Planning a New Year’s Eve dinner party and need menu ideas? From appetizers to desserts, each recipe is chosen to impress and delight your guests. This listicle is packed with delicious and creative menu ideas for your New Year’s Eve dinner party.
Whether you’re looking for something unique like Christmas Tree Pesto Breadsticks or a comforting classic like Beef Cannelloni Bolognese, this collection has something for everyone. Let’s dive into these tantalizing recipes and make your celebration unforgettable.
Christmas Tree Pesto Breadsticks
These festive breadsticks shaped like a Christmas tree are not only a visual delight but also a culinary treat, loaded with homemade pesto and perfectly kneaded pastry. They are incredibly versatile, ideal as an appetizer or a companion to your main dishes, making them a guaranteed hit at your party.
Christmas Tree Pesto Breadsticks
Christmas tree never looked this good! When you fuse perfectly kneaded pastry and homemade pesto, you get this – an incredibly flavorful bite. It is fantastic to serve as an appetizer with salads and dips or as a side dish with roast, soups, or stews. Either way, one thing is clear – the pesto Christmas tree will be a superstar of the show. The recipe for these breadsticks is from scratch but super simple! Check it out!
Transform traditional deviled eggs into these charming mini Christmas trees that are as fun to make as they are to eat. The combination of eggs and avocados is enhanced with chili, lime, and smoked paprika, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Deviled Egg Cupcakes
If you hate peeling the boiled eggs or simply want fancier appetizers -this one is for you! Eggs and avocados are a match made in heaven, so I used that combination. I made them as tiny Christmas trees to fit the holiday theme! Chilli, lime, and smoked paprika fuse all the flavors together in one perfect bite!
Elegant and refreshing, these smoked salmon cucumber appetizers are the perfect start to your festive evening. They are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate, setting the tone for a night of sophisticated dining.
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizer
These smoked salmon cucumber appetizers are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a perfect choice for parties, celebrations, or as a light and refreshing snack. Enjoy!
These mini Chicken Waffles are marinated in Greek yogurt and spices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent. Topped with crunchy parmesan and garlic-infused breading, they’re a delightful twist on a classic, especially when drizzled with your favorite sauce.
Chicken Waffles
I love making mini foods! I marinated chicken tender chunks in Greek yogurt and spices to get the signature tender and succulent bites. The breading is super crunchy and aromatic because of the parmesan and granulated garlic in the mixture. I drizzled it with my favorite sweet chili sauce, but you can go for whatever sauce you fancy – from honey to hot sauce. Here is the only recipe for the best Chicken Waffles you’ll ever need!
Stuffed with ham and cheese and wrapped in bacon, these Chicken Roll Ups are a decadent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. They are perfect for a gathering, blending the right amount of special with a hint of simplicity.
Bacon Chicken Roll Ups
These Bacon Chicken Roll Ups are perfect for when you want to serve something a bit special without too much fuss. They’re great for a family dinner but fancy enough for entertaining guests. Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite!
This dish is a complete, healthy meal on its own, featuring succulent salmon baked with a variety of vegetables. It’s straightforward yet elegant, perfect for a New Year’s Eve dinner that calls for something both nutritious and delightful.
Oven-Baked Salmon with Vegetables
This oven-baked salmon with vegetables is not just a dish; it's a quick, healthy, and delicious solution to your mealtime dilemmas. It's perfect for any occasion, whether a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. Why not give it a try this weekend? Your taste buds will thank you!
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with these Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells. Each pasta shell cradles a creamy filling of ricotta and spinach, topped with a hearty tomato sauce that will warm your soul.
Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe
Discover the delightful flavors of our Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells, a perfect blend of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and rich tomato sauce, all nestled in tender pasta shells. Join us in savoring this heartwarming dish that promises a taste of Italian comfort with every bite!
Spice up your evening with this Cajun Shrimp and Rice dish, featuring a homemade blend of sweet and spicy seasonings that perfectly complement the succulent shrimp. It’s a hearty dish inspired by the rich flavors of Louisiana.
Cajun Shrimp and Rice
This is an American recipe for tiger shrimp in a sweet and spicy tomato and cream sauce. It's so creamy and delicious that you won't even have time to talk while enjoying this meal, which is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana. I didn't use store-bought cajun seasoning, but rather homemade.
This turkey schnitzel is a delightful way to incorporate a traditional dish with a twist into your menu. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Crispy Turkey Breast Schnitzel
Enjoy this easy and delicious Turkey Breast Schnitzel, perfect for any occasion from a family dinner to a festive gathering. It's a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy, tasty twist!
Elevate your meatloaf game with this ground turkey version wrapped in bacon. It’s a healthier take on a classic comfort food, perfect for impressing guests without compromising on flavor.
Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon
This Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon is a must-try if you're looking for a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, it brings both comfort and a touch of elegance to the table. Give it a go tonight and enjoy a healthier take on a traditional favorite!
Savor the rich and robust flavors of this Beef Cannelloni Bolognese, a satisfying dish that combines tender pasta tubes stuffed with flavorful ground beef and layered between lush sauces.
Beef Cannelloni Bolognese
This Beef Cannelloni recipe, also known as Cannelloni Bolognese, features tubes of pasta stuffed with a savory ground beef mixture, layered between rich red and creamy béchamel sauces, then topped with melted mozzarella. It's a hearty, comforting meal that perfectly blends the robust flavors of a traditional Italian dish.
Bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table with this aromatic shrimp soup, known locally as shrimp alla buzara. It’s a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping.
Mediterranean Shrimp Soup
Originally coming from Croatia, Mediterranean shrimp soup spread its flavors all across the Mediterranean. You can also find it by the name shrimp alla buzara.
Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Bacon and Celery
Enjoy a classic roast with this whole chicken stuffed with bacon and celery, surrounded by hearty vegetables. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Bacon and Celery
This delicious stuffed roast chicken with its crispy skin and flavorful, moist interior paired with hearty vegetables makes for a delightful meal that brings comfort and joy to any table. Enjoy the process and the feast!
This Turkey Breast Stew is a comforting, one-pot wonder filled with tender turkey and a bounty of vegetables. It’s a wholesome dish that will leave your guests feeling satisfied and nourished.
Turkey Breast Stew
This Turkey Breast Stew with Lots of Vegetables is a simple, nourishing one-pot dish brimming with tender turkey and a medley of colorful vegetables, perfect for a cozy and healthy meal. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this hearty, wholesome stew as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Delve into the depths of Croatian cuisine with this traditional Pasticada, a beef stew that’s rich in flavors and perfect for a festive occasion like New Year’s Eve.
Croatian Beef Stew Pasticada
This Croatian Beef Stew Pasticada is a labor of love that brings together rich flavors and traditional cooking techniques, making it a memorable meal that's worth every bit of effort.
This Chicken Piccata goes a step further by adding artichokes to the mix, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture. It’s an elegant choice that pairs beautifully with feta cheese and fresh herbs.
Chicken Piccata with Artichokes
This is your favorite traditional chicken piccata but with a small twist – artichokes. You will adore the recipe for Chicken Piccata with Artichokes! It is hearty, rich, and slightly nutty because of the vegetables. I love the texture the most, though – crispy chicken with succulent inside and tender artichokes. This piccata recipe screams Mediterranean because of capers, olive oil, and fresh herbs! Plus, I served it with feta cheese!
Indulge in these creamy, bacon-wrapped chicken roll ups, a luxurious addition to any festive menu that’s sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Cream Cheese Chicken Roll Ups
To every meat lover, I present to you cream cheese chicken roll ups. As the name says, they are chicken filled with cream cheese and wrapped with bacon.
Serve a keto-friendly option with these creamy pork chops, accompanied by sautéed mushrooms and spinach. It’s a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, suitable for guests following a low-carb diet.
Keto Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Spinach
Here is one quick and easy lunch idea: keto pork chops with mushrooms and spinach. This meal is so creamy that you can eat it alone or with some side dish like pasta or mashed potatoes.
These pork chops are a testament to the power of herbs, with rosemary and thyme providing a fragrant and flavorful crust. They are perfect for a sophisticated dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
Pork Chops in Rosemary and Thyme
I really love dry herbs, especially when blended with butter. When together, they make great golden, aromatic and juicy meat. That's why I hope you will love these pork chops with rosemary and thyme.
This pasta dish features tender salmon and fresh zucchini in a creamy sauce, making it a light yet satisfying option that’s perfect for a celebratory meal.
Creamy Salmon and Zucchini Pasta Recipe
If you have salmon and you want to use it for a pasta dish, here is one awesome recipe idea. It's really quick, and you don't have to be a master chef to do it perfectly.
Treat your guests to the luxury of butter-poached lobster tails, a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to make your New Year’s Eve dinner feel extra special.
Butter Poached Lobster Tails
These Butter Poached Lobster Tails are a restaurant-quality seafood dish, ready in just minutes. This is the perfect lobster recipe for beginners since you only need a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes from prep time to serving this luscious dish.
Prepare a restaurant-quality filet mignon at home with this straightforward recipe, accompanied by a rich mushroom Marsala sauce that enhances the tender steak.
Filet Mignon with Mushroom Marsala Sauce
Making filet mignon at home is easier than you think! Here is our reliable method for the fillet steak and a great sauce to serve alongside.
This Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Loin is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful, ensuring your New Year’s Eve dinner is both delicious and memorable.
The BEST Roasted Pork Loin Recipe
This Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Roast recipe is the BEST. If you’re wondering how to cook pork loin, this easy recipe makes juicy, fork tender pork loin.
You can use your favorite veggies alongside the potatoes. It’s easy to adjust based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Slow-Roasted Veal with Potatoes
This Slow-Roasted Veal with Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try for your next special dinner—you’ll love how the tender veal and roasted vegetables come together in this comforting meal!
These Mini Beef Wellingtons are as impressive as they are delicious, featuring perfectly cooked beef encased in flaky pastry, ideal for a special occasion like New Year’s Eve.
Mini beef wellingtons
Perfectly cooked beef, mushrooms and flaky pastry make the best beef wellington. Make these individual versions for a special occasion or just for special family and friends.
Offer a healthier version of a beloved comfort food with this High Protein Mac and Cheese. It’s a satisfying dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor or creaminess.
High Protein Mac and Cheese
This High Protein Mac and Cheese recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Give it a try for a cozy family dinner or as a nourishing meal that will keep you fueled. Who knew eating well could taste so good?
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and this creamy egg salad proves just that. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a side, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy at your dinner party.
Best Creamy Egg Salad Recipe
At the end of the day, this BEST Creamy Egg Salad is a classic that never gets old. It’s perfect for family lunches, quick snacks, or even meal prepping. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be making it on repeat!
These scalloped potatoes are a creamy, rich side dish that pairs wonderfully with any main course, making them a must-have on your New Year’s Eve menu.
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Making this scalloped potatoes recipe is so simple for Easter or any holiday! It doesn’t have to be intimidating, and this creamy and rich side dish will be a hit with your family.
Sweet potatoes and carrots roasted to perfection with a hint of sweet and savory spices make an excellent side dish that complements a variety of mains.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Carrots
These oven-roasted sweet potatoes and carrots are paired with sweet and savoury flavours, like maple syrup, cinnamon, rosemary, and thyme. Easy + delicious!
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Butternut Squash and Cranberries
This vibrant salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate, bursting with the flavors of autumn and perfect for a festive gathering.
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Butternut Squash and Cranberries
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries – perfect Autumn salad, bursting with colors and flavors! Holiday side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Healthy, delicious, gluten-free recipe
This refreshing salad is easy to whip up and makes a great addition to any meal, offering a light, protein-rich option amid the more decadent dishes.
Simple Cottage Cheese Salad
This Simple Cottage Cheese Salad is not only easy to prepare but also brings a refreshing touch to any meal, especially during the summer months. It’s a light, protein-rich option that will keep everyone at the table happy and healthy!
This crisp salad is a delightful blend of apples and pomegranate seeds, dressed simply to enhance their natural flavors, making it a refreshing side or starter.
Apple Pomegranate Salad
The most delicious apple pomegranate salad! Full of crisp apples, and sweet pomegranate seeds, served with a simple balsamic dressing.
This kidney bean salad is a nutritious and tasty choice that adds a wholesome element to your festive menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Healthy Kidney Bean Salad
This vegan Healthy Kidney Beans Salad is a wonderful way to enjoy a range of fresh flavors while sticking to a nutritious eating plan. Enjoy this delightful mix at your next meal!
This unique salad combines purslane with eggs in a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, perfect for a light and refreshing start to your meal.
Refreshing Purslane Salad with Eggs
This Ultimate Refreshing Purslane Salad with Eggs is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that's both satisfying and healthy. It's great for any occasion, whether you're looking for a quick lunch to refresh your midday or a light dinner that won't weigh you down. Give it a try for your next meal, and enjoy the fresh, clean flavors!
Sweet cornbread studded with berries offers a slight twist on the traditional, providing a sweet note that pairs beautifully with more savory dishes.
Cornbread with Berries
Enjoy this delightful Cornbread with Berries as a special treat that’s sure to bring smiles and a bit of sweetness to your table! A wonderful addition to your holiday celebrations that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
The citrusy zest of orange infuses this cheesecake, making it a refreshing choice that’s perfect for cleansing the palate after a hearty meal.
Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Dive into this luscious Orange Cheesecake for your next gathering or as a special weekend treat. Its unique citrus flavor and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
These cupcakes offer the fun of funnel cakes in a portable form, combining rich, silky frosting with a crunchy, cinnamon-infused crust.
Funnel Cake Cupcakes
These are the most festive cupcakes you can make! They are soft, rich, silky, crunchy, and cinnamon-y. The crusty funnels on top pair impeccably with airy sponge and creamy frosting.
Inspired by the Mexican ‘impossible cake’, these chocoflan cupcakes are a luxurious treat that blends chocolate and flan into a delightful dessert.
Chocoflan Cupcakes Recipe
These luxury three-layer treats are perfect for the holiday season! They are inspired by Mexican chocoflan cake, which is known as 'impossible cake'! I made it the easier way but still kept a similar taste profile. Cocoa, condensed milk, and vanilla are the chief ingredients!
Rich dark chocolate and cherry pie filling make these Black Forest cupcakes a decadent treat that’s perfect for celebrating the New Year.
Enchanted Black Forest Cupcakes
These cupcakes are little bites of delight! They feel luxurious on the palate because of the rich dark chocolate and high-quality cocoa. I paired it with cherry pie filling that skyrocketed the earthy flavors and made them a delicacy. Check out the recipe for my secret ingredient that makes chocolate cake bloom!
This gingerbread is moist, spicy, and tangy, making it a perfect winter treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Sticky Chewy Cranberry Gingerbread Recipe
This autumn treat is perfectly moist and slightly crumbly. The taste is out-of-this-world, warm, spicy, and slightly tangy. I love a cinnamon-ginger combo with a touch of vanilla flavor! 100% recommend!
Packed with the flavors of apple pie, these cupcakes are a delightful dessert that combines fruit, sponge, and cream in one perfect bite.
Apple Pie Cupcakes That Will Thrill
These cupcakes have only the best from the baking world – rich, aromatic filling, spongy, airy cake, and creamy frosting. What more to ask for, right? They are ready in a swift and even better the next day! 10/10 recommendation for all my fellow apple pie lovers!
This cake is delicious both warm and cold, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.
Quick and Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Enjoy this Quick and Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake as a delightful treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering. It’s perfect for those who love a touch of fruit and spice in their desserts!
This tea cake is the ideal companion for a cozy evening, offering rich flavors and an interesting texture that’s sure to please.
Sticky Ginger Lemon Cake
This is the best tea cake you'll ever serve! It's perfect for cozy nights at home with its rich flavors and interesting texture. Plus, it looks magazine-worthy!
This hybrid dessert combines the best elements of coffee cake and traditional pie, topped with a caramelized apple layer that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Mexican Apple Pie
This is something between coffee cake and pie, plus it looks divine! The caramelly layer of apples on top is my favorite thing. Enjoy this moist, spongy, autumn recipe.
Laura Bais is the owner of Julie's Cafe Bakery food blog. From a young age, she had a passion for cooking, and at the age of 13, she made her first meal. After finishing high school, she undergraduates in Cultural Studies at the University of Rijeka, and graduates in Journalism at the University of Zagreb. At that time she honed her cooking skills, but also worked in marketing. Since her love for cooking never faded, in 2021 she finally decided to share her recipes with the world. Laura turned her hobby into a career and loves every moment of it. Now she writes about common mistakes in the kitchen and how to avoid them, about adding twists to traditional meals, etc. Her love for trying new foods often leads her to visit restaurants and attempt to recreate the meals at home. She has been featured on F and B Recipes and BOXROX, to name a few.