Easy Main Dishes for a Years Eve Party

50 Quick New Year's Eve Party Food Ideas

Throwing a last-minute New Year's Eve party? These quick food ideas are easy to prepare and serve. Find recipes for appetizers, drinks, desserts and more.

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Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket

For New Year's, I used to make pigs in a blanket with beef and cheddar. But now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin

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Honey Champagne Fondue

This special champagne fondue has wonderful flavor from Swiss cheese and a hint of sweetness from honey. It clings well to any kind of dipper. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio

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Lobster Tartlets

I love lobster, so I created this lobster tart recipe. They are the perfect appetizer for a cocktail party or family dinner. Top with chives or green onions for color. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

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Pineapple Cheese Ball

Pineapple lends a fruity tang to this fun and tasty appetizer. Instead of one large cheese ball, you could make two smaller ones…one to serve before a meal and one to take to a party. —Anne Halfhill, Sunbury, Ohio

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Tom and Jerry

It just wouldn't be Christmas without sipping a warm Tom & Jerry drink. I was surprised to find out that not everyone knows about this beverage treat. One sip and I'm sure you'll be hooked. It's a like a warm version of eggnog, only better. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor, Culinary

Also check out these New Year's Eve drinks to clink when the clock strikes twelve.

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Smoked-Almond Cheese Toasts

I created my recipe for appetizer toasts while planning the menu for a friend's bridal luncheon. Smoked almonds add a special touch to the chunky cheese spread.—Laura Murphy, Columbus, Mississippi

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Chicken Scampi

This chicken scampi recipe is so delectable that I'm often asked to double it when family members visit over the holidays. I also suggest preparing it with shrimp for a quick, convenient alternative that's also delicious. —Janet Lebar, Centennial, Colorado

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Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

My paternal grandmother used to make this for Christmas dinner. I'm not sure how many batches she made, as there were nearly 50 aunts, uncles and cousins in our family. I still make the recipe in memory of her, and it's still as good as I remember.—Janet Hurley, Shell Rock, Iowa

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Butterscotch Martinis

The rich flavors of butterscotch and chocolate pair up for a nightcap that will satisfy any sweet tooth. —Clara M. Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio

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Party Pizzas

A batch of these snacks gets cleared away fast with the irresistible combination of creamy cheese and lightly seasoned meat on crispy toast. —Carolyn Snow, Sedalia, Missouri

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Pots de Creme

Looking for an easy recipe to make for your sweetheart? Served in pretty, stemmed glasses, this chocolaty custard is sure to set the mood for a special evening.—Connie Dreyfoos, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

My friends look forward to enjoying these cranberry sauce meatballs at our holiday gatherings. There are never any leftovers! Using packaged meatballs helps save time in the kitchen and they are just as tasty as homemade. The sauce is tangy yet sweet, and the festive color is perfect for any holiday party. —Amy Scamerhorn, Indianapolis, Indiana

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Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic and lemon lend a pleasant flavor to these speedy sauteed shrimp. I like to serve them over wild rice mix from a box. —Sheryll Hughes-Smith, Brandon, Mississippi

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Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Scotched Mushrooms

I got the idea for bacon-wrapped filet mignon when I saw some on sale in the grocery store. The rest was inspired by my husband, because he once made a Scotch and ginger ale sauce. This elegant recipe is for two, but it can easily be doubled. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida

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Brie with Almonds

This nut-topped cheese is elegant and impressive for holiday occasions. No one will guess that the recipe is actually a snap to prepare. —Mildred Aydt, Chanhassen, Minnesota

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Bubbly Champagne Punch

This champagne punch, served at my wedding, continues to this day to be the elegant drink we serve at special events. —Anita Geoghagan, Woodstock, Georgia

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Grandma's English Trifle

This scrumptious trifle recipe is a family heirloom. My grandmother would make an enormous dish of it for Saturday night dinners when they often had guests. If there were leftovers, they'd eat that English trifle dessert every night that week until it was gone! —Ruth Verratti, Gasport, New York

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Marinated Cheese

This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear at the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

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Crab Crescents

This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California

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Apple 'n' Prosciutto Sandwiches

Prepared on an indoor grill, this apple prosciutto sandwich are spread with homemade rosemary pesto. They're wonderful on a cool day with a bowl of butternut squash soup. —Elizabeth Bennett, Mill Creek, Washington

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Caramel Chex Mix

This wonderfully crunchy snack is loaded with cereal, pretzels and nuts—and coated with a not-too-sweet brown sugar mixture. Package this up as gifts, or set out a bowl at your party and watch it disappear by the handful. —Samantha Moyer, Oskaloosa, Iowa

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Cream Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

You'll love the freshness from the parsley and thyme in these little cream cheese-stuffed mushrooms. Our family loves them! —Rachel Reed, Gainesville, Georgia

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Spicy Pickled Grapes

I love sweet and spicy flavors, so I created these pickled grapes. They are excellent as an appetizer, a sneaky addition to salads or a topper in your favorite Bloody Mary. —Carla Hinkle, Memphis, Tennessee

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Black Forest Ham Pinwheels

Dried cherries are the sweet surprise alongside the savory ingredients in these delightfully different spirals. I roll up the tortillas and pop them in the fridge well before party time, and then I just slice and serve. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California

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Pomegranate Ginger Spritzer

Conveniently, a pitcher of this non-alcoholic beverage can be made hours before holiday guests arrive. Add the club soda just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Crudite Dip

To bring out the crudite dip's tangy flavor, chill it before serving. This will allow the flavors time to blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Lavender Honey Cheesecake

I love the scent of lavender, and the edible flowers make this cheesecake one of the most spectacular I've tasted. You can use lavender honey in this recipe for extra flavor, but even without it, the lavender is very distinct. —Julie Palmer, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

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Slaw-Topped Beef Sliders

When I was working full time, I relied on these delicious, fast-to-fix beef sliders for simple meals. To speed prep time and avoid extra cleanup, I used bagged coleslaw mix and bottled slaw dressing. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

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Mushroom Puff Pastry Bites

These mushroom puff pastry bites make the perfect finger food. I even freeze them for a quick appetizer for unexpected guests. — Marion Ruzek, Jeffersonville, Indiana

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Spicy Mixed Nuts

Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It's a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, Montana

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Elegant White Chocolate Mousse

Simply elegant is a fitting description for this smooth treat. Whipped cream teams up with white chocolate to make this easy recipe extra special. —Laurinda Johnston, Belchertown, Massachusetts

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Mini Muffuletta

People love these hearty little sandwich wedges. The recipe is great for a party and can be made the day before.—Gareth Craner, Minden, Nevada

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Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce

Tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California

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Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

This festive dip is a snap to make, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish. Thanks to its hint of sweetness, both kids and adults will gobble it up. —Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, Texas

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Whiskey-Brandy Slush

It may be cold outside, but we like to serve this icy citrus drink for Christmas gatherings at our house. It is fantastic for parties and large gatherings, and it keeps well in the freezer. —Joan Shoebottom, Lexington, Michigan

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Hearty Rye Melts

When we moved from the Midwest to Kentucky, we were invited to a neighborhood gathering, where this appetizer was served. Hanky panky—as it's often called around here—is traditionally served at Derby Day parties, but at our home it's become a year-round favorite.

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Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes

These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida

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Triple Nut Snowballs

This super-crunchy, not-too-sweet cookie is a fun update on the classic snowball. I used cashews, macadamia nuts and pecans, but you can mix and match other nuts to your liking. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

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Marinated Olives

Our son often made these olives for holiday get-togethers. They are simple to make and add a little zest to the other offerings on the buffet table. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey

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Creole Scallop Cakes

Experimenting in the kitchen is a passion of mine…a passion I hope to pass along to my daughter. One day I had some scallops and decided to concoct a scallop cake instead of a crab cake. This scrumptious appetizer can be prepared ahead of time. The cakes and aioli sauce can both be made the day before, and you can cook the cakes just before serving. Not only does this simplify last-minute prep, it allows the flavors to blend, making the dish even more yummy. My family and friends love my specialty scallop cakes.—Iisha Leftrdige-Brooks, Sacramento, California

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Tomato-Walnut Pesto Spread

Whenever I bring this popular spread to parties, I know I'm going to get recipe requests. The red, green and white layers make it especially festive for Christmastime. —Marsha Dawson, Appleton, Wisconsin

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Best Ever Lamb Chops

My mom just loved a good lamb chop, and this easy recipe was her favorite way to prepare them. I've also grilled these chops with amazing results. —Kim Mundy, Visalia, California

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Jellied Champagne Dessert

This refreshing dessert looks just like a glass of bubbling champagne.—Vickie McLaughlin, Kingsport, Tennessee

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Brie-Leek Tartlets

My family is picky, but everyone loves these little bites. I make dozens of them at a time because they're gone the second I turn my back. —Colleen MacDonald, Port Moody, British Columbia

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Mini Cheese Balls

These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina

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Elegant Cranberry Pear Salad

This salad recipe, with its combination of fresh ingredients and crunchy walnuts, is quick to make and yet looks very elegant. —Irene Fenlason, East Helena, Montana

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Brie Cherry Pastry Cups

Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio

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Chocolate Pomegranate Candies

This recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas. —Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York

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Cranberry-Orange Vodka Slush

Years ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing party drink I've never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices, vodka and lemon lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa

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Spinach Deviled Eggs

Spinach adds unexpected color and flavor to this tasty variation on deviled eggs. They're easy to make and are an attractive addition to a party spread. —Dorothy Sander of Evansville, Indiana

Originally Published: November 08, 2021

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/the-30-minute-new-years-eve-party-spread/

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