21 New Year’s Eve Appetizers
As you plan for the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration, the right appetizers can make all the difference. Our collection of 21 New Year’s Eve appetizers is here to inspire your menu. These bites are chosen for their ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, perfect for any end-of-year gathering.
Warm Crab Dip

This cheesy Crab Dip is so easy to make; it makes the perfect quick and elegant party appetizer. Made with lump crab meat baked in a cream cheese base with cheddar and parmesan cheese mixed through green onions and gentle seasonings that give this dip just enough flavor without being too overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Warm Crab Dip
Smoked Salmon Dip (3 Ingredients)
Our elegant, flavorful, creamy Smoked Salmon Dip will be the hit at your next party. In less than 5 minutes and with just 3 simple ingredients, you’ll have an elegant party appetizer to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip
German Potato Pancakes
Classic German Potato Pancakes are made from freshly grated potatoes fried to golden brown perfection. They can be served as a main course or an appetizer.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Pancakes
Shrimp Salad
Shrimp Salad is delightfully light and refreshing. It’s made with perfectly cooked shrimp, onion, celery, cucumber, dill, and mayonnaise.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Salad
French Onion Dip
Our creamy, easy, homemade French Onion Dip will make your next Thanksgiving an event to remember. A creamy, tangy base and deliciously sweet caramelized onions result in rich flavors that never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip
Salami Rolls
Salami Roll-Ups is one of our favorite starter recipes! Salami Roll-Ups are always crowd-pleasers, from church events to birthday parties, New Year’s Eve, and any other events.
Get the Recipe: Salami Rolls
Grape Jelly Meatballs
Pull out your slow cooker to make this easy party appetizer. Grape jelly meatballs are so simple yet so delicious. Your guests can grab a few toothpicks for a munchie they can enjoy as they mingle.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly Meatballs
Strawberry Baked Brie
Baked brie is always an easy yet elegant option for parties. This recipe uses diced strawberries for a delicious and vibrant addition to melty cheese. Serve with crusty bread rounds or crackers for a melty, good appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Baked Brie
Cheesy Asparagus Tarts
Who could resist a cheesy asparagus tart on New Year’s Eve? These blend textures and flavors, from puff pastry to ricotta and roasted asparagus, for a tasty starter.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Asparagus Tarts
Salmon Bruschetta
Bring an awesome twist to classic bruschetta for New Year’s Eve. This recipe uses salmon for a delectable combination of fresh flavors that your guests are going to love.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bruschetta
Raspberry Goat Cheese Bites
These goat cheese bites couldn’t be easier or tastier for a party. Use crescent rolls to make little cups, and fill them with goat cheese and fresh berries for a treat that tantalizes the tastebuds.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Goat Cheese Bites
Goat Cheese Honey Bites
New Year’s Eve appetizers don’t have to take all night to prepare. This recipe is elegant enough for a party but so easy to make that you can have a few batches ready in just a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Honey Bites
Simple Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is always a good idea for party food. While this is artfully arranged, it is the easiest appetizer option. It offers a variety so everyone can grab their favorite combination of meat, cheese, fruits, and nuts.
Get the Recipe: Simple Charcuterie Board
Ham and Cheese Empanadas
These pastry pockets have savory ham and melty cheese for a portable appetizer that guests can snack on as they catch up with everyone; no silverware is required!
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Empanadas
Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
This recipe for pinwheels is perfect for a party. It combines cool and creamy cheeses with spicy jalapeno peppers and bacon for a snack that satisfies anyone and everyone.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
Air Fryer Pigs in Blanket
Let your air fryer do the work of making a simple and tasty appetizer. These little sausages in crescent roll dough will be a hit at your NYE gathering. Offer several sauces and varieties of mustard for your guests to dip into.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pigs In Blanket
Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are a must-make for any party. They are so easy and so delicious. Use puff pastry to make short work of this appetizer. These are so yummy that you might want to make a double batch!
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
Cheese Babka
This cheese babka is the perfect option to offer as a New Year’s Eve starter. It is buttery and garlicky and so good! Your guests will love this and likely ask for the recipe.
Get the recipe: Cheese Babka
Potato Skins
Potato skins are a classic starter everyone loves, so why not make a batch as party food? With so much melty cheese and crispy bacon, your guests won’t resist grabbing a second one!
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Smoked Salmon Bites
Smoked salmon with dill makes for such a wonderful appetizer. These are small in size but deliver big, delicious flavors! The sour cream offers the best creaminess to pair with the smokiness of the fish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Bites
Sausage Rolls
Sausage tucked into pastry and baked to golden brown perfection sounds like a great party food! This recipe couldn’t be easier or tastier for a filling appetizer option. Top these with sesame seeds, and offer a few dips for your guests to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.