41 New Year's Eve Appetizers to Cover Every Craving

So, what’s on the menu this New Year’s Eve? Whatever you want, TBH. Whether your tastes run fancy-schmancy or lean toward easy-peasy, we’ve got you covered.

1. Easy Charcuterie Board

OK, let’s kick things off with the easiest 👏 appetizer 👏 ever! A charcuterie board strikes the perfect balance between simple and sophisticated.

This one is jam-packed with cured meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, and nuts. But the beauty of charcuterie is that it’s so customizable. You can make this vegan and allergy-friendly in a jiffy.

2. Endive Appetizer with Goat Cheese

Even your meat-loving pals won’t hesitate to dive into this plant-based New Year’s Eve appetizer.

The crown of mandarin orange slices makes ’em oh-so-pretty, while the mint and goat’s cheese offers refreshing, satisfying flavor.

3. Butternut Squash Hummus

Dips and spreads make the perfect party foods, #amiright? This one takes a classic hummus and pumps up the elegance with a beautiful burnt orange color and slightly sweet flavor. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds on top completes the dish.

4. Simple Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Dipping

Behold, a skewer stacked with tomato, basil, mozzarella, and a surprising punch of sweetness courtesy of peach slices. It is that easy. And yes, they are delicious.

5. Easy Seed Crackers with ‘Everything But the Bagel’ Seasoning

You might want to reserve this easy appetizer for a small gathering because your pals are gonna plow through them.

There’s just something special about taking the time to make homemade crackers. It’s the perfect way to zhuzh up a simple crackers-and-cheese platter at a chill New Year’s Eve gathering.

6. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic party appetizer for a good reason. You can prep these protein parcels in advance, and they tend to be a little more satisfying than carbolicious appetizers.

This recipe makes 16 deviled egg halves, BTW, so double it if you expect a crowd.

7. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Three Ways

They’re crunchy, they’re delish, and they’re perfectly snack-sized. Is there any more perfect party appetizer than seasonal toasted pumpkin seeds?

This fun trio includes instructions for lemon-y seasoning, sweet curry flavor, and a pungent garlic chive variation.

8. Carrot Soup

Soup as an appetizer?! If you’re aiming for a seated New Year’s Eve dinner party, we say heck yes.

At last check, this silky carrot soup clocks in at under $2 per serving, so it’s also a great crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank. Cheers to saving mo’ moolah in 2023!

9. Vegan Seven Layer Dip

Winner, winner, chicken-free dinner! 😉

What we love about this vegan dip is that it’s not trying to pretend it’s chockablock with meat. Instead, it stands on its own with hearty layers of guac, refried beans, cashew cream, and more.

10. Thai-Style Lettuce Wraps

Heads up: You’re gonna want a food processor for this tasty vegetarian finger food. These lettuce wraps are filled with an *almost* meat-like texture of pulsed veggies and heart-healthy pecans.

Beware that this recipe only makes 6 Thai-style treats, so multiply the measurements if you’re ringing in the new year with a crowd.

11. Curry Roasted Parsnip Fries

More NYE finger foods! Champagne and oysters go together so dang well because fizz and salty foods are a match made in heaven. Hence these fries.

These parsnip straws are step up from plain ol’ salted french fries, but they’re just as satisfying (and a liiiiiittle healthier since they’re baked!).

12. Cider-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Here’s one for the carnivore crew. Think salty, roasted bacon hugging a sweet, pepper-infused core. It’s a whole mood.

Pro tip: Make extra because leftovers are not a thing here.

13. Pickled Turmeric Eggs

Level up your deviled egg recipe with turmeric, shallots, and apple cider vinegar. These nuggets are almost too pretty to eat with their bright yellow outer edges and rose-hued topping.

A very important note: Pickling takes time. While the recipe comes together in a snap, you’ll get the best flavor by making these a day or two ahead of time.

14. Mini Broccoli Cheddar Quiches

What is there to say about broccoli cheddar quiche other than that it’s nutritious and delicious? If your gathering is more about finger foods than a full-fledged meal, these protein packages will help keep people satisfied while sipping.

These itty-bitty quiches are naturally vegetarian, but you can easily add bacon bits (or even bacon drippings) for an NYE party full of meat lovers.

15. Parmesan Quinoa-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe (kosher)

These stuffed mushrooms are tasty, vegetarian, and kosher. #winning

The recipe developer suggests investing in high-quality parmesan for this recipe to make the flavors shine. You can also find kosher-certified cheese online or at your local kosher grocer.

16. Smoked Salmon Crudites (halal)

Looking for a halal New Year’s Eve appetizer that’ll knock your socks off? You’ve found it.

Smoked salmon is *always* a finger food win (unless your friends are vegan 😬), and these crudites come together in a snap.

17. Deconstructed California Roll Sushi Salad (kosher)

Sushi gets a makeover in this easy, one-bowl kosher party favorite.

If you make much Asian-inspired cuisine, you’ll probably have staples like sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce on hand. #yum

18. Sun Dried Basil and Tomato Pinwheels

These creamy pinwheels call for all vegan ingredients, but you can swap the vegan cream cheese for regular cream cheese if you want. The 15-minute recipe is super versatile and can even be gluten-free if you swap the flour tortillas for corn (or your favorite GF variety).

19. Sweet Potato Pomegranate Crostini

Colorful and sweet, these festive crostini look like they were developed specifically for a New Year’s Eve gathering.

If you’re focusing on your health this year, this appetizer also starts you off on the right foot. Fiber-full sweet potatoes, vitamin-packed pomegranate seeds … What more could you want as you ring in the new year?

20. Avocado and Citrus Ceviche

After a holiday season brimming with cheese and wine, you *might* be ready for fresher, lighter foods. If so, this fruit-forward “ceviche” hits the mark.

Bonus: It’s vegan too!

21. Baked Buffalo Wings

Warning: These savory wings need to marinate in the fridge for 8 to 24 hours. But if you’ve got that time on your hands, we think these baked hunks are one of the most perfect party appetizers on the planet.

Clean-up is a cinch since they’re baked instead of fried. Plus, you get to make a deee-licious homemade blue cheese dressing while the birds are in the oven.

22. Heirloom Tomato Tart in a Parmesan Crust

Craving a cheesy tomato tart with an uber-crisp crust and a filling that won’t get mushy? Your search ends here.

This recipe yields one pie-sized tart or 5 four- to five-inch tarts.

23. Spicy Chex Mix

Fan fave, right? Chex mix is one of the easiest appetizers in the world. It’s not fancy, but it’s perfect for a casual NYE celebration.

Put it in a pretty glass bowl, add a festive scoop, and splay a stack of cocktail napkins on the coffee table.

24. Baked Chickpea Fritters

These kosher fritters aren’t the prettiest appetizer in the world, but they taste good and are easy to make. Mildly spiced with cumin and coriander and baked instead of fried, they’re a healthy-ish finger food for NYE parties.

25. Persian-Inspired Crunchy Chickpea Snack Mix

If Chex mix sounds too simple, why not try this halal chickpea-based snack mix? It’s got just enough spice to make it interesting. The raisins, dried apricots, and pistachios add a dash of sweetness.

26. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Who doesn’t love a bowl of warm spinach artichoke dip? Pair it with corn chips to make the whole shebang gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

27. Gluten-free Ham and Cheese Crescents

In a world full of bruschetta and tartlets, our gluten-free friends often get the cold shoulder at the appetizer table. So why not surprise and delight them with a platter of bonafide gluten-free croissants? The creamy ham and cheese filling is just the cherry on top.

28. Bloody Mary Tomato Bombs

Once upon a time, you might’ve downed a few jello shots to ring in the new year. Well, these boozy tomato bombs take that idea and crank up the sophistication.

Luckily, these babies are also super simple to execute. Soak a pint of cherry tomatoes in a cup of spiced-up vodka, and voila! A Bloody Mary in a bite.

29. Air Fryer Latkes

If you snagged an air fryer this holiday season, put it to good use with these classic kosher latkes.

The recipe yields 12 crispy potato cakes. Top ’em with sour cream, applesauce, or whatever creamy sauce you have.

30. Fried Gefilte Fish Balls

Here’s another fun, easy kosher appetizer. Fish balls get dressed up in their finest when you roll them in Panko crumbs and dip the crispy, golden orbs in teriyaki sauce.

31. Tangy Meatballs

Cocktail meatballs have been a NYE appetizer mainstay for decades. And why fix what isn’t broken?

This particular uses ingredients like fresh ginger and apple jelly for a meatball that truly bursts with flavor.

32. Pork Potstickers

Potstickers make great snacks because of their size, infinite filling options, and dip-ability (yep, we’re making that an official term).

This recipe calls for wonton wrappers filled with ground pork. The potstickers are cooked on the stove so that one side stays soft while the other gets dark and crispy. It’s the best of both worlds.

33. Cheesy Hot Crab Dip

Stir together cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and hot sauce. What do you get? The perfect stage for delicate lump crab meat’s shining moment.

This creamy, steamy dip is the perfect match for fizzy champagne cocktails or a light and fruity rosé. You’re welcome.

34. Honey Brûlée Brie

Baked brie is one of the planet’s simplest yet most decadent party foods. This one snags the spotlight for its crackable caramelized sugar crust and ooey-gooey, sweet-and-savory center.

35. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cheese Ball

Who says appetizers have to be salty and savory? This sweet twist on a classic needs just 5 ingredients: peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips.

We think it tastes best paired with salty finger food, like pretzels or sea-salted toast points.

36. Pigs in a Blanket

Who doesn’t love pigs in a blanket? These piglets are dressed with an extra sprinkle of “Everything But the Bagel” seasoning.

Dip them in spicy mayo, maple dijon, or quick homemade ranch — the instructions for all three are included in the recipe.

37. Herb-marinated Chicken Skewers with Harissa

Skewers take slightly messy foods and turn them into perfectly posh finger foods.

This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed and soaked in fresh herbs. Once cooked, dip them in spicy AF homemade harissa sauce. It’s divine.

38. Chipotle Chicken Sheet Pan Nachos

Nachos are a fan fave at sports watch parties, but they can be just as popular for New Year’s Eve gatherings.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can whip up another nacho batch in a jiffy to keep the snacks coming all night long.

39. Cauliflower Pizza Bites

Pull out the mini muffin tins and get to work on these healthier versions of mini pizza bites. Light cauliflower crust turns this classic finger food into a Paleo party snack.

Heads up: You can totally use pork or chicken sausage in these. And you can also pick your fave dipping sauce. The recipe’s chill like that.

40. Baked mozzarella sticks

Look, not all apps have to be fancy. Craving finger food with a crisper outer edge and gooey center? You’ll find it here.

Bake these panko-and-herb encrusted mozzarella sticks until they’re golden brown, slide them onto a platter, and dip them to your heart’s content.

41. Oysters Rockefeller

You can’t have a list of New Year’s Eve appetizers that doesn’t include oysters. Champagne and oysters is a pairing that’s as classic as they come.

You can use real oyster shells or ceramic shells for this elegant appetizer. The whole shebang can be ready in under 60 minutes, though your guests will guess you spent hours emulsifying the garlic butter, prepping the shallots, and assembling these Instagram-perfect NYE part stars.

Wondering what snacks to serve on New Year’s Eve? You’re not alone.

Some of the most popular appetizers include uber-simple finger foods like nachos, hot dips (with crackers or raw veggies), and protein nuggets like deviled eggs or buffalo wings.

In the end, simply choose the appetizer recipe that sounds most delicious to you — and one that fits the dietary restrictions or allergies of your crew.

You can’t go wrong with any of the above 40 NYE party appetizers. Cheers to that! 🥂