New Year’s Eve Entertaining: Party Recipes with Southern Flair

Ring in the New Year with recipes that capture Southern charm and flavor, perfect for an unforgettable celebration with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a grand New Year’s Eve party or a cozy gathering, these dishes are sure to impress. Here are three Southern-inspired recipes that will make your New Year’s Eve one to remember!

1. Pimento Cheese & Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms

A Southern staple, pimento cheese gets an upgrade as the perfect bite-sized party appetizer. Creamy, tangy, and just a little smoky, these stuffed mushrooms are easy to prepare and even easier to eat!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pimento cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 lb baby bella mushrooms, stems removed
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine pimento cheese and crumbled bacon.
3. Spoon the cheese mixture into each mushroom cap and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

2. Southern Shrimp & Grits Crostini

Turn the classic flavors of shrimp and grits into a handheld bite. This crostini has creamy grits spread atop a toasted baguette slice, topped with seasoned shrimp and a dash of hot sauce for a flavorful kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• 1 cup cooked, Rock House Farm Stone Ground Grits
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and toast baguette slices until golden.
2. Spread a spoonful of creamy grits on each crostini.
3. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and sauté in olive oil until pink and cooked through.
4. Place one shrimp on top of each grits-covered crostini, adding a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.

3. Mini Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Spicy Remoulade

In the South, black-eyed peas are believed to bring good luck for the New Year. These mini fritters make a tasty appetizer that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a spicy remoulade for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas, mashed
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Spicy Remoulade:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped dill pickle
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed black-eyed peas, flour, egg, and chopped onion, then season with salt and pepper.
2. Shape mixture into small patties.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Combine remoulade ingredients in a small bowl.
5. Serve fritters hot with remoulade on the side.

These Southern-inspired recipes bring the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and festivity to your New Year’s Eve celebration. From savory bites to a sparkling cocktail, enjoy the best of Southern hospitality as you welcome the new year with family, friends, and unforgettable food!