Food to Serve on New Year’s Eve: 7 Irresistible Ideas

By:

Christina R. Jones

December 19, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

New Year’s Eve is all about celebrating with family and friends, and what better way to do that than with delicious food to serve on New Year’s Eve? Whether you’re hosting a big party or having a cozy gathering at home, having the right appetizers can set the perfect tone for the night. Trust me, nothing gets the party started like a platter of mouthwatering bites that everyone can dig into while reminiscing about the past year and making plans for the new one!

One of my absolute favorite go-to appetizers is baked shrimp. It’s not just about the flavor; it’s also about how quick it is to whip up! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. The moment you pull that golden, juicy shrimp out of the oven, the aroma fills the room, and I guarantee you’ll have everyone asking for the recipe! So, let’s dive into some tasty ideas to make your New Year’s Eve celebration unforgettable.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful baked shrimp:

1 pound shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp, and make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds a beautiful richness to the shrimp and helps the spices stick. Extra virgin is my favorite for flavor!
1 teaspoon garlic powder: A simple way to add that delicious garlic flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic.
1 teaspoon paprika: This spice gives the shrimp a lovely color and a hint of smokiness. Feel free to use smoked paprika for an extra kick!
Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key, so sprinkle according to your preference.
1 lemon, sliced: Fresh lemon slices add brightness and a zesty aroma while the shrimp bakes.
Fresh parsley for garnish: This adds a pop of color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing!

Gather these ingredients, and get ready to impress your guests with a flavor-packed dish that’s super easy to prepare!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making these scrumptious baked shrimp! It’s super simple, and I promise you won’t have any trouble following along.

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your shrimp cook evenly and come out perfectly tender!
Mix your shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every shrimp is well-coated with those delicious seasonings. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the flavor comes alive!
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (trust me, you’ll thank me later!) and spread the shrimp out in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly and get that lovely golden color.
Add lemon slices: Place the lemon slices right on top of the shrimp. As they bake, the lemon will infuse a fresh, zesty flavor into the shrimp.
Bake away: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn a lovely pink color and are opaque. Keep an eye on them, as overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp – yikes!
Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the shrimp for a gorgeous presentation. Serve them hot with cocktail sauce on the side for dipping, and watch your guests devour them!

And there you have it! A quick, fuss-free recipe that’s bound to be the star of your New Year’s Eve spread!

Nutritional Information Section

Let’s talk nutrition! These baked shrimp not only taste amazing but are also packed with good stuff. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (about 4 shrimp):

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g (with only 1g saturated fat)
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But overall, this dish makes for a delightful, guilt-free appetizer that you can feel good about serving to your loved ones this New Year’s Eve!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a 15-minute prep time, you can have a delicious appetizer ready to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, paprika, and fresh lemon makes these baked shrimp bursting with flavor, ensuring everyone comes back for more!
Perfect for Gatherings: These bite-sized delights are perfect for any New Year’s Eve celebration, allowing your guests to snack and mingle without missing a beat.
Healthy Option: Low in calories and high in protein, this dish is a guilt-free treat that everyone can enjoy!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your baked shrimp turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to ensure success:

Don’t crowd the pan: Give your shrimp some space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast, and we want that lovely golden color!
Use fresh shrimp: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Adjust your seasoning: Feel free to play around with the spices! If you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a kick.
Keep an eye on cooking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your shrimp a minute or two before the suggested time. You want them just pink and tender, not overcooked!
Serve immediately: These shrimp are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, so have your serving platter ready to go!

With these tips in mind, you’ll be the star of your New Year’s Eve party with perfectly baked shrimp that everyone will love!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with these baked shrimp! Here are some delicious variations to consider:

Herb-Infused: Swap in fresh herbs like dill or thyme instead of parsley for a different flavor profile. Just chop them finely and sprinkle them over the shrimp before serving!
Spicy Twist: If you love a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture. Trust me, that extra kick will have everyone talking!
Asian-Inspired: Try marinating the shrimp in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian flair. Top with sesame seeds and green onions after baking for a beautiful presentation.
Cheesy Delight: For a decadent twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the shrimp during the last few minutes of baking. It adds a wonderful creamy texture!

These variations not only keep things interesting but also let your creativity shine. Enjoy experimenting!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these delicious baked shrimp, pairing them with the right dishes and drinks can elevate your New Year’s Eve celebration to the next level! I love to serve them alongside a refreshing mixed green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The crisp greens and tangy dressing balance the savory shrimp beautifully.

For a drink, a chilled glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the shrimp’s flavors perfectly. If you’re feeling festive, why not whip up a batch of sparkling mocktails or cocktails with fresh citrus juices and a splash of soda? They’re light, bubbly, and set the celebratory mood.

Don’t forget to have some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for soaking up any leftover juices on the plate. Trust me, your guests will thank you for it! With these pairings, you’ll create a delightful dining experience that everyone will remember.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover baked shrimp (though I doubt it!), storing them properly is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact. Let the shrimp cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed right after baking!

When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that lovely texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make shrimp rubbery, and we definitely don’t want that! With these simple steps, you can enjoy your baked shrimp even after the party ends!

What to Do Next

I’d love to hear how your baked shrimp turns out! After you’ve enjoyed them, please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any tweaks you made to the recipe. Did you try a fun variation? What did your guests think? Your feedback not only makes my day but helps other readers too! And if you loved it, don’t forget to rate the recipe! Let’s keep the celebration going as we welcome the New Year together!