23 Small-Scale New Year’s Eve Appetizers
Updated: Nov. 02, 2023
Bring in the new year the right way with these savory (and sweet!) small-scale appetizer ideas. They're the perfect starters for groups of six or less.
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Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas
Looking for a lighter snack that’s still a crowd-pleaser? You’ve found it! This zesty, crunchy chickpea recipe will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Also check these new year’s eve appetizers to sort your most memorable pre-dinners.
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Simple Salmon Dip
This is my go-to dip recipe. The secret is the green chiles—they add just enough heat. —Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado
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Mozzarella Sticks
I’m particularly fond of these tasty mozzarella sticks because they’re baked, not fried. Cheese is one of my family’s favorite foods. Being of Italian descent, I cook often with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
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Best Hummus
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you’ll ever have. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
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Roasted Butternut Squash Dippers
When it comes to fries, I’ve made everything from apple and carrot to pumpkin and zucchini. The sour cream sauce is just heavenly. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
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Frozen Margarita Mousse
Who doesn’t love a frozen Margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping; it’s easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
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Buffalo Bites
Low-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that’s packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, MarylandLooking for more bite-sized snacks? Make sure you take a look at our collection of New Year’s Eve finger foods.
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Easy Deviled Eggs
After wondering how to make deviled eggs for years, I stumbled across this recipe. It comes from the Durbin Inn, a well-known restaurant in Rushville, Indiana from the 1920s until it closed in the late ’70s. The eggs are delicious, and it’s easy to make. —Margaret Sanders, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Pomegranate Guacamole with Feta Cheese
Want to add a little festive flair to your dip? Try this pomegranate guacamole. Since the cheese is so briny, we recommend cutting back on the amount of salt you use, or opting for reduced-sodium tortilla chips. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Creamy Chicken Vol-au-Vent
My friends and I have been getting together for “ladies lunches” for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
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Chocolate Hummus
This chocolate hummus is a sweet twist on the traditional recipe. Plus, it’s so easy to make with just a handful of healthy ingredients. I like to serve it with berries and pretzels for a quick snack. —Catherine Ward, Mequon, Wisconsin
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Coconut Chicken and Shrimp
I was looking for a fun, easy appetizer based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
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Cheesy Stuffed Baked Potatoes
These special stuffed baked potatoes are a hit with my whole family, from the smallest grandchild on up. I prepare them up to a week in advance, wrap them well and freeze. Their flavorful filling goes so nicely with juicy ham slices. —Marge Clark, West Lebanon, Indiana
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Garlic Bean Dip
There isn’t a bean that my family does not like. In fact, I serve one kind or another almost every day. This dip is one of our favorite ways to eat them. —Nancy Testin, Harrington, Delaware
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Lentil Taco Cups
My trusty muffin tin never fails to help me put fun and easy hand-held apps on the table. These festive vegetarian cups are always a hit with my kids; they’re so flavorful, nobody misses the meat. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
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Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas is the ultimate Spanish comfort food. Served tapas-style, the crispy potatoes and smoky sauce are difficult to resist. Add a drizzle of garlic aioli for a richer flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip
These fruity kabobs are so refreshing. They’re also a quick and easy appetizer for get-togethers. —Kathleen Hedger, Godfrey, Illinois
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Chicken Fries
Kid-friendly and quick, these crunchy oven-baked chicken fries are coated with a mixture of crushed potato chips, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip them in ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or honey-mustard sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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Quinoa, Fresh Fig and Honey-Balsamic Parfait
This quinoa yogurt parfait is special to me because of its wholesome ingredients. Quinoa is gluten-free, which is good for those who have food allergies, like my daughter. And I love fresh ripe figs when they are in season. Enjoy this as a sweet starter or for breakfast or dessert. —Dawn Hutchins, St. Johns, Florida
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Roasted Carrots with Cilantro-Walnut Pesto
Lightly baked and lightly flavored, this carrot dish uses cilantro, walnuts, olive oil, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese and basil. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
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Fancy Baked Potatoes
I can’t count the times I’ve turned to this tried-and-true recipe when company is coming. The potato filling is creamy and rich tasting, plus the servings are attractive. But the best part is you can spare yourself the hassle of mashing potatoes at the last minute. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
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Appetizer Stuffed Mushrooms
Heat-and-serve convenience foods are forbidden in the House of Loreto Kitchen, and residents appreciate the “real” food we serve. Everyone reaches for seconds of these tasty morsels. —Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
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Ham-Spinach Crepe Cups
Using ingredients you likely already have on hand, these savory crepes will add fun to your celebration for mere pennies. Plus, by changing the filling to something sweet, such as berries and whipped cream you can create a great dessert. —Kathi Grenier, Auburn, Maine
Originally Published: December 09, 2020
