25 New Year’s Eve Appetizer Ideas That Keep the Snacks Involved in the Countdown

ByMandy

New Year’s Eve plans always seem brighter when 25 appetizer ideas are ready to go for entertaining. Having plenty of snack choices makes it easier to host a relaxed, fun gathering. Getting creative with appetizers encourages guests to mingle and enjoy every hour leading up to midnight.

A plate of fresh vegetable spring rolls sliced in half, arranged around a dish of dipping sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Crispy Spring Roll. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Rich Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert lovers always hang around for a slice of this Rich Oreo Cheesecake at parties. A cookie crust and layers of creamy filling make every bite feel special. I like to serve it in small squares for easy sharing. Guests tend to ask for seconds before the countdown even starts.
Get the Recipe: Rich Oreo Cheesecake

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Several smashed, roasted baby potatoes garnished with herbs and grated cheese are arranged on a baking sheet.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Golden edges and a cheesy crunch help these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes stand out. Friends reach for them as soon as the platter arrives, leaving few behind for late-night snacking. I sprinkle a little extra seasoning to keep things interesting. Serving them warm keeps spirits high as midnight gets closer.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Pineapple Cheese Ball

A round cheese ball coated in chopped nuts, garnished with a sprig of rosemary, sits on a wooden board with crackers beside it; a portion is scooped out.
Pineapple Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Anytime this Pineapple Cheese Ball is on the table, snackers gather around fast. The sweet and tangy mix brings a fun twist to holiday spreads. I shape it into a ball and surround it with crackers for a crowd-pleaser look. Everyone tries to guess the secret ingredient inside.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

Warm and Gooey Baked Brie

Round baked brie cheese topped with walnuts, fresh thyme, and drizzled honey, served in a wooden container.
Warm and Gooey Baked Brie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Melting slowly and welcoming all kinds of toppings, this Warm and Gooey Baked Brie feels like a special gift for cheese fans. The aroma always draws people toward the appetizer table. I like pairing it with slices of fresh fruit or a crusty baguette. It never lasts long into the night.
Get the Recipe: Warm and Gooey Baked Brie

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

A bowl of tomato-based dip garnished with chopped parsley and walnuts, with pita bread pieces on the side.
Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A nutty crunch and deep flavor make this Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread a hit at every winter feast. Each scoop gets better with warm pita and crunchy veggies piled nearby. I keep a bowl in the center of the snack tray. Guests who try it usually ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bite-sized and loaded with fun, these Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls are the life of any snack table. Crunchy and flavorful, they always draw a crowd around the oven. I bake extra because everyone seems to reach for just one more. The countdown gets more exciting when pizza is involved.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls

Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Swirls of color and flavor surprise everyone with these Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches. Easy to hold while mingling, they’re perfect for keeping fingers free for party games. I switch up the fillings each year so nothing feels old-fashioned. People spot them first and always want to try one.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

A bowl of crispy portobello mushroom fries with dipping sauce.
Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp outside and savory inside, these Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries turn a simple veggie into a party hit. Ranch or spicy dip makes them even more fun. I load them onto platters for sharing by the TV during countdown moments. Most people keep coming back for another handful.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

Classic Party Cheese Ball

A cheese ball on a cutting board with crackers.
Classic Party Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smiles appear all around whenever this Classic Party Cheese Ball reaches the table. It spreads easily on crackers and has a creamy texture that works with lots of mix-ins. I roll it in crunchy toppings for added flair. The bowl always looks empty before dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Classic Party Cheese Ball

Buttery Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Buttery Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warm and fragrant, this Buttery Garlic Bread puts everyone in a festive mood within minutes. Its golden slices disappear quickly, whether stacked on small plates or scooped up right from the cutting board. I like slicing it thick for sharing. No holiday gathering feels complete without a basket of this bread.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Garlic Bread

Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus

A bowl of hummus with olives and spices.
Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sweet onion layers make this Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus shine on the holiday snack table. Velvety and flavorful, it’s great for dipping chips, veggies, or pretzels. I find guests are always surprised by the depth in each bite. People linger nearby, hoping for one more scoop.
Get the Recipe: Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus

Hearty Veggie Sliders

Close-up of a Veggie Burger Slider with a fried patty, sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, greens, and mayonnaise in a bun. In the background, a blurred portion of another slider and a dish are visible.
Hearty Veggie Sliders. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bold color and fresh crunch define these Hearty Veggie Sliders, keeping things exciting for plant-based eaters. Mini buns make them easy to grab with one hand as games play in the background. I built a pile since everyone asks to try these little burgers. No one misses the meat as the night rolls on.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Veggie Sliders

Creamy Hummus

A bowl of hummus garnished with whole chickpeas, chopped parsley, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Creamy Hummus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bright flavors and a familiar texture guarantee this Creamy Hummus is a snack-table staple. Chips, carrot sticks, and celery look better when dipped in a big bowl. I swirl a little extra on top for good measure. Most parties end with nothing but an empty bowl left behind.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Hummus

Classic Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with cranberry sauce on a platter.
Classic Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Timeless and inviting, this Classic Deviled Eggs recipe brings everyone together once the trays show up. Each half is easy to hold while chatting and waiting for midnight. I sprinkle them with a hint of something special for good luck. Friends compete to see who can grab the last one.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hot, creamy, and bubbling out of the oven, this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip draws a crowd every time. Its smooth texture pairs well with crunchy chips or warm pita bread. I bring it out just as the party gets lively. At least one person requests the recipe before the night ends.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheesy with a touch of spice, this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites recipe helps kick the party into high gear. Each bite has enough kick to keep things interesting. I arrange them on a big platter with plenty of dipping sauce. Guests laugh and trade stories while snacking.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Spicy Jalapeno Poppers

Baked jalapenos on a plate with dipping sauce.
Spicy Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A surprise burst of heat makes these Spicy Jalapeno Poppers the go-to for spice fans at any party. Crunchy shells and creamy filling work well together in small bites. I make sure to have lots on hand for curious eaters. The plate clears out quickly once the countdown begins.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeno Poppers

7 Layer Dip

A clear glass bowl with 7 Layer Dip featuring beans, white cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and black olives.
7 Layer Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A colorful stack of flavors and textures, this 7 Layer Dip adds excitement with every scoop. Chips dig in for creamy, crunchy, and spicy layers all at once. I serve it in a clear bowl so everyone can see what’s inside. Leftovers are rare once the party gets into full swing.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center.
Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Accordion-style cuts give these Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes plenty of crunchy edges. Bite-sized and golden, they’re easy for guests to grab and dip. I line them up on a tray with festive toppings for color. They almost look too good to eat—almost.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms with crispy shallots and parsley.
Savory Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Each bite-sized cap in this Savory Stuffed Mushrooms overflows with herby goodness. The aroma fills the room as soon as they hit the tray. I bake extras, since mushroom fans snap them up fast. Compliments follow every round of appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Creamy Lebanese Baba Ganoush

A bowl of baba ganoush with olives.
Creamy Lebanese Baba Ganoush. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Smoky, velvety, and light, this Creamy Lebanese Baba Ganoush wins over anyone who likes Mediterranean flavors. It pairs well with crunchy veggies, chips, or warm bread. I make a big bowl because people want a fresh scoop every time they walk by. Not a crumb remains at the end.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lebanese Baba Ganoush

Loaded Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of creamy filling and crispy edges help this Loaded Potato Skins disappear by the handful. Each one brings just the right balance of savory and rich. I leave a platter out so late arrivals don’t miss out. They are a favorite for any big celebration.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Black Bean Hummus

A bowl of bean dip garnished with chopped herbs and olive oil, surrounded by tortilla chips.
Black Bean Hummus. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Deep, earthy flavor makes this Black Bean Hummus stand out among party dips. Pita chips and bright veggies give every scoop a fun twist. I like to spread it on mini toasts as a party starter. People are surprised by how much they love this bold dip.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Hummus

Fresh Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Fresh Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bursts of color come with each bite of these Fresh Caprese Pesto Tarts. Flaky pastry and bright herbs keep things lively on the appetizer table. I arrange them in neat rows for a special look. There’s always a line as guests wait to try one.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Pesto Tarts

Crispy Spring Roll

A plate of fresh vegetable spring rolls sliced in half, arranged around a dish of dipping sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Crispy Spring Roll. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crunch and steam escape with every bite of this Crispy Spring Roll recipe. Filled with fresh veggies, they’re a favorite both hot and at room temperature. I stack them high because they tend to vanish fast. Dipping sauces nearby spark lots of chatter.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Spring Roll

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