Easy New Year's Eve & Day Recipe Ideas
Celebrate the New Year with Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes
As we welcome a fresh new chapter, there’s no better way to cherish the possibilities ahead than by gathering with loved ones to share joyful moments and delectable food. Whether you're bringing in New Year's Eve with a vibrant get-together or easing into New Year's Day with a relaxing family meal, Old El Paso has the perfect selection of Mexican-inspired recipes to make your celebrations full of warmth, flavor, and togetherness.
From exciting New Year’s Eve buffet menu ideas to comforting New Year’s Day recipes, this guide will help you serve up simple yet spectacular dishes that everyone can enjoy together. With Old El Paso’s signature easy-to-make recipes, you're set to enter the new year with a dash of style and, of course, exceptional flavors.
Kick-Off the Celebration with Crowd-Pleasing New Year’s Eve Recipes
New Year’s Eve is all about savoring the final hours of the year with friends and family, sparking conversation, sharing laughter, and enjoying delicious bites. This year, keep things casual yet fun with our delightful and easy-to-create New Year’s Eve recipe ideas—perfect for UK homes looking for bold, memorable flavors without the hassle.
Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas – A Festive Twist on Mexican Classics
One of the best parts of New Year is using up those festive leftovers. Our Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas combine tender turkey and tangy cranberry sauce with gooey melted Cheddar, all between soft, warm Old El Paso™ Super Soft Tortillas. This quick dish takes just 20 minutes to prepare, leaving you more time to focus on good vibes and great company.
Not only does this recipe add a seasonal twist to a Mexican favorite, but it's the perfect use of leftover turkey from your holiday feast. Pair it with a watercress salad or some spicy jalapeño slices for added heat and freshness.
Pro Tip: When reheating cooked turkey, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C for safety (check with a food thermometer).
Want to wow your guests with this festive quesadilla recipe? Find the full recipe here.
Pepperoni Pizza Tortilla Pockets – Finger Foods that Steal the Show
Finger foods are a must for any New Year’s Eve gathering, and our Pepperoni Pizza Tortilla Pockets deliver on flavor and convenience. These pocket-sized delights are filled with melted mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and bell peppers, all wrapped in easy-to-hold Old El Paso™ Tortilla Pockets™, making them the ideal grab-and-chat snack.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe ensures you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
Allergen Alert: These snacks contain gluten and dairy. Let your guests know if they have any allergies to these ingredients.
Perfect for buffets and casual mingling, these pizza-inspired tortilla pockets are sure to satisfy. Get the full recipe here.
New Year’s Day Recipe Ideas for a Fresh Start
After a long night of New Year’s Eve celebrations, New Year’s Day is about enjoying a laid-back meal with family and friends. The following New Year’s Day lunch ideas offer satisfying, nutritious, and easy-to-make options. Settle into the New Year with dishes steeped in comfort and flavor without the complexity.
Easy Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas – Comfort for the Soul
Looking for a dish that combines Mexican flair with homely warmth? Our Easy Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas are just the thing. Made with shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and rich Old El Paso™ Enchilada Cooking Sauce, this recipe is perfect for a cozy New Year’s Day lunch. Topped with Cheddar cheese and wrapped in soft Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas, it’s both filling and packed with flavor.
Ready in under 40 minutes, this dish is ideal when you want something satisfying without heavy preparation. Serve with a side of fresh avocado, spring onions, and chopped tomatoes for a splash of freshness.
Safety Tip: Be sure to cook chicken thoroughly, ensuring an internal temperature of 75°C. Reheat any leftovers per Food Standards Agency guidelines.
Craving this New Year’s meal? Check out the full recipe here.
Recipe Name
Easy Chicken and Black Bean EnchiladasTotal Time
35 minutesSpice Level
MildServings
5Ingredients
Enchiladas
- 1/2 teaspoon oil, for greasing
- 2 jars (344 g) Old El Paso™ Enchilada cooking sauce
- 650 g cooked chicken, shredded (Ideally from a rotisserie chicken)
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 1 tin (400 g) Old El Paso™ Black Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Old El Paso™ Flour Tortilla Wraps Regular 8 Pack
- 225 g Cheddar cheese, grated
To Serve
- 2 tomatoes, seeds removed and diced
- Coriander leaves, chopped
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200 ºC (200 ºC for fan assisted ovens), gas mark 7. Grease a 33 x 23 cm baking dish with the oil and spoon half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the dish. In medium bowl, stir the chicken together with 1/2 of the remaining sauce, the chillies and the beans.
- Place the tortillas onto a work surface. Divide the chicken mixture between the tortillas and then top with 1 tablespoon of the grated cheese. Roll up the tortillas and place seam side down in the baking dish. Top the enchiladas with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until piping hot with the cheese fully melted. Leave to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve garnished with the tomatoes and coriander leaves.
Expert Tips
- Great served with sliced spring onions, diced avocado, jalapeños, and grated cheese.
Sweet Finishes: Easy New Year Desserts
Banana Caramel Mini Tacos – A Sweet Take on Tacos
End your celebrations on a high note with indulgent Banana Caramel Mini Tacos. This Mexican-inspired dessert uses crispy fried Old El Paso™ Stand ‘N Stuff™ Mini Tortilla Boats filled with caramelized bananas and vanilla ice cream, creating the perfect combination of warm, sugary crunch and cold, creamy comfort. Best of all, they’re bite-sized, making them perfect for a New Year’s Day buffet or as a post-lunch treat.
Food Tip: Cooked bananas are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are prepared.
For an extra twist, add a sprinkle of crushed nuts like walnuts to elevate the flavor. Be mindful to provide allergen information if nuts are used.
Interested in these bite-sized treats? Check out the recipe here.