11 Party-Ready Recipes to Ring In 2016 on New Year's Eve (and at Brunch the Next Day)

Bid farewell to 2015 and usher in the new year with these dressed-up eats and drinks.

Related To:

Best New Year's Eve Recipes

You've decked the halls, made the season bright and let it snow (depending on where you live), and now it's time to ring in the new year with a party-ready menu fit for the final feast of 2015. Though New Year's Eve fare might seem downright decadent — Champagne, anyone? — your menu doesn't have to be especially extravagant to feel fancy. All it takes is a few dressed-up dishes, and perhaps some bubbly at midnight, to kick-start 2016 on a high note.

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

Barefoot Contessa's Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

Photo by: Tara Donne ©Food Network

Tara Donne, Food Network

Finger food is the name of the New Year's Eve game, as easy, fuss-free bites allow for casual chitchatting — and a free hand to hold your cocktail. Ina Garten's speedy recipe is best served alongside her tangy cocktail sauce, spiked with horseradish for extra bite.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

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Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It's all about the meaty filling in Rachael Ray's top-rated appetizer. She stuffs two-bite mushrooms with a garlicky mixture of sweet Italian sausage, spinach and nutty Parmesan cheese.

Gorgonzola Spinach Artichoke Dip

GORGONZOLA SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP Rachael Ray 30 Minute Meals/Casual New Year’s Eve Food Network Frozen Spinach, Frozen Artichoke Hearts, Butter, Garlic, Allpurpose Flour, Chicken Stock, Milk, Pepper, Ground Nutmeg, Gorgonzola Crumbles, Asiago or ParmigianoReggiano, Thick Sesame Bread Sticks, Celery Hearts, Pita Crisps with Parmesan

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

To transform everyday spinach-artichoke dip, Rachael swaps in an unexpected cheese that delivers bold results — creamy Gorgonzola — for the usual cream cheese. Follow her lead and save time in the kitchen by starting with frozen spinach and artichoke hearts for simple prep.

Grand Champagne Cocktail

Boy Meets Grill Grand Champagne Cocktail

Frame 1041 Bobby Flay's Grand Champagne Cocktail is made of orange-flavored liqueur, honey and strawberries. ,Frame 1041 Bobby Flay's Grand Champagne Cocktail is made of orange-flavored liqueur, honey and strawberries.

Put a signature spin on your bottle of bubbly by making Bobby Flay's 10-minute sipper, featuring a fresh strawberry mixture laced with orange-flavored liqueur.

Lamb Meatball Sliders

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Food Stylist: Anne Disrude Prop Stylist: Meghan Guthrie

Photo by: Joseph de Leo

Joseph de Leo

Not just for weekend tailgates, sliders can get dressed up for a holiday party, too. In this recipe from Food Network Magazine, spicy lamb sausage and ground lamb replace the traditional ground beef in the meatballs, while an herbed goat cheese spread brightens up the dish with cool, fresh flavors.

Salted Caramel Brownies

FNM_2012_Ina_Garten_Oct 36762.tif

Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell Prop Stylist: Barb Fritz

Photo by: Steve Giralt

Steve Giralt

Just like chocolate and peanut butter, caramel and salt are simply better together, as Ina's richly decadent brownies, featured in Food Network Magazine, show off with a next-level topping.

Lobster Mac & Cheese

FNM_2012_Ina_Garten_Oct 36714 1.tif

Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell Prop Stylist: Barb Fritz ,Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell Prop Stylist: Barb Fritz

Photo by: Steve Giralt

Steve Giralt

The key to serving a fancy ingredient like lobster at a party is stretching it in a less-indulgent dish, as Ina does in this easy mac and cheese from Food Network Magazine. Gruyère and extra-sharp cheddar make up the gooey cheese sauce in Ina's comforting recipe, while a breadcrumb topping offers a crunchy texture to the dish.

Fried Olives

Crispy on the outside and warm on the inside, these breaded-then-fried olives transform a Spanish meat-and-cheese plate into a next-level platter.

Bellini Bar

If your New Year's plans focus more on a January 1 brunch than on the countdown to midnight the night before, you can still raise a glass to 2016 with Giada De Laurentiis' big-batch cocktail bar. She prepares a trio of fruit purees, then lets guests choose which to use in their sippers with bubbly Prosecco.

Good Morning Muffins

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Topped with a buttery cinnamon-brown sugar topping, The Pioneer Woman's 30-minute muffins will sweeten up the spread at your New Year's brunch.

Breakfast Sausage Casserole

Description: Trisha Yearwood's Breakfast Sausage Casserole. Keywords: White Loaf Bread, Pork Sausage, Sharp Cheddar, Half-and-Half, Dry Mustard, Eggs.

The beauty of Trisha Yearwood's all-in-one morning meal is that it can be prepped the night before. When you're ready to enjoy this cheesy sausage-egg casserole in the morning, simply bake it until slightly golden.

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