New Year’s dinner should feel special, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
I’ve put together my favorite recipes for ringing in the new year, from easy appetizers to a show-stopping main. Whether you’re hosting a full dinner party or keeping it low-key at home, this list has something for you.
Some nights call for a little extra effort. This is one of them.
You’ll find make-ahead dishes here, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen at midnight. There are also a few traditional “lucky” foods, perfect if you’re cooking for New Year’s Day instead.
Pick a few favorites and build your own menu. That’s really all it takes.
15 Recipes for a Delicious Start to the Year
Starters/Appetizers
1. Baked Brie with Maple Syrup and Thyme
This one never lasts long on the table. Warm brie turns into a creamy, spreadable center the moment you cut into the rind. Maple syrup adds sweetness, and thyme brings a subtle herbal note that keeps it from tasting too rich. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for a party appetizer.
Serve it with sturdy crackers or crusty bread for scooping. Skip the fancy brie here. A budget round works just as well once it’s baked and drizzled. Get the recipe →
2. Shrimp Cocktail
Homemade shrimp cocktail beats the grocery store version every time. Baking the shrimp instead of boiling keeps them tender and brings out their natural sweetness. The sauce comes together fast, with just the right amount of tang from horseradish and lemon. This is a great make-ahead option, since the flavors actually improve overnight. Set it out cold and let guests help themselves.
Remove the shrimp from the hot pan as soon as they turn pink to avoid overcooking. Get the recipe →
3. Loaded Deviled Eggs
These aren’t your average deviled eggs. Crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, and pickled jalapeños turn a classic into something guests will never forget. Every bite has creamy filling with a little crunch and a little heat. They’re easy to make ahead, too, so you can cross them off your list early.
Boil the eggs for exactly 14 minutes, then drop them straight into an ice bath. That’s the secret to eggs that peel cleanly every time. Get the recipe →
Sometimes the simplest party appetizer is the best one. This cheese board pairs brie, sharp cheddar, goat cheese, and blue cheese with grapes, dried apricots, and fresh figs. It takes just 10 minutes to put together, but it looks like it took much longer. The mix of textures and flavors means there’s something for every guest.
Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature and top it with fresh thyme and a drizzle of olive oil right before serving. Get the recipe →
Mains
5. Beef Tenderloin Roast
This is the main to make when you want dinner to feel like an event. Beef tenderloin turns out tender enough to cut with a fork, thanks to a low, slow roast that keeps every bite pink and juicy. A garlic-thyme butter forms a savory crust, and a creamy mushroom sauce adds richness on top. It’s a pricey cut, but this recipe makes it hard to mess up.
Salt the beef the night before and let it sit uncovered in the fridge. That extra step makes a real difference in flavor. Get the recipe →
6. Roast Chicken and Vegetables
If you want something impressive without the stress, this is it. Roast a whole chicken alongside potatoes, carrots, and onions so dinner and sides finish together in one pan. Butter, lemon, and fresh herbs keep the meat juicy under a crispy, golden skin. It only takes about 15 minutes of prep, which makes it doable even on a busy day.
Pat the chicken completely dry before it goes in the oven. That’s the real key to crispy skin. Get the recipe →
7. Braised BBQ Short Ribs
These short ribs are worth the little bit of planning they take. Braising low and slow makes the meat fall-apart tender, and a quick trip on the grill adds a caramelized, smoky finish. The glaze, made with ketchup, molasses, and balsamic, adds sweet, tangy flavor to every bite. Best of all, you can braise them a day ahead and just grill before serving.
Chill the ribs and braising liquid separately overnight. The fat lifts right off, so your sauce stays clean, not greasy. Get the recipe →
8. Hearty Beef Stew
Some nights call for a big pot of something warm and familiar. This beef stew simmers chuck roast low and slow with potatoes, carrots, and celery in a rich, tomato-based gravy. The beef turns fork-tender, and the sauce gets deep flavor from searing the meat first. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Keep the lid on and resist peeking while it cooks. Letting it be is what makes the meat so tender. Get the recipe →
9. Hoppin’ John
If you’re cooking for New Year’s Day, this one’s a must. Hoppin’ John combines black-eyed peas, rice, and smoked pork, a Southern tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year. The peas turn creamy as they simmer, and onion, celery, and bell pepper build a flavorful base with a little heat. It’s comforting, meaningful, and easy to make in one pot.
Soak your black-eyed peas ahead of time. It shortens the cooking time and gives you a better texture. Get the recipe →
Sides
10. Bacon Collard Greens
No New Year’s Day table feels complete without a pot of collard greens. This Southern staple simmers slowly in a smoky, savory broth flavored with bacon and onion. The greens turn tender and soak up all that flavor, becoming rich and comforting. Many believe eating greens on New Year’s Day brings wealth in the year ahead.
Use thick-sliced bacon instead of regular for this recipe. The extra fat makes the greens noticeably richer. Get the recipe →
11. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
When you need a side that’s fast but still feels like comfort food, this is it. The Instant Pot delivers creamy, smooth mashed potatoes in minutes, which frees up your stovetop for everything else. Butter, milk, and sour cream keep them rich, and they reheat beautifully if you make them ahead.
Stick with Yukon Golds for best results with this recipe. Other potato varieties often turn out mushy under pressure. Get the recipe →
12. Potatoes au Gratin
This is the potato dish to make when you want something a little more special. Thin layers of potato bake in cream and butter, topped with gruyere that turns golden and bubbly. No flour needed here, just rich, silky layers all the way through. It’s an elegant side that still feels approachable.
Hold back some cream and add it later. That way you can make it ahead and reheat it without drying out. Get the recipe →
13. Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Bacon Breadcrumbs
This is how you get people excited about Brussels sprouts. They’re baked in a creamy cheese sauce made with gruyere and gouda, then topped with crispy bacon breadcrumbs for crunch. Every bite has that creamy-crispy contrast that makes gratins so satisfying. It’s a great way to work in a vegetable without anyone complaining.
Assemble it the day before and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. Get the recipe →
11. Spicy Cheddar Corn Casserole
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Sweet corn and sharp cheddar come together in a smooth sauce, with jalapeños adding a kick in every bite. It’s an easy way to add a little heat to your spread without overdoing it. Tip: drain canned corn well before mixing it in. Extra moisture can leave the casserole watery instead of creamy. Get the recipe →
Desserts
12. Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes
These individual cakes are pure drama in the best way. Cut into one, and warm chocolate flows out from the center, contrasting with the light, tender cake around it. They taste like something from a restaurant, but they’re simple enough for a home kitchen. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any night feel special.
Prep the batter in the ramekins a day or two ahead. Just bake right before serving for that perfect molten center. Get the recipe →
13. Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes
Why choose between two favorite desserts when you can combine them? These mini cheesecakes have a buttery graham crust, a silky vanilla filling, and a crackly caramelized sugar top. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by creamy filling underneath. Individual portions mean no slicing or plating required.
Chill the cheesecakes completely before torching the sugar top. Cold cheesecake gives you the cleanest, crispiest crack. Get the recipe →
14. Individual Tiramisu
This classic Italian dessert feels extra special served in individual glasses. Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layer with a rich, creamy mascarpone filling, dusted with cocoa powder on top. The combination of bitter coffee and sweet cream is what makes tiramisu so addictive. It’s an elegant make-ahead option that only gets better overnight.
Soak the ladyfingers well in espresso. Don’t be shy. That soak is what gives tiramisu its signature flavor. Get the recipe →
15. Mini Lemon Cheesecakes
These bring a bright, fresh note to a dessert table full of rich flavors. A graham cracker crust holds a smooth, creamy lemon filling with plenty of citrus flavor. They’re easy to serve individually and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The many times I have served these, guests always seem to ask for the recipe. Best of all, you can make them well ahead of time.
Mix the eggs in on low speed, just until combined. Overmixing is what causes cracks on top. Get the recipe →
by iheartnaptime.net
16. Dessert Kabobs
If you want something fun and low-effort, these are it. Thread strawberries, marshmallows, and brownie bites onto skewers, then drizzle with chocolate or hot fudge. They’re colorful, easy to grab, and a great option if kids are part of the celebration. You can even set up a station and let guests build their own.
Prep the brownies and marshmallows ahead; hold off on cutting strawberries. They release juice fast once sliced. Get the recipe →
Drinks
17. Spiced Wine (Mulled Wine)
Nothing says “holiday gathering” quite like a warm mug of spiced wine. Red wine simmers with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange, creating a cozy, aromatic drink that fills the house with a wonderful smell. A splash of brandy at the end adds warmth without overpowering the spices. It’s an easy one to keep warm in a slow cooker all night.
Use whole spices, not ground. Ground spices turn the wine cloudy instead of infusing it cleanly. Get the recipe →
18. Easy Red Sangria
This sangria is bright, fruity, and always a party hit. Red wine mixes with fresh citrus and a splash of brandy, and the fruit soaks up all that flavor as it sits. A pitcher on the table looks as good as it tastes. It’s one of those drinks that’s better the longer it chills.
Hold off on the club soda until right before serving. That’s what keeps the fizz alive. Get the recipe →
19. Party Punch
For a crowd that includes kids, this punch is the easy answer. Hawaiian punch, pineapple juice, ginger ale, and limeade combine into a bright, tropical-tasting drink everyone enjoys. It’s a true dump-and-stir recipe, so there’s no fuss involved. You can easily double it if your guest list grows.
Add the ginger ale right before serving. It keeps the punch fizzy instead of flat. Get the recipe →
by alekasgettogether.com
20. Blue Lagoon Mocktail
This mocktail is as fun to look at as it is to drink. Blue curaçao syrup gives it a striking color, while lemon and a touch of sweetness keep the flavor bright and balanced. It’s a great alcohol-free option that still feels festive and special. Both kids and adults will want one.
Use lemon zest instead of juice. It keeps that blue color vibrant instead of murky. Get the recipe →
Tips for Hosting a New Year’s Dinner
- Build your menu first. You don’t need to make everything on this list. Pick one main, two sides, one appetizer, and a dessert. That’s a full, satisfying spread.
- Plan your make-ahead timeline. Many of these recipes are meant to be prepped early. The day before, make your sangria, braise the short ribs, and assemble the Brussels sprouts gratin. The morning of, bake your desserts and prep the cheese board. This keeps your day-of cooking light.
- Scale for your guest list. Cooking for two? Stick with smaller portions, like the roast chicken and a couple of sides. Hosting a bigger group? The beef tenderloin, punch, and casseroles all scale up easily.
- Cooking for New Year’s Day? Lean into the lucky foods. Hoppin’ John and collard greens are the traditional pairing, said to bring wealth and good fortune in the new year. Add cornbread on the side, and you’ve got a meaningful, comforting meal.
- Set up a simple buffet. If you’re serving a crowd, arrange food in the order people will eat it: appetizers first, then mains and sides, then dessert. Keep serving spoons with each dish, and label anything with common allergens.
- Don’t forget the drinks station. Set out both an alcoholic option, like sangria or spiced wine, and a non-alcoholic one, like punch or a mocktail. Guests will appreciate having a choice.