Hors d’oeuvres at New Year’s Eve parties (or any get together for that matter) genuinely get the party started. There’s something deeply human about the chatty relaxation that sets in when everyone has a bit of good food and drink in hand. The conversation starts with an ooo and an aaah about something delicious…and then it’s like plane rolling down the runway as the party gathers momentum and takes flight.
Add something special to the festive journey with a culinary flex. Here’s a list of options that will help you deck a table with treat tastes that look good, too. Plus, there are some vegan and vegetarian picks so that everyone has something to snack on.
Deviled Eggs with Caviar
Wow your guests with an elevated take on Deviled Eggs with Caviar. It’s simple, elegant, and decadent. The best part of this dish is that the combination of eggs and caviar brings the best out of both flavor profiles, allowing them to shine in their own right and as a team.
Roasted Oysters with Cornbread, Leek & Banana Pepper Crumble
Our Roasted Oysters aren’t your basic hors d’oeuvres. The subtle sweetness of the cornbread joins with the savory depth of leek and the heat of banana pepper to make a crumble that will capture, and hold, your attention. Atop roasted oysters, the combination is an impressive symphony of flavors and textures.
Lumpia with Bottle Gourd and Carrots
Lumpia are Filipino spring rolls packed with delectable goodness. Savory ground pork, earthy carrots, and bottle gourd are all rolled into one carry-along treat for a dish you can eat while socializing with friends or family.
Marinated Chicken Tostadas
You can’t go wrong with Marinated Chicken Tostadas. This flavorful morsel puts chicken, queso fresco, salsa verde, cilantro, and lime into one small bite so you can savor all the ingredients at once. Serve alongside pineapple habañero margaritas to really make it a party.
Easy Mexican Corn Fritters
These Easy Mexican Corn Fritters are a fast and simple solution for a delicious bite. The sweetness from the corn and the smokiness of the paprika offer a nice balance of flavors that will be a hit among the entire family or group of friends. Serve alongside your favorite grilled meat, or on their own.
Pear and Goat Cheese Bites
This Pear and Goat Cheese Bites recipe combines warm, crispy phyllo, an indulgent filling, and a drizzle of hot honey. Beware! You’ll have trouble limiting yourself to just one. We recommend a glass of chilled mineral-inflected rosé as a companion to this lovely starter.
Peach Wineberry Flatbread
The underknown wineberry is often thought to be an undersized raspberry, but its smaller, glossier fruit signals a separate species. In the wintertime, store-bought raspberries are a perfectly good substitute. Combine fresh berries and stone fruits with this easy, crowd-pleasing flatbread recipe. Along with chèvre cheese and prosciutto, feel free to sprinkle in a fresh blackberry or blueberry, too.
Classic Tomato Bruschetta
This traditional Italian dish features crispy, toasted bread topped with a flavorful mixture of fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. It’s the perfect way to whet your guests’ appetites and get the conversation flowing. Plus, Classic Tomato Bruschetta is so simple to prepare that you can have it on the table in just a few minutes.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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