7 Easy New Year’s Eve Appetizers You Can Make Last-Minute

Planning your New Year’s Eve menu but short on time? Don’t stress! With a few clever ideas and simple ingredients, you can whip up crowd-pleasing appetizers in minutes that look impressive and taste delicious. Whether you’re hosting a big party or a cozy gathering, these seven recipes are perfect for last-minute entertaining.

7 Easy New Year’s Eve Appetizers

1.) Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls

Why it works: These festive little bites are festive and require no cooking — perfect as last-minute New Year’s Eve appetizers.
Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• Crackers or crostini, for serving

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese with half the chopped nuts and cranberries until well combined.
2. Roll mixture into bite-sized balls.
3. Roll each ball in remaining nuts and cranberries to coat.
4. Arrange on a serving platter with crackers or crostini.

Pro tip: Chill for 15 minutes before serving if you have a bit of extra time.

2.) Honey-Garlic Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Why it works: Sweet, sticky, and savory — these bites come together in about 15 minutes and are sure to disappear fast at any New Year’s Eve party.
Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 slices bacon, cut in half
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each shrimp with half a slice of bacon and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
4. Brush sauce over shrimp.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes until bacon is crisp and shrimp are cooked through. Serve warm with extra sauce for dipping.

3.) Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Why it works: Rich and savory, these bites are easy to grill or pan-fry and deliver big flavor with minimal prep — ideal for your last-minute New Year’s Eve appetizers spread.
Ingredients

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Season steak bites with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add steak pieces and sear until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and add butter and garlic; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Toss steak bites in garlic butter.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

4.) Parmesan Puff Pastry Stars

Why it works: Puff pastry makes entertaining easy — these cheese stars are elegant yet surprisingly simple appetizers. They’re ready in about 10 minutes, perfect when time is tight.
Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional herbs: rosemary, thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and brush with egg wash.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan and herbs evenly over the top.
4. Cut into star shapes with a small cookie cutter.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden, about 8–10 minutes.
6. Serve warm.

5.) Prosciutto-Wrapped Almond-Stuffed Dates

Why it works: Simple yet sophisticated, these New Year’s Eve appetizers are great if you want something impressive with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients

• 16 Medjool dates, pitted
• 16 Marcona almonds
• 8 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff each date with one almond.
3. Wrap each date with a half slice of prosciutto and secure with a toothpick.
4. Bake until prosciutto is crisp, about 8–10 minutes.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

6.) Stuffed Strawberries with Guacamole

Why it works: This playful, fresh appetizer from EatWell101 is a surprising hit — and it takes no time at all to assemble if you’re hosting last-minute.
Ingredients

• 1 pint of large strawberries
• 1 cup guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
• Lime zest and chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse strawberries, remove stems, and core out centers.
2. Pipe or spoon guacamole into each strawberry.
3. Garnish with a little lime zest and cilantro.
4. Arrange on a platter and serve.

7.) Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

Why it works: Easy to prepare and light but satisfying, these mushrooms from Food Network are packed with flavor and come together quickly — especially if you use an air fryer.
Ingredients

• 12 oz button mushrooms, stems removed
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
4. Place in air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and tender.
5. Serve hot.

Final Tips for Last-Minute Success

To make your New Year’s Eve appetizers stress-free and delicious:

• Use store-bought shortcuts like pre-made puff pastry, pre-cooked shrimp, or ready guacamole.
• Arrange a simple charcuterie board with nuts, cheeses, and crackers to supplement hot appetizers.
• Balance flavors and textures — mix rich bites with fresh options like fruit or light wraps.
  

With these ideas, you’ll be ready to ring in the New Year with tasty appetizers and happy guests — even on short notice!