From back-to-school season straight on through the end of the year, most parents' calendars are packed with a million to-dos. Kids' holiday recitals, sending greeting cards, planning for parties, baking cookies, trimming the tree, visiting with loved ones, shopping for gifts. These activities can bring so much joy but also leave any mom or dad feeling burned out beyond belief. By the time New Year's Eve rolls around, it's really no surprise that plenty of people would prefer to hang out on their couches and watch the ball drop from the comfort of their own cozy, yoga pants-friendly homes. That said, who doesn't want to do that and enjoy delicious food?
Whether friends, family, colleagues, and the whole neighborhood is invited to celebrate with champagne in hand (or the guest list is limited to just the little ones, Mom, and Dad) there are so many delicious foods to choose from on New Year's Eve. Much like Super Bowl Sunday, New Year's Eve is one of those special occasions that is made for small bites, apps, dips, tapas, and anything else that's easy to set out on a buffet so guests can pick and choose. At the same time, sure, it may also be an opportunity to cook up a lovely sit-down comfort food dinner. Either way, the ultimate New Year's Eve menu should be filled with indulgent favorite foods to set the tone for all the abundance and luck that should be a part of the year ahead.
For some, that looks like a delightful seafood dish like shrimp scampi. For others, perhaps it's a buffalo chicken chili. Either way, crowd-pleasing dishes can be prepped in the Crock-Pot, which gives the host a lot more time to sip champagne and enjoy their guests' company. Here are 20 slow cooker recipes perfect for New Year's Eve.
Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs
These cranberry barbecue meatballs from Savory Nothings are sure to be a comfort food crowd-pleaser on NYE.
Chex Mix
Yep, this savory Chex Mix from Gimme Some Oven can be made in the slow cooker.
Tso's Chicken
Tso's chicken may not be a traditional New Year's Eve recipe, but it's definitely a special treat, which the evening is all about. This one from Magic Skillet is easy to make in a slow cooker.
Hoppin' John
This comfort food Hoppin' John dish is make with black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, green chilies, smoked sausage, beef broth, onion, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, and rice.
3-Ingredient Hawaiian Chicken
This three-ingredient Hawaiian chicken from Loving Living is simple and yummy.
Taco Dip
Taco dip is a must at any party, and this one from The Chunky Chef is easy to pull together in the slow cooker.
Beef Queso Dip
Another crowd-pleaser: this beef queso dip from The Recipe Pot.
Meatball Pizza Bake
This meatball pizza bake from 3 Little Greenwoods is sure to whet appetites at a New Year's Eve bash.
Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings aren't just for Superbowl Sunday; they're for NYE, too! Especially when they're easily made in the slow cooker.
Buffalo Chicken Chili
This Slow Cooker Gourmet buffalo chicken chili is sure to be a hit with NYE guests.
Pork Roast
This slow cooker pork roast from Love Bakes Good Cakes is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner for NYE.
Shrimp Scampi
For seafood lovers, this Thrifty DIY Diva slow cooker shrimp scampi is bound to be a hit.
Honey Soy Lamb Chops
These honey soy lamb chops from Lessons Learnt Journal make a sweet, savory, and comfort food dinner.
Lobster Bisque
This Crock-Pot Ladies lobster bisque makes for a simple, delicious, elegant seafood dish.
Coq au Vin
This coq au vin from Dinner Then Desserts makes for a fancy, French-inspired way to ring in the New Year.
Southern Style Mac & Cheese
The Frugal Ginger's Southern Style Mac & Cheese is a decadent, delicious staple that works for NYE.
Under the Sea Dip
Shrimp and crab meat are the stars of this seafood dip from Recipes That Crock.
French Toast Casserole
Moms With Crockpots's French toast casserole might feel breakfast-y, but totally works on NYE when the sky's the limit.
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Almost everyone loves spinach and artichoke dip, so this one from Home Cooking Memories will be a perfect addition to a NYE party spread.
Tropical Cider
Even if taking a vacation isn't on the NYE agenda, this tropical cider from Recipes That Crock will make guests feel like they're basking beachside.
