15 New Year's Eve Dinner Ideas

By Hayley Sugg

Updated December 02, 2020

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Credit: Nonya Biz

Ringing in a new year is an exciting time for celebrations and remembrances. It's also a great excuse for creating an elegant meal at home, enjoying the company of loved ones, and champagne toasting at midnight before tucking into bed. After you've served up your New Year's Eve appetizers and cocktails, cook one of these 15 delicious New Year's dinners to cap off the evening. From impressive beef Wellington to comforting Swedish meatballs, you're sure to find a dinner idea that fits your party's mood.

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Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

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Tender shrimp and buttery herb sauce combine for an ultra-satisfying pasta dish. "This dish was very easy and extremely tasty," says user Marcellino. "I'm so happy to find such an awesome dish to add to my favorites."

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Ellen's Chicken Cacciatore

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There's no need to go out for an Italian dinner (and fight the crowds) to ring in the New Year when you can make this tender chicken cacciatore at home. Pair with a side of crusty bread and a Caesar salad to round out the meal.

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Beef Wellington

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This traditional English dish is the perfect dinner to celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of another. Hearty beef tenderloin combines with rich pâté and buttery puff pastry to create an unforgettable New Year's Eve dinner.

Related: How To Make Beef Wellington

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Baked Salmon

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No guest will be able to guess how easy this elegant looking baked salmon recipe actually is. "This is THE BEST salmon I have ever tried," says user Dianne. "My husband and I have this at least every other week."

Related: 15 Best Side Dishes for Salmon

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Swedish Meatballs (Svenska Kottbullar)

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If you prefer comfort food favorites to elegant dinner classics, serve up these creamy Swedish meatballs for your New Year's Eve dinner. Serve over a plate of pasta, rice, or with a side of baked potato.

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Easy and Elegant Pork Tenderloin

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Three ingredients are all you need to create this delicious dinner for a New Year's Eve meal at home. "This main dish is beautiful in its presentation and always comes out tender and juicy even if you overcook it a little," says recipe creator Susan Burget.

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Lemon Chicken Piccata

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Not just any dinner will do for such a special night, but chicken can be made special enough for a holiday menu. Bright flavors like lemon, parlsey, and capers make this a stand-out chicken dish. Serve over pasta, herbed rice, or roasted potatoes.

Related: 30 Best Side Dishes for Chicken

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Beef Bourguignon

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Although you need to prepare ahead for this dish — the beef requires two days of marinating — it's well worth the effort. Serve this French recipe with a side of egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or freshly baked rolls.

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Lobster Colorado

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If you want to splurge for your New Year's Eve dinner, while making it worth every penny, then this recipe is for you. Featuring filet mignon and lobster tails all smothered in a buttery Old Bay sauce, it's sure to become a holiday favorite.

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Chicken Paprikash

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This Eastern European chicken dish is swimming in a savory sauce that should be served with a side of pierogi. "My husband is Hungarian so he grew up on chicken paprikash," says user Suzanne. "I made this recipe to surprise him and it was even better than his mom's!"

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Surf and Turf for Two

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Get restaurant-quality surf and turf in the comfort of your own home. Don't be deceived — this is a simple recipe with many ingredients you'll likely already have: "This is a simple way to make a special dinner any night of the week. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already," says recipe creator Staci.

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Champagne Shrimp and Pasta

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Shrimp and pasta is nothing new, but toss it in a champagne-based sauce and you have a meal fit to ring in the new year.

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Chef John's Baby Porchetta

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"This bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with such great taste is amazingly moist and tender," says Chef John.

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Grandma's Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage, Slow Cooker Variation

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Looking for a warm, comfort-food dinner with shortcut ingredients for your at-home celebration? The search is over. "Good old-fashioned recipe which we usually baked in the oven," says reviewer catsinthekithcen. "I was happily surprised how it came out in the crock pot."

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Lamb Braised in Pomegranate

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Chef John describes this meat main as, "as seasonally appropriate as it gets, and one of the best things I've tasted in a long time." Lamb is braised with pomegranate juice and seeds in this melt-in-your-mouth dish.

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By Hayley Sugg