Whether you are celebrating New Year’s Eve or Hogmanay, cooking at home on New Year’s Eve is a quiet, but no less special way to see in the new year. As you’ll save on a restaurant meal, drinks, taxis and more, you can justify splashing out on premium ingredients, whether that’s a platter of oysters or the best cheeseboard money can buy. After all, 31 December is a night to treat yourself. Find inspiration from drinks to vegetarian options in our helpful New Year’s Eve menu.
We’ve rounded up our most luxurious, indulgent and memorable meals to serve up on New Year’s Eve – we’re talking feasts that are so good, they’re worth staying in to enjoy.
Read on to discover our celebration recipes for dining before the clock strikes midnight. If you’re having a New Year’s Eve party at home, be sure to serve up some of our favourite New Year’s Eve party cocktails and keep your guests satisfied with our New Year’s Eve party food. If you’re keeping it close with just the family then we have our family New Year’s Eve recipes that will satisfy kids and grandparents alike.
The best New Year’s Eve dinner ideas
1. Squash & blue cheese wellington
This is a true celebratory classic, and we have plenty of wellington inspiration if you’re planning to make one for New Year’s Eve. There’s the classic beef version, as well as twists such as pork, veggie, vegan and sausage in our ultimate wellington collection. And yes, the sausage version is essentially a giant sausage roll, a dish we’ll always welcome with open arms.
2. Spicy clam & kale linguine
Silky pasta with fresh steamed shellfish makes a great meal for two, and is quick to make, so you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself. Ask your fishmonger for advice on what’s in season in December – expect clams, oysters and mussels – and pair your pasta with a wine, like a bright white with mineral notes to complement the seafood.
3. Spiced duck breasts with sticky clementine sauce
Make the most of your air fryer to make this stylish dinner with seasonal clementines, dried apricots and honey. Scale it up if you’re serving a crowd or keep it as a special dinner for two, then find out our top tips for how to cook duck breast.
4. Twice-cooked beef short ribs
A joint of slow-cooked meat makes an impressive centrepiece when entertaining. Our roast beef recipes include a classic, showstopping bone-in rib joint and prosciutto-wrapped fillet, but if you fancy shaking it up, try serving beef short ribs. This thriftier cut is slow-cooked until tender, then served with dripping carrots and fancy gravy.
5. Old Delhi-style butter chicken
Curry is the perfect one-pot meal to cook for a special night in, as it can be easily scaled up or down depending on the size of your crowd. Our comprehensive collection of curry recipes includes regional Indian dishes, vegan satay curry and comforting dhal. Our choice for New Year’s Eve is this epic Old Delhi-style butter chicken, because any dish that involves ghee and cream is truly worthy of celebration.
6. Slow-baked sticky gammon
Ham is a popular choice at Christmas time, but it can be enjoyed for almost any special occasion. Our sticky gammon recipe is a cross between a traditional festive ham and pulled pork. Serve with buns or rice, plus a sweet pineapple chutney to cut through the rich glazed meat.
7. Lobster mac & cheese
It’s almost impossible to improve on a classic macaroni cheese, but the relatively neutral base makes it perfect for adding some interesting, flavourful ingredients. On New Year’s Eve, try a luxurious version made with lobster tails – nobody needs to know they came from the freezer aisle. For more inspiration, browse our macaroni cheese collection for more traditional versions, plus a vegan mac.
8. Whole roast cauliflower
Cauliflower is a versatile ingredient that soaks up plenty of flavour. Take it to another level with festive pomegranate jewels and thick, creamy yogurt. For a veggie version, try our whole roast cauliflower with red wine & grains. Serve with a selection of colourful winter salads or tapas sides.
9. Smoky aubergine & pepper tagine
This is the perfect prep-ahead vegan dish. You can make a batch of our aubergine and pepper tagine ahead of time to save yourself from too much work on the day, then put extra portions in the freezer for a rainy day. Why not serve with some of our quick and easy flatbreads to mop everything up.
10. Slow-roasted lamb shoulder
Lamb shoulder is great, because most of the prep is done in advance – a low oven simply cooks the meat slowly while you get on with other things. Rosie Birkett’s lamb shoulder recipe uses a shallot, anchovy and multi-herb marinade, and is served with a lemony gremolata for freshness. If you have any leftovers, serve Rosie’s lamb shoulder & smoky aubergine flatbreads on New Year’s Day for a take on Turkish lahmacun, a dish that takes the concept of pizza to a whole new stratosphere.
11. Squash steaks with chestnut & cavolo nero pilaf
Go meat-free and make our vegan-friendly butternut squash ‘steaks’. This recipe uses seasonal ingredients, including robust chestnuts and leafy cavolo nero, plus warm cumin and cinnamon to ramp up the flavour. Dairy-free coconut yogurt adds coolness and contrast to finish. This dish looks extra-special, but is an absolute cinch to put together.
12. Stuffed bolognese pasta bake
This Good Food magazine cover star caused a stir with readers and social media fans, and for good reason. It combines bolognese sauce with a pasta bake, and the results are magic. The pasta shells are stuffed with a mascarpone and mozzarella mixture to give the dish a deliciously cheesy element, as every good pasta bake should have.
13. Chicken terrine with leeks & apricots
Impress your guests with this elegant chicken terrine, layered with tender leeks and sweet apricots. It makes a fantastic starter or a light yet flavour-packed main, perfect alongside a crisp white roll to spread it on. The best part? You can prepare the terrine up to three days ahead, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the evening with your guests. A little effort upfront goes a long way in delivering a truly special dish.
14. Next-level porchetta
Create a showstopping centrepiece with this budget-friendly porchetta, perfect for feeding a crowd. This succulent rolled pork joint is ideal for special occasions and serves up to ten, making it a great choice for celebrating at home. Even if a night out isn’t on the cards, you can still gather your loved ones around the table for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to kick off the year on the right note.
15. Easy salmon coulibiac
This stunning fish and rice dish, wrapped in crisp filo pastry, looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. By using ready-made filo and a pouch of cooked brown rice, you’ll save both time and effort, making it the perfect choice for a stylish yet stress-free New Year’s celebration. Ideal for impressing guests without the hassle, it’s a simple way to welcome the year with flair.
More New Year’s Eve inspiration…
New Year’s Eve menu plan
Alternative wellington recipes for NYE
The best ever New Year’s Eve party food
Top New Year’s Eve cocktails
Cocktail recipes and tips
10 gin and tonics with a twist
How will you be celebrating on 31 December? Leave a comment below…
