47 Best New Year’s Dinner Ideas to Ring in 2024
Updated: Apr. 16, 2024
Make the last meal of the year the best one yet with these reader-approved New Year's dinner ideas.
New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to pop open the champagne and prepare a celebratory feast of all those foods you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Whether your New Year’s dinner ideas include broiled lobster tails, spice-crusted steak or buttery grilled shrimp, the last meal of the year is sure to be a memorable one.
Some of our favorite festive New Year’s Eve menu ideas are deceptively easy to make, like oysters Rockefeller and seafood-stuffed mushrooms. Those types of New Year’s Eve appetizers work equally well as nibbles before a sit-down New Year’s dinner or passed party food at an all-night soiree.
To drink, you’ll want a selection of celebratory champagne cocktails (here are the best cheap champagnes to stock up on for the evening). And to keep the bubbly theme going, bake a few stunning New Year’s desserts like this three-layer champagne cake. Cheers!
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San Francisco Cioppino
If you bought too much seafood for your NYE bash, make a big batch of cioppino with shrimp, snow crab claws and any extra fish you have on hand. It’s delightfully warming and perfect when paired with a crusty baguette.
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Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon
The only thing better than a flawlessly cooked filet is one wrapped in bacon. Plus, the Scotch-Ginger Ale sauce will make you question where this recipe has been hiding all your life.
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Eggplant Rollatini
Your vegetarian guests will appreciate a veggie-forward dish like lightly-fried eggplant rolled up with ricotta filling and smothered in sauce. Pro tip: If you’re running low on time, skip the homemade marinara and go the store-bought route. These are the best jarred pasta sauces as judged by our Test Kitchen.
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Orange Pomegranate Salmon
Here’s a showstopping salmon entree that’s worthy of a celebratory affair thanks to ruby red pomegranate seeds and bright orange citrus wheels. Serve with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a well-rounded dinner on New Year’s Eve. Serve this along with our favorite New Year’s Eve cocktails.
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Beef Osso Buco
Authentic osso bucco, made better with the addition of a zesty gremolata drizzle. Although you can use veal shanks in place of beef, the latter tends to be found more easily and is less expensive.
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Broiled Lobster Tail
Elegant dinner parties call for lobster dinner—just without all the legwork that comes with extracting the meat. Broiled tails are a mess-free way to enjoy the succulent crustacean, especially when served alongside chimichurri or lemon-chive compound butter.
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Horseradish-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin
If you’re hosting an intimate dinner at home, this tender beef encased in a golden horseradish crust will have everyone begging for more. Luckily, the recipe makes enough for eight, but you can always double it for your party size.
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Lemony Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta
Most pasta dishes will weigh you down well before the ball drops, but angel hair tends to be on the lighter side. We especially love this version that’s entangled with lemony scallops and radishes for a bit of crunch.
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Dutch Oven Pizza
Skip the late-night takeout and bake a Dutch oven pizza with sausage, mushrooms and onions for a ravenous crowd. We guarantee it will be done long before your delivery shows up (cold).
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Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie
Who says potpies have to be laden with meat? Earthy mushrooms, baked sweet potato rounds and a bottle of beer combine for greatness in this savory, vegetarian-friendly potpie that’s the epitome of comfort food.
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Sausage Ratatouille
For any ratatouille naysayers out there, may we remind you of a beloved film that catapulted this French-Provençal dish to fame? While you could make confit byaldi ratatouille just like Remy does in the movie, this sausage version plated over rice will fill up very hungry guests.
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Spanish-Style Paella
If a trip to Europe is out of the cards this NYE, do yourself (and the fam) a favor with the next best thing: a one-pot paella dinner inspired by the flavors of Spain. Brimming with generous chunks of sausage, shrimp and veggies, this saffron-scented paella is ready in 35 minutes.
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Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing
You can never go wrong with apples and cinnamon—especially when pork chops are involved. Because this recipe only has four ingredients, it’s a main course that can be served for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day dinner with little preparation.
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Gorgonzola Shrimp Pasta
This creamy Gorgonzola sauce feels decadent when paired with plump pink shrimp and penne pasta, but it also sneaks in a healthy dose of iron-packed spinach for some greens. Don’t have time to pick up fresh shrimp? Frozen will work just fine, or swap it for chicken.
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Chicken-Prosciutto Pinwheels in Wine Sauce
Warning: This dish may cause cravings. There’s nothing better than thinly pounded chicken rolled up with prosciutto and mozzarella, coated in bread crumbs and baked until golden brown in a Madeira wine sauce.
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Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme Crust
This gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpies and gives them a fun, open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey, but you can fill the potpie with any meat, cheese and veggie combo you like. It would be just as amazing, for example, with sausage, golden beets and kale.
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Crab-Stuffed Manicotti
If you’re torn over seafood or pasta for New Year’s Eve dinner, combine the best of both worlds in this tasty crab-stuffed manicotti. Some reviews noted the sauce could use a little zing, however, so feel free to experiment with more spices like garlic salt, cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
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Chunky Southwest Chili
Planning on watching the countdown from your couch? A piping hot bowl of chili would be the perfect companion. V8 juice, guajillo chiles and cumin-infused beef broth take this one to the next level.
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Black-Eyed Peas & Ham
Black-eyed peas are one of the traditional New Year’s foods to eat for good luck, so be sure to whip up a batch with a ham hock, bacon and peppers for added flavor.
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Slow-Cooker Burgundy Beef
If there’s ever a day that calls for enlisting the help of your slow cooker, this would be it. Why spend the last day of the year stuck in the kitchen when you could be finishing those New Year’s resolutions you never got around to? This elegant beef bourguignon tastes like you’ve been tending to it for hours.
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Blue Cheese-Mushroom Stuffed Tenderloin
Now this is one terrific tenderloin everyone will be raving about long after the party ends. There aren’t many who can resist a perfectly cooked roast—especially one stuffed with savory mushrooms and blue cheese, and topped with fried onions.
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Glazed Smoked Chops with Pears
Pork is one of the most versatile proteins that pairs well with a myriad of ingredients. For fancified chops to ring in the new year, use pears and honey, which lend a sweet note to the dish.
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Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio Crust
Starting your healthy eating goals one night early? This delicious and nutritious salmon recipe is a winner, but the nutty coating also adds a nice crunch to chicken and pork. Not into pistachios? Swap them for almonds or pecans.
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Stuffed Whole Cabbage
In addition to black-eyed peas, some people believe eating cabbage on New Year’s brings good fortune in the new year, so skip the cruciferous side and opt for a whole head instead.
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Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
This classic pasta dish is kicked up a notch with spicy shrimp. Bonus: The sauce is so fast to make, you can get it done while the fettuccine cooks.
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Crown Roast of Pork with Mushroom Dressing
Name a more impressive NYE entree than a pork loin crown roast slathered in apricot preserves…we’ll wait. This easy recipe is such a hit, every review has five stars.
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BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is not just for dessert. If you’ve never added barbecued chicken and apples to the old-fashioned dish, it’s high time you do.
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Ravioli with Creamy Squash Sauce
Store-bought ravioli speeds up the assembly of this restaurant-quality dish that tastes so good for New Year’s Day dinner, your family won’t notice it’s meatless. One reviewer also suggested adding a bit of basil pesto and a little nutmeg or sage to really bring out the squash flavors.
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Miso Butter Roasted Chicken
Sheet pan veggies and a spatchcocked chicken with a butter-miso paste is a fuss-free recipe anyone can master. Pro tip: The miso mixture on the chicken will appear very dark while roasting, but that’s when you know it’s almost done.
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Traditional Lamb Stew
If your idea of the ultimate New Year’s Eve is one that begins with a big pot of stew and rolls into leftovers on New Year’s Day, then this is the recipe for you. Braised chunks of lamb, onions, carrots and potatoes, plus a bouquet of fresh herbs…it doesn’t get any better.
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Smoked Brisket
A big platter of mouthwatering smoked brisket is ideal for large groups who like to graze, take a break and then come back. Set up a DIY sandwich station with buns, pickled toppings and an array of sauces, and your job as host is complete.
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Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
Thanksgiving isn’t the only occasion that calls for turkey! If you need a New Year’s Day dinner idea, this one is just novel enough to fit the bill. The blanket of bacon not only adds flavor, but also helps keep the meat extra juicy. The best part? It’s easier than it looks!
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Seared Scallops with Minted Pea Puree
If scallops fall under “special occasion seafood” in your household, here’s a worthy way to prepare them. Blitz together a bright green puree of peas and mint, then serve with scallops seared for two to three minutes on each side.
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Beef Enchiladas Verdes
Looking to incorporate some south of the border flavor into your party fare? Enter: easy beef enchiladas with a cheesy verde sauce. Prep the casserole a day ahead, then bake it off right before guests arrive.
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Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
There’s a reason chicken and dumplings have so many famous fans—looking at you, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn—it’s because the retro dish is pure comfort food that always hits the spot. Yes, it can be tedious to make the dumpling dough, but after you get that sorted, it’s a slow-cooker breeze from there.
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Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce
Meat lovers will undoubtedly be pleased with these cast-iron skillet steaks with a port wine reduction sauce studded with cherries. Feeling ambitious? Any one of these New Year’s Eve appetizers will kick off your dinner party in style.
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Stuffed Salmon
A mixture of crab, cream cheese, butter and savory herbs are folded into a luscious filling for these salmon filets, then stuffed into a side pocket before baking. If you’re looking for side dish ideas, try roasted asparagus, rice pilaf or one of our favorite vegetable dishes.
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Country Chuck Roast with Mushroom Gravy
Tender pieces of roast beef swimming in an umami mushroom gravy might have quite a long cook time, but the end result is more than worth it.
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Buttery Grilled Shrimp
Going the surf and turf route this New Year’s? This buttery grilled shrimp recipe is easy, delicious and excellent with steak. Or, you could brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them with the shrimp.
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Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice Stuffing
These petite Cornish game hens bake up beautifully with a golden brown shine when basted in a sweet and tangy glaze. Crunchy pecans and sweet golden raisins add some interest to an otherwise simple rice side, which can also be stuffed inside the poultry.
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Pork with Gorgonzola Sauce
A tangy Gorgonzola cheese sauce dresses up tender slices of pork in this under-30-minute recipe that’s fit for company. Serve alongside steamed broccoli, sauteed green beans or a mixed green salad to keep the rest of the meal on the lighter side.
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Turkey Crepes
Think of this delish dinner idea like a turkey potpie rolled up in crepe form. Using frozen peas and carrots for the filling also saves you the hassle of chopping your own when you could be setting the table or popping bottles of bubbly.
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Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana
Bring the Italian restaurant vibes into your kitchen this NYE with a bottle of red, a bottle of white and your appetite. This cheesy chicken parm will have everyone reaching for seconds and thirds.
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Easy & Elegant Tenderloin Roast
For anyone who thinks making a tenderloin roast is tricky, allow us to introduce you to this four-ingredient rub consisting of olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Just rub it on the tenderloin and pop in the oven. In an hour or so, you’ve got a spectacular main dish to feed a crowd for New Year’s Day dinner.
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Favorite Baked Spaghetti
This one’s for the kids—and the grownups too. This baked spaghetti with meat sauce is nearly perfect as is, but you can easily swap in ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to the beef. For a slightly spicier and more flavorful option, try ground sausage.
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Lobster Tartlets
A night that calls for seafood, Champagne and lots of finger foods could surely benefit from the addition of lobster tartlets as an appetizer or side. Top with chives or green onions for a pop of color.
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Beef Daube Provencal
Daube is a French slow-cooked stew, usually made with beef, vegetables, garlic and herbs. If you’re lucky enough to have access to venison, try this gamey meat for even more melt-in-your-mouth goodness.Originally Published: December 10, 2020
