New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to just be all about crowded bars and overpriced drinks. Those options can be great, but sometimes a tasteful dinner party can be even more fun and celebratory. Picture this: an array of Champagne cocktails and all kinds of fancy finger foods for your giddy guests before you serve up a fantastic New Year's dinner. Top the night off with a New Year’s toast, and suddenly you’ve hosted the perfect gathering. To get you started, we’ve gathered elegant meal options that range from Asian-inspired to the ultimate adult-ified grilled cheese sandwich to vegan and healthier options. Happy new year!
Brit + Co 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)
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. (via )
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)
Want more easy New Year's Eve dinner recipes? Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for some extra inspo!
(Additional reporting by Dana Sandonato, Chloe Williams and Theresa Gonzalez)
This post has been updated.
Lead image via Feel Good Foodie
