Photos: Wendy Goodfriend
Throwing a New Year’s Eve cocktail party takes gumption, and a slew of terrific appetizers (and cocktail recipes). But don’t let the idea of throwing a NYE party intimidate you! Use this collection of tasty, fully-tested recipes and make all other parties pale in comparison. From light and fresh pea pancakes topped with smoked salmon and chile-spiked shrimp and guacamole tostada bites to ethereal crab hush puppies and earthy mushroom and gruyere mac-and-cheese bites, you will be the hit of the night. And when midnight comes around, toast the evening with salty-sweet Vietnamese fried chicken wings and dark chocolate pudding puffs. Don’t forget the bubbly!
New Year’s Party Recipe: Sweet Pea Pancakes with Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraiche
Sweet, lemony pea-flecked pancakes are the perfect foundation for salty smoked salmon and tangy crème fraiche. Serve these at your next party and everyone will thank you.
New Year’s Heavenly Puffs: Crab Hush Puppies with Remoulade Sauce
It’s Dungeness crab season and this is one crave-worthy way to make a little bit of sweet crabmeat feed a crowd.
New Year’s Party Appetizer: Mini Wild Mushroom Mac and Cheese Bites
Serve these savory little nuggets of mac and cheese—embellished with earthy mushrooms and nutty gruyere—at your next gathering. You won’t be disappointed (except by how quickly they disappear).
Fast and Simple New Year’s Party Recipe: Chili-Lime Shrimp and Guacamole Tostadas
Pressed for time and need a quick and easy appetizer for a bunch of last-minute guests? This simple recipe will save you!
Umami and Tang for New Year’s: Spicy Vietnamese Fried Chicken Wings
Salty, tangy, sweet, vinegary, crunchy, and juicy: these chicken wings are the bomb!
New Year’s Party Dessert: The Amazing, Indulgent, Truly Remarkable Mini Chocolate Pudding Puffs
Just imagine biting into a mini chocolate cream puff oozing with deep, dark chocolate pudding and then run, don’t walk, to your kitchen to make these decadent treats.
