There’s nothing like ringing in the New Year with a table full of delicious, easy-to-make snacks that disappear faster than the countdown to midnight! These cheese straws and spiced nuts have been my go-to party starters for years – they’re the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and just a little bit spicy. I love how these simple recipes turn basic pantry ingredients into something special that makes everyone feel festive. Whether you’re hosting a big bash or just having a cozy night in, these New Year’s snacks always set the right tone for celebration. My friends still talk about the year I accidentally doubled the paprika in the nuts – turns out that happy mistake became our new tradition!
Why You’ll Love These New Years Snacks
Trust me, these snacks are absolute crowd-pleasers for any New Year’s celebration. Here’s why they’ve become my must-make recipes every December 31st:
- Effortless elegance: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll look like a gourmet host without breaking a sweat.
- Perfect party food: The cheese straws stay crisp for hours, while the spiced nuts add that irresistible crunch that keeps guests nibbling all night.
- Customizable flavors: Swap in your favorite cheeses or spices to make them your own signature snacks.
- Make-ahead magic: Both recipes can be prepared hours before your party starts – one less thing to worry about when the champagne needs pouring!
What I love most is how these simple treats always disappear first from my party platters. They’re the edible equivalent of confetti – festive, fun, and guaranteed to start the new year right!
Ingredients for New Years Snacks
Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle when making these irresistible New Year’s treats. I’ve learned through many NYE parties that quality matters – fresh cheese and good butter make all the difference! Here’s everything you’ll need to create snacks that’ll have your guests begging for the recipe.
For the Cheese Straws
These golden, crispy straws are my secret weapon for any party. You only need three ingredients, but choose them wisely!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Always shred your own cheese right before mixing. Those pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents that can make your dough gummy.
- ½ cup softened butter – Leave it out for about 30 minutes beforehand. You want it pliable but not melted – it should leave a fingerprint when gently pressed.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Nothing fancy here, just good old flour. I sometimes substitute ¼ cup with whole wheat for extra flavor.
For the Spiced Nuts
This addictive mix is dangerously easy to make and disappears even faster from the bowl each year!
- 2 cups mixed nuts – I love using equal parts almonds, cashews, and pecans, but any blend works. Walnuts get too bitter when baked, so I skip those.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Just enough to coat the nuts lightly. A drizzle really brings out their natural oils during baking.
- 1 tsp paprika – Smoked paprika adds incredible depth, but regular works great too. For extra kick, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne.
How to Make New Years Snacks
Okay, let’s get these party starters going! I’ve made these New Year’s snacks so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step carefully. The key is not to rush – good things come to those who bake (and mix and roll) with patience. You’ll be amazed how simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a little love and oven time!
Cheese Straws Instructions
These crispy, cheesy delights are easier than they look – promise! Here’s how I make them perfect every time:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives your oven time to reach the right temperature while you prepare the dough. I always use an oven thermometer to be sure – ovens can be sneaky!
- Mix the dough. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, softened butter, and flour. I use my hands (clean, of course!) to really work it together until it forms a smooth ball. The dough should hold together when pinched but not feel sticky. If it’s too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water.
- Roll and cut. Here’s my trick: divide the dough into four portions before rolling. It’s much easier to handle smaller amounts! Roll each portion into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut into strips about ½ inch wide. Don’t worry about perfection – rustic is charming!
- Bake to golden perfection. Carefully transfer the strips to an ungreased baking sheet (they’ll spread slightly). Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn that beautiful golden color. Watch closely after 10 minutes – they go from perfect to overdone fast! Let them cool completely on the baking sheet – they’ll crisp up as they cool.
Spiced Nuts Instructions
Now for the spiced nuts – these are so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought kind! Just follow these easy steps:
- Toss to coat. In a medium bowl, combine the mixed nuts with olive oil and paprika. I like to use my hands to really massage the oil and spices into every nook and cranny of those nuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is where you’d add any extra spices!
- Bake with care. Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet (lined with parchment for easy cleanup). Bake at the same 375°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The nuts should smell amazing and look slightly darker – but don’t let them get too dark or they’ll taste bitter. They’ll continue to crisp as they cool.
Pro tip from my many NYE parties: make a double batch of these nuts! They keep beautifully in an airtight container for weeks (if they last that long). For more party food inspiration, check out our easy veggie tray guide – it’s perfect for balancing out all these rich, savory treats!
Tips for Perfect New Years Snacks
After years of making these New Year’s snacks (and learning from my mistakes!), I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll make yours shine. First, let those cheese straws cool completely before storing – I learned this the hard way when I once packed them warm and ended up with a sad, soggy mess. Now I always use airtight containers with a piece of parchment between layers to keep them crisp. The nuts? They actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld! For presentation, I love piling them in mismatched vintage bowls – it makes the table look festive without trying too hard. One year I scattered edible gold stars over everything, and my guests went wild snapping photos before they even took a bite. The key is keeping it simple but special – just like the best New Year’s celebrations!
Serving Suggestions for New Years Snacks
Oh, how you serve these New Year’s snacks is half the fun! I love piling the cheese straws in a tall glass like edible confetti – it looks so festive and makes grabbing them a breeze. For the spiced nuts, I use little vintage teacups scattered around the party so no one has to wander far for that addictive crunch. Pair them with bubbly drinks – the salty-spicy nuts are magic with champagne, and those cheesy straws beg to be dunked in a festive holiday cocktail. Last year, I arranged everything on a silver tray with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds for pops of color – simple touches that made my snacks look straight from a magazine spread!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do believe everything in moderation – especially when celebrating! These New Year’s snacks are meant to be enjoyed as part of your festivities, not as everyday fare. The nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific brands of cheese, butter, and nuts you use, and let’s be honest – no one’s counting calories at midnight on December 31st! That said, I always feel better knowing roughly what I’m serving, so here’s the general picture: the cheese straws are rich from the butter and cheese (obviously!), while the spiced nuts pack protein and healthy fats. Just remember – these numbers are estimates, and your actual results might differ based on portion sizes and ingredient choices. The most important number? How many smiles these snacks bring to your party!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these New Year’s snacks ahead of time?
Absolutely! Both the cheese straws and spiced nuts are perfect make-ahead party foods. I usually bake the cheese straws 1-2 days before and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The spiced nuts actually get better with time as the flavors develop – I’ve made them up to a week early. Just give them a quick refresh in a warm oven for 5 minutes before serving to bring back that wonderful aroma!
How long do these New Year’s snacks stay fresh?
The cheese straws keep their perfect crisp texture for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. If they start to soften (which rarely happens because they disappear so fast!), you can crisp them up again in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes. The spiced nuts stay delicious for up to 2 weeks – if you can resist eating them all at once!
Can I use different cheeses in the straws?
Oh yes – get creative! I’ve made fantastic versions with sharp white cheddar, Parmesan, and even gouda. My favorite twist is mixing half cheddar with half pepper jack for a little spicy kick. Just avoid super soft cheeses like brie or mozzarella – they don’t give the same crisp texture. The key is shredding the cheese yourself right before mixing for the best melt and flavor.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cheese, butter, and flour to form a dough for the cheese straws.
- Roll the dough into thin strips and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Toss nuts with olive oil and paprika, then spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring once.