New Year’s Eve is all about the glitz, the fizz, and the food.
But let’s be honest — you've probably made a mess of 2024 in the kitchen, but you've got one more chance to get it right.
You need appetizers that are quick and fun. You might be hosting a party of 12 or a f'n rager on the couch for you and the dog, either way I got you.
Here are three grocery store friendly, 15-minute apps that’ll have your guests or your pup thinking you’re a culinary genius.
Truffled Popcorn with Parmesan and Lemon Zest
Fancy enough for Champagne, but fun enough for a NYE party in pajamas.
What You Need:
1 bag of plain popcorn (microwaved or pre-popped)
2 tbsp truffle oil (find it in the fancy aisle of any grocery store)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
Sea salt
What to Do:
1. Toss the popcorn in truffle oil while it’s still warm.
2. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan, lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt.
3. Serve in a big bowl or portion into individual cups for a party-friendly touch.
The earthy truffle oil and salty Parmesan play beautifully with Champagne’s bright acidity and crisp bubbles.
Roasted Grape and Ricotta Platter
You didn’t think I’d write about New Year’s Eve without sneaking in a nod to The Midnight Grapes Challenge, did you?
If you’re familiar with my “WTF, Grapes for New Year’s?" article, you know the fruit’s superstition-filled history.
If not go read here: https://www.drinkeatlearn.com/post/the-wtf-series-grapes-for-new-years-eve
This dish pays homage to that quirky tradition while giving it a modern, flavorful twist.
What You Need:
2 cups seedless red or black grapes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Pinch of flaky sea salt
Cracked black pepper
1 cup high-quality ricotta cheese (whole milk is non-negotiable)
Zest of 1 lemon
Honey for drizzling
Crostinis (store-bought only, don't waste your time to make at home) or sturdy crackers (like water crackers or flatbreads)
What to Do:
1. Roast the Grapes - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the grapes with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, or until soft and caramelized. Let them cool slightly — your guests want warm grapes, not molten lava.
2. Prep the Ricotta - In a small mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Don’t skimp on the zest—it’s the sparkle your ricotta deserves.
3. Assemble the Platter - Spoon the ricotta into a shallow serving bowl or spread it across a decorative plate. Top with roasted grapes and finish with a generous drizzle of honey.
4. Serve - Surround the bowl or plate with crostinis or crackers. Add a small spoon or spreader knife for scooping. Bonus points if you throw in a sprinkle of candied nuts for extra flair.
The roasted grapes’ caramelized sweetness, balanced by rosemary’s herbal warmth, sits beautifully atop the creamy ricotta. Honey ties it all together with a subtle sweetness that complements Champagne’s bubbles. Your guests can serve themselves.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Bites with Honey Drizzle
Salty, sweet, and undeniably f'n delicious— even if it’s just melon and ham.
What You Need:
1 cantaloupe or honeydew melon (pre-cut if you want to save time and you should save time, so buy PRE-CUT!)
6–8 slices of prosciutto
2 tbsp honey
Toothpicks
What to Do:
1. Cut the melon into bite-sized cubes if it’s not already prepped.
2. Tear each slice of prosciutto into smaller strips and wrap around the melon pieces.
3. Skewer with a toothpick and drizzle lightly with honey
The sweet melon and salty prosciutto combo is a classic, but the honey adds just enough flair to make it feel special.
Grocery Checklist for All 3 Recipes (Combined)
This list is optimized to serve 12 guests for all three recipes.
This list is organized by grocery store department so you can walk in and out quickly.
Fresh Produce
2 bags of seedless red, green, or black grapes
2 lemons (for zest)
1 large cantaloupe or honeydew melon
— Honestly just get pre-cut equivalent, it's so much easier.
1 Small container of fresh rosemary
Dairy
1 - 32oz container high-quality ricotta cheese (whole milk is essential)
1 - 8oz container of grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
12–16 slices prosciutto
Pantry Staples
2 bags plain microwave popcorn
1 small bottle of WHITE truffle oil
1 small container of honey
1 small bottle of olive oil — Seriously, if you don't have this or Salt and Pepper at home, then just give up and go buy some pizza.
Sea salt
Cracked black pepper
Bread/Crackers
2 packages crostinis, water crackers, or sturdy flatbreads — Buy these pre-made, don't waste your time cutting and toasting baguettes in the oven.
Optional Additions
Candied nuts (for extra flair on the ricotta platter) but consider the allergies of you guests.
Tools
Zester (Please don't skip the zest, it makes these dishes complete)
Baking sheet
Small mixing bowl
Serving platters or bowls
Toothpicks
Small spoon or spreader knife
With just a quick trip to the store and 15 minutes in the kitchen, you can have appetizers that not only taste incredible but also pair perfectly with Champagne.
You and the dog are going to have a great New Year's Eve!
Post Script & Extra Credit
If you've read this far, you've been gifted an additional recipe for your New Year’s Eve date.
5 Minute New Year's Dog Treats
This 5 minute, no-blend recipe uses wholesome ingredients, comes together quickly, and is freezer-friendly for long-lasting convenience.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter (xylitol-free)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
Prep Your Workspace - Grab a mixing bowl, a sturdy spoon, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Combine the Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with the back of a fork. Add rolled oats, peanut butter, and applesauce. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be firm but slightly sticky.
Shape the Treats - Use a spoon or your unwashed, dirty hands to scoop small portions of the mixture. Roll into balls or flatten into bite-sized discs.
Freeze for Easy Handling - Place the treats on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Freeze for about 1–2 hours or until firm.
Store and Serve: Transfer the frozen treats to an airtight container or freezer bag. Keep frozen and serve as needed.
No thawing required—your dog does not give AF.
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