12.21.2021
New Year’s Eve Appetizers
Easy finger foods and make-ahead appetizer tips for New Year's Eve, plus serving amounts, warming advice, and dietary swaps.
- Pick a mix of hot and cold finger foods so guests can graze before midnight.
- Many dips and spreads can be made ahead; cook proteins early and reheat safely.
- Plan quantities by party length and offer vegetarian and gluten free swaps.
If you’re staying up past midnight, you’ll need some pre-midnight snacks to get you there. New Year’s Eve is a classic finger food holiday, so we gathered our favorite snacky recipes to celebrate the new year. If you have a favorite recipe for New Year’s Eve, let us know in the comments below. You can also explore our collection of appetizer and snack recipes for more inspiration.
Deviled Crab Cakes
Saucy Spiced Meatballs
Classic Buffalo Wings
Honey Ginger Chicken Wings
Barbecue Kale Chips
Cheese Fondue
Whipped Ricotta & Crostini
Herb Cheese Canapés
Creamy Garden Dill Spread
Creamy Veggie and Chip Dip
Black Garlic Dip
Beef Skewers with Cooling Salad
Garlic Galore Cheese Spread
Frequently Asked Questions
What are easy finger foods for New Year's Eve?
Choose a mix so everyone finds something they like. From this collection, easy picks are deviled crab cakes, saucy meatballs, buffalo and honey ginger wings, kale chips, crostini with whipped ricotta, herb cheese canapés, and dips like black garlic or dill. Include one or two cold options and one or two hot or handheld protein options.
Which appetizers can I make ahead?
Make dips and spreads a day ahead, including whipped ricotta, cheese spread, and black garlic dip. Meatballs and crab cakes can be cooked and refrigerated, then reheated. Kale chips and crostini can be prepared earlier but finish crisping just before serving. Fondue is best made last minute, though its cheese can be warmed from a pre-made base.
How much appetizer food should I plan per guest?
If appetizers are the main food, plan 8 to 12 pieces per person for an evening. If guests will also eat dinner later, estimate 3 to 4 pieces each. A good per-hour rule for a party is 4 to 6 pieces per person per hour.
What vegetarian or vegan options work from this list?
Vegetarian choices include kale chips, crostini with ricotta, herb cheese canapés, and many dips. To make vegan versions, use plant based ricotta or cream cheese, swap meatballs for plant based meatballs or lentil bites, and make dips with dairy free yogurt or mayo alternatives.
How do I keep wings and skewers warm during the party?
Use a low oven around 200 to 250 F, a chafing dish, or an electric warming tray. Cover pans loosely with foil to retain moisture. Reheat cooked wings in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness right before serving.
How should I pair these appetizers with drinks?
Sparkling wine or Champagne pairs well with fried and salty snacks like crab cakes and wings. Light beers suit meatballs and heavier finger foods. Dry white wines or light reds like pinot noir match beef skewers. Bright cocktails with citrus balance spicy or rich flavors.
How long can appetizers sit out safely?
Follow the two hour rule. Perishable items should not sit at room temperature longer than two hours. Keep cold foods on ice and hot foods above 140 F. If the room is warm, shorten the time before discarding.
Any quick tips to present finger foods attractively?
Use varied heights with tiered platters, small bowls for dips, and garnishes like herbs or citrus zest. Group similar items together and add simple labels so guests know what each dish is. Serve utensils for dips and napkins near high traffic spots.
What are easy finger foods for New Year's Eve?
Choose a mix so everyone finds something they like. From this collection, easy picks are deviled crab cakes, saucy meatballs, buffalo and honey ginger wings, kale chips, crostini with whipped ricotta, herb cheese canapés, and dips like black garlic or dill. Include one or two cold options and one or two hot or handheld protein options.
Which appetizers can I make ahead?
Make dips and spreads a day ahead, including whipped ricotta, cheese spread, and black garlic dip. Meatballs and crab cakes can be cooked and refrigerated, then reheated. Kale chips and crostini can be prepared earlier but finish crisping just before serving. Fondue is best made last minute, though its cheese can be warmed from a pre-made base.
How much appetizer food should I plan per guest?
If appetizers are the main food, plan 8 to 12 pieces per person for an evening. If guests will also eat dinner later, estimate 3 to 4 pieces each. A good per-hour rule for a party is 4 to 6 pieces per person per hour.
What vegetarian or vegan options work from this list?
Vegetarian choices include kale chips, crostini with ricotta, herb cheese canapés, and many dips. To make vegan versions, use plant based ricotta or cream cheese, swap meatballs for plant based meatballs or lentil bites, and make dips with dairy free yogurt or mayo alternatives.
How do I keep wings and skewers warm during the party?
Use a low oven around 200 to 250 F, a chafing dish, or an electric warming tray. Cover pans loosely with foil to retain moisture. Reheat cooked wings in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness right before serving.
How should I pair these appetizers with drinks?
Sparkling wine or Champagne pairs well with fried and salty snacks like crab cakes and wings. Light beers suit meatballs and heavier finger foods. Dry white wines or light reds like pinot noir match beef skewers. Bright cocktails with citrus balance spicy or rich flavors.
How long can appetizers sit out safely?
Follow the two hour rule. Perishable items should not sit at room temperature longer than two hours. Keep cold foods on ice and hot foods above 140 F. If the room is warm, shorten the time before discarding.
Any quick tips to present finger foods attractively?
Use varied heights with tiered platters, small bowls for dips, and garnishes like herbs or citrus zest. Group similar items together and add simple labels so guests know what each dish is. Serve utensils for dips and napkins near high traffic spots.
Comments