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Sometimes all it takes to make it a party is cheese and crackers—or chips and dip. But on New Year’s Eve, you might want to serve something a little more elevated, or show up to the celebration with an appetizer that actually wows. These 20 impressive, party-ready bites are just the thing to end the year on a delicious note—and start the new one with a round of compliments.
Bacon Rosemary Stuffed Mushrooms
“All 4 members of our family raved about these..I used Smoked Guda for lack of Edam.” —LazyLightning
King Crab Appetizers
“This was a perfect Christmas Eve appetizer. I didn’t use tartlet pans. Instead we folded the pastry dough ‘dumpling-style’ and they became crab puffs. Fun finger food that barely made it off the baking tray.” —CROSSFIRE91070
Cheese Fondue
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“Great tasting cheese fondue. Added a sprinkle of white pepper. Used sauvignon blanc wine.” —Luvwine
Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristin Schooley
“The Brie in puffed pastry came out perfectly and was a big hit. It is perfect for a small gathering. I used walnuts and dried cranberries. Will try apricot jam and almonds next. ” —Frankie Boy
Festive Olive and Cheese Appetizer
Jones
“It was great! Tasty and gorgeous! I was given some exceptional olive oil with garlic and herbs that is used for the mozz and tomatoes! ” —OrangeAle5117
Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley
“I used herbed cream cheese (garlic salt and parsley) and Parmesan cheese because it’s what I had on hand. It turned out amazing! I made it a second time using pesto and ricotta! Also delicious.” —Moira Marelli Gallagher
Traditional Filipino Lumpia
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“AMAZING. I made sweet chili sauce to go with it and they were absolutely delicious.” —Kim
No-Bake Hot Chocolate Dip
Peyton Beckwith
“For this no-bake hot chocolate dip, whisk 3 ingredients together, top with festive toppings, and serve with chocolate cookies, strawberries, graham crackers and pretzels for dipping. It’s impossibly easy.” —Nicole McLaughlin
Antipasto
“Absolutely … the BEST Antipasto recipe I have ever made. I substituted canned shrimp for the Tuna.” —PattiR
Chef John’s Shrimp Toast
“This is the best shrimp toast I’ve ever tasted, including all restaurants !! Such a wonderful flavor, not dripping in grease and makes a beautiful appetizer when plated with a ramekin of sweet & sour sauce!” —Jody Boles
Salmon Terrine
Chef Mo
“I made this for an appetizer to have at Christmas dinner. I made it the day before and placed it in the refrigerator. I put it on a serving platter with an assortment of crackers about 2 hours before guests arrived. Rave reviews! The fresh tarragon is one of the secrets to the success of this dish.” —Not A Chef
Easy Chicken Liver Pate
“This was the best chicken liver pâté I have ever tried (and I’ve tried several)!! I didn’t have brandy, so I skipped it. It was creamy, smooth, and had no bitterness. ” —Nancy C Smith
Tarte Flambé (Alsatian Bacon and Onion Tart)
Chef John
“This was a very tasty appetizer and came together quickly. I made it as written. The flavor is exceptional. ” —Lacyanne
Chef John’s Shrimp Cocktail
Photographer: Grant Webster / Food Styling: Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley
“Unbelievably delicious. I refuse to eat chilled shrimp out anymore. I only eat this at home. What a difference. I add fresh basil in lieu of tarragon.” —NiftyMelt9667
Brie and Apple Mini Tarts with Thyme Caramel
Photographer: Jason Donnelly / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Prop Styling: Gabe Greco
“Savory mini Brie cheese, apple, and walnut tarts are drizzled with a thyme-infused caramel and finished with a sprinkling of flaky salt.” —Sarah Brekke
Rockin’ Oysters Rockefeller
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“Absolutely amazing!! I’ve made this half a dozen times and it’s always a hit. It’s like having creamed spinach on top of an oyster!” —Abg0263
Traditional Christmas Cheese Ball
“It was awesome, I made it a few days early and the cheese really soaked up the flavors. It was amazing, I’ve never seen food go so fast.” —Emily LeClerc
Gorgonzola-Walnut Stuffed Dates
“These are delicious! Typically served in Italy around the holidays, this is similar to “Torta gorgonzola, mascarpone, e noci”. The cream cheese adds a nice twist to the flavor.” —Buckwheat Queen
Mini Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts
“Easy and delicious, will definitely make again. As some people recommended below, I put the tarts back in the oven after adding the mushrooms and cheese.” —Cassandra
Beef and Caramelized Onion Canapes
Allrecipes/Karen Hibbard
“Wow, these are amazing and super easy! I used creamed mild horseradish and placed a spinach leaf on about half of them (top of horseradish) for some added colour. ” —SHODDING
