green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Serving tips?
Well, our large kitchen island will be the spot where food will be served.
For me?? That will leave the dining table a great gathering place for games, conversation with nibbling as the night expires.
- Since our island has outlets? This heating mat will keep those hot foods hot for serving.
- A scoop added to the fish crackers will keep serving a bit more sanitary.
- A tray of our favorite winter themed bakery cookies will welcome guests.
- The electric kettle with tea, decaf and favorite caffeinated ones, will be ready when guests arrive.
- A self serve buffet for drinks and food will keep amounts at guests’ discretion.
- Carafes filled with coffee and red hot apple juice will keep drinks hot.
Crockpots filled with a favorite soup is often loved.
This beef stew is always a favorite. Whether serving in smaller cups for reduced serving sizes or large bowls, you make it fit your menu.
To add ease..
For a New Year’s Eve party?
Disposable napkins, silverware, plates and cups will make clean up a breeze.
Fun with party hats and blowers will add a bit of festivity here.
And truthfully?
The greenery and candles from Christmas will continue to be lit to make a great atmosphere of light and peace to bring in the New Year.
How will you spend your New Year’s Eve?
Gathered with friends?
In pjs and in bed before the clock rings in a new year?
You choose…
But, in case you need a few recipes to inspire you? I’m here for it.
Happy New Year, friends!
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3 Comments
Tracey+Buchanan
Great ideas! The recipes all sound amazing!
Cindy Walker
I have made most of your delicious appetizers, except for the coffee punch. I will try it another day. Thank you for another year of exceptional posts! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Cindy! Hope you love that coffee punch!