When ringing in the New Year, no celebration is complete without a spread of appetizers that are quick to prepare yet still look impressive. Whether you’re hosting a large party or keeping it small and cozy, having a lineup of snacks that are delicious, festive, and simple to make is a must. That’s why these 9 easy two-step appetizers are perfect for your New Year’s celebration. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’ll help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the countdown.
One crowd-pleasing option is bacon-wrapped dates — simply stuff dates with cheese or almonds, wrap them in bacon, and bake until crisp. They’re salty, sweet, and indulgent in all the right ways. Another effortless choice is caprese skewers, where fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil come together with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They’re colorful, fresh, and add an elegant touch to the party table.
If you want something creamy and comforting, spinach and artichoke dip is always a hit. Just mix the ingredients, bake, and serve with chips, bread, or crackers. Similarly, bruschetta with tomato and basil takes only a few minutes: toast baguette slices, top with fresh tomato mixture, and finish with olive oil for a bright, refreshing bite.
For seafood lovers, shrimp cocktail is a no-fuss classic. All you need is chilled shrimp and a flavorful cocktail sauce for dipping — sophisticated yet easy. Another great option is prosciutto-wrapped melon; the sweet and savory combination makes it a light, refreshing bite that looks fancy but takes just minutes to assemble.
If you want something heartier, try mini meatballs with dipping sauce. Bake or pan-cook the meatballs, then serve them with toothpicks and a tangy sauce for a filling appetizer that disappears quickly. For cheese fans, baked brie with honey and nuts is a warm, gooey treat that looks gourmet but comes together in just two steps.
Finally, deviled eggs are a timeless favorite that can be made ahead of time. Just boil, fill, and garnish — a creamy, bite-sized snack that fits perfectly on any holiday table.
What makes these two-step appetizers ideal for New Year’s Eve is their balance of ease and flavor. Each recipe requires only a couple of simple steps but delivers a festive dish that feels special. They’re versatile enough to pair with champagne, cocktails, or mocktails, and they work well for both casual gatherings and elegant parties.
With these 9 easy appetizers, you’ll be ready to welcome guests, keep them happily snacking, and still have plenty of time to join in the fun. Instead of stressing over complicated recipes, you can create a celebratory menu that feels effortless yet impressive. So as the ball drops and the new year begins, you’ll have the perfect spread of simple, flavorful bites that everyone will remember.
Winter Charcuterie Board
A cheeseboard is an ideal stationary hors d’oeuvre for holiday entertaining. Select a variety of cheeses, making sure to include an aged variety, a creamy cheese, a blue cheese and perhaps a smoked cheese. Round out the platter with cold cuts, bread, an abundance of seasonal fruits, dried fruit, crudité, nuts and olives. We even included some dark chocolate to cap it off!
Whipped Cottage Cheese French Onion Dip
We swap out sour cream for whipped cottage cheese in this light and airy French onion dip. We call for vegan Worcestershire sauce to keep the dip vegetarian; you can use regular Worcestershire (which usually contains anchovies) if you like. Serve with chips, fresh veggies or as a sandwich spread.
Dill Pickle Dip
If you’re a dill pickle lover, this dip recipe is calling your name. It uses both dill pickles and their pickle juice that would normally languish in a jar in your fridge or get tossed. The fresh zing from actual dill makes this dip perfect to serve with veggie chips or straight-up veggies that have been lightly blanched and chilled. Did we mention it’s excellent for party platters?
Apricot-Stilton Bites
Savory blue cheese and sweet-tart dried apricots combine for an impressive last-minute appetizer for any gathering. Light agave syrup has a sweet, neutral taste, whereas dark agave syrup will add more caramel flavor. If you don’t have agave syrup, you can use honey in its place.
