Brit + Co New Year's Eve Dinner Recipes

Mac + Cheese Gnocchi

When you’re forming your own traditions, start by riffing on classic recipes like this mac and cheese. Our fancy gnocchi side dish is loaded with three kinds of cheese and will make every carb lover give thanks. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

We love a good Instant Pot meal and this creamy and delicious dish does not disappoint. It's great for your NYE feast! (via Brit + Co)

Pressure Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Just dump the ingredients into your pressure cooker, and you'll have food enough to feed a family in less than 30 minutes. (via Brit + Co)

10-Minute Vegan Trader Joe's Stir-Fry

On a budget? You just need a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies and frozen brown rice on hand for the base to this healthy meal. (via Brit + Co)

Mango Shrimp Curry

A jar of mango chutney acts as the base of this shrimp stir-fry. Talk about summery goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Punchy Thai basil, chiles, and garlic add a burst of flavor to this simple ground chicken stir-fry. Serve with sticky white rice so you can soak up every last bit of sauce. (via Brit + Co)

4-Ingredient Vegan Baked Ziti

Bake pasta without having to boil it beforehand by giving it a quick soak. You'll be surprised at how much time you save. (via Brit + Co)

Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, and Green Beans

We love everything about this simple and fresh sheet-pan chicken and veggies. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Sheet-Pan German Sausage and Veggies

Hearty vegan cooking doesn't have to take forever. Whip out your handy sheet-pan, and you'll be eating this melange of veggie sausage, potatoes, and cabbage in about 45 mostly hands-off minutes. (via Brit + Co)

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs in Lettuce Wraps

Keep it casual with a jumble of veggies and black beans that put a much fresher spin on hot dogs. (via Brit + Co)

20-Minute Tahini Salmon Salad

The rich and nutty tahini dressing is the key to transforming this salad into one you'll actually get excited about eating. (via Brit + Co)

Pressure-Cooker Carnitas

This flexible recipe has a flavorful base of pork shoulder, aromatic veggies, adobo sauce, and beer, but you can also get creative by adding your own combination of herbs and seasonings. (via Brit + Co)

Easy French Dip Sandwiches

For a casual yet still comforting NYE meal, try our version of Pinterest’s most-pinned Instant-Pot recipe cooks tender chuck roast in nutty ghee, which we serve on buttered pretzel rolls with mild cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and leftover juices for dipping. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Orange Chicken

The classic American-Chinese staple is made even quicker when seared and pressure-cooked in the IP. Add a little bit of sriracha for a sweet and spicy flavor that's unmatched. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Beef Stew

You'll want to go ahead and bookmark this Instant Pot recipe because chances are, after you make this stew for the first time, you’ll go back again and again. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

We thought meatballs couldn't get much better but stuff them with cheese and suddenly they're a whole new meal that we can't get enough of. We love to use them on top of zoodles but any old noodles will work too ;). (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Curry

This side dish can also serve as a main course for any plant-based eaters around your dinner table this Christmas Eve. The flavors of pumpkin and vegetables keep things light and bright, while the spicy curry will warm you to your toes. (via Brit + Co)

Harissa Shrimp Recipe With Chickpea-Dill Tomato Sauce

You'll love this recipe due to its versatility. The tomato sauce could easily support any protein, from tofu to rack of lamb. Not into dill? Use parsley, mint, basil, or cilantro (or d. all of the above) instead. No chickpeas? Omit them or substitute literally any other legume. Go to Italy or India this NYE with your flavor profile. (via Brit + Co)

Squid Puttanesca

This sustainable, healthy, and delicious meal is a great start to a happy new year. (via Brit + Co)

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver on busy nights when you don't have time to cook and do a pile of dishes. Quick-cooking shrimp is the ideal protein for the method, since it cooks up in mere minutes. (via Brit + Co)

Sesame Shrimp Puffs

These savory puffs are perfect for your NYE potluck. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Butter Chicken

makes for a romantic weeknight at-home date night. Serve with plenty of basmati rice for scooping up that addictive sauce, and enough slices of naan to literally wipe your plate clean. (via Brit + Co)

New Year’s Food That’s Both Fancy and Delicious

Pan Seared Duck Breast with Savory Blackberry Sauce

Duck breasts are surprisingly easy to prepare and this flavorful dish will have your dinner guests in awe of your cooking talents. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Beef Stroganoff

This crowd pleaser is comforting and easy to prepare with variations like extra creamy or garlicky. (via Culinary Hill)

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Make this cozy soup with the classic flavors of chicken pot pie,, topped with crispy puff pastry bites for the perfect NYE meal! (via Barley & Sage)

Crock-Pot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup With Curry Roasted Acorn Squash

Who knew a crockpot meal could look so beautiful? We love this for an NYE party because it has a little bit of everything, thanks to some truly mouth-watering flavors. (via Half Baked Harvest)

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SPINACH LASAGNA

Make this flavorful twist on traditional lasagna with layers of roasted butternut squash sauce, roasted garlic and a cheesy spinach mixture, all baked until golden. (via Cozy Cravings)

PORCHETTA

This all-belly porchetta is so rich and tender and perfect for a holiday dinner. Fennel and traditional Italian seasonings make it feel fancy but it's super easy. Serve with some roasted potatoes and greens. (via The Endless Meal)

Pan Seared Ribeye With Herb Butter

If you need some New Year’s Eve food ideas for an intimate night with just you and bae, it might be time to whip out the top-quality ribeye. Don’t forget to dowse it in the homemade herb butter. YUM! (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Apple and Gouda Grilled Cheese

Elevating cheese and apples… from the hors d’oeuvres tray to the dinner plate. If you feel like something more casual, try a grab-and-go instead of a sit-down New Year's Eve meal. This sandwich ticks all of the boxes. (via Domestic Superhero)

Oven Baked Salmon With Lemon Cream Sauce

If your New Year's dinner ideas need some beautiful color, this salmon recipe should do the trick. Paired with asparagus and rice, your guests will leave absolutely stuffed. (via Natasha’s Kitchen)

Braised Red Wine Short Ribs

We don’t want to get too fancy on you, but the Parmesan polenta made with this dish totally sold us. Plus, the braised ribs are super easy — toss them in the oven, then simply pull them out when guests arrive for a tasty New Year's recipe. Done! (via Inquiring Chef)

Bacon, Brie, and Apricot Grilled Cheese With Balsamic Reduction

This might be one of the most mouthwatering sandwiches, and New Year's Eve menu ideas, we’ve ever come across. The thick slabs of Brie melting into the apricot preserves goes perfectly with the crunchy, toasted bread. (via Yammie’s Noshery)

Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan and Sundried Tomato Sauce

These chicken breasts can be whipped up in a snap and are truly drool-worthy, which obviously makes them the ideal choice to serve at a holiday dinner party. This would be perfect on a bed of noodles or wild rice. (via Closet Cooking)

Curry Roasted Eggplant With Smoked Cardamom and Coconut Milk

If you're wondering what to cook for New Year's Eve, look no further. We think whipping up a curry would be super unexpected and a great surprise to dinner guests. They might be hesitant at first, but once they taste the tender eggplant, all bets are off. (via The Bojon Gourmet)

Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake With Bacon

Alfredo and bacon, friends… the savory combination we didn’t even know we needed. Make sure you’re ready for the cream overload, though, because this gnocchi bake is chock-full of ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. (via Cooking and Beer)

Honey Dijon Roasted Pork Tenderloin

This New Year's Eve meal idea is great for an intimate gathering of friends or family to celebrate the new year. Other than the pork, you only need four pantry ingredients (plus salt and pepper), so you can have this whipped up in no time. (via The Seasoned Mom)

Whole30 + Paleo Shallot Filet Mignon

Kick off the new year with this healthy yet totally satisfying meal. (via Olive You Whole)

Foolproof Beef Wellingtonby Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef Tenderloin center cut canon (ask your butcher)
• 1-2 T Avocado Oil for searing
• 8oz shallots, minced
• 1 lb Mushrooms, cremini or button, minced
• 6 T butter
• 1 t thyme leaves
• 1 T minced Parsley
• Salt and Pepper TT
• Pastry Dough x 2:
• Bread Flour 1 1/2 cups plus 1 T
• Butter 3/4 cup (6oz) cubed
• Salt 1/2 t
• Ice cold water 1/4 cup

Directions:

• Slice off a 2 lb center cut canon from a beef tenderloin or ask your butcher.
• Pat dry, season heavily with salt and pepper. sear on all sides using a fat with a high smoke point (Avocado oil)
• Tip: Precooking your beef is the secret to preventing a soggy bottom crust and most of the moisture is removed prior. This will also ensure that your tenderloin is cooked perfect every time.
• Roast in a 150 oven to an internal temp of 115. Chill
• TIP: I like to measure my canon lengthwise side to side then the circumference by using butchers twine. This will help me determine the size I need to make my prosciutto bed and pastry sheet.

• Make your mushroom duxelles. Saute half a pound of minced shallots in 6 T butter then add 1 lb finely chopped mushrooms and thyme, saute, deglaze with sherry wine as necessary, cook until pan is dry, add minced parsley, season and set aside.
• Add flour and butter to a counter top mixer and using a paddle, combine on lowest speed until the butter is turned into crumbs and all the flour is Incorporated. Pour in your ice water and mix until combined. Place dough onto the counter and form into a ball then flatten/ wrap with plastic wrap and chill.

New Year's Eve Recipes That Cover All The Bases

Savory Parmesan French Toast With Hollandaise Sauce

We’re noticing that Parmesan cheese is a recurring ingredient on this list, but we’re obviously okay with it. Take this savory French toast, for example. This New Year's Eve dinner recipe is breakfast for supper, only better. (via The Food Charlatan)

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce

Instead of just drinking red wine, you can cook your meat in it too. Serve these shanks on top of mashed potatoes and you have yourself a meal fit for your finest guests. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

Mushroom and White Truffle Mac and Cheese

This dish isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s the most grown-up of the grown-up macaroni and cheeses out there. If you love noshing on truffle fries, then this New Year's menu idea is right up your alley. (via The Almond Eater)

Parmesan Spinach Gnocchi

We’re mixing up New Years' party food and adding gnocchi with this recipe. It’s warm, delectable, and makes for a comforting winter dish. Everyone craves a cheesy, cream-based meal when it’s cold, so they might as well get it at your NYE dinner party. (via Life As a Strawberry)

Pasta With Light Avocado Cream Sauce

Don’t be fooled by the green — these aren’t zoodles, although those would make a great dish for New Year's Eve too. These noodles get their pretty green color from being tossed in avocados and creamy spinach. (via Yummy Healthy Easy)

Pear, Prosciutto, and Gorgonzola Pizza

This pizza brings together a whole lot of flavors we love and want more of. It’s salty and sweet perfection for dinner. The best part? It’s loaded with Gouda, mozzarella, and Gorgonzola. (via Recipe Runner)

Smoked Salmon and Avocado Pizza

Everyone will want to grab a slice of this pie (or the whole thing). If you weren’t sold at avocado, the “sauce” is made up of cream cheese, dill, and garlic, then melted together with grated mozzarella. (via Cafe Delites)

Instant Pot Lamb Chops With Creamed Cauliflower

If you got an Instant Pot for Christmas, this recipe will have you putting it to good use by making these tender and herbaceous lamb chops served over creamy puréed cauliflower. (via A Pleasant Little Kitchen)

This innovative take on ravioli includes a velvety butternut filling, crunchy walnuts, roasted cauliflower, and browned butter.

Barramundi en Papillote

Flaky barramundi is steamed in parchment alongside Meyer lemons, ginger, bell peppers, and butter for a meal that promises big flavor and little clean-up. (via Jelly Toast)

Apple Bacon and Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops

There truly is no better way to enjoy a pork chop than when it’s stuffed to the max with a mouthwatering medley of sweet apples, tangy blue cheese, and salty bacon. (via Jo Cooks)

Instant Pot Korean Beef Tacos

Everyone loves tacos, so feeding your pals these tender and juicy Korean beef tacos topped with fresh cilantro, kimchi, peanuts, and Sriracha mayo is a surefire way to win at hosting. (via Pinch of Yum)

Garlic Butter Scallops With Lemon Sauce

Scallops will win over the heart of any dinner guest — especially when they’re pan-seared to golden perfection in buttery garlicky goodness. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs

Make these easy herb-seasoned parmesan chicken meatballs cooked in wine with vegetables, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs for a warm and flavorful holiday meal. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Arayes With Cheese

These crispy arayes feature a flavorful ground meat mixture and shredded cheese stuffed into pita bread then grilled to crispy, juicy perfection. (via Forks & Foliage)

Pomegranate Roasted Chicken Thighs

This easy chicken recipe has an intense sweet and sour flavor similar to balsamic. The pomegranate roasted chicken thighs are made with a flavorful marinade using pomegranate molasses. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Cheese Stuffed Shells

For an easy and delicious vegetarian dish, these cheese stuffed shells are made with three types of cheese, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan, baked with a marinara sauce, and served with fresh basil. !(via Feel Good Foodie)

One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage

This meal only takes 30 minutes but looks and tastes like you've spent all day in the kitchen. (via Salt & Lavender)

Vegan Creamy Lemon Pasta

Even if not everyone is vegan, this lemon pasta will please a crowd. The secret ingredient? Hummus! (via Maggie Bakes Grace)

Aloo Gobi is one of the easiest curries to whip up and made with cauliflower, potatoes and spices you likely already have in your pantry..(via Munching With Mariyah)

No-Boil Broccoli Rabe + Sausage Baked Pasta

This oven-baked pasta is one of the most satisfying for a winter holiday meal. (via Rach L Mansfield)

Seared Scallops in Roasted Vegetable Puree

Keep it simple yet elegant with seared scallops and vegetable puree, perfect for a fancy night dish. (via Nareen's Eats)

Coconut Dal

NYE is a great time to try something new like this coconut dal dish with comforting lentils. Serve over rice with warm bread or naan. (via allosimone)

BAJA NO-FISH TACOS

Oyster mushrooms and cashew cream make these vegan tacos as delicious as the fish-based.(via Chef Bai)

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Go for this cozy classic with a vegan and gluten-free twist made with a brothy lentil base and fluffy mashed potato topping. (via Two Spoons)

Truffle Pizza

You can never go wrong with truffle oil and pizza to please a crowd. (via Live Eat Learn)

ITALIAN MAHI MAHI WITH LEMON BUTTER SAUCE

Mahi mahi, butter, garlic, white wine, lemon, capers, and parsley served over rice or pasta sounds like a perfect NYE meal to us! (via Cilantro Parsley)

Let the deliciousness of this festive cocktail bubble over during your New Year's Eve celebrations. Vodka, lemon juice, and Prosecco come together for this can't-miss drink. (via Brit + Co)

Toss together some plum liqueur, Prosecco, tonic water to craft this stunning New year's Eve cocktail. The cherry on top, of course, is adding the edible glitter for the glitz + glam factor! (via Brit + Co)

Delight guests with this New Year's Eve cocktail recipe that leverages a few of our favorite ingredients, like spicy Fireball whiskey and ginger beer. (via Brit + Co)

To us, the ultimate Lemon Drop martini is equal parts sweet and sour, but you can play with the ratios in this recipe to reach your desired flavor balance. (via Brit + Co)

This creamy and boozy beverage will expand your holiday cocktail repertoire, and is the perfect drink to sip in front of a fireplace. It also includes a homemade butterscotch syrup recipe that'll please your sweet tooth cravings. Yum! (via Brit + Co)

This New Year's Eve cocktail can thankfully double as a chocolate dessert to satiate all the sweet tooth-ers at your party. It's only four ingredients, so you won't be stuck at the bar all night long. (via Brit + Co)

To make this totally NYE-ready drink, shake up 1.5 oz Eggo Brunch in a Jar Sippin’ Cream, 1 oz Banana Pudding Sippin' Cream, and 1.5 oz your milk of choice for a super creamy result. The best part about this recipe is you can whip it up post-New Year's, too, for an approachable brunch cocktail. (via Brit + Co)

For the pals that tend to lean cold, a hot cocktail like this Hot Toddy will do wonderfully. This one only requires three entire ingredients for maximum sipping. (via Brit + Co)

Drops of jalapeño honey keep this New Year's Eve drink interesting on the flavor side. Indulge in this complex, fizzy cocktail on those cold AF winter nights. (via Half Baked Harvest)

You'll need Campari, gin, sweet vermouth and orange peels to craft this strong drink. Enjoy it slowly throughout the night to truly savor it! (via The Endless Meal)

This New Year's Eve cocktail is super juicy with a boozy finish. To make it, you'll first make your own infused habanero apple cider by soaking habanero peppers in a gallon of apple cider for up to 24 hours. Once that's done, stir 3 oz of the cider with .5 oz lime juice and 1 oz tequila reposado. Then, top everything off with Dos Equis Ambar Especialand some apple slices! (via Dos Equis)

This sipper is crafted with gluten-free and vegan vodka, so you can serve it to your friends that may have different dietary needs. To make it, shake 1.5 oz YoCo vodka, .5 oz passion fruit syrup, and .5 oz lemon juice over ice, then strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. (via YoCo Vodka)

To guarantee that your guests are awake and wide-eyed when the ball drops, offering a hit of caffeine in cocktail form is as brilliant as it gets. (via Pizzazzerie)

Apple cider, bourbon and cinnamon notes swirl together in this amazing sip. (via The Endless Meal)

Your guests won't be able to resist this delicious margarita recipe that gets a holiday twist. Not only does this drink look gorgeous topped with sugared cranberries, it tastes amazing, too. (via Half Baked Harvest)

You can truly never go wrong with an Aperol Spritz. Though we love them for any occasion, this recipe is sure to be a big hit at your holiday parties. (via Culinary Hill)

Move aside, espresso martinis. We're simply swooning over this sweet chai cocktail! (via Chef Bai)

This chic cocktail boasts sophistication. With chilled Champagne, pear vodka and elderflower liqueur, this effervescent drink will make it impossible to enjoy a classic dirty martini ever again. (via Freut Cake)

Pour half a glass of United Sodas Pear Elderflower, then add 1/4 glass vodka, 1/4 glass St. Germain, and garnish with a lemon twist! (via United Sodas of America)

Pomegranate and citrus notes couldn't be a better combo for celebrating the holidays and new year. Plus, we could never say no to the champagne! (viaHalf Baked Harvest)

Here you’ll find major inspo from wintry flavors, New Year’s Eve bubbly and Gatsby glam. This classy sangria offers fruity flavors and gingery notes — and the addition of Grand Marnier sends it right over the top. (via Justine Celina)

This boozy, spicy drink will warm you right up in the middle of winter. Try out this drink to practice your at-home bartending skills. (via Half Baked Harvest)

One swig of this concoction, and visions of vanilla plum shrubs will be dancing in your head. Though a shrub takes a little extra work to create, it’s totally worth it. (via The Modern Proper)

Cinnamon, cranberries and bourbon — oh my! With the addition of fizzy ginger ale, this cocktail recipe takes on a whole new level of flavor that will wow your guests and have them passing on the bubbly. (via Cooking and Beer)

Champagne alone is the perfect way to bid a fancy farewell to the last year. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t jazz up that Champagne. Cranberry juice and Grand Marnier do just that in this ruby-hued beauty. (via Boulder Locavore)

Forget your classic Moscow mule, and try out this recipe made with blood oranges instead. This sip is light and refreshing, and sure to keep the party going. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Fresh lime juice and a maraschino liqueur are blended together to create some seriously bright flavors in this potent elixir. You’ll want to go easy on this cocktail, but if you can’t get enough of that awesome flavor, the amount of alcohol can be reduced. You’ll thank yourself in the morning. (via Pinch and Swirl)

Kicking off the new year has never been better with this cranberry-forward New Year's Eve cocktail. Roasted cranberries add tons of depth to its flavor. (via Signature Concoctions)

This unique cocktail leverages blackcurrant liquor and champagne. Super easy to pour for every guest! (via Culinary Hill)

This ever-so-boozy sipper will is the perfect pick for a classy night in on NYE. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Take this deliciously fresh mocktail recipe to the party by adding your alcohol of choice. (via Chef Bai)

This cocktail, perfect for New Year's celebrations, comes together with just four ingredients. Bet your friends have never tried this one! (via Salt & Lavender)

Thrill your guests with this magical cocktail that changes color right before your very eyes! Gin and sparkling wine pair wonderfully, and welcome the addition of rosemary for a unique and herbaceous flair. (via Goodie Godmother)

Black and pink peppercorns kick this dazzling cocktail up a few notches, making it an awesome contender for your NYE party. If you want to impress your guests, this awe-inspiring cocktail is the way to go. (via What Should I Make For…)

This low-cal drink is full of citrusy flavor and is incredibly refreshing. Fresh kumquats are joined by elderflower liqueur to create a blend that is classy and downright delish. (via Talia Bunting)

This pretty-in-pink cocktail possesses an old-school feel with a modern spin. Notes of pear will liven up your tastebuds along with citrus and bitters. This may look like a dainty drink at first glance, but it’s a potent one — so sit back and sip easy. (via House of Hipsters)

The freshness of a classic Moscow mule cocktail will keep NYE guests sipping all night long. (via Culinary Hill)

Throw a splash of holiday cheer into the traditional Moscow mule with cranberries. If you’re afraid to mess with a good thing, worry not — this baby is still fizzy and it will still warm your heart with its gingery spice. (via Boulder Locavore)

When you think of holiday fruits, pomegranate and cranberries are the first that come to mind — and that’s why you need this festive punch in your life this holiday season! Pop the Champagne and pour it over a fresh cranberry reduction and pomegranate juice for the perfect boozy refreshment. (via Chef Savvy)

Indulge in even more seasonal flavors with a tart cranberry sour that's sure to please the party. (via Cilantro Parsley)

NYE is all about the glitz and glam, and this cocktail doesn't disappoint in that department. (via Salt & Lavender)

This feels like a vacation in a drink, transporting you past the wintery vibes of New Year's and straight to summer. (via Cilantro Parsley)

For a super simple cocktail that tastes light and refreshing, this lemonade sangria can't be beaten. (via Amanda Wilens)

This is a fun grown-up version of the classic drink you loved to order as a kid! (via Culinary Hill)

This fruity New Year's Eve cocktail tastes like a peaches and cream cupcake in a drink. Who wouldn't want that to ring in the new year? (via Barley & Sage)

This refreshing punch is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. (via Salt & Lavender)

1. Colin and Anthony have always been the best men on the show.

The Bridgerton family certainly knows how to raise ‘em. Colin is loyal to a fault and provides unwavering support to his sisters, and Anthony is an all-around genuine man that will go out of his way for anyone he loves. Need I say more?

2. ​Duke Hastings hating his dad is so fair.

After a second rewatch, I hate the Duke’s dad more. You’re telling me he couldn't care less about his wife in the midst of delivering his child? The man is cold and heartless, and how could you not think so after a second round of viewing when they flashback to little Simon – particularly after gaining a deeper understanding of Simon?

3. Penelope as Lady Whistledown is not so surprising the second time around.

Excuse my ignorance, but I never saw Penelope dropping her secret that she is the Lady Whistledown, at least the first time around. After a second viewing, all the signs were there, and I was shaking my head at my past self.

4. Is this a feminist show?!

We’ve got Sarah giving birth and dying to give a man what he wants, and then having a room full of women saddened by the very event, juxtaposed with a shot of the men cheering. After a rewatch, I have to say, the show portrays strong women all while highlighting the inequalities they faced at the time.

I didn’t catch it the first time around,, but the show truly leans on the women to drive the narrative and I never found myself particularly swayed by any one man. It’s refreshing to see how Bridgerton empowers its female characters, allowing them to challenge societal norms and assert their independence, which makes it feel like a modern feminist take on the past. Go Bridgerton!

5. ​I’ve learned quite a lot from Bridgerton.

While the show may not be entirely accurate, it had me Googling things non-stop the second time around. I’d like to share my learnings: things get pretty spicy in Bridgerton (it’s a show about courtship after all) so I couldn't help but wonder, did women shave their legs in 1813? Well, I looked it up so you don’t have to, and the answer is no! It wasn’t common at all. Boxing, however, was a thing back then. Who knew? Not me. And Queen Charlotte having a Pomeranian? Totally normal, the real Queen Charlotte had many that she absolutely adored.

6. ​Simon is a man for the woman.

I love Simon, there, I said it! He is so kind and understanding of Daphne and defended her furiously any chance he got, even during the time of their "fake" courtship, proving he’s everything and more for her. After a second rewatch, the flashback scene of his birth, and his mother’s death, destroyed me – it’s that very scene that reveals he’s burdened by childhood trauma. His guilt-stricken face highlights his determination to never become like his father. In the end, Simon’s struggles show a man who strives not to repeat his past – especially with Daphne. Sigh, Simon it was never your fault.

7. ​Simon and Daphne are a slowburn.

I’ll admit, I thought there was a lack of chemistry between Daphne and Simon the first go around. After my second time watching, their chemistry is impeccable and they compliment each other so well. I’m actually wondering how I ever thought the way I did beforehand?

8. This season perfectly sets up the forthcoming romance between Penelope and Colin.

The gestures, the flirting, and the little moments the writers gifted us, oh so well done.

9. ​The world build-up is so critical.

The first season of Bridgerton so beautifully captures the magical ride fans, unbeknownst to them at the time, are about to take in following seasons. We get acquainted with all of the Bridgerton kids, are introduced to the ensuing rivalry between the Featheringtons and Bridgertons, and last but certainly not least, we learn the rigid societal expectations of the 19th century, particularly through Daphne’s experience of finding a suitor. This season is so critical in laying it all out for viewers.

10. ​This is Eloise’s best season.

I love Eloise, she says what everyone's thinking and isn’t afraid to stick up to men. Amen, sister. Dare I say her banter with her sisters and others carried this season?

11. ​The writing is *chef’s kiss.*

The romance that gradually develops between Daphne and Simon allows viewers to not only connect with them, but provides a deeper look into the sibling dynamics within the Bridgerton family. The cherry on top of it all is the chaos of everyone and everything else ensuing while a mysterious gossip columnist generates tension throughout the entire season – what’s not to love?

12. ​There is no way no one caught on to Madame Delacroix.

The fake accent wasn’t fooling me even the first time around, but I guess kudos to her for not being caught by her important clients.

13. ​Jonathan Bailey. That's all.

Kidding of course, I really do have something to say – After watching the later seasons he looks comparatively and especially young in the first. Maybe it’s because I’ve also watched Wicked (a few times) recently and he looks so much … older? Bailey was a cutie in the first season, and although he was a hard sell in the first two episodes, he sure did grow on me.