Ring in the new year with delicious, easy-to-make appetizers that your guests will love! From creamy dips to savory finger foods and bite-sized party favorites, these 20+ appetizers are perfect for New Year’s Eve entertaining. Make them ahead, keep them warm, or serve them cold; there’s something for every crowd.

Image of Sloppy Joe Dip, French Onion Pickle Dip, Pretzel Beer Cheese Dip, and Queso Dip.
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Perfect for your New Year’s Eve party, these appetizers are easy to prepare and sure to impress. From creamy dips to savory finger foods, each recipe is a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday spread.

🚨 Dips

1. Dill Dip

Dill Dip is a creamy homemade dip made with fresh dill that is perfect for dipping all your favorite vegetables, chips, and even bread!

2. Crab Dip

Crab Dip is a chilled, refreshing, creamy dip that is loaded with imitation crab meat and topped with a layer of cocktail sauce. It would be a delicious addition to a Vegetable Tray. Try my Warm Crab and Artichoke Dip for another creamy dip that is wonderful on buttery crackers!

3. Dill Pickle Dip

A classic, crowd-pleasing creamy dip with chopped dill pickles and a hint of ham. For the same delicious flavors, check out my ham and pickle pinwheels, too!

4. Sloppy Joe Dip

Sloppy Joe Dip is a ground beef mixture that is a thicker, cheesier version of a sloppy joe that is the perfect dip for toasted baguettes or bagel chips! Perfect for game days (check out my list of Super Bowl Foods) or parties.

Small black bowl filled with Clam Dip surrounded by potato chips.

5. Clam Dip

Rich and briny, this creamy seafood dip is ready in minutes. Serve chilled with crackers or homemade tortilla chips. I also have a shrimp dip and baked shrimp dip you will love!

Hand Picking up a Chip with Cheesy Baked Cowboy Dip on it.

6. Cheesy Baked Cowboy Dip

Cheesy Baked Cowboy Dip is a warm, cheesy dip with the creamy richness of cream cheese to the smoky, savory notes of bacon and the subtle heat of jalapeño. I also have Cowboy Corn Dip with similar flavors but in a cold dip.

Hand holding a chip with Chicken Jalapeño Popper Dip on it.

7. Chicken Jalapeño Popper Dip

Creamy, spicy dip with chicken, cream cheese, and jalapeños; it’s a guaranteed hit for parties. My Jalapeño Popper Dip is just as irresistible; it’s packed with creamy cheese and smoky bacon that you will love!

Hand Dipping a Cracker into French Onion Pickle Dip.

8. French Onion Pickle Dip

French Onion Pickle Dip is a delicious and savory appetizer that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions with the tangy zing of dill pickles. Add it to your list of Christmas or New Year’s Eve appetizers and watch it disappear in no time!

Pretzel Beer Cheese Dip in a skillet on a wooden table from overhead.

9. Pretzel Beer Cheese Dip

This Pretzel Beer Cheese Dip is the ultimate appetizer with soft, golden-brown pretzel rolls baked right alongside a rich, creamy beer cheese dip… all in one skillet!

10. Skillet Queso

This is the ultimate! Queso Dip is a warm, cheesy dip that is loaded with seasoned ground beef and sausage, cream cheese, Velveeta cheese, tomatoes, beans, and creamy soups, all blended and cooked in a large skillet!

Skillet of spicy Cowboy Queso on a wooden table from overhead.

11. Cowboy Queso

Cowboy Queso may become your new favorite go-to dip! It takes beer cheese dip to the next level with additions like ground beef, Pepper jack cheese, creamy Velveeta, black beans, and tomatoes, with a little heat from jalapeno peppers. SO GOOD!

🚨 Cheese Balls

Whole Shrimp Cheese Ball surrounded by crackers.

12. Shrimp Cheese Ball

Creamy cheese ball loaded with shrimp and mozzarella, rolled in parmesan and chives. Serve with crackers or crostini.

13. Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Cheese Ball

Cheese ball with ranch flavor and crispy bacon, perfect for snacking.

A Classic Cheeseball from Overhead on a Cutting Board Surrounded by Crackers.

14. Classic Cheese Ball

Cheddar, bacon, and green onions combine in this timeless crowd-pleaser.

Cut Into Dill Pickle Cheese Ball Surrounded by Crackers on a Serving Platter.

15. Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

Tangy and flavorful, this cheese ball is perfect with veggies or crackers.

🚨 Finger Foods & Pinwheels

Close up of Ham and Cheese Pinwheels.

16. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Flaky puff pastry filled with ham and cheddar, easy to prep and serve warm. I have Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels that are a party favorite, too.

pile of buffalo chicken pinwheels on a plate

17. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Bite-sized pinwheels with buffalo chicken and cream cheese are fun and flavorful. If you love everything buffalo chicken, check out more of my favorite buffalo chicken recipes, too!

18. Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pinwheels

Tortilla pinwheels stuffed with creamy chicken and crispy bacon. I also have tortilla pinwheels that always go over well!

Tray of Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers on a wooden table from overhead.

19. Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers

Spicy stuffed jalapeños with creamy buffalo chicken filling.

Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers on a cutting board on a wooden table from overhead.

20. Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers

Sweet cranberry, melty brie, and a hint of spice make these festive poppers unforgettable. I also have sausage cranberry brie bites that will be a hit!

🚨 Meat & Savory Bites

Pile of Honey Buffalo Meatballs with top meatball speared with a toothpick.

21. Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs

Sweet and spicy meatballs slow-cooked to perfection. Have another slow cooker available for my Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs, too!

22. Slow Cooker Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa Bites

Kielbasa rounds simmered in bourbon and brown sugar; these are simple and flavorful. Be sure to check out more of my kielbasa recipes, too!

Very close up of Bacon Jam Crostini on a wooden table.

23. Bacon Jam Crostini

Savory crostini topped with rich, sweet bacon jam is simple but impressive. Once you taste the bacon jam, you will want to make all of my best bacon jam recipes, too!

Serving & Party Tips

  • Mix & match: Combine dips, cheese balls, finger foods, and meat bites for a balanced grazing table.
  • Make ahead: Many appetizers can be prepped in advance for stress-free entertaining.
  • Keep warm: Use slow cookers or warming trays for dips and meatballs.
  • Variety: Include spicy, creamy, and handheld options so every guest finds something they love.

How to Store Appetizers

Dips & Cheese Balls: Most dips and cheese balls can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Finger Foods & Pinwheels: Pinwheels, poppers, and puff pastry bites can be prepped a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Bake or reheat just before serving to keep them warm and crisp.

Meat & Savory Bites: Slow-cooked meatballs, kielbasa bites, and bacon jam crostini can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing: Many dips, meatballs, and bacon jam can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing puff pastry or cooked pinwheels, as the texture may change.

These 20 New Year’s Eve appetizers make party planning simple and stress-free. From creamy dips and cheese balls to savory finger foods and bite-sized favorites, there’s something for every guest to enjoy. Start prepping today and make your holiday celebration delicious and memorable!

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