Most likely, if you have stumbled across this page, you are invited to a swank New Year’s Eve soiree. You have been told to bring appetizers, and you want your contribution to be the hit of the party! You are tired of bringing plain old veggies and dip, or fruit and dip, or a bag of tortilla chips and salsa. I have walked in your shoes before, and so I compiled this nifty list of my top appetizers! In fact, I am hosting an entertaining evening myself and plan to serve some of the following.

Below are some of the amazing appetizers and treats we will be serving. Bring one of these to the next gathering, and watch everyone devour them. Be aware, however, that you will be asked to bring these over and over!

BACON WRAPPED WATER CHESTNUTS (Recipe Here)

This is my #1 appetizer. It is cute, tasty and a hit with virtually everyone. This is the one item that is gone too quickly! Best of all, I can eat these because they are GLUTEN-FREE. Last year they were gone before most the guests arrived. I am making a double batch this year.

LAYERED BEAN DIP (Recipe Here)

My favorite dip paired with tortilla chips or veggies. Buy the Tostitos Scoopers for this one! Here is one recipe that still is yummy even if you don’t follow the recipe exactly. My pretty 8 X 10 dish looks like it was made for a bean dip. If I don’t have cream cheese, I just use sour cream. No tomatoes – just open salsa instead. Out of green onions or black olives – no one seems to mind! AND once again, it is a dish I can eat because it is GLUTEN-FREE!

FESTIVE POPCORN (Recipe Here) 

Pretty and festive, plus the added bonus of finding ingredients 50% off! Make this one in advance, and maybe you’ll be able to spend that extra time right before the party primping and preening to look fabulous!

SALTED CHOCOLATE DIPPED MANDARIN SLICES (Recipe Here)

This one is almost so easy you won’t need a recipe, but just in case, I put the link above. I haven’t tried these yet, but my mouth is watering looking at that delightful photo!

DISNEY’S MICKEY MOUSE INSPIRED TUXEDO STRAWBERRIES (Recipe Here)

 

Here is one for the kids and those that are still kids at heart! This one takes a little more time, but the results are fantastic!

PLATTER FULL OF COOKIES

Remember those delicious cookies you spent all that time making throughout December? Grab a pretty plate from the dollar store (they are probably half-off too) and put a mixture on the plate! You have saved time and money! Since the guests at the party won’t be ready to start dieting until tomorrow, the cookies will be eaten.

PIZZA DIP (Recipe Here)

Pizza is a hit at every party! This Pizza Dip can be served with crackers or tortilla chips. In fact, Glutino has a GLUTEN-FREE bagel chip that is to die for. I plan on making this pizza dip and hoarding the box of bagel chips for myself!

SLOW COOKER BREAD PUDDING with Butterscotch Chips (Recipe Here)
This is pure comfort food. At many New Year’s Eve parties, after you ring in the New Year, they serve breakfast food. This bread pudding has all the makings of a “breakfast” food. I can’t wait to try this one tonight!

NO TIME TO PREPARE, CHOP OR COOK? ARE THERE ANY OPTIONS FOR ME?


PIZZA
Several of our local pizza shops have squares that serve 12 people. They will party-cut your pizza into smaller appetizer-sized pieces. Just make sure to ask them when you order. I usually get something different for a party – how does broccoli with white sauce sound? or veggie with ranch pizza? pierogi (mashed potato, bacon and sour cream)?


RELISH TRAY
There are plenty of different items you can purchase to arrange in a relish tray. Marinated mushrooms are one of my favorite items, along with different types of olives, pickles and other marinated vegetables. Just be sure to pick up some toothpicks for serving.

SMOKED SALMON AND CRACKERS
One of my all-time favorite appetizer type items is smoked salmon. It seems like it is impossible to find except at the holidays. Paired with fancy crackers, it is a hit at most parties.


BUCKET OF FORTUNE COOKIES
What better way to ring in the New Year than with fortune cookies? Grab a pretty bowl at the local dollar store, dump your fortune cookies in, and voila! you have an instant party item! Better yet, for an entertaining way to display the cookies, place them in a couple of Chinese take-out containers.

CHIPS/DIP, VEGGIES/DIP, OR FRUIT/DIP
Don’t be afraid to ask your hostess/host if these options will work. Chances are she/he is so busy trying to get everything in order that they will gladly give up all the chopping and prepping that these items require. Most grocery stores have trays already prepared for New Year’s Eve!

I hope I have helped you in your quest to find an awesome appetizer to bring to your New Year’s Eve gathering. Do you have any ideas you would like to share? Feel free to post below!

Sources:
 http://theunworkingmom.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-years-eve-appetizer-recipes.html
 http://www.food.com/recipe/bacon-wrapped-water-chestnuts-with-ketchup-sauce-91712
 http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Seven-Layer-Taco-Dip/
 http://www.cookingclassy.com/2012/12/christmas-crunch-funfetti-popcorn-christmas-style/
 http://deliciouslyyum.com/salted-chocolate-dipped-mandarin-slices/
http://family.disney.com/recipes/mickeys-tuxedo-strawberries