New Year, 18 Make-Ahead Recipes to Wow Your Guests!

New Year's Eve is just around the corner, and if you're like me, you love celebrating with a bang but dread the stress of last-minute cooking. I always find myself scrambling to put together a delicious spread while trying to enjoy the festivities with my loved ones.

That's why I've decided this year to get ahead of the game. I've compiled 18 fantastic make-ahead recipes that will not only save you time but also wow your guests. From scrumptious appetizers to mouthwatering desserts, these recipes are perfect for making your New Year's celebration as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So, grab your apron and let's dive into these tasty dishes!

1. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

A classic party favorite that you can prepare well in advance.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
2. Transfer to a baking dish and cover with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

2. Mini Quiches

Perfect little bites that pack a ton of flavor and can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 1 roll of refrigerated pie crust
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• 1 cup diced ham or cooked bacon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out pie crust and cut into small circles to fit mini muffin tins.
3. Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Place pie crust rounds into muffin tins and fill with cheese and ham.
5. Pour egg mixture over the top.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set.

3. Stuffed Mushrooms

These savory mushrooms are a hit at any party, and you can assemble them ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 24 large mushrooms, stems removed
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
2. Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
3. Arrange stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20 minutes.

4. Deviled Eggs

A classic appetizer that never goes out of style and can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Hard-boil the eggs by placing them in a pot of water and bringing to a boil. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath.
2. Peel and halve the eggs. Scoop out yolks and place in a bowl.
3. Mash yolks and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
5. Arrange on a platter, sprinkle with paprika, cover, and refrigerate.

5. Beef Sliders

These mini sliders are juicy and delicious, plus you can prep them ahead.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mini slider buns
• Cheese slices, pickles, and condiments for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix ground beef, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form into small patties and place on a baking sheet.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
4. Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan, cook sliders for 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Serve on mini buns with cheese, pickles, and condiments.

6. Caprese Salad Skewers

A simple, yet elegant appetizer that can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.
2. Arrange on a platter and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate.
3. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

7. Marinated Olives

An easy, flavorful appetizer that gets better the longer it sits.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed olives (green and black)
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Transfer to a jar or airtight container.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.

8. Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

These flavorful skewers can be prepped a day ahead for easy grilling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Wooden skewers

For Peanut Sauce:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours.
2. Thread chicken onto skewers and refrigerate.
3. For the peanut sauce, whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
4. Grill chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Serve with peanut sauce.

9. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A delightful, colorful pasta salad that's even better the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over pasta salad and mix well.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

10. Sausage Rolls

These pastries are perfect for a party and can be made ahead and frozen.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage meat
• 1 package puff pastry sheets
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 egg, beaten
• Sesame seeds for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Roll out puff pastry and spread a thin layer of mustard.
3. Place sausage meat in a line down the center and roll pastry around it.
4. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
5. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Arrange on a baking sheet, cover, and freeze until ready to bake.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

11. Cheese Platter

A beautiful cheese platter that you can arrange ahead and pull out when guests arrive.

Ingredients:

• Selection of cheeses (cheddar, brie, blue cheese, goat cheese)
• Crackers and bread
• Fresh and dried fruits
• Nuts
• Honey or jams

Instructions:

1. Arrange cheeses on a large platter.
2. Add crackers, bread, fruits, and nuts around the cheeses.
3. Place honey or jams in small bowls.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

12. Chocolate Truffles

Rich and decadent, these truffles are perfect for a sweet treat that can be made well in advance.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Cocoa powder or powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate, butter, and cream in a double boiler until smooth.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours until firm.
3. Scoop out small amounts and roll into balls.
4. Roll in cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

13. Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

These meatballs are flavorful and can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chili sauce
• 1/2 cup grape jelly

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, and garlic in a bowl. Form into small meatballs.
3. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, heat chili sauce and grape jelly until melted.
5. Transfer meatballs to a slow cooker and pour sauce over the top.
6. Keep warm until ready to serve.

14. Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy and loaded with toppings, these potato skins can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.

Ingredients:

• 6 large baking potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Bake potatoes for 1 hour or until tender. Cool slightly and cut in half lengthwise.
3. Scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato.
4. Fill each skin with cheese and bacon.
5. Arrange on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve with sour cream and green onions.

15. Shrimp Cocktail

A classic appetizer that is easy to assemble and can be made the day before.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cocktail sauce
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain and chill immediately in an ice bath.
2. Arrange shrimp on a platter with cocktail sauce in the center.
3. Garnish with lemon wedges.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

16. Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Elegant and easy to make, these can be prepared in advance and chilled until needed.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and dried
• 1 package (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
2. Dip each strawberry in chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Let set at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator.
4. Transfer to a serving platter when ready.

17. Bruschetta

An Italian classic that's easy to make and tastes better the longer it marinates.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Toast baguette slices just before serving.
4. Top each slice with the tomato mixture and serve.

18. Lemon Bars

Tangy and sweet, these bars are perfect for a make-ahead dessert that can be cut and served easily.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup flour
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix butter, 2 cups flour, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a bowl until crumbly. Press into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
4. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup flour.
5. Pour over the hot crust and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
6. Cool completely before cutting into squares and dusting with powdered sugar.

Conclusion

These 18 make-ahead recipes are sure to free up your time, allowing you to enjoy the New Year with family and friends. With everything from appetizers to desserts prepared ahead, you’ll be stress-free and ready to celebrate. Happy New Year, and happy cooking!