Celebrate the New Year with a table full of joy and flavor! Our roundup of 19 Festive New Year’s Recipes is your ticket to a delicious start. From sparkling appetizers to decadent desserts, each dish is designed to bring warmth and cheer to your celebrations. Perfect for home cooks looking to impress, these recipes promise to make your holiday menu unforgettable. Let’s dive into the festivity!
Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Holiday meals deserve a standout centerpiece, and this glazed ham with pineapple delivers. It’s sweet, savory, and effortlessly impressive.
Ingredients
– Ham – 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked, bone-in
– Pineapple slices – 1 (20 oz) can, drained
– Brown sugar – 1 cup
– Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp
– Cloves – 1 tsp, ground
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan.
2. Score the ham surface in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep.
3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves to form a paste.
4. Brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scores.
5. Arrange pineapple slices on the ham, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
6. Bake for 1.5 hours, then brush with remaining glaze.
7. Continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
8. Let ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Tip: For a deeper flavor, let the ham marinate with the glaze overnight.
Tip: Use fresh pineapple for a brighter taste, but pat dry to prevent excess moisture.
Tip: Baste the ham with pan juices every 30 minutes for extra moisture.
Warm slices pair beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. The glaze caramelizes into a sticky-sweet crust, contrasting the tender, juicy ham.
Roasted Turkey with Herbs
Forget dry turkey; this herb-roasted version stays juicy and packs flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- Turkey – 1 (12-14 lbs)
- Olive oil – ¼ cup
- Salt – 2 tbsp
- Black pepper – 1 tbsp
- Rosemary – 2 tbsp, chopped
- Thyme – 2 tbsp, chopped
- Sage – 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Pat turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub olive oil all over the turkey.
- Mix salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and sage in a bowl.
- Season the turkey inside and out with the herb mix.
- Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up.
- Roast for 3 to 3½ hours, until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Perfectly roasted turkey should be golden with crispy skin and moist meat. Serve slices with a drizzle of the pan juices for extra flavor.
Beef Wellington
Overcoming the intimidation of Beef Wellington starts with quality ingredients and precise steps. This classic dish combines tender beef, savory mushrooms, and flaky pastry for a show-stopping meal.
Ingredients
- Beef tenderloin – 2 lbs
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Cremini mushrooms – 8 oz, finely chopped
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Puff pastry – 1 sheet
- Egg – 1, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Tip: Let the beef sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before searing for even cooking.
- Remove beef from pan. Let it cool.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add mushrooms. Cook until all moisture evaporates, about 10 minutes. Tip: Finely chopping the mushrooms ensures a smooth duxelles.
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Spread mushroom mixture over pastry.
- Place beef in the center of the pastry. Wrap pastry around beef, sealing edges with beaten egg.
- Brush pastry with remaining beaten egg. Tip: Egg wash gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden and beef reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve the Beef Wellington with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The contrast between the crispy pastry and juicy beef is unforgettable. Slicing it reveals the perfect pink center, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Lobster Thermidor
Got a special occasion coming up? Lobster Thermidor is a classic, luxurious dish that’s surprisingly straightforward to make.
Ingredients
- Lobster – 2 (1.5 lbs each)
- Butter – 4 tbsp
- Flour – 2 tbsp
- Milk – 1 cup
- Mustard – 1 tsp
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- White wine – ¼ cup
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Boil lobsters for 8 minutes. Cool, then remove meat from shells. Chop meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add flour, stirring for 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in mustard, half the Parmesan, wine, salt, and pepper. Fold in lobster meat.
- Spoon mixture into lobster shells. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Lobster Thermidor is rich and creamy with a crispy cheese topping. Serve with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness.
Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Just when you thought mashed potatoes couldn’t get any better, truffle oil takes them to a luxurious level.
Ingredients
- Potatoes – 2 lbs
- Butter – ½ cup
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Truffle oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Peel and chop potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, heavy cream, and salt to the pot.
- Mash the mixture until smooth. Tip: For extra creamy potatoes, warm the cream before adding.
- Drizzle truffle oil over the mashed potatoes and stir to combine. Tip: Start with 1 tbsp of truffle oil and adjust to taste.
- Serve immediately. Tip: Garnish with a drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of chives for an elegant touch.
Rich and velvety, these truffle mashed potatoes boast a deep, earthy flavor. Perfect alongside a steak or as a standalone indulgence, they’re sure to impress.
Green Bean Almondine
Humble yet elegant, Green Bean Almondine transforms simple ingredients into a standout side. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, it’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
– Green beans – 1 lb
– Butter – 2 tbsp
– Almonds – ¼ cup, sliced
– Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Trim the ends off the green beans.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
3. Drain the beans and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Tip: This preserves their vibrant color and crisp texture.
4. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until golden. Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning.
5. Drain the green beans and add to the skillet. Toss to coat with the butter and almonds.
6. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through.
7. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and salt. Tip: The lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the butter.
8. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.
Unassuming in its simplicity, Green Bean Almondine offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or as part of a holiday spread for a touch of elegance.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Unlock the savory potential of Brussels sprouts with this simple yet irresistible recipe. Perfect for a quick side or a hearty snack, it’s a game-changer for sprout skeptics.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts – 1 lb
- Bacon – 4 slices
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Trim ends off Brussels sprouts and cut in half.
- Chop bacon into ½-inch pieces.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Scatter bacon pieces evenly over the sprouts.
- Roast in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from oven when sprouts are caramelized and bacon is crispy.
When served hot, the sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender inside, with smoky bacon bits adding depth. Try topping with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra flavor boost.
Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
Fancy a quick, flavorful side? These creamy garlic mushrooms are your answer. They’re rich, aromatic, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
– Butter – 2 tbsp
– Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
– Mushrooms – 1 lb, sliced
– Heavy cream – ½ cup
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add sliced mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes until they release moisture.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Remove from heat, serve immediately.
Tip: Use a wide skillet for even cooking.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms to ensure they brown properly.
Tip: Freshly ground black pepper enhances flavor.
Great for topping steaks or mixing into pasta. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to each mushroom, offering a burst of garlicky goodness.
Classic Caesar Salad
Fresh and crisp, this Classic Caesar Salad is a timeless favorite. Perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish, it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce – 1 head
- Garlic – 1 clove
- Anchovy fillets – 2
- Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
- Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – ¼ cup
- Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated
- Croutons – 1 cup
Instructions
- Wash and dry the romaine lettuce. Tear into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic and anchovy fillets together until a paste forms.
- Whisk the garlic-anchovy paste with Dijon mustard and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Toss the lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and croutons. Toss lightly to combine.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Just the right balance of creamy and crunchy, this salad shines with its bold flavors. Try adding grilled chicken for a hearty twist.
Baked Brie with Cranberries
Elegant yet effortless, Baked Brie with Cranberries is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, melty cheese with sweet-tart fruit. Perfect for any gathering, it’s as simple to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
– Brie cheese – 8 oz wheel
– Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
– Puff pastry – 1 sheet
– Egg – 1, beaten
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unfold the puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Tip: Thaw pastry in the fridge overnight for easy handling.
3. Place the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry. Spoon cranberry sauce over the top.
4. Fold the pastry over the Brie, trimming excess if needed. Seal edges by pressing with a fork.
5. Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish. Tip: Use a pastry brush for even coverage.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden and puffed. Tip: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to prevent oozing.
Not just visually stunning, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Serve with crackers or apple slices for an extra crunch.
Shrimp Cocktail
Unforgettable for its simplicity and elegance, shrimp cocktail is a timeless appetizer that never fails to impress. Perfect for gatherings, it’s all about the freshness of the shrimp and the zing of the sauce.
Ingredients
– Shrimp – 1 lb
– Ketchup – 1/2 cup
– Horseradish – 2 tbsp
– Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
– Worcestershire sauce – 1 tsp
– Hot sauce – 1/2 tsp
– Salt – 1/2 tsp
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/2 tsp salt. Tip: The water should taste like the sea.
2. Add 1 lb shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Tip: Do not overcook to keep shrimp tender.
3. Drain shrimp and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Leave for 3 minutes.
4. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on for presentation.
5. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp horseradish, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp hot sauce. Tip: Adjust horseradish for more heat.
6. Arrange shrimp around the edge of a serving glass. Place sauce in the center.
Lusciously tender shrimp paired with a spicy, tangy sauce make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Serve with extra lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Deviled Eggs with Caviar
Ready to elevate your appetizer game? Deviled eggs with caviar combine creamy richness with luxurious pops of saltiness.
Ingredients
- Eggs – 6
- Mayonnaise – ¼ cup
- Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
- Salt – ¼ tsp
- Black pepper – ⅛ tsp
- Caviar – 1 oz
Instructions
- Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Cover with water by 1 inch.
- Bring water to a boil over high heat. Immediately remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 12 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to an ice bath. Cool for 5 minutes to stop cooking.
- Peel eggs carefully under running water to ensure smooth surfaces.
- Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Gently remove yolks to a bowl.
- Mash yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe yolk mixture back into egg whites.
- Top each egg with a small spoonful of caviar.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
How the creamy yolk mixture contrasts beautifully with the crisp egg whites and briny caviar. Serve on a slate board for an elegant presentation.
Smoked Salmon Canapés
Crisp, creamy, and effortlessly elegant, these smoked salmon canapés are perfect for any gathering. They combine simple ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
Ingredients
– Smoked salmon – 8 oz
– Cream cheese – ½ cup
– Baguette – 1, sliced into ½ inch rounds
– Fresh dill – 2 tbsp, chopped
– Lemon – 1, zested
– Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast for 5 minutes until lightly golden. Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning.
2. Let baguette slices cool for 2 minutes. Spread each with a thin layer of cream cheese.
3. Top each slice with a piece of smoked salmon, folding it slightly for texture.
4. Sprinkle with fresh dill, lemon zest, and a pinch of black pepper. Tip: Use a microplane for fine zest.
5. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately. Tip: For best flavor, assemble no more than 30 minutes before serving.
Dlightfully fresh and savory, these canapés offer a crisp bite with a creamy finish. Serve them with a sparkling wine for an extra touch of elegance.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Unbelievably easy to make, these stuffed mushrooms are a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any gathering, they’re savory, cheesy, and ready in no time.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms – 12 large
- Cream cheese – 4 oz
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated
- Breadcrumbs – ¼ cup
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Remove stems and chop finely.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped stems and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until soft.
- In a bowl, mix cooked stems, cream cheese, parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture. Press down lightly to compact.
- Place mushrooms on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Delightfully creamy inside with a crispy top, these mushrooms are a hit. Serve them warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra color.
Chocolate Fondue
Make chocolate fondue the star of your next gathering with this simple, foolproof recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for dipping.
Ingredients
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 2 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low until it begins to simmer, about 5 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Let sit for 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- Stir the mixture gently until smooth and fully combined. Tip: If the chocolate isn’t melting completely, return the saucepan to low heat for 30 seconds, then stir again.
- Transfer the chocolate fondue to a fondue pot or a serving bowl. Keep warm over a fondue burner or serve immediately. Tip: For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of warm cream and stir.
Keep this chocolate fondue warm for the best dipping consistency. Its velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor pair wonderfully with strawberries, marshmallows, or pretzels.
Tiramisu
A classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu combines coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone mixture. It’s simple yet elegant, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– Ladyfingers – 24
– Mascarpone cheese – 1 cup
– Heavy cream – 1 cup
– Sugar – ½ cup
– Espresso – 1 cup, cooled
– Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp
Instructions
1. Whip heavy cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form. Tip: Chill the bowl and beaters for better results.
2. Gently fold mascarpone into the whipped cream until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the mixture light.
3. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into espresso, then layer them in a 9×9 inch dish. Tip: Dip for just a second to prevent sogginess.
4. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
5. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
6. Dust the top with cocoa powder. Tip: Use a sieve for an even dusting.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows flavors to meld.
P Perfectly balanced, Tiramisu offers a creamy texture with a bold coffee kick. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of cocoa or grated chocolate for extra decadence.
Peppermint Bark
Whipping up Peppermint Bark is a breeze, perfect for holiday gifting or a sweet treat. This no-bake recipe combines creamy chocolate with a refreshing peppermint crunch.
Ingredients
- Dark chocolate – 12 oz
- White chocolate – 12 oz
- Peppermint extract – 1 tsp
- Crushed peppermint candies – ½ cup
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spread melted dark chocolate evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Chill for 15 minutes until set.
- Melt white chocolate as in step 2, then stir in peppermint extract.
- Pour white chocolate over the set dark chocolate layer, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate. Press lightly to adhere.
- Chill for 30 minutes until fully set. Break into pieces.
Rich layers of chocolate contrast with the crisp peppermint topping. Serve alongside coffee or package in festive boxes for gifts.
Sparkling Cranberry Punch
Cranberry punch brings a festive sparkle to any gathering with its vibrant color and refreshing taste. This recipe is simple, requiring just a few ingredients for a drink that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
– Cranberry juice – 4 cups
– Sparkling water – 2 cups
– Fresh cranberries – 1 cup
– Sugar – ½ cup
– Ice – 2 cups
Instructions
1. Combine cranberry juice and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add sparkling water to the pitcher and gently stir to mix without losing carbonation.
3. Drop fresh cranberries into the pitcher for a burst of color and texture.
4. Fill glasses with ice before pouring the punch to keep it chilled without diluting.
5. Serve immediately, garnishing each glass with a few cranberries on a skewer for an elegant touch.
Glistening with effervescence, this punch offers a tart yet sweet flavor profile. The cranberries add a festive crunch, making it perfect for holiday tables or summer picnics.
Champagne Cocktails
Mix up your evening with these elegant champagne cocktails. Perfect for celebrations or a quiet night in, they’re effortlessly chic.
Ingredients
- Champagne – 1 bottle
- Sugar – 1 tbsp
- Lemon – 1, juiced
- Angostura bitters – 2 dashes
Instructions
- Chill the champagne in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the sugar and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixture. Tip: The bitters add depth, so don’t skip them.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into a champagne flute, filling it halfway. Tip: Use a fine strainer to avoid any pulp.
- Slowly top up the flute with chilled champagne. Tip: Pouring slowly preserves the bubbles.
- Gently stir once to combine. Serve immediately.
Bubbly and bright, these cocktails offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Try garnishing with a lemon twist for an extra flair.
Conclusion
Joyful gatherings call for delicious dishes, and our ’19 Festive New Year’s Recipes’ list is your ticket to a memorable celebration. From savory to sweet, there’s something for every taste. We’d love to hear which recipes you try—drop a comment with your favorites! Don’t forget to share the love (and this article) on Pinterest. Here’s to a tasty start to the New Year!