10 Show-Stopping Appetizers for Your New Year’s Eve Celebration

10 Show-Stopping Appetizers for Your New Year’s Eve Celebration (Made Easy with Select Brands Appliances!)

The countdown to a fresh start deserves a celebration as vibrant and memorable as the year ahead. Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a lively bash, your appetizers should shine just as brightly as the midnight fireworks. With Select Brands’ lineup of reliable appliances from TRU, Toastmaster, and Babycakes, you can create a variety of crowd-pleasing dishes with minimal mess and maximum wow factor.

Here’s a roundup of 10 impressive party appetizers that are simple to prepare, easy to serve, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Plus, we've paired each recipe with the perfect appliance to make your prep seamless.

1. Triple Dip Fondue Bar

Appliance: TRU Triple Slow Cooker with Three 2½ Quart Inserts
Elevate your party with a fondue bar that offers something for everyone. The TRU Triple Slow Cooker makes it easy to serve three warm dips at once, keeping your guests indulged all night.

Ingredients:

Cheese Fondue:

• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Non-Dairy Vegan Fondue:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Chocolate Fondue:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dippables:

• Crusty bread cubes
• Fresh veggies (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, apple slices)
• Marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Cheese Fondue:
• In one insert, combine Gruyere, cheddar, white wine, and garlic. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
2. Non-Dairy Fondue:
• Blend cashews, nutritional yeast, broth, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. Pour into the second insert and heat gently.
3. Chocolate Fondue:
• In the third insert, melt chocolate chips with heavy cream and vanilla. Stir until silky.
4. Arrange dippables on a platter and serve alongside the slow cooker for a fuss-free, interactive dining experience.

2. Crispy Coconut Shrimp with a Nutty Twist

Appliance: Toastmaster Air Fryer
This healthier version of coconut shrimp gets a delightful crunch with a pistachio twist. Perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor, these are a must-try for your next gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup ground pistachios
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Premade sweet chili sauce or we suggest an easy tahini dipping sauce for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Toastmaster Air Fryer to 375°F.
2. In three separate bowls, prepare the coating stations:
• Bowl 1: Flour
• Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
• Bowl 3: Mix coconut, ground pistachios, and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat each shrimp first in flour, then egg, and finally the coconut-pistachio mixture.
4. Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
5. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.

3. Mini Cheesecake Bites

Appliance: Toastmaster XL Toaster Oven with Convection
These individual cheesecakes are creamy, rich, and customizable with your favorite toppings. Perfect for parties, they’re baked to perfection in the Toastmaster XL Toaster Oven.

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 4 tbsp melted butter

Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings (optional):

• Fresh berries
• Caramel drizzle
• Chocolate ganache

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Toastmaster XL Toaster Oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottoms of a muffin tin or silicone cupcake molds.
3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the mixture over the crusts.
4. Place the muffin tin in the toaster oven and bake for 20 minutes or until set.
5. Let cool, then top with your choice of berries, caramel, or chocolate. Serve chilled for a bite-sized dessert that will impress your guests.

4. Grilled Mini Kabobs

Appliance: Toastmaster Electric Griddle (10” x 20”)
Alternate Option: Toastmaster Air Fryer (chicken or veggie kabobs only)
These mini kabobs are perfect party bites, offering a smoky, charred finish without the hassle of outdoor grilling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, beef, or tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey (optional for glaze)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Small wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Marinate the protein and veggies in olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Toastmaster Electric Griddle to medium heat.
3. Thread the protein and veggies onto skewers, alternating for variety.
4. Grill on the griddle for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the protein is cooked through and veggies are slightly charred.
5. For air frying, preheat the Toastmaster Air Fryer to 375°F and cook the kabobs for 8-10 minutes.
6. Serve warm with a dipping sauce of choice, such as tzatziki, chimichurri, or a spicy aioli.

5. Filo Dough Savory & Sweet Cups

Appliance: Babycakes Cupcake Maker
These versatile filo dough cups can be filled with both savory and sweet ingredients, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Cups:

• 1 package of pre-made filo dough sheets
• Melted butter

Savory Fillings:

1. Spinach & Feta:
• 1/2 cup cooked spinach (squeezed to remove excess water)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
2. Creamy Crab Dip:
• 1/2 cup lump crab meat
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Sweet Fillings:

1. Apple Pie:
• 1/2 cup diced apples
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
2. Nutella:
• 1/4 cup Nutella
• Sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts or powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Babycakes Cupcake Maker.
2. Cut the filo dough into small squares and layer 2-3 sheets per cupcake slot, brushing each layer with melted butter.
3. Gently press the layered filo squares into the cupcake maker slots to form a cup shape.
4. For savory cups, mix the spinach and feta or combine the crab dip ingredients, then spoon into the cups.
5. For sweet cups, fill with apple mixture or Nutella.
6. Close the lid and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the filo is golden and crispy.
7. Serve warm and enjoy both the savory and sweet varieties.

6. Fresh Eggplant Salsa with Homemade Chips

Appliance: Toastmaster Mini Chopper & Toastmaster Deep Fryer or Air Fryer
A classic party favorite elevated with a fresh take on homemade salsa and gourmet-style tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

Fresh Salsa:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for spice)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small eggplant, charred on the grill for flavor or a quick hack is to char on the stove burner, make sure there is good air ventilation. You want the char on the outside to add a smoky flavor to the salsa. 
• 5 cloves of fresh garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Homemade Chips:

• 6 corn tortillas or choice, cut into triangles
• Oil for frying (if using deep fryer)
• Sea salt or favorite seasonings

Optional Add-Ons:

• Pita chips with tapenade
• Air-fried veggie chips with garlic herb tahini

Instructions:

1. For the Salsa:
• Add tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, charred eggplant and salt to the Toastmaster Mini Chopper. Pulse until desired consistency is achieved (chunky or smooth).
2. For the Chips (Deep Fryer Method):

• Preheat the Toastmaster Deep Fryer to 375°F.
• Fry tortilla triangles in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
1. For the Chips (Air Fryer Method):
• Preheat the Toastmaster Air Fryer to 375°F.
• Lightly brush tortilla triangles with oil, sprinkle with salt, and air fry for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
2. Serve the salsa and chips together, and let guests enjoy the fresh, homemade flavors. For a twist, offer tapenade with pita chips or veggie chips with tahini salsa as alternative pairings.

7. Bite-Sized Flatbreads

Appliance: Toastmaster XL Toaster Oven with Convection
Perfectly crispy flatbreads with savory and sweet options to delight every guest at your New Year’s Eve party.

Ingredients:

Savory Flatbread:

• Pre-made flatbread dough
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1 cup fresh arugula
• Olive oil for drizzling

Sweet Flatbread:

• Pre-made flatbread dough
• 1/4 cup Nutella
• 1 banana, sliced
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Toastmaster XL Toaster Oven to 400°F.
2. For savory flatbread, spread caramelized onions over the dough, sprinkle with goat cheese, and bake for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Add fresh arugula and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
3. For sweet flatbread, spread Nutella over baked flatbread and top with banana slices. Dust with powdered sugar.
4. Slice into bite-sized portions and serve warm.

8. Miniature Gazpacho Shots

Appliance: TRU Cordless Rechargeable Blender
Refreshing and elegant, these chilled gazpacho shots are a sophisticated starter.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small garlic clove
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the TRU Cordless Rechargeable Blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Chill the gazpacho in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
3. Serve in small shot glasses and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for presentation.

9. Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Veggies

Appliance: Toastmaster 12” Nonstick Electric Skillet
A savory medley of sautéed veggies with a crispy Parmesan crust, elevated with a touch of bacon and balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 strips cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup mixed with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Small mozzarella balls (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in the Toastmaster Electric Skillet. Add zucchini, asparagus, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
2. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the veggies, allowing it to melt and form a light crust.
3. If desired, drizzle the maple balsamic reduction and top with bacon crumbles and mozzarella balls.
4. Serve warm as a flavorful and colorful appetizer.

10. Stuffed Meatballs with Sauce 3 Ways

Appliance: TRU Triple Slow Cooker
These stuffed meatballs simmered in three unique sauces are a hit for any party.

Ingredients:

Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mozzarella pearls or fresh herbs for stuffing

Sauces:

1. Traditional Marinara Sauce
2. Swedish Meatball Sauce (1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp flour for thickening)
3. Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce (1/2 cup marinara sauce, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and a splash of vodka)

Instructions:

1. Combine all meatball ingredients, form into balls, and stuff each with mozzarella or herbs.
2. Sear the meatballs in a Toastmaster skillet until browned.
3. Divide meatballs and sauces among the three inserts of the TRU Triple Slow Cooker.
4. Simmer on low for 2-3 hours until fully cooked.
5. Serve with toothpicks for easy party enjoyment, offering guests a choice of sauces to try.

Why Choose Select Brands Appliances?

Select Brands’ appliances from TRU, Toastmaster, and Babycakes make hosting stress-free and fun. The TRU line offers premium options for sophisticated dishes, while the Toastmaster line brings dependable versatility, and Babycakes adds whimsy and creativity. These trusted brands ensure your appetizers are as flawless as your celebration.

Wrapping Up the year strong:

With these 10 impressive appetizers and the help of Select Brands appliances, your New Year's Eve party will be unforgettable. Whether you’re crafting crispy bites in the air fryer, blending chilled soups, or serving multiple dips in the slow cooker, you’ll start the year strong with a menu that delights everyone.

Let us know which recipe you’re most excited to try in the comments below, and visit SelectBrands.com to shop these incredible appliances for your party-ready kitchen!