20 Easy New Year's Eve Appetizers for Your Party

New Year's Eve calls for special food that feels celebratory without keeping you trapped in the kitchen all night. The secret? Easy appetizers that look impressive, taste amazing, and can be prepped ahead of time.

This collection of 20 New Year's Eve appetizers covers everything from elegant finger foods to crowd-pleasing dips, with options for every dietary preference and skill level. Get ready to ring in the new year with delicious food and minimal stress.

Why Appetizers Work for NYE Parties

New Year's Eve parties have unique timing challenges:

• Guests arrive at different times
• Party spans several hours (often 8 PM - 1 AM)
• Midnight champagne toast interrupts meal flow
• People want to mingle, not sit for formal dinner

Appetizers solve these problems:

• Guests can eat whenever they arrive
• No need to coordinate plating and serving
• Easy to replenish throughout the night
• Encourage mingling and conversation
• Can be eaten while standing or dancing

Planning Your Appetizer Spread

For 10-12 guests, plan:

• 6-8 different appetizers
• 8-10 pieces per person total
• Mix of hot and cold options
• Include vegetarian choices
• Vary textures and flavors

Strategic Mix:

• 2 dips with crackers/vegetables
• 2 hot appetizers
• 2 cold appetizers
• 2 sweet options for later in evening
• Cheese/charcuterie board

Make-Ahead Cold Appetizers

These can be fully prepared before guests arrive.

1. Caprese Skewers

Thread cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls on small skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Make-ahead: Assemble up to 4 hours before Pro tip: Use colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes Dietary: Vegetarian, gluten-free

2. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

Top cucumber rounds with cream cheese, smoked salmon, dill, and capers.

Make-ahead: Slice cucumbers the day before, assemble 2 hours before Elegant factor: Looks expensive but costs little Dietary: Gluten-free

3. Deviled Eggs with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Classic deviled eggs topped with everything bagel seasoning and fresh chives.

Make-ahead: Prepare eggs the day before, fill day-of Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves deviled eggs Variation: Try bacon bits, sriracha, or smoked paprika

4. Greek Salad Skewers

Cucumber, tomato, feta, olive, and red onion on skewers with Greek vinaigrette.

Make-ahead: Assemble 6 hours ahead Fresh: Light option among heavier foods Dietary: Vegetarian, gluten-free

5. Shrimp Cocktail

Classic shrimp cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce.

Make-ahead: Cook shrimp the day before, chill Presentation: Serve in martini glasses for elegance Tip: Buy pre-cooked shrimp to save time

6. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Cantaloupe or honeydew wrapped in prosciutto.

Make-ahead: Assemble 2-3 hours before Flavor combo: Sweet and salty perfection Dietary: Gluten-free, low-carb

Hot Appetizers (Easy Reheating)

These can be prepped ahead and baked or reheated when needed.

7. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in bacon, baked until crispy.

Make-ahead: Assemble the day before, bake before serving Crowd reaction: Always disappears first Sweet and savory: Perfect flavor balance

8. Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites

Use phyllo cups filled with spinach artichoke dip, baked until golden.

Make-ahead: Fill cups 4 hours ahead, bake before serving Shortcut: Use store-bought dip to save time Dietary: Vegetarian

9. Mini Meatballs in Cranberry BBQ Sauce

Frozen or homemade meatballs in a tangy cranberry BBQ sauce.

Make-ahead: Make sauce ahead, simmer meatballs before party Keep warm: Serve in slow cooker Festive: Cranberries add holiday touch

10. Brie en Croûte

Brie wrapped in puff pastry with jam, nuts, or honey, baked until golden.

Make-ahead: Assemble and freeze up to 1 month, bake from frozen Impressive: Looks and tastes gourmet Serve with: Crackers, apple slices, grapes

11. Mushroom Caps Stuffed with Sausage

Mushroom caps filled with sausage, breadcrumbs, and cheese, baked.

Make-ahead: Stuff mushrooms the day before, bake day-of Hearty: Satisfying bite-sized portion Variation: Make vegetarian with spinach and cheese

12. Pigs in a Blanket (Elevated)

Cocktail sausages in crescent roll dough with various toppings (cheese, jalapeño, etc.).

Make-ahead: Assemble and freeze, bake from frozen Kid-friendly: Appeals to all ages Dipping sauces: Mustard, honey mustard, ketchup

Dips and Spreads

Perfect for continuous grazing throughout the party.

13. Warm Crab and Artichoke Dip

Creamy dip with crab, artichokes, and cheese. Serve with crackers and bread.

Make-ahead: Assemble the day before, bake before serving Keep warm: Transfer to slow cooker after baking Luxurious: Feels special for New Year's Eve

14. Seven-Layer Dip

Layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, olives, and green onions.

Make-ahead: Assemble 6 hours ahead Colorful: Looks festive on the table Serve with: Tortilla chips, vegetables

15. French Onion Dip (From Scratch)

Caramelized onions, sour cream, cream cheese, and seasonings.

Make-ahead: Make 2-3 days ahead (flavors improve) Serve with: Kettle chips, vegetables, crackers Upgrade: Far better than store-bought

16. Hummus Trio

Three flavors of hummus: classic, roasted red pepper, and garlic.

Make-ahead: Make up to 5 days ahead Healthy option: Good for health-conscious guests Serve with: Pita chips, vegetables, crackers

For more appetizer inspiration, check our easy dinner ideas that work for gatherings.

Cheese and Charcuterie

17. Epic Charcuterie Board

Variety of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, fruits, nuts, olives, and spreads.

Cheese selection:

• Soft: Brie or camembert
• Hard: Aged cheddar or manchego
• Blue: Gorgonzola or Roquefort

Meats:

• Prosciutto
• Salami
• Sopressata

Accompaniments:

• Crackers and bread
• Grapes, figs, berries
• Honey, jam, mustard
• Nuts, olives, pickles

Make-ahead: Prep components the day before, assemble 1-2 hours before Presentation: Use a large wooden board or marble slab

Sweet Options

Perfect for later in the evening or alongside champagne toast.

18. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Fresh strawberries dipped in dark and white chocolate.

Make-ahead: Dip up to 24 hours ahead Elegant: Simple but sophisticated Champagne pairing: Perfect with bubbly

19. Mini Cheesecake Bites

Bite-sized cheesecakes in mini muffin tins with various toppings.

Make-ahead: Bake 2-3 days ahead, freeze for longer Toppings: Berry compote, chocolate, caramel No-fuss: Individual servings, no slicing needed

20. Chocolate Truffles

Homemade or store-bought truffles in festive flavors.

Make-ahead: Make up to 2 weeks ahead Gift option: Send extras home with guests Flavors: Champagne, espresso, salted caramel

Complete Party Timeline

1 Week Before:

• Plan menu and make shopping list
• Order special items (cheese, seafood)
• Make and freeze: meatballs, pigs in a blanket, brie

3 Days Before:

• Shop for ingredients
• Make: hummus, French onion dip, chocolate truffles

2 Days Before:

• Make: deviled eggs (without filling), cheesecake bites
• Cook and peel shrimp
• Prep vegetables (store in water)

1 Day Before:

• Assemble: bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms
• Fill deviled eggs
• Prep charcuterie board components
• Make spinach artichoke dip
• Dip chocolate strawberries
• Clean house, set up drink station

Day Of - Morning:

• Assemble: caprese skewers, Greek salad skewers
• Set up serving platters and dishes
• Make cranberry BBQ sauce

Day Of - 2 Hours Before:

• Assemble: smoked salmon bites, prosciutto melon
• Arrange charcuterie board
• Set out dips and crackers

Day Of - 30 Minutes Before:

• Bake hot appetizers
• Put dips in slow cooker
• Final presentation touches

Drink Pairings

Champagne: Pairs with almost everything, especially seafood and cheese

White Wine: Best with lighter apps (shrimp, cucumber bites, cheese)

Red Wine: Pairs with charcuterie, bacon-wrapped dates, meatballs

Cocktails:

• Prosecco with fruit juice
• Champagne punch
• Moscow mules
• Cranberry martinis

Non-Alcoholic:

• Sparkling cider
• Fancy mocktails
• Flavored sparkling water
• Hot chocolate bar (for later evening)

Budget-Conscious Party Planning

Save Money:

• Focus on 4-5 appetizers instead of 8
• Make one showstopper (charcuterie board)
• Fill in with simpler options (dips, veggies)
• Buy cheese blocks and slice yourself
• Use store-bought puff pastry and phyllo
• Shop sales the week before

Cost Breakdown for 12 Guests (6 appetizers):

• Charcuterie board: £30
• Hot dip: £8
• Bacon-wrapped dates: £10
• Caprese skewers: £8
• Shrimp cocktail: £15
• Deviled eggs: £4
• Total: £75 (about £6 per person)

For more budget party planning, see our budget meal prep guide.

Dietary Accommodations

Vegetarian Options:

• Caprese skewers
• Greek salad skewers
• Spinach artichoke dip
• Brie en croûte
• Stuffed mushrooms (without meat)
• Deviled eggs
• Hummus trio
• Cheese board

Gluten-Free Options:

• Caprese skewers
• Smoked salmon cucumber bites
• Shrimp cocktail
• Prosciutto-wrapped melon
• Deviled eggs
• Seven-layer dip (with corn chips)
• Charcuterie board (skip crackers)

Vegan Options:

• Greek salad skewers (skip feta)
• Hummus trio
• Vegetable crudités
• Stuffed mushrooms (vegan version)
• Roasted vegetable skewers

Presentation Tips

Create Height:

• Use cake stands for different levels
• Stack small plates
• Use tiered serving trays

Label Everything:

• Small cards with appetizer names
• Note allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten)
• Makes buffet easier to navigate

Keep It Fresh:

• Don't put out all food at once
• Replenish throughout evening
• Keep backups ready in kitchen

Color Coordination:

• Mix colorful and neutral foods
• Use garnishes (fresh herbs, edible flowers)
• Choose complementary serving dishes

Emergency Backup Options

If you run out of food:

• Order pizza cut into small squares
• Quick cheese quesadillas cut into triangles
• Store-bought hummus and chips
• Frozen appetizers you can bake quickly

Keep on hand:

• Extra cheese and crackers
• Nuts in pretty bowls
• Fresh fruit
• Olives and pickles

The Champagne Toast

Timing: 5 minutes before midnight

Setup:

• Pre-pour champagne into glasses at 11:50 PM
• Have extras ready for late arrivals
• Provide non-alcoholic options
• Have someone ready to distribute

Toast Ideas:

• Keep it simple: "To new beginnings!"
• Personal: Share one hope for the new year
• Group participation: Go around and share gratitude

After Midnight Snacks

Keep energy up post-midnight:

Sweet:

• Chocolate truffles
• Mini cheesecakes
• Chocolate-covered strawberries

Savory:

• Late-night pizza order
• Slider station
• Breakfast-for-dinner foods

For more late-night meal ideas, check our lazy dinner ideas.

The Bottom Line

New Year's Eve appetizers should be delicious, impressive, and—most importantly—easy enough that you can enjoy your own party. With strategic make-ahead preparation and a smart menu selection, you can serve amazing food without stress.

Choose 6-8 appetizers from this list, prep everything possible before guests arrive, and focus on celebrating the new year with the people you love. Your guests will be impressed by the spread, and you'll actually get to enjoy the countdown.

Remember: Store-bought shortcuts are perfectly acceptable. A mix of homemade and purchased items creates a full spread without exhausting yourself.

For more party planning inspiration, explore our meal prep tips and tricks and make-ahead meals.

Happy New Year and happy hosting!