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20 Appetizers You Should Make This New Year’s Eve
This New Year’s Eve may not involve set menus, bottle service, or limos for me—but honestly, that doesn’t sound so bad. The pressure to ring in a new year perfectly can feel like a lot, when sometimes the best celebrations are the simplest ones.
Instead of going out or paying for a set menu, make the night special by cooking something a little indulgent, pouring a few glasses (or bottles) of champagne, and gathering with an intimate group of friends and loved ones. Screens off, expectations low, and good food at the center! I recommend checking out this fried chicken and caviar bar for a high/ low combination! These are some of my favorite New Year’s Eve appetizers to impress guests without overcomplicating the evening.
Here’s to welcoming 2026 with great bites and good company. Cheers!
So, this rack of lamb with its savory combination of herbs, mustard and breadcrumbs makes for either the perfect appetizer or an impressive holiday entrée.
Juicy Pork & Chive Pan-Fried Dumplings
These dumplings are formed into little “purses” and are filled with a simple yet flavorful filling of ground pork, chives, cabbage and ginger. Also, they are like an “almost but not quite” version of Chinese sheng jian bao. They’re extremely juicy, but not to the level of the pan-fried soup dumplings.
These buttery, crispy smashed potatoes topped with luxe contrasting textures of creme fraîche, caviar, salmon roe and chives is one of my favorite ways to eat potatoes.
Jalapeño Egg Rolls with Huckleberry Syrup
These golden, crispy fried egg rolls are filled with a blended cream cheese and jalapeño mixture. I serve them paired with a huckleberry dipping sauce for a sweet and spicy appetizer.
Crispy Rice Topped with Spicy Tuna
This recipe is inspired by the crispy rice and spicy tuna at Nobu. Fried rounds of sushi rice are topped with diced tuna combined with a spicy mayo and topped with eel sauce, avocado and jalapeño.
Pierogi are like a polish ravioli made with sour cream-based dough and classically stuffed with a cheesy potato mixture.
These scallion pancakes remind me of a cross between croissants and naan bread. The flakey layers are seasoned with diced scallions. Painting the layers of dough with sesame oil as you roll the dough will yield flakey layers.
Steak & Boursin Cheese Crostini
Crispy crostini are topped with slices of seared steak and melted Boursin cheese spooned over the top for an easy fan-favorite appetizer.
Ricotta cheese is combined with honey, olive oil, red pepper and oregano for a slightly sweet and spicy seasoned appetizer.
The white beans are blended with garlic oil, rosemary and cheese for a creamy starter fit for a cocktail party. I like to serve the dip with grilled bread, crackers or veggies.
Oysters: How to Shuck & Serve Them
Eating oysters can be intimidating – and shucking them can be even scarier! So, read all about how to choose and open oysters as well as what to pair them with.
Arancini are basically cheese stuffed rice balls. Also, they’re coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried. The Sicilian appetizer is one of my favorites, you can’t go wrong with crispy rice and cheese!
Bathing shrimp in a silky, buttery wine sauce is tough to beat.
Gougères are basically French cheese puffs but with the added luxury of lobster and a fancy name. These are like luxury cheddar bay biscuits; they have similar flavors but are so light and airy.
Baked Brie, or Brie en croûte, consists of a wheel of brie wrapped in buttery pastry dough then baked to until crispy and golden brown. Swap the honey for your favorite jam or spread (like cranberry for a seasonal touch).
Bite size golden brown latkes with a crunchy exterior and the soft inside, similar to hash browns, served with a dollop of sour cream, caviar & chives.
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet, salty, and irresistibly indulgent! These butterflied dates are stuffed with tangy blue cheese (or creamy goat cheese!), wrapped in crispy bacon, baked in the oven and finished with a drizzle of honey.
Spicy Calabrian Chili Shrimp Cocktail
This simple poached shrimp cocktail with a twist is fancy enough for a special occasion like a holiday gathering and quick and easy enough for a fast dinner.
Earthy mushrooms filled with buttery herbs and breadcrumbs come together in just 30 minutes for an easy, party-ready appetizer.
Juicy golden brown fried chicken pieces are paired with briny, luxurious caviar, tangy crème fraîche and various other accouterments like classic blinis, baked potatoes and more.
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