We have all made it through the stress of 2021, and many of us didn't think that was even going to be possible. It's been a strange one for us all, and we've had to adapt like no other year before. We're all looking forward to 2022 but are cautious, too.
Many of us are still not able to have a big festive New Year's party this year, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun. For those of us with kids at home, being able to have some normalcy in terms of our plans is a good plan — and who doesn’t love a party?
Hosting a New Year's Eve party for the kids at home means lots of decorations and kid-friendly recipes. That's the key to making sure they have a great time and are able to go to bed with their bellies full and with happy memories that will last a lifetime.
Here are 21 super-fun recipes they'll love to help cook and eat to ring in the new year with the best of vibes.
Seven-Layer Mexican Dip
There is nothing better than Mexican food, and this seven-layer dip is going to be a quick favorite for everyone in the family. The kids will have fun putting together all the layers and tailoring it to their taste. When it's done, they can have just as much fun eating the dip with their favorite salty chips.
New Year's Eve Snack Mix
There is something special about a snack mix that includes our favorite sugary cereal, salty pretzels, and a treat we only bust out once a year. There's enough to make a little extra for the next day when everyone wants a more playful snack while they ring in the new year. This is easily customizable, so adding ingredients like raisins, chocolate, or caramel chips would be amazing.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Sure, we see these often used in romantic settings, but we're team Do What Works. And that means if we have to cover fruit in chocolate to get the kids to eat it, that's fine! These are fun to make and don't require a whole lot, so even the younger kids can get in on the activity. Plus, strawberries and chocolate are just amazing to eat.
Honey-Sesame Popcorn
Popcorn is a beloved treat, and it's tried, tested, and true with older kids who can eat it safely. (Popcorn is not recommended for kids younger than 4). This New Year's Eve, twist up the flavors a bit if the kids don't mind trying new things. This takes a typically buttery treat and turns it savory with a mix of sesame and honey.
Pigs in a Blanket
If we called these pastry-wrapped hot dogs, they wouldn't be as appealing to us or the kids. This is a classic treat for party time, and kids will never say no to a hot dog. The recipe is simple to put together so it involves little stress. These can be eaten on their own or enjoyed with several different types of dip to add a little extra flavor.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Kids love to play with their food — there's something about being able to touch the food that makes it more appealing to them. This fun, pull-apart garlic bread recipe can be enjoyed by all the kids and their parents, and the recipe can be tweaked based on the tastes of the kids. Maybe pop a little cheese on top!
Candy Cane Sundaes
Why not take advantage of one more chance to eat candy canes this holiday season? This fun ice cream sundae recipe is going to be a favorite the second someone asks, "Who wants ice cream?" The leveled-up version serves the ice cream in a waffle bowl so the kids can eat everything — but it works just as well in a regular bowl.
Cheeseball
A New Year's Eve celebration without having a cheeseball? It's not possible. This recipe is simple enough for older kids to follow and make on their own. And when it's time to eat, it can be paired with their favorite crackers. They go really well with herb-flavored or cheese-flavored crackers.
Instant Pot Buffalo Wings
Chicken wings are fun for the kids to eat, and if they're not fans of buffalo flavor, these can be toned down in spice or heat. Honey garlic springs to mind as a favorite flavor among kids. Being able to make these in an Instant Pot means they can be cooked quickly and without a whole lot of oil so kids' tummies won't get upset if they have more than they usually do. It's a party, after all!
Classic Deviled Eggs
What's so fun about this recipe is it looks like it takes a lot of work to make, but that's just its charm. This is one that the kids can follow, and they'll have just as much fun refilling the eggs with the delicious filling as they will eating them when the clock strikes midnight.
Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board
When we think about charcuterie boards, we often think about salty meat, rich cheeses, and tart olives, which may not be too appealing to kids. That's what is fun about those boards: There are no rules, and if hot chocolate sounds better — which it is — the kids won't complain. The toppings and treats are limited only by their creativity.
Taco Cups
There is something appealing about finger foods when it's party time. For us it might be all about no dishes, but for the kids it's just a whole lot more fun to use their hands to eat. This recipe takes our kids' favorite taco dinner and parties it up for New Year's Eve with two-bite tacos.
Mini Burgers
The second best thing about party food is when we take full meal ideas and make them smaller, turning them into easy-to-eat without needing two hands. It makes us feel like we're not eating a lot, and it gets the kids excited to eat something they might be too nervous to try on any other night. Who can say no to tiny burgers?
Cookie Monster Popcorn
What happens when we add Cookie Monster, popcorn, and blue food coloring? We get a really fun treat for the kids this New Year's Eve that they'll get excited to whip up as a family and they'll be even more thrilled to be able to enjoy every single bite. It's a super-sugary treat that will help kids stay up until the clock strikes midnight.
Lunch Kabobs
Remember when we said that kids love finger foods? That same idea follows through here, but it's been taken to another level. Instead of having any ol' lunch sandwich, which can be eaten with their hands, switch up the format. These lunch kabobs take their favorite sandwich toppings and put them into a whole new fun way to eat.
S'more Tacos
What happens when we take a kid's favorite meal (tacos) and combine it with their favorite treat (s'mores)? We get the greatest hybrid snack we've ever seen, and that's exactly what these s'more tacos are all about. These are fun for kids to eat with their hands, filled with their favorite things, and perfect to ring in the new year.
Unicorn Farts
If there was ever a recipe that was made and named for kids, it's this one. Unicorn farts contain seven ingredients, which increases the chance that everything that's needed will already be in the cupboards (but shopping for the stuff won't be too hard). The recipe ends with a delicious, sugary treat that looks as cute as it sounds.
Banana Snowmen
For whatever reason — and this works pretty well — when we turn fruits and vegetables into adorable snacks, kids are more likely to eat them and ask for more. This recipe calls for bananas and strawberries plus some chocolate chips, and these cute faces encourage kids to eat their servings of fruits and veggies, plus a fun way to play with their food.
Fancy Milk and Cookies
This recipe for kids who are celebrating New Year's Eve can be as simple as picking up a few supplies, or families can go all out and make (almost) everything from scratch. IN addition, there are several fun variations. The kids will really love drinking from the champagne flutes filled with milk and topped with their favorite cookie. To switch it up, try strawberry milk!
Owl Rice Cakes
Foods are more delicious when they're cute, right? This rice cake recipe will give kids a giggle while they eat to get enough energy to stay up for the big ball drop. These can be swapped out for anyone with a food allergy and can be made into more of a meal by swapping the rice cake for an open-faced grilled cheese sandwich and using different colors of cheese to make the owl.
Pretzel Rods
Kids would probably have a great New Year's Eve if they can pretend they're at a fancy party, and there's nothing fancier than these pretzel rods decorated with the most elegant sprinkles and add-ons. They are very easy to make ahead of time.
