New Year's Eve Party Food for the Whole Family

14 Simple Make-Ahead Recipes Everyone Will Love

Written by
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher is a journalist and food writer who has authored multiple cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Stephanie Gallagher
Updated 03/24/20

New Year's Eve parties are not reserved for adults! Kids love to celebrate the new year, too, and planning a family-friendly party is simply a matter of finding foods that young and old will enjoy. A good approach is to go with tried and true favorites like delicious dips, tasty appetizer bites, and yummy desserts so guests can snack away as they please.

These recipes were chosen because they have long been party favorites and they're super easy! They can be made or prepped ahead of time, so when the day comes you can enjoy the celebration along with your guests.

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  • 01 of 14

    Seven Layer Mexican Dip

    Mexican feast
    GMVozd/Getty Images

    A seven layer Mexican dip is a party staple in many households. It has everything that everyone loves about taco night, but in a convenient dip that's ready for tortilla chips. It's perfect for snacking and it comes together in a matter of minutes, though you might want to try homemade guacamole to make it just a little bit better.

  • 02 of 14

    Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

    chocolate-covered strawberries
    James Baigrie/Photolibrary/Getty Images

    Everybody loves the flavor of sweet, juicy strawberries paired with chocolate and chocolate-covered strawberries appeal to both kids and adults. There's no secret to this sweet treat, either. All you need is strawberries and chocolate—even chocolate chips will do!

  • 03 of 14

    Creamy Spinach Dip

    spinach dip
    Alexandra Grablewski/: Digital Vision/Getty Images

    Almost everyone finds creamy spinach dip irresistible, even kids! This particular recipe will make you super happy because it's so easy to make. Simply toss a few ingredients into your crock pot. In less than an hour, you have a creamy dip that's ready for the party!

  • 04 of 14

    Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

    Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

    The Spruce Eats / Pete Scherer 

    Pull-apart garlic bread is a fun way to enjoy a favorite food. The tiny rolls are baked close together to form one large dish, then guests get to pull off their own buttery bites. The recipe is not much different than other yeasted bread recipes and tossing the rolls in garlic butter before baking ensures they're full of flavor.

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  • 05 of 14

    Air Fryer Bloomin' Onion

    Air Fryer Bloomin' Onion

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Rattray

    A bloomin' onion is fun finger food that everyone will enjoy. This recipe cuts the fat by using an air fryer to cook the breaded onion flower. It's pretty easy to make and is served with a homemade dip that has an excellent spice.

  • 06 of 14

    Pepperoni Bread

    pepperoni bread

    The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni

    We all know kids love pizza, and this pepperoni bread combines the favorite parts of pizza inside a Parmesan- and herb-flavored bread. Store-bought bread dough is layered with pepperoni and provolone cheese, rolled up, and then baked until golden. Once sliced, the pieces are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.

  • 07 of 14

    Instant Pot Buffalo Wings

    instant pot buffalo wings
    Diana Rattray

    Guests of all ages will enjoy these easy-to-make Buffalo wings. The Instant Pot eliminates the need for deep-frying and a quick trip under the broiler creates that signature crispy texture. A homemade sauce added before broiling allows for the spice to bake in, and a little extra at the end is the finishing touch.

  • 08 of 14

    Chex Party Mix

    New Year's Eve Recipes - Party Mix

    Steve Cohen / Getty Images

    Keep everyone snacking with a classic Chex party mix. Bite by bite and handful by handful, this crunchy cereal, pretzel, and nut mix will disappear fast. It's flavored with butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion and baked slowly so it's nice and roasted. If you're short on time, there's a microwave method, too!

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  • 09 of 14

    Spinach Balls

    Baked Spinach Balls
    Spinach Balls. Diana Rattray

    Don't worry about people who claim they don't like spinach, these yummy spinach balls will turn them around. They're like meatless meatballs and the recipe makes 48 of the delicious little bites. It's a fun finger food that can be dipped in anything from mustard to marinara.

  • 10 of 14

    Deviled Eggs

    deviled eggs
    Sarah Bossert / Getty Images

    Who doesn't like deviled eggs? This recipe is a classic, and it makes a good, healthy snack for kids who might be too excited to sit down and eat at a New Year's Eve party. Adults will keep stopping by the appetizer table, too, so you may want to make a double batch!

  • 11 of 14

    Cream Cheese Crescent Cookies

    Crescent cookies

     The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Every party needs a plate of cookies! Since New Year's Eve is a special night, treat guests to these special cream cheese crescent cookies. They're delicious and come in a fun shape that makes them look more difficult to make than they are. You can also have the kids help decorate them with chocolate and sprinkles. 

  • 12 of 14

    Quesadillas

    Quesadillas
    Quesadillas. Sarah Crowder / Katie Workman / themom100.com

    Crispy tortillas filled with melted cheese and whatever else you like, quesadillas are another guaranteed hit at any party. Keep them simple with a couple types of cheese or add diced chicken, chiles, and salsa. Or, you can get fancy with combinations like asparagus, feta, and mozzarella. The possibilities are endless and everyone will love them!

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  • 13 of 14

    Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

    Appetizer Meatballs and Sauce
    Appetizer Meatballs and Sauce. Diana Rattray

    Turn your slow cooker into an appetizer station everyone will flock to and serve these crowd-pleasing cranberry cocktail meatballs. The recipe features homemade meatballs drenched in a sauce of sweetened cranberry sauce and chili sauce. It sounds odd, but it works and this is a recipe you'll rely on time and time again.

  • 14 of 14

    Chocolate Brownies

    Ultimate brownies
    Jeremy Samuelson/Photodisc/Getty Images

    Do you like your chocolate brownies cake-like or fudgy? There's no need to choose with the ultimate brownie recipe because it's the best of both worlds. None of your guests will turn their noses up to these bites of chocolate goodness and they'll probably be back for more!