35 Best New Year’s Eve Appetizers

These New Year’s Eve appetizers will start your year off right!

From delicate hors d’oeuvres to classic comfort food, I have a little of everything here.

So, grab your noise makers, and let’s check out these fantastic party appetizers.

Cheese board with meat, cheese, fruit, and wine
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30+ Best New Year’s Eve Appetizers To Get the Party Started

There are so many sweet and savory options when it comes to your New Year’s appetizer menu.

So why not make an assortment for a party no one will forget?

There’s one night left before you chase after those resolutions. Let’s send the year off with a bang!

The Best Dips for New Year’s Eve

Dipping Tortilla Chips on a Cheesy Sausage Dip

Velveeta Sausage Dip

Dip is the perfect appetizer for any party, but especially a New Year’s party! Grazers can pass by and snag a chip, or it also makes a hearty side for a good meal.

This dip is perfectly spiced with Rotel tomatoes and breakfast sausage stirred into a creamy Velveeta dip.

It’s the perfect savory topping for chips, crackers, and anything else you can think of.

Homemade Buffalo Chicken Dip with cheese and crostini top view

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is an app that likely needs no introduction. No matter if it’s a New Year’s Eve party or a tailgate, this dip is always welcome. 

I mean, what’s not to love? Tender chunks of chicken in a spicy and rich sauce are like heaven in a bowl. 

And the best part is arranging a tray of tasty dippers!

Garlic Bread Pizza Dip on a cast iron
Source: Mildlymeandering.com

Garlic Bread Pizza Dip

Garlic bread and pizza are a classic pairing that everyone loves. Bring their goodness to the apps table this year with this bread and dip combo.

It is all your favorite pizza flavor baked into a savory dip. The dip is the only thing that could make garlic bread any better.

Pack a few copies of this recipe. I am sure people will ask for it.

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Homemade Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip

I can’t have a list of appetizers without including spinach artichoke dip on the list. This is the dish that invented party food.

A pioneer in the art of the appetizer, this creamy dip is addicting and delicious. Spinach artichoke dip is the star of the smorgasbord, every time.

Sure, you could buy the pre-made dip, but why?

Bowl of blue cheese dip with onion leaves.

Blue Cheese Dip

Blue cheese dip is tangy, savory, and highly addictive. It pairs especially well with spicy appetizers at the table!

The best part about this recipe is that it only calls for six simple ingredients. 

With a hint of garlic and green onions, and a platter full of veggies, this is one dip that’s hard to put down.

Chips and Guacamole

Guacamole

There isn’t a thing in this world guacamole can’t make better.

This delicious recipe yields a fragrant, well-balanced bowl of guac that will have everyone drooling.

Guacamole is the perfect topping for so many things. From corn chips to burrito bowls, this recipe needs to be a kitchen staple.

Bun dipped in a beer 
 cheese dip in a bowl.
Source: Spendwithpennies.com

Beer Cheese Dip

A bar food favorite, beer cheese dip is the cool, older cousin to classic Velveeta.

The result is a flavor concoction that can top anything but is most popular with soft pretzels.

If you don’t have time to make soft pretzels, this beer cheese dip is tasty on store-bought pretzels, as well as bread and chips. Honestly, it’s good on anything.

Hummus in a bowl with olive oil and feta bread on sides.
Source: Cookieandkate.com

Hummus

The unofficial meal just became an official appetizer. Hummus comes in so many flavors and is always a savory delight.

You can dip anything in hummus! From fresh vegetables to corn chips, everything is better with a little hummus on it.

Hummus doesn’t just come from the store! Make your own with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Smoked Salmon Dip in glass jar.

Smoked Salmon Dip

What I love most about this smoked salmon dip is you don’t have to cook it! Just mix it all up in the bowl, and wait for the ball to drop. 

It’s the perfect combination of smokey salmon and rich cream cheese. 

The addition of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice lifts those flavors. These are very addictive party appetizers. Consider yourself warned.

Cheesy Reuben dip in a casserole.

Hot Reuben Dip

If you love reubens, you’ll fall in love with this easy reuben dip recipe. It captures the magic of everyone’s favorite hot sammie in dip-form!

The insides are rich and salty thanks or shredded corn beef and sauerkraut. And you can’t forget that Thousand Island dressing!

Topped with melty Swiss cheese, this dip is sure to be the life of the party.

Neiman Marcus Dip on Cracker

Neiman Marcus Dip

Neiman Marcus dip has it all! Cheese? Check. Bacon? Check. Almonds? Check. 

It’s the perfect savory dip that will have your guests licking the bowl. But I hope they don’t!

And the best thing about this dip is that it goes with about any dipper from bread to fresh veggies.

Cranberry jalapeno dip served with cracker and two glasses of wine.
Source: Misswish.com

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

If you’re still in the holiday spirit even after Christmas is over, you’ll want to check out this cranberry jalapeno dip. 

While the cranberries deliver festive holiday feels, the jolt from jalapenos reminds you January is coming. 

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, tart, and spicy. And I love pairing it with buttery Ritz crackers!

Classic Finger Foods

Three Cheese Ball Bites on a saucer
Source: Julieblanner.com

Cheese Ball Bites

A cheese ball has always been an appetizer staple, but they can get messy half way through the party.

These cheese ball bites are guaranteed to make it to midnight. Instead of having one ball that everyone cuts from, guests will each have their own mini-bite.

Say goodbye to sad, smashed cheese balls and hello to everyone’s new favorite New Year’s Eve appetizer recipe.

Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

You can wrap anything in bacon and have it taste good, and these smokies are no exception. Savory smokies are seasoned with the taste of applewood bacon.

Don’t limit this recipe just to New Year’s. These smokies would be phenomenal at tailgates and barbecues as well.

It’s a good thing too, because after you try them, you’ll want them year round.

Bisquick Sausage Balls

Bisquick Sausage Balls

Bring the fun of brunch to your New Year’s party with these Bisquick sausage balls. The finger-friendly snack is a savory way to celebrate.

Enjoy these plain or dipped in ketchup. The meaty, cheesy munchies are irresistible. You’d better double this recipe because they will disappear quickly.

Bisquick makes this recipe quick to make and easy on the budget.

Bruschetta bites with tomatoes and fresh basil.
Source: Seasonedskilletblog.com

Bruschetta Bites

They’re pretty, elegant, and easier than you think! Bruschetta bites are so rich and flavorful with a hint of sweetness from a balsamic vinegar glaze. 

There’s something so scrumptious about vine-ripe tomatoes and fresh basil piled high on a crusty French baguette. 

And that hint of goat cheese (or feta) takes everything over the edge.

Antipasto skewers with olives, meat, and cheese on stick.
Source: Wellseasonedstudio.com

25-Minute Antipasto Skewers

If you have a more sophisticated engagement or palette, these antipasto bites are the perfect starter.

Olives, meat, and cheese are a timeless pairing, and for good reason. The blend of flavors and textures fits perfectly on a toothpick and in your mouth.

All you’ll need are a handful of ingredients and some little helpers to make these nutritious nibbles.

Pigs in a Blanket with Dipping Sauces

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are perfect for New Year’s Eve. They’re small and poppable, and it’s hard to eat just one!

But these pigs get the royal treatment with a cheesy filling and a crescent dough flakey crust. 

Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, and dive in!

Mushroom stuffed with crab meat and cheese filling.

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Give that classic stuffed mushroom recipe the seafood treatment! These delightful little morsels are hard to put down. 

The pairing of meaty, earthy mushrooms with the kiss of sweetness from crab is fantastic. 

And that nutty kick from Parmesan cheese means these appetizers will go fast! When you think you’ve made enough, make a few more.

Dates wrapped in bacons on stick.
Source: Celebrationsathomeblog.com

Bacon Wrapped Dates

I know what you’re thinking. Bacon and dates? Trust me on this one. 

The bacon adds a smoky, crispy, and meaty flavor accented by intense sweetness from dates. 

And the bridge between these two polarizing flavors is a layer of creamy blue cheese. Delicious!

Breaded mozzarella sticks in wooden bowl.
Source: Savoryexperiments.com

Mozzarella Sticks

Need some more classic New Year’s Eve recipes?

Mild mozzarella is coated in crispy bread crumbs and then sizzled to perfection in the fryer.

The result is a delicious mozzarella stick that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Bring out the kid in everyone with this childhood favorite.

Cranberry brie bites in a plate.
Source: Dessertnowdinnerlater.com

Cranberry Brie Bites

This is a great way to use up those leftover Christmas cranberries! Whip up some of these cranberry brie bites for a treat that’s delicious and resourceful.

Brie has such a strong, aged cheese flavor, and tart cranberries are the perfect pairing. This appetizer has a refined taste for mature palettes.

It’s the perfect companion to a fancy soiree!

Pickles wrapped with bacon in a cast iron skillet.
Source: Parkersplate.com

Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Poppers

Are you a big fan of pickles? Then you have to check out these bacon-wrapped pickle poppers!

The tart flavors from dill pair perfectly with the smokiness from crisp bacon. 

Oh, but don’t forget about the cheese and ranch dressing filling! It’s like everything you love about loaded cheeseburgers, sans the burger and bun. 

Snacks for a Crowd

Grape Jelly Meatballs in white bowl.

Grape Jelly Meatballs

I know that grape jelly and meatballs don’t sound like a good pair. But trust me. The flavors are amazing!

Grape jelly adds such a delicate sweetness to juicy meatballs. 

Add some chili sauce and cayenne pepper, and say hello to the most deliciously salty, sweet, and spicy meatball appetizer!

Baked Brie with Roasted Grapes on top.
Source: Uncomplicatedchef.com

Baked Brie with Roasted Grapes

This baked brie with roasted grapes screams an elegant party. And it takes just as good as it looks!

The mild, butter flavor of brie pairs so well with the rustic sweetness of roasted grapes. 
It almost looks too pretty to eat. Almost.

Spicy Mango Habanero Chicken Wings with Sauce

Mango Habanero Chicken Wings

No one ever said no to chicken wings! While spicy BBQ chicken wings are great, this recipe is even better. 

Don’t be scared by the addition of habanero. It may be spicy, but the fusion of mangoes and brown sugar helps tame the heat. 

When these bold flavors combine, it creates the most scrumptious sweet, and spicy chicken wings you’ve ever had.

Homemade Million Dollar Deviled Eggs with Paprika

Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

These million-dollar deviled eggs aren’t your ordinary deviled eggs. 

The secret ingredient in these fantastic deviled eggs is butter! Butter makes everything better, right? 

They’re creamy, spicy, and oh-so-delicious. Go ahead, grab more than one. Calories don’t count until after the ball drops.

Baked oyster with breadcrumbs and herbs on top.
Source: Cookingwithcocktailrings.com

Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller is perfect for a themed roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve party. (or a Tuesday). 

These oysters are so indulgently rich and delicious with a pairing of oysters with breadcrumbs and rich spices. 

Served inside their shells, they look so pretty arranged on a platter. The hardest part is picking out the perfect oysters.

Homemade Texas Twinkies with Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Peppers and Cream Cheese

Texas Twinkies

No, this isn’t a dessert app. Texas Twinkies are 100 percent savory and meaty. They’re from Texas, would you expect anything less? 

This recipe pairs creamy stuffed jalapenos wrapped in crispy, smokey bacon. Delicious!

Sure, they’re a little tedious to assemble. But trust me- they are worth the extra effort.

Breaded whole and sliced in half boiled eggs served with dip.

Scotch Eggs

If you’ve never heard of classic Scotch eggs before, you are in for a real treat. 

This recipe takes ordinary boiled jammy eggs and then wraps them in a meaty sausage and breadcrumb mixture. 

The results are so incredibly delicious and hard to put down.

Homemade Hanky Panky with Ground Beef, Cheese, Sausage and Toasted Bread

Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky is also known as Polish Mistake for some reason. 

It’s a tasty mixture of sausage, ground beef, Velvetta, and spices. You can’t go wrong with Velvetta!

Now, I know this dip doesn’t look as pretty as some of the others. But one may argue what it lacks in presentation it makes up for in flavor.

Buffalo chicken wings served on a wooden cutting board.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings

There’s a lot of planning that goes into a NYE party. So why not outsource some of the cooking to your crock pot?

These buffalo chicken wings are so tender and delicious, and are so easy!

Seriously, the sauce is so spicy and delicious that it doesn’t need a side of bleu cheese dip.

Crabbies Made of Cheesy Crab Meat Filling

Crabbies

In the mood for seafood this New Year’s Eve? These crabbies are sure to scratch that itch. 

This recipe pairs lump crab meat, cheese, and spices on top of an English muffin. That’s it!

They’re super easy to whip together in a flash, and your guests will gobble them up long before the ball drops.

Boiled shrimp with red sauce and sliced lemon on top of ice.

Shrimp Cocktail

In the dictionary next to the word appetizer is a photo of the shrimp cocktail. 

And the trick to the perfect shrimp cocktail is twofold. You need fresh shrimp and a tasty cocktail sauce. 

Luckily, this recipe covers all the bases for the perfect party appetizer.

Crostini topped with caramelized onion and fig ricotta.
Source: Abrightmoment.com

Caramelized Onion & Fig Ricotta Crostini

Looking for something that will knock your guest’s socks off? This caramelized onion and fig ricotta crostini is sure to impress. 

And there’s a wallop of flavor packed into every bite. It’s so buttery with a hint of fresh herbs and added sweetness from figs. 

You better make a lot, because these flavor bombs will go fast!

35 Best New Year’s Eve Appetizers

Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

No one can resist the siren call of a charcuterie board. It’s like fancy Lunchables for adults! And with the right assortment of nibbles, you can create a magnificent Instagram-worthy New Year’s Eve snack board.

Ingredients

  • A selection of cured meats: prosciutto, salami, and coppa (about 50 grams of each per person)

  • A variety of cheeses: Brie, aged cheddar, and blue cheese (about 40 grams of each per person)

  • Fresh fruits: grapes, strawberries, and apple slices

  • Nuts:  a small handful of almonds or walnuts

  • Olives: a mix of green and black olives

  • Crackers: a variety of types

  • Bread: sliced baguette or artisanal bread

  • Optional garnishes: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, honey for drizzling, and a spicy mustard or fruit jam

Instructions

  • Select a large, decorative wooden board for your base. Or, just use a wooden cutting board.
  • Add cheese first. Cut Brie into wedges, and cheddar into cubes for a variety of shapes. Then, place it around the board.
  • Next, add the cured meats. Fold salami into quarters for a more decorative presentation. For thinner meats like prosciutto or coppa, arrange them in ruffled piles.
  • Then, add the fruits. Keep grapes on their vine in clusters, and trim strawberries or larger fruit into smaller pieces. If adding apples, dip them in lemon water first so they do not turn brown.
  • In the vacant spaces, add nuts.
  • Add crackers and bread. When running low on available space, add bread and crackers to a bowl on the outside of the board.
  • Finally, arrange condiments in decorative bowls in the center of the board. But if there isn’t enough space, place them right outside the board.
  • Garnish everything with a hint of freshly chopped herbs for a pop of color. Enjoy!

Notes

  • The calories and servings are estimates and will vary depending on how many people are sharing and what they eat.
New Year’s Appetizers

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