"Cheesy scones are always a good idea, and perfect for fuss-free outdoor eating. These are laden with grated zucchini, which not only adds beautiful flavour and moisture, but also makes the eater feel exceptionally virtuous. Win-win! Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche and a slice of smoked trout, or simply smother in butter.” – Tilly Pamment
100+ party food recipes for the ultimate New Year’s Eve
Have guests talking for all the right reasons this New Year’s Eve with these impressive finger-food recipes. They’re perfect for entertaining and sharing with friends, and are definitely well worth a big smooch when the clock hits midnight.
Fried polenta with prosciutto and cheese
Served as an entree, finger food or delicious snack, this Mediterranean-inspired combination of golden fried polenta, soft melting cheese and salty prosciutto will become a go-to favourite when entertaining.
Dims sims
“Dim sims, a beloved staple in Australian-Chinese cuisine, come in two delicious varieties: fried and steamed. These dumplings are filled with a savoury mixture of pork and cabbage, offering a crispy crunch when fried or a soft, juicy bite when steamed. A must-have at any classic Aussie-Chinese restaurant.” – Vincent Lim.
Smoked salmon and quail egg skewers
These smoked salmon and quail egg skewers are the perfect appetiser for your next social event. Taking just seconds to assemble, each layer offers a delicious bite, from the creamy quail egg dipped in aioli and covered in chives to the elegant fold of smoked salmon wrapped beneath the sharp caperberry balancing the flavours. Elegant, easy, and luxurious – what's not to love? Recipe note: You'll need six thin 8cm skewers. Pair these skewers with our prosciutto skewers with manchego cheese and capsicum, olive and anchovy skewers.
Potato scallops with raw scallop and tartare sauce
“This is one of our absolute favourite dishes here at the Waratah. It’s the best bits of a fish and chip shop in a bite-size snack, evoking memories of sitting on the beach, catching waves, snacking and smiling.” – Joey Astorga. This recipe is by chef Joey Astorga from The Waratah, Sydney.
Black bean nachos with avocado sour cream and smoked scamorza
Ellie and Sam Studd take scamorza for a spin, highlighting its magic melting qualities in a flavour-packed beef and bean nachos.
Hot zucchini bruschetta
This savoury starter swaps out tomato for zucchini for a twist on the Italian classic.
Smoked barramundi rillettes
Elevate your entertaining menu with this delicious smoked barramundi rillettes. Perfect for sharing as a starter, this fragrant seafood dish elegantly pairs smoky flavours of the delicate barramundi with a vibrant collection of herbs and spices. Ingredients like peppercorn, thyme, bay leaves, black tea and toasted coriander and fennel seeds lift the smoked fish to create a perfect combination of flavours and textures. Served with crispy and salty potato crisps, there's nothing we don't love here. Recipe note: Begin this recipe at least 1 day ahead. Rillettes is ready to be eaten straight away, but the best results will come from leaving it overnight to set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. You’ll need a 750ml sterilised jar.
Stuffed and baked mussels with parsley and pecorino
Flex your kitchen skills with these cheesy crumbed mussels.
Oysters with macadamia and lemon butter crumb
Elevate your entree with these fresh oysters topped with a macadamia and lemon butter crumb. Fragrant and delicate flavours of citrus and cream blend perfectly together in this elegant starter, combining a sweet and zesty lemon butter with the smooth notes from the macadamia nuts mixed with a crispy sourdough crumb, lightly grilled on top of a creamy oyster. Perfect for entertaining on the weekend, this easy oyster recipe is one to keep close.
Oven-baked teriyaki chicken wings with slaw
These teriyaki chicken wings may be the ultimate share plate, but we think that's the last thing you'll want to do once you have a bite. Crunch through a crispy exterior lathered in sweet teriyaki sauce that drips into to a soft, tender chicken centre. It's impossible to stop at one wing – we've tried. This easy chicken wing recipe will be one you'll keep returning to, and your friends will thank you for it.
Mini quiches Lorraine
Mini quiches Lorraine are the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and elegance, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you're entertaining, contributing to a bake sale or simply looking for a tasty snack for the kids, mini quiches Lorraine are the perfect crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Carrot-top pesto with dipping carrots
'I don’t peel baby carrots; the skin is so delicate, so I leave it on, and wash the carrots in very cold water. I also leave a small portion of the stalk on for presentation. You could split the carrots down the middle, or leave them whole." - Melissa Palinkas This recipe is by Melissa Palinkas.
Onion tarte tatin
Looking for something quick and easy to whip up before guests arrive? This easy tarte tatin is the perfect thing. Use that frozen puff pastry at the back of your freezer and the onions you have lying around to make this delicious French savoury snack. Ready in just a few steps, this onion tart is sure to become your next staple.
Prawn cocktail board
“The simple assembly of this dish means that each of your ingredients needs to sing! The key to a great prawn cocktail is serving super-crisp, chilled salad elements and summer-sweet prawns. I like to have everything prepped and ready a day ahead, storing all the sliced vegetables, lettuce leaves and herbs separately in airtight containers, layered with damp paper towels, and keeping it all chilled until ready to serve or transport.” – Kerrie McCallum