The ideal New Year’s Eve dinner party needs to be so delicious that it kicks off the New Year in style, but easy enough that it doesn’t stress you out. So, we’ve pulled together the tastiest selection of New Year’s Eve recipes that pair perfectly with a cup of kindness and Auld Lang Syne!
From show-stopping starters to epic mains and tempting puds, the secret to a brilliant dinner-party recipe is all in the prep, and that’s where lots of these dishes really come into their own. All the hard work is done beforehand, enabling you to be the perfect host on the night.
Some of these New Year’s Eve dinner ideas come from Jamie’s cookbook Together, where he’s already created menus that make hosting a breeze – discover the recipe collections here. Happy New Year, everyone!
NEW YEAR’S EVE STARTERS
The beautifully balanced flavours in this prawn cocktail are so good. Sweet prawns, creamy avo, smoky bacon croutons, tangy Tabasco… Yes, it’s retro, but it’s also a winning way to start a meal.
Smoked salmon on NYE is a classic – and when paired with rich beetroot and a celeriac remoulade, it’s a taste sensation! Prep most of this dish ahead, then just fry the blinis before you serve. Simple.
Whether you serve this tear-and-share bread in the middle of the table and let everyone tuck in, or your guests enjoy it with a glass of something cold and bubbly when they arrive, garlic bread is always a good idea.
This starter looks and tastes delicious, yet is so easy to put together. Yes, you need to make your own pesto, but it makes all the difference here, and when topped with some shop-bought mozzarella, your guests will be suitably impressed and will all be coming back for more.
NEW YEAR’S EVE MAINS
Dishes don’t get much more show-stopping than this! With porchetta, you can really taste the love and care you put into it. Either serve it like you would a roast, alongside roasties and green veg, or have a bit of fun with salad, rolls and gravy for top-class dunking.
This veggie bake has layer upon layer of exciting flavour – fluffy rice, creamy beans, slow-cooked veg, crisp filo and that tangy feta topping. What’s not to love? Especially when you can prep most of it the day before, then assemble and bake on party night!
Always a winner, this classic beef stew will happily tick away until you’re ready to serve, also filling the house with wonderful aromas. Plus, marinating the beef cheeks and veg in red wine before cooking guarantees the most wonderful depth of flavour.
Take your roast game to the next level with this terrific trio. Stuffed chicken, rolled pork belly and topside of beef are all cooked in one tray, ensuring a best-of-the-best gravy. Jamie loves to serve this with Amazing hasselback potatoes with special pigs in blankets. It doesn’t get much better than that!
This recipe is perfect for those NYE get-togethers when you’ll be popping outside to watch the fireworks, and they’re sure to be a big hit with the kids. Gnarly sausage, cheesy mash and slaw are wrapped in a tortilla, then dunked in onion gravy, creating the tastiest handheld meal you’ll ever have.
For a fab veggie main, it doesn’t get much easier – or tastier – than this curry that can be made ahead and simply reheated in the oven to serve. Soft, sweet squash, fragrant coconut milk and beautiful spices come together to make a super-satisfying dinner. Just add rice, naan, mango chutney and Jamie’s Bombay mix-topped chopped salad.
Whisk your guests off to sunnier climes with this stuffed side of salmon. Anchovies, rosemary and capers give a real flavour kick, while the simple method elevates it to the next level. If you have any veggies coming, simply stuff a giant Portobello mushroom as well (just leave out the anchovies). So good.
For a fun NYE feast, throw a taco night! Set up a sharing table, where this pork belly will be the star of the show, and people can build their own. By slow-cooking the meat the day before, then roasting it on the day until crisp and golden, you get the best of both juicy and gnarly worlds. Gorgeous served with Roasted pineapple & hot red pepper sauce.
If you’re looking to spice up your NYE, may we introduce this truly impressive dish. Brisket is slow cooked until beautifully tender, while the wonderful mix of spices create irresistible layers of flavour. Plus, any leftovers will give you delicious dinners in the days that follow.
GRAZING BOARDS
Sometimes you just want something super easy with minimal cooking that people can help themselves to – and that’s where grazing boards come in. From cheese-based ones to winning ingredient combos, check out our brilliant grazing board ideas.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PUDS
Because who doesn’t love a good chocolate cake?! This one has secret chocolate rice layers for crunchy texture and a lovely nougat frosting flavoured with vanilla. Sparklers optional; smiles guaranteed.
A stunning pud that can be made ahead, then presented whenever you’re ready. Vin Santo-soaked panettone, glace fruit-spiked vanilla ice cream, all finished off with melted chocolate. What’s not to love?!
Black Forest flavours in cheesecake form, you say? Count us in. As the cheesecake is frozen, when you pour over the dark chocolate glaze it solidifies – like magic! Plus, you need to make it ahead, meaning it’s fuss-free on the night. Divine.
That heady mix of coffee, chocolate, cream and sherry makes a tiramisù the perfect end to a special meal. You can actually make this well ahead and freeze it until the day you’re ready to serve – if it lasts that long!
No festive dinner round-up would be complete without Jamie’s mum’s retro trifle. Layers of jelly, fruit and custard are topped with cream, and that all-important cheeky hit of Cointreau. It’s an oldie, but it’s a goodie.
Looking for more New Year’s Eve party inspo? Check out our collection, jam-packed with delicious ideas for cocktails, canapés, and much, much more.
