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19 Extra Easy New Years Dishes Perfect for First-Time Hosts

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By Robin Donovan

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19 Extra Easy New Years Dishes Perfect for First-Time Hosts

Stepping into the role of host this New Year’s can be as seamless as the midnight countdown with these 19 dishes. They’re crafted to ease the load without skimping on the cheer, perfect for those hosting their first bash. From the sizzle of air-fried favorites to the comforting hum of the Instant Pot, get ready to ring in the new with flavors that’ll have everyone talking well into the year.

A person is holding a pastry with chocolate and walnuts.

Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked salmon dip in a bowl with crackers and veggies for dipping.
Smoked Salmon Dip. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish presents a flavorful start to any gathering, featuring smoked salmon blended into a creamy base. It’s a convenient choice for hosts looking to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip

Instant Pot Ham

Sliced ham with oranges and mint.
Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ideal for first-time hosts, this Instant Pot recipe delivers a succulent ham with a glaze that melds sweet and savory notes, all with the ease of a set-and-forget approach.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

Chocolate Rugelach

A person is holding a pastry with chocolate and walnuts.
Chocolate Rugelach. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chocolate rugelach brings a touch of indulgence in bite-sized form, featuring a chocolate filling rolled in soft pastry. It’s a sweet addition that requires little hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Rugelach

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Empanadas in the air fryer emerge with a flaky crust and can be stuffed with a variety of fillings. They’re a versatile and less-mess option for an appetizer or a snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Apple Galette

Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Simple yet rustic, this open-faced pie showcases the natural sweetness of apples, making for an unfussy dessert that’s as comforting as it is easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Gochujang Noodles

Low angle shot of gochujang noodles with greens, mushrooms, and cheese on a grey and white plate.
Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A vibrant bowl of noodles, this dish combines the Korean chili paste, gochujang, for a sweet and spicy flavor profile. It’s a quick and trendy dish that adds an international twist to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles

Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Fried wontons on a black plate with dipping sauce.
Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These wontons combine pork and shrimp in a crispy wrapper, creating a delightful contrast in textures. They’re a crowd-pleaser that can be made in advance and fried just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Salpicon de Res

Low angle shot of mini tostadas with salpicon de res or shredded beef salad on top.
Salpicon de Res. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This refreshing Mexican salad is heaped with shredded beef and crisp vegetables, tossed in a zesty lime dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that’s effortlessly put together.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This recipe offers a crisp exterior and tender interior, providing a decadent yet straightforward dish that capitalizes on the convenience of an air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Offering a spicy kick, this grilled steak is enhanced with a compound chile butter, melding heat with the rich flavors of the meat. It’s a main course that’s both easy and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Lamb kofta kebabs on a wooden board with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Lamb Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

XX Extra Easy New Years Dishes Perfect for First-Time HostsMiddle Eastern flavors shine in these skewers, with spiced ground lamb formed around sticks and grilled. They’re a simple yet exotic option that’s sure to intrigue guests.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A Korean classic, these bowls feature marinated beef with a balance of sweet and savory, served over rice. It’s an accessible dish that brings international flair to the table.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Arepas con Queso

Close up shot of an arepa con queso split open to show the cheesy filling.
Arepas con Queso. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Venezuelan arepas stuffed with cheese offer a warm, cornmeal pocket with a melty heart. They’re a hands-on favorite that’s surprisingly straightforward to make.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon wrapped jalapenos on a white plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These poppers are a spicy and cheesy treat, with the air fryer delivering a healthier version without sacrificing the crunch. They’re a quick fix for a spicy appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Instant Pot Country Ribs

Country pork ribs on a plate next to an instant pot.
Instant Pot Country Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The Instant Pot transforms country ribs into a tender, fall-apart dish with a rich sauce. It’s a stress-free main that lets the host enjoy the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Country Ribs

Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Cantonese barbecue pork recipe yields a sweet and savory exterior with a tender interior. It’s a classic dish that’s simpler to prepare than it appears.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With the bold flavors of hoisin sauce, this beef dish offers a sticky glaze and rich taste in a surprisingly uncomplicated preparation.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Crispy Beef

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Quick to prepare, this beef gets a crunchy coating and is tossed with a tangy sauce. It’s a lively dish that adds a textural contrast to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan dan noodles in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Dan Dan Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These Sichuan noodles carry a nutty and spicy sauce, delivering a dish full of complex flavors that’s unexpectedly easy for any host to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles

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