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27 Irresistible New Year Appetizers That Disappear Fast

January 3, 2026 by Tessa Wynn Leave a Comment

Introduction

Ring in the New Year with snacks that vanish before the countdown ends. These party starters are quick, bold, and easy to pass around—perfect for mingling, clinking glasses, and grabbing another bite between cheers.

1. Honey Soy Party Sausages

Sweet-salty gloss in every bite.  

*Ingredients:* 1 lb cocktail sausages, ⅓ cup honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 clove garlic  

*Process:* Simmer sauce; toss sausages; cook until glossy.  

*Make it Unique:* Add orange zest; stir chili flakes.

—

2. Cheesy Pastry Pinwheels

Flaky spirals with a gooey center.  

*Ingredients:* Puff pastry, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1 tsp dried herbs  

*Process:* Roll, slice, bake at 400°F for 15 min.  

*Make it Unique:* Use pepper jack; add ham.

—

3. Cranberry Baked Brie

Soft middle, bright topping.  

*Ingredients:* 8 oz Brie, ½ cup cranberry sauce, ¼ cup nuts  

*Process:* Top and bake at 375°F for 10 min.  

*Make it Unique:* Drizzle honey; swap walnuts.

—

4. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Juicy with zing.  

*Ingredients:* 1 lb shrimp, 3 tbsp butter, 2 cloves garlic, lemon  

*Process:* Sauté garlic in butter; cook shrimp; finish with lemon.  

*Make it Unique:* Dust paprika; add parsley.

—

5. Creamy Stuffed Mushrooms

Bite-size comfort.  

*Ingredients:* 20 mushrooms, 4 oz cream cheese, chives, crumbs  

*Process:* Fill; bake 375°F for 15 min.  

*Make it Unique:* Add Parmesan; try dill.

—

6. Baef-Wrapped Dates

Sweet smoke hits fast.  

**Ingredients:** 20 dates, 10 bacon halves, brown sugar  

**Process:** Wrap, roll, bake 400°F for 15 min.  

**Make it Unique:** Almond inside; drizzle syrup.

—

7. Soup & Grilled Cheese Shots

Sip and dunk fun.  

*Ingredients:* Tomato soup, bread, cheese, butter  

*Process:* Grill sandwiches; pour soup; pair.  

*Make it Unique:* Add basil oil; use gouda.

—

8. Caprese Skewers

Clean, bright bites.  

*Ingredients:* Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic  

*Process:* Thread; drizzle.  

*Make it Unique:* Add olives; crack pepper.

—

9. Sweet Chili Meatballs

Tangy warmth.  

*Ingredients:* Meatballs, ½ cup chili sauce, ½ cup cranberry sauce  

*Process:* Heat together; stir.  

*Make it Unique:* Orange zest; splash cider.

—

10. Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

Shareable stretches.  

*Ingredients:* Round loaf, cheese, melted butter, rosemary  

*Process:* Cut grid; stuff; bake 375°F for 12 min.  

*Make it Unique:* Garlic butter; mixed cheeses.

—

11. Coconut Shrimp Bites

Crunch with sunshine notes.  

*Ingredients:* Shrimp, coconut flakes, crumbs, eggs  

*Process:* Coat; bake 425°F for 12 min.  

*Make it Unique:* Lime zest; air-fry.

—

12. Salmon Cream Canapés

Silky and salty.  

*Ingredients:* Crackers, cream cheese, salmon, dill  

*Process:* Spread; top; serve.  

*Make it Unique:* Capers; lemon zest.

—

13. Buffalo Cauliflower

Saucy crunch.  

*Ingredients:* Cauliflower, wing sauce, butter  

*Process:* Roast 425°F; toss in sauce.  

*Make it Unique:* Ranch dip; chives.

—

14. Mini Quesadillas

Golden wedges.  

*Ingredients:* Tortillas, cheese, oil  

*Process:* Fill; pan-cook; slice.  

*Make it Unique:* Jalapeños; salsa.

—

15. Sausage Bread Bites

Savory cubes.  

*Ingredients:* Cooked sausage, bread, butter  

*Process:* Toss; bake 375°F for 15 min.  

*Make it Unique:* Add garlic; sprinkle herbs.

—

16. Shrimp Cocktail Cups

Retro cool.  

*Ingredients:* Shrimp, cocktail sauce, lemon  

*Process:* Spoon sauce; add shrimp.  

*Make it Unique:* Avocado dice; paprika.

—

17. Garlic Knot Bites

Soft and buttery.  

*Ingredients:* Pizza dough, butter, garlic, parsley  

**Process:* Knot; bake 400°F for 10 min; brush.  

*Make it Unique:* Parmesan; chili oil.

—

18. Hummus Wreath Board

Dip with color.  

*Ingredients:* Hummus, carrots, cukes, olives  

*Process:* Spread ring; decorate.  

*Make it Unique:* Paprika dust; olive oil drizzle.

—

19. Spinach Cheese Swirls

Green and gooey.  

*Ingredients:* Puff pastry, spinach, cheese  

*Process:* Roll; slice; bake 400°F for 15 min.  

*Make it Unique:* Ricotta; garlic.

—

20. Party Cheese Ball

Scoopable fun.  

*Ingredients:* Cream cheese, cheddar, nuts  

*Process:* Mix; roll.  

*Make it Unique:* Dried fruit; black pepper.

—

21. Mini Taco Cups

Handheld fiesta.  

*Ingredients:* Tostada shells, beef, seasoning, salsa  

*Process:* Cook beef; fill; top.  

*Make it Unique:* Sour cream; chicken swap.

—

22. Chiken in Blankets

Always chased.  

*Ingredients:* Mini dogs, crescent dough  

*Process:* Wrap; bake 400°F for 12 min. 

*Make it Unique:*

* Sesame seeds; spicy mustard.

—

23. Zucchini Fries

Crunchy spears.  

*Ingredients:* Zucchini, crumbs, Parmesan, eggs  

*Process:* Coat; bake 425°F for 15 min.  

*Make it Unique:* Panko; garlic powder.

—

24. Sweet Potato Rounds

Dessert-ish nibbles.  

*Ingredients:* Sweet potato, mini marshmallows, pecans  

*Process:* Roast; broil topping.  

*Make it Unique:* Honey; cocoa dust.

—

25. Veggie Spring Rolls

Crackle in every bite.  

*Ingredients:* Wrappers, cabbage mix, oil  

*Process:* Roll; fry; drain.  

*Make it Unique:* Peanut dip; sesame seeds.

26. Party Bruschetta

Toast with flair.  

**Ingredients:** Baguette, tomatoes, olive oil, basil  

**Process:** Toast; pile; drizzle.  

**Make it Unique:** Soft cheese; olives.

27. Chocolate Pretzel Twists

Salty-sweet finish.  

*Ingredients:* Pretzels, melting chocolate, sprinkles  

*Process:* Dip; decorate; chill.  

*Make it Unique:* White chocolate; crushed candy.

—

Conclusion

Mix a few classics with something bold and your table will stay busy all night. Pick a trio—or go all in—and let every bite carry you closer to midnight smiles.

Tessa Wynn

Filed Under: Blog, New Year

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