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60 Best New Year's Eve Appetizers to Kick Off the Party

These delicious finger foods and snacks are the best way to kick off 2025!

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ranch croquettes with lemon slices on the side
mike garten

It's hard to believe we'll soon be saying farewell to 2024 and counting down the seconds to 2025. Whether you're planning a big NYE bash or hosting a special New Year's Eve dinner, there is always a place for delicious small bites. With that said, we have plenty of unique and wow-worthy New Year's Eve appetizers that will give everyone the energy for a night of champagne toasts and dancing.

Or if you plan to have a more low-key gathering and watch the ball drop cozied up on the couch, consider whipping up these simple finger foods and party dips for easy munching. No matter how you celebrate, these New Year's Eve appetizers will make it all the more special and delicious. There is no better way to ring in the New Year!

1

Cajun-Spiced Puff Pastry Straws

cajun spiced puff pastry straws with a dip on the side
Mike Garten

These crunchy twists, made with puff pastry and Cajun seasoning, are perfect for pairing with a crisp bubbly on New Year's Eve.

Get the Cajun-Spiced Puff Pastry Straws recipe.

2

Honey Butter Parker House Rolls

honey butter parker house rolls on a wire rack
Mike Garten/Good Housekeeping

These fluffy bread bites are topped with honey, butter and flaky sea salt. They're sure to be devoured as soon as you bring them out.

Get the Honey Butter Parker House Rolls recipe.

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3

Summer Squash and Goat Cheese Tartlets

summer squash and goat cheese tartlets
mike garten

These elegant bites bring together creamy goat cheese and shaved summer squash atop flaky puff pastry. They're almost too pretty to eat.

Get the Summer Squash and Goat Cheese Tartlets recipe.

4

Homemade Hummus

homemade hummus with torn pita on the side
Mike Garten

Why go store-bought when homemade hummus is so easy and delicious? Serve this dip with pita or sliced veggies for a quick appetizer at your next celebration.

Get the Homemade Hummus recipe.

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5

Chicken Banh Mi Smash Tacos

chicken banh mi smash tacos on a black plate
mike garten

Trust us, everyone will be happy to see these creative tacos as part of the spread. They're made with a savory chicken mixture and tangy pickled veggies.

Get the Chicken Banh Mi Smash Tacos recipe.

6

Easy Pigs in a Blanket

pigs in a blanket pullapart
mike garten

This dish doubles as a centerpiece! The circular design is surprisingly easy to create, and sure to draw "oohs" and "aahs" from your guests.

Get the Easy Pigs in a Blanket recipe.

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7

Three-Ingredient Pretzel Bites

pretzel bites on a white plate
mike garten

For a casual NYE appetizer, set out a plate of these simple pretzel bites with some grainy mustard. They come together in less than 30 minutes and require just three ingredients.

Get the Three-Ingredient Pretzel Bites recipe.

8

Ranch Croquettes

ranch croquettes with slices of lemon on the side
Mike Garten

Caution: these flavorful, fluffy bites are liable to disappear as soon as you set the plate down. They're made with the leftover potato from the Loaded Ranch Potato Skins!

Get the Ranch Croquettes recipe.

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9

Loaded Ranch Potato Skins

bacon and cheese potato skins with a side of ranch
Mike Garten

Presenting the best way to ring in the New Year: Potatoes, cheese, and bacon with a creamy ranch sauce in handheld boats.

Get the Loaded Ranch Potato Skins recipe.

10

Pizza Dip

pepperoni pizza dip
Mike Garten

Skip the delivery pizza this year. Instead, opt for this cozy dip that has plenty of cheese, garlic, oregano and mini pepperoni slices. Eat it with bread or simply by the spoonful!

Get the Pizza Dip recipe.

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11

Goat Cheese Wreath

goat cheese wreath on a charcuterie board
Mike Garten

This showstopping addition to any charcuterie board is shockingly easy to make. It takes just 15 minutes but is sure to garner you plenty of compliments from guests.

Get the Goat Cheese Wreath recipe.

12

Manchego Devils on Horseback

dates stuffed with manchego and pepperoncini
Mike Garten

In addition to having a fun name, this appetizer is delicious. Dates are stuffed with Manchego and pepperoncini, wrapped with prosciutto, and brushed with a maple vinegar glaze for the perfect sweet and savory bite every time.

Get the Manchego Devils on Horseback recipe.

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13

Herby Latkes

chicken banh mi smash tacos new years eve appetizers
mike garten

Didn't get your fill of latkes during Hanukkah? Make them part of your New Year's Eve celebration! These ones are infused with chopped parsley and dill for extra freshness.

Get the Herby Latkes recipe.

RELATED: 10 Latke Recipes That Take Your Hanukkah to the Next Level

14

Salmon Rillette

salmon rillette with slices of toast on the side
mike garten

This flavorful spread has salmon prepared in two ways: smoked and poached in white wine with peppercorn and shallots. It's a good way to get any New Year's Eve party started.

Get the Salmon Rillette recipe.

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15

Cranberry Baked Brie

cranberry baked brie in a cast iron pan
Mike Garten

This melty brie topped with cranberry syrup is almost too gorgeous to eat. (Emphasis on almost!)

Get the Cranberry Baked Brie recipe.

16

Popovers

popover appetizers
Mike Garten

Set out some of these fluffy popovers and butter boosters for a simple and delicious appetizer everyone will love.

Get the Popovers recipe.

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17

Marinated Feta

marinated feta on a green plate
Mike Garten

Salty feta + warm aromatics = this appetizer that will be gone as soon as you set it out.

Get the Marinated Feta recipe.

18

Smoky Roasted Tomatoes

smoky roasted tomatoes on a black plate
Mike Garten

Add these jammy roasted tomatoes to your appetizer lineup. They can be an upgrade to cheese and crackers, or snacked on by themselves.

Get the Smoky Roasted Tomatoes recipe.

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19

Tzatziki

tzatziki dip
Mike Garten

This creamy, cooling dip is sure to be a hit. Pro tip: You can prepare this the day before the party to give yourself more time and kitchen space day-of.

Get the Tzatziki recipe.

20

Roasted Artichokes

roasted artichokes, tomatoes and cucumbers
Mike Garten

This appetizer couldn't be easier to make. It requires just five ingredients and about 25 minutes to come together.

Get the Roasted Artichokes recipe.

Headshot of Hannah Jeon
Hannah Jeon
Associate Commerce Editor

Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.

Headshot of Jamie Ballard
Jamie Ballard
Contributing Writer

Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.

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