This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Looking for a list of delicious New Year’s Eve recipes to celebrate the upcoming year and say goodbye to the last? I have you covered! Serve a grand dinner or a quick and easy meal with tasty New Year’s Eve appetizers, a main dish paired with some delicious side dish options, and a fancy New Year’s dessert to treat your friends and family. Plus, a few tips on planning the perfect New Year’s Eve dinner menu!
Jump to Section
When planning meals for New Year’s Eve, you’ll consider what to serve and how to best engage the spread into a long evening with friends and families. Getting the timing down and having fuel to get you through the night until the bell drops is fun, and you have many recipes to choose from with this list of appetizers, desserts, entrees, and side dish ideas. Go with a theme or simply celebrate with good food for all to enjoy. Your New Year’s Eve dinner will be one for the books!
Tips for Making a New Year’s Eve Dinner
- Include a few lucky recipes. Many cultures find that certain foods and recipes have a special meaning, and you can choose a few that serve tradition. Lebanese culture has traditional recipes we enjoy on New Year’s, such as fattoush salad, kafta, and potato stew.
- Choose food that will last. Depending on when your gathering starts, you’ll want to include foods that will stay fresh for a few hours. The night is long, and having stable foods will ensure there is something to eat.
- Small bites to keep you going. Keep the energy going with New Year’s Eve finger foods to nibble on throughout the night.
- Pick a few recipes to make ahead. The day before or earlier in the day, spend some time making a few dishes so they are ready to go when guests arrive. This will give you more time to spend with friends and family and enjoy the end-of-the-year festivities.
- Determine your guest count. Once you know how many people will be at dinner you can narrow down your menu, develop a shopping list, and know how much to prepare.
- Choose a variety of recipes. Pick a few appetizers and finger foods, the main dinner, and a few desserts that will meet your expectations and satisfy everyone’s diet needs, whether vegetarian, dairy-free, or allergy-friendly. You want recipes that will please everyone’s palates.
How to Plan New Year’s Eve Dinner Menu
- For a traditional sit-down dinner. Start with an appetizer followed by the main course and some desserts. You can get more creative with New Year’s Eve finger foods, handhelds, sides, and a few different sweets for a party-style dinner that will give you the energy to get through the evening.
- Consider kid-friendly foods. You’ll love the variety of New Year’s Eve snacks that will keep sensitive palates happy and their bellies full all evening long. Offering a mix of familiar and fun treats for your youngest guests makes it more enjoyable for everyone.
- Opt for well-balanced New Year’s Eve dinner ideas. Choose an entree, a few sides, and bread for a New Year’s dinner menu that is full of flavor, and nourishment, and signifies the ending of another year. If you’re adventurous, try a Lebanese-inspired menu with recipes such as kibbeh and lamb. Lebanese cuisine is known for using wholesome and fresh ingredients and better-for-you cooking methods. Be sure to check out this extensive list of delicious Lebanese recipes.
- Make fun holiday-themed desserts. Finish the year with some of your best delectable desserts and walk into the New Year with a satisfied sweet tooth. From cakes and chocolates to fruity parfaits and cheesecakes, pick a few of your favorites to serve on this commemorative night.
- Set up a beverage table. Ensure you have enough glasses for a sharable drink when the bell drops. You can also set up a table specifically for drinks. Put ice in a bucket with a scoop, including cups and carafes of tea, lemonade, and ginger ale. A hot chocolate bar is always a hit! You can also make your fruit ice cubes for a fun, colorful, and tasty beverage.
What is a Traditional New Year’s Eve Meal?
New Year’s Even has a few traditional recipes that signify luck, good fortune, and well-being for the coming year, such as black-eyed peas, greens, fish, cornbread, lentils, and pomegranates. Don’t let this keep you from developing personal traditions, though! Create memories through food and choose recipes that resonate with your taste and that your family enjoys.
- Black-eyed peas or lentils bring good luck! You can make them as a side dish, add them to soup, or stuff squash. Learn how to cook lentils to use them in various dishes.
- Cornbread is a traditional food for New Year’s and signifies gold for wealth and luck. This vegan cornbread recipe is healthier and easy to make. Serve with some of your favorite main dishes, and even spice them up by adding chopped jalapenos.
- Greens represent financial prosperity and include collards, cabbage, mustard, or turnip greens. Two of my favorite recipes are roasted cabbage and kale Tabbouleh salad.
- Pomegranate represents a lively New Year to come with fresh starts. Use pomegranate seeds in appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts. It adds a nice burst of tartness and a welcoming pop of color to dishes.
- Seafood is traditionally served on New Year’s Eve for abundance and progress. Fish, shrimp, and scallops are all tasty foods to serve and symbolize a prosperous year to come.
Best New Year’s Eve Recipes
From the best New Year’s Eve appetizers to a sumptuous dinner spread and finishing off the night with delectable New Year’s desserts, you’re sure to find the perfect well-rounded New Year’s Eve dinner ideas here. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering of close family and friends or a large dinner party, let this collection of mouthwatering recipes help you celebrate the New Year.
New Year’s Eve Appetizers
Appetizer
Focaccia Charcuterie Board
This focaccia charcuterie board is a new trend made by baking a wheel of brie right into focaccia bread and then serving it together topped with charcuterie items like deli meats, sliced cheese, fresh fruit and nuts.
Appetizer
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
These cheese stuffed meatballs use brie, your ground meat of choice and the air fryer to make a delicious cheesy meatball appetizer that is so good!
17 minutes
Appetizer
Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry brie bites made with flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and a hint of fresh herbs for a festive appetizer!
35 minutes
Appetizer
Smoked Salmon Platter
This smoked salmon platter is the perfect appetizer! The presentation is jaw-dropping and the accompaniments are delicious! Great for holidays and potlucks!
15 minutes
Appetizer
Mezze Platter
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with a mezze platter! A colorful spread of delicious cold dips, veggies, cheese, and more.
30 minutes
Appetizer
Sheet Pan Nachos
This easy Sheet Pan Nacho recipe layers crispy tortilla chips with beef, beans, and cheese and is loaded with all your favorite nacho toppings.
25 minutes
Salads
Kale Tabbouleh Salad
Kale Tabbouleh Salad is a modern twist on the traditional Middle Eastern recipe, using kale instead of parsley along with tomatoes, bulgur, mint, lemon and olive oil
20 minutes
Appetizer
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Dairy-free and Vegan, this spinach artichoke dip is absolutely creamy and cheesy while still being dairy free. Made with cashews and delicious!
35 minutes
Appetizer
Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes are juicy, filled with whipped cheeses, and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs for the perfect quick appetizer.
17 minutes
Appetizer
Cucumber Sushi Rolls
These gluten-free cucumber sushi rolls are so easy to make and they are such a colorful and pretty appetizer. Filled with fresh veggies and a seasoned cream cheese.
15 minutes
Appetizer
Crostini with Roasted Tomatoes
Crostini with Roasted Tomatoes is the ultimate party food or appetizer to serve to guests. They look fancy, but are made with only three simple ingredients!
2 hours 50 minutes
Appetizer
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
These Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms are perfect to serve as appetizers at your next holiday gathering. They are flavorful, cheesy crowd pleasing finger foods
25 minutes
Appetizer
Avocado Shrimp Salsa
This Avocado Shrimp Salsa is a bright & zesty recipe! It makes the perfect appetizer or even main dish for parties. Serve with tortilla or pita chips and enjoy!
15 minutes
Appetizer
Shrimp Cocktail
Learn how to make a classic shrimp cocktail quickly and easily for a delicious appetizer for the holidays; served with a tangy cocktail sauce
18 minutes
Appetizer, Snack
Stuffed Dates – 4 Ways
Simple, quick and easy to make, these stuffed dates make a great appetizer or snack, Choose from sweet or savory fillings everyone will love.
15 minutes
New Year’s Eve Salads
Salads
Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts
This kale and pear salad is topped with dried cranberries, candied walnuts, and tangy blue cheese. It's a great fall salad for kale and pear lovers alike!
10 minutes
Salads
Brussel Sprout Salad
An alternative to classic Caesar salad, this easy vegetarian Brussel Sprout Salad is tossed in a Caesar dressing and crispy homemade croutons
15 minutes
Salad
Apple Walnut Salad
This Apple Walnut Salad is a flavor and ingredient loaded fall-inspired salad that's vegan, nutrient dense and vibrant – perfect as a meal or side salad!
10 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
This Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad is a seasonal recipe that is perfect for holiday gatherings and Thanksgiving- bursting with color & flavor
1 hour
Salad
Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted Beet Salad is made with two types of seasonal beets and served over a bed or arugula; it's a fresh, light and nutritious summer salad
35 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Lentil Salad
Simple to make and delicious to eat, this vegan lentil salad is made with fresh ingredients and makes for a really versatile side dish.
30 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Massaged Kale Salad
The trick to this Massaged Kale Salad is rubbing the leaves with dressing until they soften and darken, turning bitterness into deliciousness!
10 minutes
Salads
Beet Orange Salad
This Beet Orange Salad is a simple and classic spring salad that balances the sweetness of beets with the tanginess of oranges – light, flavorful & vibrant
25 minutes
New Year’s Eve Side Dishes
Side Dish
Vegan Cornbread
Quick and Easy to make, this made from scratch dairy-free vegan cornbread recipe is soft and fluffy – makes an excellent addition to any meal
45 minutes
Side Dish
Roasted Cabbage
This easy and quick veggie side dish is perfect to serve with so many meals! Just 5 minutes prep, these seasoned roasted cabbage steaks are full of flavor.
35 minutes
Side Dish
Roasted Delicata Squash
Make your holiday feast even more special with this honey roasted delicata squash recipe that perfectly balances sweetness and savory flavors!
35 minutes
Side Dish
Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
Simply flavored with garlic and lemon, these green beans are an easy side dish that can go with any meal.
20 minutes
Side Dish
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
These crispy oven-roasted parmesan potatoes are easy to make & taste amazing. The butter, parmesan, and spices soak right in while crisping up the outside!
45 minutes
Side Dish
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The best, most garlicky garlic mashed potatoes you'll ever eat! These roasted garlic mashed potatoes use two whole heads of garlic! You've got to try them!
1 hour 20 minutes
Side Dish
Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Crispy smashed sweet potatoes roasted in the oven with savory spices and parmesan cheese! A way to cook sweet potatoes that actually yields a crispy outside!
55 minutes
Side Dish
Rosemary Focaccia
Homemade rosemary focaccia with sea salt makes the perfect side dish for any meal. This no-knead focaccia recipe only requires 7 ingredients!
1 hour 50 minutes
Entree, Main Course
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Try this authentic Lebanese styled Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – also known as Malfouf – with step-by-step easy instructions to cook the recipe!
2 hours 15 minutes
Side Dish
Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
Seasoned with garlic, herbs and spices, this Mediterranean cauliflower rice is a great low carb alternative that is bursting with fresh flavors.
11 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Pastas, Side Dish
Pasta with Yogurt Sauce
This creamy pasta with white yogurt sauce also known as Lebanese spaghetti is the perfect substitute for Alfredo sauce. It's creamy, tangy & easy to make!
20 minutes
New Year’s Eve Dinner Ideas
Entree
Baked Lamb Chops
Tender, oven-baked lamb chops marinated in rosemary, garlic, olive oil with just a hint of lemon. Roasted lamb chops are perfect for elegant dinner parties.
1 hour 15 minutes
Dinner, Main Dish, Tutorial
Grilled Steak
Learn how to grill steak perfectly on an indoor grill pan or outdoor grill with this easy to follow step-by-step tutorial that makes juicy tender grilled steak!
45 minutes
Appetizer, Main Course
Shrimp Skewers
These grilled shrimp skewers are so quick and easy to make and wonderfully flavored with a lemon and herb marinade.
10 minutes
Entree, Main Dish
Roasted Salmon in Butter
Simple, yet full of flavor this oven roasted salmon is baked in a butter herb sauce with asparagus. It's ready in under 20 and sure to be a winner!
20 minutes
Entree, Main Course
Stuffed Eggplant
This authentic Stuffed Eggplant recipe is a my family's popular Lebanese dish made with a spiced beef & rice stuffing and cooked in a garlicky tomato broth!
2 hours
Main Course
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Quick and easy to make, this air fryer chicken parmesan comes out so juicy and delicious. Simple ingredients and perfectly crispy!
24 minutes
Main Course
Lamb Kabobs
These Grilled Lamb Kabobs are a must for summer grilling. Lamb chunks are tossed in a Mediterranean marinade so they're tasty, tender & juicy!
4 hours 25 minutes
Main Course
Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken
Spinach Feta Stuffed Chicken is an upgrade from your everyday weeknight chicken recipes – juicy chicken breast perfectly seasoned and baked!
40 minutes
Entree
Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
The light and delicious texture of this Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi is the perfect easy weeknight meal! Comfort food without the carbs!
55 minutes
Main Course
Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Pesto pasta topped with smoky grilled chicken a squeeze of lemon and fresh basil. This pesto pasta is easy to make and bursting with so much flavor!
20 minutes
Main Course
Pomegranate Roasted Chicken Thighs
Pomegranate Roasted Chicken Thighs make for an easy unique weeknight meal; the chicken is tossed in a Mediterranean marinade and oven baked!
1 hour
Vegetarian Meals for New Year’s Eve
Entree
Lebanese Mujadara
Mujadara is a Middle Eastern lentils and rice recipe with crispy caramelized onions. Just 3 ingredients make a easy vegan, protein-rich meal!
45 minutes
Main Course
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
Get cozy this fall with this delicious and creamy pumpkin pasta recipe. Made with canned pumpkin puree and no cheese it's ready in minutes!
20 minutes
Side Dish
Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
This maple cinnamon oven roasted butternut squash is one delicious vegetable side dish. Simple to make, and pairs well with many main dishes!
40 minutes
Side Dish
Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic
These easy sauteed mushrooms only take 10 minutes & 5 ingredients to cook. They make a perfect side to serve with steak and chicken, or as a burger topping!
10 minutes
Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Main Dish
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Lentil Shepherd's Pie is a delicious vegan version of the classic dish. Made hearty with lentils, veggies, spices, and mashed potatoes.
1 hour 20 minutes
Main Course
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
These Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are loaded with lots of plant-based protein and gluten-free quinoa and topped with melted cheese- hearty and healthy
55 minutes
Entree, Pastas
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a vegetarian easy wholesome recipe that is easy to throw together on weeknights with basic pantry ingredients + mushrooms!
15 minutes
New Year’s Desserts
Beverages
Hot Cocoa Bombs
Learn how to make hot chocolate bombs from scratch! This DIY hot cocoa bomb only requires 3 ingredients and is sure to please kids and adults alike!
30 minutes
Dessert
Cranberry Cake
This fresh cranberry pound cake combines vibrant orange, tart cranberries, and toasted almonds for a delicious and easy-to-make holiday cake!
1 hour
Dessert
Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
These Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies are easy to make in one bowl, soft and chewy and so festive for cookie exchanges and holiday gatherings!
20 minutes
Dessert
Vanilla Cupcakes with Frosting
This simple and sweet vanilla cupcakes recipe with cream cheese frosting is perfect for any occasion or holiday; so easy for beginning bakers!
25 minutes
Breakfast, Sauces
2-Ingredient Strawberry Sauce
This 2-Ingredient Homemade Strawberry Sauce (or compote) is made with only strawberries and sugar. Perfect for cheesecake, pancakes, and ice cream!
30 minutes
Dessert
Mason Jar Ice Cream
This easy mason jar ice cream recipe uses 4 ingredients for a delicious soft serve ice cream. No ice cream maker required, and it's fun for the whole family!
2 hours 5 minutes
Dessert
Peppermint Sugar Cookies
These pepper sugar cookies dipped in white chocolate & crushed peppermint are a wonderful treat for the holidays – dairy free and made with simple pantry items!
20 minutes
Dessert
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
This Chocolate Peppermint Bark is a wonderful treat for the holidays that’s super easy to make, very-kid friendly and perfect for gift-giving.
15 minutes
Dessert
Vegan Lemon Bars
These vegan lemon bars are creamy, chewy, and absolutely delicious – made with an oatmeal walnut crust and fresh lemons, they make the best lemon squares!
50 minutes
Dessert
Chocolate Souffle
This Chocolate Souffle recipe is a simple way to make homemade souffle. Just a few simple ingredients are needed for this sweet souffle!
25 minutes
Dessert
Lebanese Baklava
Make homemade baklava in a fraction of the time with this deliciously easy method! Filled with walnuts and finished with an orange blossom simple syrup.
1 hour 5 minutes
New Year’s Eve Snacks
Appetizer
7 Layer Mediterranean Dip
Try this easy Mediterranean twist on the popular 7 layer dip for your next party; perfect appetizer to feed a crowd and dip with pita chips!
20 minutes
Salad, Side
Corn Salsa
This vibrant corn salsa is full of all of your favorite Mexican flavors. Easy to make in less than 10 minutes, serve it as an appetizer with chips or as a topping on taco Tuesday.
10 minutes
Appetizer, Main Course
Lentil Cakes
Lentil cakes with a creamy lemon dill yogurt dip make for an easy, healthy and delicious appetizer. Simple to make and packed with protein.
25 minutes
Snack
Layered Strawberry Chia Pudding
A healthy breakfast option or snack to enjoy between meals, this layered strawberry chia pudding will keep your energy high and tummy full!
5 minutes
Dessert
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft & chewy, these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies go from prep to in your mouth in 30 minutes! Made with semi-sweet chocolate chips for the perfect balance!
27 minutes
Dessert
Banana Pudding Parfait
This banana pudding parfait recipe is made with simple fresh ingredients for a decadent, delightful & delicious treat that everyone will love!
2 hours 15 minutes
Snack
Coconut Date Balls
Coconut date balls are little balls of nutrition made with dates and nuts and then coated in shredded coconut – an easy-to-make sweet & healthy vegan snack!
10 minutes
Bonus: Recipes To Cook On New Year’s Day!
Breakfast
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Treat yourself to the most delicious breakfast! These homemade vegan cinnamon rolls are so easy to make and are wonderfully fluffy and sweet.
2 hours 40 minutes
Breakfast
Cranberry Lemon Muffins
This easy recipe for Cranberry Lemon Muffins is perfect for last minute holiday guests. They have a zesty tangy flavor and a moist texture.
37 minutes
Breakfast
Fluffy Banana Pancakes
Fluffy banana pancakes are easy to make, naturally sweet & make the best freezer-friendly pancakes. If you love homemade pancakes this recipe is for you!
15 minutes
Tutorial
How to Make Granola
Learn how to make granola at home with this simple oven recipe. Perfect for topping yogurt, ice cream and more! Homemade granola is where it's at!
38 minutes
Tutorial
How to Make Yogurt
Whip up a batch of creamy homemade yogurt on the stovetop with just two simple ingredients and a few easy steps – no fancy equipment needed!
17 hours
Side Dish
Skillet Dinner Rolls
These yeast based skillet dinner rolls are soft, fluffy and pull apart right out of the cast iron skillet! Easy to make and delicious every time!
2 hours 20 minutes
Entree
Pan Seared Scallops with Pasta
A light, bright and completely flavor-packed Pan Seared Scallops with Pasta – perfect for summer days when you're craving carbs but want something unique
25 minutes