There’s nothing quite like starting the New Year with a table full of delicious, bite-sized treats that everyone can’t stop reaching for. Trust me, these New Year’s appetizers are the perfect way to kick off your celebration. They’re quick to make, fuss-free, and guaranteed to disappear faster than the countdown to midnight. I’ve been making these for years, and they’ve become a non-negotiable part of our family’s New Year’s Eve spread.
What I love most is how simple they are to throw together. With just a handful of ingredients—cream cheese, puff pastry, and a few spices—you can create something that feels fancy but takes barely any effort. Plus, they’re so versatile! Whether you’re hosting a big party or just having a cozy night in, these little pastries are always a hit.
And let’s be honest, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen when you could be celebrating? These appetizers let you do just that. Whip them up, pop them in the oven, and get back to the party. They’re warm, flaky, and packed with flavor—everything you need to start the year off right. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These New Year’s Appetizers
These little pastries aren’t just tasty—they’re downright addictive, and here’s why:
- Super quick to make: From start to finish, you’re looking at just 35 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show!
- Crowd-pleasing flavors: The creamy, garlicky filling with that buttery puff pastry? People will be coming back for thirds (I’ve seen it happen).
- Super versatile: Swap the chives for green onions, add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or drizzle with honey for sweet-savory magic.
- Perfect party food: They’re bite-sized, mess-free, and taste just as good at room temperature as they do warm.
Honestly, the hardest part is keeping them on the platter long enough for your guests to arrive!
Ingredients for New Year’s Appetizers
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible bites (and yes, every single one matters!):
- 1 cup cream cheese – Use full-fat for the richest flavor, and make sure it’s softened so it mixes smoothly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream – This adds just the right tang and keeps the filling creamy.
- 1/4 cup chopped chives – Fresh is best here, but I’ll tell you about swaps below.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Trust me, powder blends better than fresh garlic in this recipe.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – A little kick never hurt anybody!
- 1 package puff pastry – Thaw it in the fridge overnight—no shortcuts here.
- 1 egg (for egg wash) – Just whisk it with a splash of water for that golden shine.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No chives? Green onions work great—just use the green parts! Dairy-free? Swap in vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt. Out of puff pastry? Crescent roll dough can pinch-hit in a pinch. The key is keeping the ratios right—don’t skimp on the creaminess!
How to Make New Year’s Appetizers
Ready to turn those ingredients into golden, flaky bites of heaven? Let’s do this—step by step:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This isn’t just a formality—puff pastry needs that instant heat to rise properly!
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in those gorgeous chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste it (you know you want to)—adjust seasoning if needed.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 2-inch squares—no need to be perfect, rustic edges add charm.
- Fill ‘em up: Drop a heaping teaspoon of filling in the center of each square. Pro tip: Don’t overfill or you’ll have a cheesy explosion!
- Fold & seal: Bring opposite corners together to form little triangles. Press the edges firmly with a fork—this keeps the filling from leaking during baking.
- Egg wash magic: Whisk that egg with 1 tbsp water and brush it lightly over each pastry. This gives that beautiful golden color.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
That’s it! Let them cool just enough so no one burns their tongue—though good luck stopping your guests from diving in immediately.
Tips for Perfect New Year’s Appetizers
For extra crispiness, bake 2-3 minutes longer. Prevent sticking by lining your tray with parchment. Make ahead? Assemble unbaked pastries and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking. Easy!
Serving Suggestions for New Year’s Appetizers
These golden little bites deserve a spotlight! Serve them warm on a big platter with extra chopped chives sprinkled over top—it makes them look fancy with zero effort. For drinks, they’re perfect with bubbly champagne (hello, New Year’s vibes!) or a crisp white wine. Want a full spread? Pair them with other easy finger foods like stuffed mushrooms or a charcuterie board. Just be prepared—they disappear fast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store these pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make them soggy, and nobody wants that!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates—your exact counts might vary depending on brands and how generous you are with the filling! Per pastry (and let’s be real, you won’t stop at just one):
- 120 calories
- 8g fat (4g saturated)
- 10g carbs
- 2g protein
Not too bad for something this delicious, right? The puff pastry does most of the heavy lifting calorie-wise, but hey—it’s New Year’s! A little indulgence never hurt anybody.
FAQs About New Year’s Appetizers
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pastries (without baking) and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before your party. When guests arrive, just pop them in the oven—fresh and warm in minutes. The egg wash might need a quick re-whisk before brushing if it sits too long.
Can I freeze these New Year’s appetizers?
You bet! Freeze unbaked pastries on a tray until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2 months. Bake straight from frozen—just add 3-5 extra minutes. Already baked? They’ll lose some crispiness but still taste great reheated at 350°F.
What other fillings can I use?
Get creative! Try smoked salmon with dill, caramelized onions with goat cheese, or even a sweet version with jam and brie. Just keep the filling thick enough to prevent soggy pastry.
Why did my pastries leak filling?
Two likely culprits: overfilling or not sealing edges tightly enough. Next time, use slightly less filling and really press those edges with a fork—it makes all the difference!
Made these for your celebration? Share your party photos with us—I’d love to see your twist on these crowd-pleasers!
Print
35-Minute New Year’s Appetizers That Steal the Spotlight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious appetizers perfect for celebrating New Year’s.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 package puff pastry
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into small squares.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chives with green onions.
- For a crispier texture, bake for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
