The countdown to 2025 is almost upon us, and if you’re planning a New Year’s Eve party, appetizers should be top of mind. Having an array of light bites for guests to nosh on keeps everyone satisfied as they’re soaking up the final moments of the year. Need inspiration for crafting a party-perfect spread? We’ve got you covered! Keep reading for our top 10 New Year’s appetizer recipes, plus two cocktail recipes that pair well with these tasty starters.
1. Baked Brie
A wheel of gooey baked Brie cheese is the perfect option for guests to dip bread, crackers and/or veggies into.
2. Stuffed Olives
Olives are already a delicious salty snack, but stuffing them with soft cheese gives them a tangy flavor boost.
3. Parmesan-Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
This stuffed mushrooms recipe creates the ultimate finger food that’s packed with savory goodness and is ready to serve in 25 minutes.
4. Pigs in a Blanket
In this recipe, rich and salty pigs in a blanket get a touch of sweetness thanks to apricot preserves–which is spread onto the dough before rolling the cocktail franks.
5. Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado and Pomegranate
Want to make shrimp cocktail more exciting? Try this recipe as it swaps cocktail sauce for a creamy four-ingredient dip.
6. Air Fryer Meatballs
For a speedy NYE appetizer, take frozen meatballs and cook them to crispy perfection in your air fryer. It takes just 12 minutes!
7. Herbed Deviled Eggs
Fresh dill infuses tangy deviled eggs with a bright and citrusy kick–so easy and delicious.
8. Caramelized Onion and Spinach Dip
If you’re keen on serving a dip at your party, this Caramelized Onion and Spinach Dip won’t disappoint as it’s velvety, sweet and pungent.
9. Antipasto with Red Pepper Vinaigrette
This antipasto spread is complete with cured meat, cheese, olives, red pepper vinaigrette and other accoutrements for guests to help themselves and enjoy.
10. Herby Smoked Salmon Bites
Give these Herby Smoked Salmon Bites a try as they’re light yet flavorful treats that guests are sure to devour!
For drink pairings, serve these two cocktail recipes
These two cocktails from Zacapa Rum use their No. 23 Centenario selection for a complex flavor that perfectly balances each drink’s fruity essence. Sip them with your delicious appetizers to end 2024 on the right note!
Zacapa Harmony Cobbler
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. rum
- ½ oz. red vermouth
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz. hibiscus simple syrup*
- Mint sprig, for garnish
- Fresh citrus, for garnish
- Fresh berries, for garnish
* Can substitute with plain simple syrup
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a wine glass with crushed ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint, citrus and berries.
Hibiscus Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup dried hibiscus petals
Directions:
- Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil and stir until all sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add hibiscus petals. Allow to steep 15 minutes.
- Strain petals, and allow simple syrup to cool before use. Store in fridge.
Pomegranda
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. rum
- ¼ oz. pomegranate syrup (see recipe below) or pomegranate molasses
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Orange twist, for garnish
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir and strain into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Pomegranate Cinnamon Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 to 3 broken-up cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup sugar
Directions:
- In medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of pomegranate juice, 2 to 3 broken up cinnamon sticks, and bring the mixture to a light simmer.
- Add in 1 cup of sugar and gently stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, remove saucepan from heat and allow syrup to cool.
- Strain the cinnamon sticks, and store syrup in glass jar in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
