Easy New Year's Eve & Day Recipe Ideas

November 29, 2024
an assortment of vibrant Mexican inspired dishes including tacos, machos, guacamole, salsa, avocado, mango and decorative garnishes on a dark background
Kick off the New Year with a bang using our collection of delicious and easy New Year's Day recipes! Whether you're hosting a lively New Year's Eve bash or a cozy New Year’s Day lunch, our selection of dishes, from flavorful Mexican-inspired favorites to decadent desserts, ensures your holiday meals are both festive and stress-free. Explore our range of New Year's Eve recipes UK style, and prepare to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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

Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas

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

Pepperoni Pizza Tortilla Pockets

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.

Bonus Tip: Consider using plant-based alternatives to cater to vegetarian guests. Swap chicken for seasoned tofu or plant-based "chicken" strips for the same delicious taste that suits everyone’s preferences.

Sweet Finishes: Easy New Year Desserts

No feast is complete without something sweet. Keep things simple and fun with this easy dessert idea that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike as you ring in the New Year.

Banana Caramel Mini Tacos – A Sweet Take on Tacos

banana caramel mini 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.