Welcome to our collection of 48 Incredible Appetizers for New Year’s Eve! As you prepare to ring in the new year, these appetizers are here to add excitement and variety to your celebration. This roundup features a diverse mix of flavors and ingredients, ensuring there’s something for every palate. From elegant bite-sized treats to hearty finger foods, each recipe is chosen for its ability to delight guests and add a festive touch to your evening.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small get-together, these appetizers are simple to prepare yet impressive in taste and presentation. We’ve focused on recipes that allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the countdown. Get ready to explore tastes that range from classic favorites to innovative creations, all perfect for welcoming the new year with style and deliciousness. Let’s get the party started with these irresistible appetizers!
NYE Appetizers Worth Celebrating
Warm Marinated Olives
The Warm Marinated Olives recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends a variety of olives with herbs, spices, and a rich olive oil and vinegar marinade. The warmth of the dish enhances the flavors, creating a perfect blend of tastes. This appetizer is simple yet elegant, appealing to olive enthusiasts with its mix of Kalamatas and milder green varieties. It’s a versatile dish, suitable for various gatherings, and can be adapted to different tastes or dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Warm Marinated Olives
Homemade Guacamole Recipe
This classic homemade guacamole recipe offers a fresh and easy approach to this beloved Mexican dip, perfect for pairing with chips or as a topping for various dishes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Guacamole Recipe
Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip
This rich and creamy crab dip is given a smoky twist, making it a luxurious and flavorful appetizer for seafood enthusiasts.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip
Traeger Mini Hasselback Potatoes
These mini Hasselback potatoes are a fun and elegant side dish, cooked on a Traeger for a smoky twist.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Smoked Buffalo Cream Cheese
This recipe puts a spicy, smoky twist on cream cheese, infusing it with buffalo sauce for a bold and creamy spread, perfect for dipping or spreading.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Buffalo Cream Cheese
Coconut Pecan Shrimp
This shrimp dish is coated with a coconut and pecan breading, offering a unique texture and flavor. It’s an excellent choice for a tropical-inspired seafood meal.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pecan Shrimp
Bacon Ranch Smoked Cream Cheese
Combining the flavors of bacon and ranch with cream cheese, this smoked spread is a flavorful addition to crackers or bread. It’s an ideal choice for a unique and tasty appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Smoked Cream Cheese
Smoked Olives
This recipe offers a unique way to enjoy olives, by infusing them with smoky flavors. A great addition to antipasto platters or as a standalone snack, these smoked olives are sure to intrigue.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Olives
Smoked Goat Cheese Crostini
An elegant appetizer, these crostinis feature smoked goat cheese atop crusty bread, creating a sophisticated and flavorful start to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Goat Cheese Crostini
Easy Smoked Queso
A simple yet delicious twist on traditional queso, this recipe involves smoking the dip for an added layer of flavor. It’s an easy, go-to option for parties or casual snacking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Queso
Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese
A flavorful and creamy appetizer, this smoked garlic goat cheese is a sophisticated addition to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese
Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Hot Dog Burnt Ends offers a unique twist on traditional BBQ burnt ends using hot dogs. The preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal prep or fuss. Ideal for game days, casual gatherings, or as a quick and delicious dish, it combines the smoky flavor of BBQ sauce and a favorite rub. The recipe is simple, mostly hands-off in terms of cooking time, and the outcome is a smoky, flavorful treat that pairs well with various sides.
Get the Recipe: Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Traeger Apple Crisp Smoked Brie
An innovative appetizer combining smoked brie with apple crisp toppings, ideal for impressing guests at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Apple Crisp Smoked Brie
Smoked Chili Crunch Cream Cheese
A flavorful and spicy cream cheese spread, infused with smoked chili, perfect for bagels or as a dip.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chili Crunch Cream Cheese
Smoked Jalapeño Popper Cream Cheese
This innovative recipe offers a smoky twist on jalapeño poppers, incorporating cream cheese for a creamy and spicy appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeño Popper Cream Cheese
Traeger Smoked Beer Cheese Dip
A unique and flavorful dip, this smoked beer cheese combines the richness of cheese with the depth of beer, ideal for a party snack or casual appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Beer Cheese Dip
Smoked Onion Jam Recipe
A creative twist on traditional onion jam, this recipe adds a smoky depth to the sweet and savory spread, perfect for enhancing burgers, sandwiches, or as a unique appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Onion Jam Recipe
Smoked Cipollini Onions
Smoked cipollini onions offer a sweet, caramelized flavor, making them a wonderful addition to a variety of dishes or enjoyable on their own as a side.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cipollini Onions
Traeger Beef Queso
A hearty and cheesy dip, this beef queso is smoked on a Traeger for an added layer of flavor, perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Beef Queso
Smoked Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Bell Pepper Poppers
This inventive recipe features mini bell peppers stuffed with smoked goat cheese, offering a delightful blend of smoky, tangy flavors in a bite-sized appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Bell Pepper Poppers
Traeger Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Elevating the classic asparagus side dish, this recipe involves wrapping asparagus in bacon and grilling it on a Traeger grill. This method infuses the asparagus with smoky flavors while ensuring the bacon is perfectly crispy. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to add a gourmet touch to their meal with minimal effort. The combination of smoky, crispy bacon with the fresh, green taste of asparagus creates a delightful contrast.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Smoked Crackers
Adding a smoky flavor to crackers, this recipe transforms a simple snack into something more special. It’s a great addition to cheese boards or appetizer spreads.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Crackers
Smoked BBQ Pickled Eggs
This unique recipe brings a smoky BBQ twist to pickled eggs, offering a distinctive snack or side dish with a bold flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Smoked BBQ Pickled Eggs
Smoked Butter Candle
An innovative recipe that turns smoked butter into a candle, melting into a spread for bread or other dishes. It’s a creative and unique way to enhance the dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Butter Candle
Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
A smoky twist on jalapeño poppers, this recipe uses smoked beef bacon for an extra flavorful and meaty appetizer. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a spicy, smoky snack.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
Traeger Fall Butter Board
A unique and visually appealing way to serve butter, this board features a variety of flavored butters, perfect for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Fall Butter Board
Traeger Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
A delicious appetizer, these mushrooms are stuffed with a savory crab filling and cooked on a Traeger grill for an added smoky flavor.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Smoked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce
The recipe for Smoked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce is a creative appetizer featuring smoked cauliflower paired with a homemade cheese sauce. The cheese sauce is unique, avoiding processed cheese and utilizing sodium citrate for smoothness. This choice allows for a more versatile cheese selection and a lighter, yet creamy sauce. The dish is keto-friendly and suitable for low-carb diets, making it an appealing choice for diverse dietary preferences. It’s designed for ease of preparation, ensuring both flavor and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce
Smoked Cowboy Candy
A unique recipe featuring candied jalapeños with a smoky twist. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy a combination of sweet and spicy flavors, serving as a great condiment or snack.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cowboy Candy
Smoked Whipped Feta Dip
This smoked whipped feta dip combines the creamy texture of feta with a smoky flavor, creating a unique and tasty appetizer, ideal for pairing with crackers or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Whipped Feta Dip
Smoked Tomatillo Salsa
This smoked tomatillo salsa recipe adds a smoky depth to the tangy flavor of tomatillos. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smoky twist on traditional salsas, pairing well with chips, tacos, and a variety of Mexican dishes. The smoking process enhances the natural flavors of the tomatillos, creating a unique and flavorful salsa.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatillo Salsa
Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
A unique appetizer combining the sweetness of grape jelly with smoky meatballs, creating a surprising and delightful flavor combination.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
Traeger Smoked Shotgun Shells
A creative and meaty dish, these “shotgun shells” are made with pasta tubes stuffed with flavorful meat and cheese, smoked for a unique taste experience.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Shotgun Shells
Traeger Grilled Meatball Bread
A unique fusion of meatballs and bread, this recipe is grilled for a smoky flavor. It’s a creative twist on traditional meatball dishes, perfect for those seeking something different and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Meatball Bread
Smoked Pickled Jalapeños
These smoked pickled jalapeños offer a unique combination of smoky and tangy flavors, perfect as a condiment or an addition to various dishes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pickled Jalapeños
Traeger Spicy Corn Salsa Recipe
A flavorful salsa recipe, featuring spicy and smoky corn, perfect as a dip or a topping for tacos and grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Spicy Corn Salsa Recipe
Smoked Pumpkin Seeds
A seasonal snack, these smoked pumpkin seeds offer a unique flavor twist, perfect for fall and as a healthier snack option.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pumpkin Seeds
Grilled Corn Salsa
This grilled corn salsa recipe brings a smoky sweetness to the table, elevating the classic salsa with charred corn kernels. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a blend of fresh, zesty flavors with a hint of smokiness, perfect as a side dish or a topping for various meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salsa
Traeger Bruschetta
Traeger Bruschetta features the classic Italian appetizer with a twist: the bread is grilled on a Traeger for a smoky flavor. This addition enhances the traditional combination of tomato, basil, and garlic, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a unique take on classic Italian starters.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Bruschetta
Traeger Armadillo Eggs Recipe
This inventive recipe involves stuffing jalapeños with cheese, wrapping them in sausage meat, and smoking them. It’s a flavorful, spicy appetizer that’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Armadillo Eggs Recipe
Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites
A tantalizing combination of sweet pineapple and smoky bacon, these bites are an ideal mix of flavors for a unique and irresistible appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites
Smoked Hog-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
A creative appetizer, these jalapeno poppers are filled with rich smoked hog meat. The combination of spicy jalapenos and smoky flavors make these poppers a standout snack for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Hog-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Traeger Carnitas Taquitos
A delightful blend of crispy taquitos filled with smoked carnitas. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy Mexican cuisine with a smoky twist.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Carnitas Taquitos
Smoked Wild Hog Summer Sausage
A unique recipe for those who enjoy game meats, this summer sausage made from wild hog is smoked for enhanced flavor. It’s an adventurous choice for meat lovers looking to try something different.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Wild Hog Summer Sausage
Blackstone Pierogies
This recipe gives a new twist to traditional pierogies by cooking them on a Blackstone griddle. The griddle adds a unique crispness to the pierogies, enhancing their texture. It’s a great way to experiment with a classic dish, offering a delightful blend of soft filling and crispy exterior.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Pierogies
Poke Salmon Cakes
These Poke Salmon Cakes are a creative twist on traditional poke and salmon patties, combining flavors of the Hawaiian dish with the form of a cake. Ideal for seafood lovers, this recipe is a delightful blend of the fresh, zesty taste of poke with the satisfying texture of salmon cakes.
Get the Recipe: Poke Salmon Cakes
Rockfish and Spot Prawn Ceviche
A refreshing ceviche recipe featuring rockfish and spot prawns, perfect for those who enjoy a light, citrusy seafood dish.
Get the Recipe: Rockfish and Spot Prawn Ceviche
Garlic Parmesan Smoked Wings
These wings offer a smoky, cheesy, and garlicky flavor, perfect for those who love a rich and savory twist on classic smoked wings.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Smoked Wings
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.