What to Cook for New Years Eve

Are you ready to ring in the new year? Do you have plans yet? It is not uncommon to want that night – that moment, really – when the clock strikes midnight to be perfect. We often feel that where we are, who we are with, or how we feel in that moment is somehow going to predict how the following 365 days are going to go. 

Whether you are into superstitions or you are just looking to kick things off right – it is important to focus on what you can. See, you don’t have control over whether you will get that perfect date or perfect kiss, but you can control the food you eat. And if you are having guests over, we’ve got some great ideas to cook for new years eve. 

Stick With the Small Bites

We could go into telling you all about the fancy dinner you should be cooking to wow your guests. But, the truth is, we are exhausted, aren’t we? We just went through Thanksgiving – and Christmas – and that means shopping, cooking, baking, family, and so much drama for sure. And, nobody wants to carry that into 2022.

To make things easy, stick to an assortment of small bites – and you are sure to not even miss the fancy meal. Everyone can just grab a bite when they feel like it, allowing them to focus on enjoying themselves while letting everything else fall to the side. 

At the same time, you don’t want to have 6 different kinds of chips and some little bbq weenies. So, we’ve put together a list of what to cook for new years eve.

Steak and Potato

There are always going to be guests who consider themselves to be a steak-and-potato girl or guy. After all, who doesn’t love a nice juicy steak every now and then? Using a nice flank steak, you can cook it and wrap an inch-ish thick strip around a couple of french fries and hold it tight with a toothpick. Drizzle with a tad bit of steak sauce. Your guests are sure to love this bite-sized steak and potato. 

Stuffed Mushrooms

When you are talking about finger foods that taste delectable and pair beautifully with a new year’s eve celebration, then you are talking about stuffed mushrooms. The great thing about them is that you can choose just what flavor – or flavors – you want to stuff them with. Will they be cheesy? Creamy? Garlicky? Spicy? Will they be stuffed with meat, like sausage or crab? There are so many possibilities for this crowd-pleaser. And they deserve a spot on your table. 

Toasted Ravioli

Ok, sure, toasted ravioli is just like a mozzarella stick in so many ways. But, hey – you have to admit it looks a little fancier for ringing in the new year. Just saying it out loud – toasted ravioli – is a far cry from ordering mozzarella sticks at the bowling alley, wouldn’t you agree? These crispy ravioli are the perfect addition to your new year’s celebration. 

Fried Mac ‘n Cheese Balls

Mac ‘n cheese is the ultimate comfort food. And on a night like new years eve, sometimes we need a little comfort. These fried mac and cheese balls are easy enough to just pop in your mouth – with a little crunch on the outside and a lot of creamy on the inside. Guests of all ages are sure to indulge in these drops of goodness. 

Beer Cheese

Now, having dips as part of your new years eve festivities isn’t necessarily a no-go, you just have to have more than just dips. And the ones you do choose should be delicious. Like this beer cheese. Besides, can you think of a better combination? 

There are so many flavors going on here that you are sure to love it – and your guests will, too. 

Crispy Cheese Twists

What if you could make something so simple that would taste so good – good enough to make everyone think you really outdid yourself this time? That comes in the form of crispy cheese twists. These crispy treats are made with puff pastry you buy at the store, some cheese, and the right oven temp – so easy yet so delicious. 

If you do choose to make these, of course, you will want to be sure that you make enough for everyone to have a few because they are quite addictive. 

Bacon Parm Crackers

Speaking of being addictive, bacon parm crackers are another popular treat that is sure to go quickly on a night like new years. The best part is that the recipe involves very little of your time and effort. And only 3 ingredients will get the job done – bacon strips, club crackers, and grated parmesan. Have some ranch on the side for dipping and voila! what a snack!

Three-Cheese Fondue

Creamy, cheesy fondue – it is delicious. And, anything you choose to put in it is delicious, too. Choose from different pieces of bread, fruits, veggies, etc. You can use just about everything with this fondue cheese. The best part is that when you lay all this out on your countertop in a colorful display, it looks tasty and sophisticated. If you were looking for something simple yet fancy for your new years eve gathering, then this is definitely it. 

Nachos

You can easily create a fiesta at home with sheet pan nachos. Just add a layer of your favorite tortilla chips and then all the fixings, such as cheese, onions, tomatoes, beans, taco-seasoned ground beef, jalapenos, avocado, cilantro, lettuce, and dollops of sour cream. 

You can stick the nachos, meat, beans, and cheese in the oven until it’s all melty – then top it off with everything else. This is a definite crowd-pleaser. 

Whatever you decide to do to say goodbye to the old and welcome the new, this new year’s eve celebration will be one for the record books when it includes some easy yet delicious eats to cook. So, make sure that your wine cooler contains at least one bottle of champagne, grab the ingredients for your favorite small bites, invite your closest friends, and welcome 2022!