55 New Year's Eve Finger Foods To Welcome 2026

Ringing in the New Year is typically the last of a long season of parties, so many hosts and partygoers look for low-fuss dishes. These New Year’s Eve finger food ideas hit the spot with tasty bites that don’t require a lot of time to prepare. 

Serve up something for every taste, from sweet to savory, and greet the New Year without the stress of complex recipes. Many of these ideas can be made ahead of time for an extra low-key celebration.

New Year’s Eve finger food appetizers 

Kick off your get-together with these New Year’s Eve finger foods! You can also add them to your savory food ideas for quick party options throughout the year.

1. Bacon ranch cheeseball bites 

Bacon bits, ranch seasoning, cream cheese and cheddar cheese come together in these mini cheeseballs. Make a double or triple batch and serve with a variety of crackers.

2. Crab rangoon 

These are as easy as making a trip to the frozen food section of your grocery store. Fry the crab rangoon and serve with sweet and sour sauce. 

3. DIY bagel bar 

This is a charcuterie board's carb-filled cousin! Fill a platter with various flavors of mini bagels, cream cheese spreads, sliced onions, cucumbers, lox, strawberries, chopped green onion, sesame seeds and whatever else you think your guests would enjoy. 

4. Chip and guac bites 

Skip the mess by making up a tray of these mouth-watering treats. Fill a scoop-style tortilla chip with guacamole, a bit of finely shredded cheese, half of a cherry tomato and a pinch of chopped cilantro.

5. Spicy deviled eggs 

Deviled eggs tend to disappear at any party and offer a tasty, filling finger food. Upgrade the classic deviled egg with a dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of paprika and a garnish of crispy crumbled bacon or smoked salmon for an extra festive flourish.

6. Mini potato skins 

Potato skins can be made to suit most tastes. It’s relatively easy to make one batch multiple ways, including this ultimate loaded crispy potato skins recipe. Wondering what to do with any leftover scooped potato? Save it to make croquettes, potato pancakes or even a potato soup the next day.

7. Crostini with fig jam and blue cheese 

Crostini is a versatile finger food that can be topped multiple ways. Here’s one simple idea: Spread bakery crostini with fig jam and top with a small chunk of gorgonzola or bold blue cheese, then a sprinkle of toasted walnuts. The strong flavors pair perfectly with sparkling wine.

8. Fried mozzarella bites with marinara

You can make these warming mozzarella bites quickly in your air fryer. Purchase mini mozzarella balls and coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs. Bake or air-fry until golden and crispy. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

No-bake New Year’s Eve finger foods

No-bake means no-fuss for these extra-quick New Year’s appetizers. If you ever need extra party snack foods in a pinch, you can make these in minutes.

9.  Crackers with ham, brie and cranberry

The name says it all with this finger food recipe. Top crackers with a small slice of ham, then add a piece of brie cheese and top with some cranberry preserves. 

10. Charcuterie board 

Load up on deli meats, fancy cheeses, produce, nuts and dips to make an elegant charcuterie board. Start with any size or shape platter and fill it up one food group at a time. Start with your dips in bowls or saucers, then add meats. Next, add in fruits and veggies and finish up with dried fruits, nuts and crackers. 

11. BLT bites 

Looking for BLT flavor without the filling sandwich? Scoop out the centers of cherry tomatoes and fill with a mixture of crisp bacon bits, mayonnaise, green onion and shredded lettuce. 

12. Buffalo chicken pinwheels 

Use canned chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese and green onions to create a tangy buffalo chicken mixture. Spread this on flour tortillas, roll up, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Cut into 1-inch slices and serve with ranch dip. 

13. Smoked salmon and dill cream cheese bites 

For a simple finger food that looks and tastes fancy, try these smoked salmon and dill cream cheese bites. Spread cream cheese mixed with fresh dill, lemon zest and chives onto store-bought mini blinis or cucumber slices, then top with a piece of smoked salmon and a small sprig of dill. Make them shortly before serving and keep them cool.

14. Cucumber canapés with whipped herb cheese 

Use a vegetable peeler to make thin cucumber ribbons. Spread cream cheese mixed with fresh chives, parsley and garlic powder onto a small whole-wheat cracker, then wrap the cucumber ribbon around the filling.

15. Prosciutto-wrapped melon cubes

This is another simple finger food you can make in minutes. Wrap thin slices of prosciutto around cubes of cantaloupe or honeydew melon for a canapé that balances sweet and salty. 

16. Mini caprese skewers 

These fresh, simple, Italian-inspired canapés are a classic combination. Thread cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or pearls) and fresh basil leaves onto a cocktail pick. Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving. 

17. Marinated olive and feta skewers 

These skewers add a decadent taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Marinate cubes of feta cheese overnight in olive oil, oregano and lemon zest. Skewer Kalamata or green olives, sun-dried tomatoes and the feta cubes to serve.

Fruit and vegetable finger foods

Add some celebratory color with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables among your party foods. You can make several of these options to suit different dietary needs and tastes.

18. Veggie pizza 

Use refrigerated biscuit dough to create the base for this veggie-filled pizza. Top with a ranch-cream cheese spread and an assortment of broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots and green onion stems. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

19. Cranberry brie bites 

This quick bite idea uses ingredients you might still have from the holidays. Creamy brie, tangy cranberries and crispy puff pastry make this a finger food that guests will come back for more than once. 

20. Bruschetta bites 

When you have little time or surprise guests, you need a simple yet tasty bite. Use a bakery baguette and prepared bruschetta for a New Year's Eve finger food that you can put together in just minutes. 

21. Stuffed cherry peppers 

These cheerful cherry peppers are a delicious finger food combination of tart and slightly sweet. Purchase sweet cherry peppers in jars and stuff them with a mixture of herbed goat cheese and finely chopped parsley.

22. Mini roasted pepper and goat cheese tarts 

Make or buy mini phyllo cups and fill them with a mix of creamy goat cheese, finely chopped roasted red peppers and a sprinkle of thyme. Bake until warm and serve garnished with fresh herbs or chopped nuts.

23. Cucumber and avocado tostadas 

This simple, tasty finger food is perfect for the veggie lovers. Top slices of cucumber with a spoonful of mashed avocado seasoned with lime and salt. To serve, sprinkle with queso fresco and add a small pinch of chili powder. These can be served with other vegan party foods if you swap out the queso for a vegan version or omit it altogether.

24. Sweet potato rounds with honeyed ricotta 

For a sweet yet savory canapé, thinly slice sweet potato, then bake or air-fry the rounds until tender. Top with a spoonful of ricotta mixed with honey and black pepper.

25. Whipped feta dip with crudités

Blend feta cheese with Greek yogurt, olive oil and Greek seasoning until smooth (or follow this whipped feta dip recipe). Serve in a bowl surrounded by colorful vegetable sticks, such as carrots, bell peppers, celery and snap peas, for dipping.

Meat and savory baked finger foods

These meat and savory baked finger foods are filling and satisfying stand-ins for a sit-down meal, making them ideal New Year’s food. Consider using a thermal dish or warming tray to keep the warm foods at a proper temperature.

26. Cocktail smokies

Chili sauce, grape jelly and sausages are all you need for this party favorite. Cooking is primarily hands-off; your slow cooker does all the work while you prep other finger foods for your party.

27. Chicken Parmesan sliders 

It's your favorite pasta dish in slider form! These sliders whip up quickly and can be made a few hours in advance using chicken tenders and three types of cheese. 

28. Coconut shrimp

Serving seafood doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Use an air fryer for cooking up a coconut shrimp package and serve with mini cups of cocktail sauce.

29. Bacon-wrapped asparagus 

Bacon-wrapped appetizers tend to be popular — even guests who don’t usually like asparagus may enjoy this one. Wrap a slice of bacon around a spear of asparagus and bake until the bacon is crisp.

30. Bourbon barbecue meatballs 

Sweet and savory, these meatballs will be the hit of the night with the boozy barbecue sauce. Serve on a tray with toothpicks and a side of ranch and Dijon mustard.

31. Pesto chicken pinwheels

This quick idea makes great use of a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Spread pesto, shredded cooked chicken and sun-dried tomatoes on a sheet of puff pastry. Add any herbs or vegetables to taste, and consider cheese options such as feta, mozzarella, Parmesan or goat cheese. Roll up, slice into spirals and bake until golden brown. 

32. Mini sausage rolls 

The humble sausage roll is standard party finger food in the U.K., New Zealand and Australia. Try a classic sausage roll recipe, or simply mix ground sausage with breadcrumbs and seasoning, wrap in puff pastry sheets, slice into bite-sized pieces and bake until golden.

33. Everything bagel pigs in a blanket 

Here’s another finger food option that uses pre-made ingredients. Take some mini hot dogs and wrap them in crescent roll dough. Before baking, brush with egg wash and coat liberally with everything bagel seasoning. Serve with a cream cheese dip.

34. Stuffed mushrooms  

Quick, tasty and filling, stuffed mushrooms are a party crowd-pleaser. For a basic recipe, remove the stems from button or cremini mushrooms and stuff the caps with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs and either crumbled sausage or crab meat. Bake until tender. 

35. Ham and cheese pretzel bites 

These ham and cheese pretzel bites are another finger food you can list under “quick and easy.” Use refrigerated pretzel dough and wrap it around small cubes of ham and cheddar cheese. Bake and serve with a honey mustard dip.

36. Mini quiches 

Mini quiches are almost always a hit with guests and can be made with both vegetarians and meat lovers in mind. Purchase a variety pack of mini frozen quiches or make your own using mini phyllo cups filled with eggs, cream, spinach and cheese. 

Sweet New Year’s Eve finger foods

No party is complete without a few sweets. Make some of these New Year's Eve food ideas for your party, and check out some New Year’s food traditions from around the world.

37. Banana split bites

 Sprinkle chopped peanuts over banana chunks covered in melted chocolate for a single-serving appetizer that’s sure to disappear! Use any favorite fruits as the base, such as strawberries, apples or pineapples.

38. Mini cheesecakes with a topping bar 

Impress your guests with mini cheesecakes that they can top with whatever they want. Some ideas for toppings include crushed cookies, hot fudge sauce, cherry pie filling, freshly sliced strawberries, blueberry compote, matcha powder, crushed candy canes, caramel sauce, mint jelly and chocolate chips.

39. Chocolate-dipped cheesecake bites 

Cut a premade cheesecake into bite-sized pieces, then freeze and dip in melted chocolate. Use a variety of dark, milk and white chocolate. Leave some plain and top others with festive candy decorations, toffee bits, mini chocolate chips, sliced almonds or chopped walnuts.

40. Lemon-blueberry pancake stacks 

Use boxed pancake mix to create quarter-sized pancakes. Place a small amount of lemon curd on top of a stack of four pancakes. Top with a mint leaf and a fresh blueberry, then stick a toothpick through the center to hold everything together. 

41. Chocolate hazelnut mousse cups 

Use puff pastry to create small cups that you fill with a creamy mixture of chocolate hazelnut spread and mascarpone cheese. Top with chopped hazelnuts and a chocolate drizzle for excellent finger food that will "wow" your guests. 

42. Mini chocolate chip cookie cups 

Make classic chocolate chip cookies with a fancy twist for your New Year’s celebration. Bake chocolate chip cookie dough in a mini muffin tin to form cups. Once cooled, fill with vanilla frosting or a simple scoop of whipped cream and a chocolate shaving. You can use either store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough or follow a good homemade recipe for chocolate chip cookies.

43. Red velvet cake balls 

Homemade cake balls are easy to make and a special treat for partygoers. Using a pre-made cake, box mix or homemade red velvet cake, mix crumbled cake with cream cheese frosting, roll into balls and dip in white chocolate. Finish with a dusting of edible gold glitter for a festive look. 

44. S’mores skewers 

Bring the taste of summer campfires to your New Year’s celebration with this simple dessert finger food. Use a long toothpick to stack a mini marshmallow and a square of milk chocolate onto a graham cracker piece. Toast the marshmallow slightly with a kitchen torch or under the broiler right before serving. 

45. Mini éclairs or cream puffs 

This sweet finger food is so easy that even non-cooks can manage it. Buy a tray of mini frozen éclairs, cream puffs or profiteroles and allow them to thaw just before serving. Instant, simple dessert!

46. Fruit and cheesecake dip skewers 

Make an easy cheesecake fruit dip with ingredients like cream cheese, powdered sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Wash and chop different fruit varieties and let guests dip fruit skewers loaded with grapes, strawberries, apple chunks and more.

47. Chocolate-covered pretzel rods 

Take the stress out of party planning with recipes you can prepare ahead of time. Dip pretzel rods in melted chocolate and roll in festive holiday sprinkles, crushed peppermint or toffee bits. These are simple, yet they look and taste great on your holiday table.

Boozy finger foods for New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is a great opportunity to indulge in some boozy finger foods, especially for those who aren’t driving! Keep these alcohol-infused treats away from kids, and be sure to label them so any non-drinkers are aware.

48. Rum balls 

Crushed biscuit cookies and desiccated coconut provide the base for these rum-infused chocolates. They can be made up to two weeks in advance and even frozen in the unlikely event that any remain by the time you ring in the new year. 

49. Champagne gummy gems

A grown-up version of a childhood favorite! Use unflavored gelatin and your favorite Champagne to make these gummies, and add festive flair with edible glitter. 

50. Chocolate toffee crunch shot 

Chocolate toffee crunch shots are easy to prepare as a batch ahead of time and add a celebratory look to your table. Irish cream, amaretto and coffee liqueur make these shots a nice dessert indulgence as you dance the night away. Pour into mini chocolate or cookie cups for an entirely edible treat.

51. Sangria-soaked fruit skewers 

Chop firm fruits like apples, pears, peaches and oranges, then marinate them in a mixture of red wine (or sparkling rosé), brandy and a touch of sugar for several hours or overnight. Skewer the fruit pieces for easy grabbing.

52. Mini bourbon pecan pies 

Use a mini muffin tin and pre-made pie crust dough to create small shells. Fill them with a classic pecan pie mixture enriched with a generous splash of bourbon or spiced whiskey. Bake until set.

53. Stout cheddar puffs 

Try this savory, light and airy appetizer. Prepare a basic choux pastry dough and fold in shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a few tablespoons of dark stout. Pipe or drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden.

54. Margarita shrimp shooters 

Place a pre-cooked cocktail shrimp in a mini shot glass. Pour a small amount of margarita liquid over it, made from fresh lime juice, a hint of orange liqueur such as triple sec or Cointreau and a splash of tequila. Garnish the rim of the glass with salt or chili-lime seasoning.

55. Spiked raspberry chocolate truffles 

Replace some of the liquid in a traditional chocolate truffle recipe with a small amount of raspberry liqueur or high-quality dark rum. Roll the mixture into balls and coat them in cocoa powder or finely chopped freeze-dried raspberries.

Save time prepping for New Year's Eve by ordering groceries online

As New Year's Eve approaches, it's safe to guess that you're busy. Between work and family commitments, along with busy stores, New Year’s Eve finger foods can be a great option for a stress-free holiday. Opt for extra convenience by ordering your groceries through Instacart, and a personal shopper will bring them right to your door, saving you time and stress.