New Year’s Eve Appetizer Party Menu

Looking for some ideas for a Mediterranean themed cocktail party? Well then, you’re in luck. This New Year’s Eve party menu is full of nibbles and noshes, both savory and sweet! It’s time to grab some fillo, pull out the olives, buy ricotta and pancetta, and lay in a few bottles of bubbly.

I love putting together menus of appetizers even for just an average Saturday night. There is something about a  platter of nibbles that makes any night a little more special. 🙂 And what could be better for a special night, like New Year’s Eve, than to make a whole party of appetizers and small plates for people to enjoy?

I can’t think of anything!

And, of course, I had to include some desserts along with the savory treats and cocktails. A quick ricotta dip, which is perfect party food, and a new idea for my flourless chocolate cake.

So, have a party! You’re sure to find a few ideas here to include in your menu this New Year’s Eve. Eat, drink, and be merry. And end the night with a toast. May 2017 bring health and happiness to all.

Caviar and Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip

This is a seriously fast and easy dip which packs a pile of flavor into every bite! And caviar for New Year’s? Seems appropriate! Make this dip the night before or the morning of your party, then slice up some cucumbers and wrap them up in the fridge to be pulled out when the guests arrive.

Pears, Goat Cheese, and Pancetta Crisps

These canapes do need to be assembled just before they are to be enjoyed, but I think they are worth it! You can prepare the ingredients in the hours before the party, but don’t turn them into canapes until the end. If you want to make these, but don’t want to fuss with things, you can set them up as a ‘make your own’ platter so your guests can layer up the canapes themselves. Put them to work. 🙂

Spinach Feta Fillo Triangles

Who doesn’t love fillo? It’s all crispy and flaky and just fun party food! And these spinach and feta turnovers are also so easy to make ahead since you can freeze them and then pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat them. Assemble them a couple of weeks ahead and then you’re all done but the baking.

Italian Marinated Olives

Making marinated olives is super simple and super worth it. Herbs, citrus, and a little time transform ordinary olives into a great, crowd-pleasing party dish. Get this dish started a few days before and just spoon them into a bowl the day of! Add a mixed packet of cured meats and a burrata and you have a great appetizer platter all by itself.

Spanish Crab Cakes with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Crab cakes make great nibbles for cocktail parties! You can make these a few hours before, then pop them in the oven to warm them up before your guests arrive. And the sauce? Amazing! It’s hard not to eat it with a spoon, but if you do you won’t have sauce for the crab cakes. So, be good!

Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts

I hesitated to add these to the list, but they are so so good that I couldn’t resist! 🙂 Yes, you will need to be deep frying and doing it either during your party or shortly before the guests arrive, but you will be amazed at how yummy these sprouts are once you taste them. While they are best right out of the fryer, you can keep them in a 200F oven for about an hour.

5 Minute Tapenade Mayonnaise

Here is another super easy dip! I love dips I can just whip up at moment’s notice and that I can make ahead if I wish, and this tapenade does both while also being full of flavor. Anchovies, olives, capers, and garlic combine to pack a big punch!

Pomegranate Prosecco Cocktail

We now have a variety of savory noshes, and I think we all deserve a cocktail! I have two bubbly cocktails, both very simple to make, on my New Year’s Eve party menu. (If you want a great non-bubbly cocktail, I have developed a number of tasty beverages over the past year.) If you are up for pouring and mixing, then you are ready to make this cocktail! You can slip a few raspberries or a few pomegranate seeds into the glasses, and set them out all rimmed with sugar ready to be filled with bubbly.

Raspberry Mint Prosecco Cocktail

Just as easy as the last cocktail, but you will need your blender for this one! Prosecco and raspberry sorbet are an excellent combination for a festive occasion. A bit of measuring and a quick whir in the blender and you’re ready to get the party started.

Ricotta Cannoli Dip

Just like I love easy and quick savory dips, I also love easy and quick sweet dips! And it doesn’t get easier, quicker, or tastier than this cannoli dip. All the fun of cannolis and none of the work. 🙂 Take 5 minutes to make the dip the day before or the morning of your party, and then all you have to do is put it out and step back.

Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake

This cake can not only be done ahead of time, but you have to make it ahead of time! It is so much better when it has some time to mellow! So, plan on making this at least the day before or even two days ahead. And I have a great cocktail party serving tip! Cut the cake in a checkerboard pattern – with a sharp knife and a cloth to clean the blade so it cuts smoothly – then put on raspberry on the top of each square and a toothpick through the raspberry. Dust the ‘cake bites’ with confectioners’ sugar just before serving if you wish and you will have beautiful little bites for people to enjoy.

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