Quick Appetizers & Desserts for a New Year’s Celebration

Quick & Easy Appetizers

1. Spicy Tuna or Sardine Toast Bites

Turn simple canned fish into stylish canapés.

How to make:

• Mix drained canned tuna or sardines with mayonnaise or yoghurt, a squeeze of lemon or lime, chopped onion, chilli and fresh herbs.

• Spread on toasted baguette slices or crackers.

• Garnish with a small slice of tomato, cucumber or fresh chilli.

Ready in 10–15 minutes and perfect with drinks.

2. Mini Skewers: Sausage, Cheese & Veg

Skewers always look fancy but are incredibly simple.

How to make:

• Cut cooked sausage into small pieces.

• Add cubes of cheese and cherry tomato or cucumber slices.

• Thread onto toothpicks or small skewers.

You get protein, colour and bite-sized fun with almost no effort.

3. Loaded Plantain or Potato “Nachos”

A quick twist on nachos using whatever you have.

How to make:

• Fry or bake thin slices of plantain or potatoes until crisp.

• Pile onto a tray.

• Top with chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, grated cheese and a bit of chilli.

• Place under a hot grill or in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Serve with a simple yoghurt or avocado dip.

4. Three-Ingredient Party Dip

A creamy dip that you can whip up in one bowl.

How to make:

• Mix mayonnaise and thick yoghurt or sour cream.

• Add garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

• Stir in chopped herbs (parsley, coriander, chives or spring onion).

Serve with crackers, breadsticks, vegetable sticks or chips. You can make a spicy version by adding chilli or a spoon of hot sauce.

5. Quick Chicken or Veg Spring Rolls (Shortcut Version)

If you use pre-made wrappers, these come together fast.

How to make:

• Stir-fry shredded cabbage, carrots, onions and leftover chicken or mince with soy sauce and pepper.

• Spoon onto spring roll wrappers, roll up and seal with a bit of flour + water paste.

• Fry until golden or brush with oil and bake.

Perfect finger food for guests to grab between conversations.

Quick & Easy Desserts

6. No-Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cups

Individually portioned, rich and surprisingly simple.

How to make:

• Crush plain biscuits and mix with melted butter and a little sugar.

• Press into the base of small cups or ramekins.

• Top with a quick chocolate mixture (melted chocolate or cocoa mixed with milk and a bit of sugar) or ready-made chocolate pudding.

• Chill until set.

Decorate with grated chocolate, fruit or nuts before serving.

7. Fruit & Yoghurt Parfait Glasses

Light, refreshing and good for late-night snacking.

How to make:

• Mix thick yoghurt with a little honey or sugar and vanilla.

• Layer in glasses with chopped fruit (mango, pineapple, berries, grapes, or whatever is in season).

• Add granola or crushed biscuits for crunch.

Looks colourful and elegant, but takes only a few minutes.

8. Caramelised Plantain Dessert Bites

A super-fast dessert that doubles as a sweet snack.

How to make:

• Slice ripe plantain into rounds.

• Fry in a little butter or oil until golden on both sides.

• Sprinkle with brown sugar or honey and a pinch of cinnamon.

• Let the sugar melt and coat the plantain.

Serve warm on a platter with toothpicks, or with a small scoop of ice cream for something richer.

9. Peanut & Chocolate Clusters

No-bake, bite-sized and perfect for a snack bowl.

How to make:

• Melt chocolate (or chocolate chips / cocoa mix with a little oil) over gentle heat.

• Stir in roasted peanuts or a mix of nuts and cornflakes.

• Drop spoonfuls onto a tray lined with baking paper.

• Chill until firm.

You get crunchy, sweet, salty bites that are great for passing around.

10. New Year’s Ice Cream Bar

Instead of one dessert, set up a mini DIY ice cream station.

How to do it:

• Buy a tub or two of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or any favourite flavour).

• Put out bowls of toppings:

  • Crushed biscuits

  • Toasted nuts or peanuts

  • Chocolate chips or grated chocolate

  • Fruit pieces

  • Syrups or honey

Guests build their own sundaes — zero stress for you, maximum fun for them.

Tips for a Low-Stress New Year’s Menu

• Prep earlier in the day: Chop vegetables, mix dips and slice fruit ahead, then just assemble before guests arrive.

• Think finger food: Choose things that don’t need knives and forks — easier for everyone.

• Mix hot and cold options: Some hot bites (spring rolls, loaded plantain) plus cold options (dips, parfaits) keep the table interesting.

• Use what you already have: Leftover rice, cake, bread or fruit can all be turned into quick appetizers or desserts.

Conclusion

New Year’s Eve food doesn’t need to be complicated to feel festive. With a handful of quick appetizers like spicy toast bites, loaded plantain “nachos” and simple dips, plus easy desserts like chocolate biscuit cups, caramelised plantain and DIY ice cream bowls, you can feed a crowd without losing the joy of the countdown.

Keep it simple, bold in flavour and fun to eat — and you’ll have more time to actually enjoy the celebration, not just cook for it.