New Year’s Eve has a way of sneaking up on even the most prepared host, which is why having a few go-to party recipes is essential. Whether you’re headed to a neighbor’s house or welcoming friends to ring in the new year, everyone needs an appetizer that’s easy to pull together, travels well, and is guaranteed to earn rave reviews. From creamy dips to savory bites and easy make-ahead favorites, these are the New Year’s party dishes our editors rely on time and time again.
Collard Green Fritters With Smoky Dipping Sauce
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
“Inspired by pakoras, these crispy fritters are my new go-to app. They’re spicy, crunchy, and colorful.” — Alana Al-Hatlani, Associate Food Editor
Bacon Smokies
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
“I will swear by this comically easy, 4-ingredient recipe from now until forever. I brought it to one party and now it’s what everyone requests every year! Who doesn’t love lil smokies?” — Kaitlyn Yarborough Sadik, Digital Editor
Pizza Dip
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
“I love bringing Pizza Dip to a NYE party because it’s the perfect shareable appetizer. With just a few store-bought ingredients like cream cheese, bell peppers, pizza sauce, and herbs, you can have a creamy, cheesy dip ready in less than 20 minutes!” — Melinda Salchert, Assistant Digital Food Editor
3-Ingredient Boursin-Pepper Jelly Dip
Credit:
Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
“This no-cook, three-ingredient wonder is my new favorite appetizer for parties! It’s also delicious with hot honey and pistachios instead of pepper jelly and almonds.” — Mary Shannon Hodes, Digital Editor
Baked Brie
Credit:
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
“I love a good cheese appetizer and this one travels well if you are taking it to a party since it retains its ooey-gooey melted cheese inside of puff pastry until you arrive. And you can swap up what you put inside of the puff, on top of the Brie. Go pepper jelly as the recipe suggests for a little kick, or go sweet with fig jam and maybe some pistachios as well. Easy and a crowd-pleaser.” — Rebecca Baer, Senior Digital News Editor
Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland
“Whether I’m hosting at home or attending a party at someone else’s house, I like to contribute a crock of grape jelly meatballs to the menu as a more filling option.” — Jenna Sims, Senior Digital Editor
Texas Caviar
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
“Help your friends and family get their black-eyed peas a few hours early with this easy, make-ahead appetizer.” — Brennan Long, Social Media Director
Fire Crackers
Credit:
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
While these salty, crunchy snacks are worthwhile on their own, they’re the just-right accompaniment to pimento cheese. “The perfect pairing—both super easy and super delicious.” — Tara Massouleh McCay, Senior Travel & Culture Editor
Basic Pimento Cheese
Credit:
Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
While this Southern staple is a welcome appetizer with just about any dipping companion, McCay recommends serving it with Fire Crackers to ring in the new year.
Conecuh Sausage Pigs In Blankets
Credit:
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch
“It’s hard to beat this good ole bite-sized take on classic pigs in a blanket which is why I always love making them for a party. Plus, they’re even better when made with Conecuh sausage. And don’t even get me started on the sweet, mustardy dipping sauce.” — Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
Dining and Cooking