"If there’s one time of year that calls for celebration, it’s undeniably New Year’s Eve. After all, making it through one year and starting a new one is a big deal, and throwing or attending a house party is one of the best ways to celebrate. To make your life easier this December 31, we’ve rounded up the 20 Trader Joe’s items that will elevate any New Year’s Eve party. Regardless of whether you’re hosting or attending, these TJ’s treats are sure to be a hit. Keep scrolling for all our favorite finds, and cheers to 2024!
Use code BLACKFRIDAY for free jewelry with every purchase. Because ethically sourced diamonds really are a girl's best friend.
1. Double Crème Brie with Truffles
Ring in the new year like a French girl with this decadent brie cheese. Made with authentic French truffles, this cheese has a rich, earthy flavor that’ll instantly level up any cheese board.
2. Fig & Olive Crisps
Reminiscent of toasted bread slices and loaded with flavor, these crackers are a quintessential hor d’oeuvres pairing. Lay them out for your guests to pick at and enjoy as they wish with a hummus dip, or slather some soft cheese, candied pecans, and a tiny drizzle of honey on them ahead of time for ready-to-go finger food.
3. Mini Chocolate Mousse Desserts
A New Year’s Eve party is undoubtedly the time to celebrate with an indulgent treat. This mousse comes with ready-to-serve individual portions, each one filled with multi-layered chocolatey goodness. To fully enjoy that fluffy, airy texture, be sure to defrost these babies for a couple of hours in the fridge before serving.
4. Fried Olive Bites
This classy hors d’oeuvre option is equal parts unique and effortless. A win for any busy hostess, these frozen olive bites are pre-made and ready to eat in 15 minutes or less. After baking them in the oven for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, skewer them with a festive toothpick so your guests can pick up and enjoy them with ease.
5. Burrata
Hand-formed using traditional Italian production methods, Trader Joe’s burrata is rich, creamy, and buttery soft. Pair it alongside other decadent meats and cheeses on your charcuterie board or place it over a bed of fresh arugula and tomatoes and drizzled balsamic vinegar on top for a stunning salad option. No matter how you use it, this versatile cheese will not disappoint.
6. Mini Quiche Duo
Why go through all the trouble of whipping up an entire quiche when you can opt for this miniature version instead? This Mini Quiche Duo is the quintessential finger food and requires little to no prep. What’s more, the package comes with a dozen mini quiches with two flavorful fillings: mushroom and Swiss or bacon and sweet onion.
7. Winter Sangria Sparkling Water
Alcohol can be dehydrating, but with these delicious cans of sparkling water, no one will forget to stay hydrated while they’re imbibing. Likewise, the sweet and tart flavor combination can also elevate any cocktail or mocktail recipe.
8. Cranberry Chèvre Goat Cheese
Regular goat cheese? Not this year. Instead, opt for goat cheese that’s wrapped in sweetened cranberries to create a festive flavor profile on par with the season. Serve this chèvre alongside crackers and bread for your guests to snack on or use it to whip up a fun recipe like these puff pastry bites.
9. Ratatouille Bites
Swap out your basic crudités platter for a more elegant way to eat some veggies. Trader Joe’s Ratatouille Bites are loaded with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes and seasoned with crowd-pleasing spices that deliver jam-packed flavor in every bite.
10. Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
If you need an easy appetizer option to complete your spread, this dip has got you covered. Spoon it into a bowl and serve it with some tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies for a crowd-pleasing snack everyone will think was homemade.
11. Spiral Sliced Uncured Half Ham
For an effortless entrée addition that feels holiday-appropriate, look no further. This ham comes fully cooked and seasoned and requires almost zero prep—simply pop it in the oven at 275 degrees and let cook for about two hours before serving.
12. 1,000 Day Gouda Cheese
This isn’t your average gouda. Produced in the Netherlands and aged for nearly three years, it has a texture similar to parmesan and a nutty, caramelly flavor that’s totally unique. Set it out on a cheese board with a variety of different crackers, cured meats, and fruits or spreads—it’ll taste good with just about anything.
13. Artichoke Timbales
As far as well-rounded vegetarian sides go, Trader Joe’s cheesy Artichoke Timbales can’t be beat. Each one is loaded with cheese, garlic, spinach, onion, and a variety of spices that will complement any dish.
14. Minty Cocoa Truffles
For the guests who have a sweet tooth, these minty truffles will satisfy their craving. Decadent and fluffy enough to melt in your mouth, they pair seamlessly with a nice glass of champagne. Tip: You can also find these in a classic chocolate flavor—just look for the red box!
15. Kalua Pork Spring Rolls
Transport yourself to Hawaii this New Year’s Eve with these savory spring rolls. Made with shredded pork, noodles, and an assortment of veggies, this tropical-inspired treat is bound to be a hit.
16. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch
If you’re sick of the same old beverages, use this sparkling punch in lieu of your go-to sodas and juices. Fizzy, bubbly, and fruity, it’s delicious straight from the can or as a festive main ingredient in a cocktail or mocktail.
17. Family Style Meat Lasagna
If we’re being honest, there’s never a bad time to eat lasagna. However, it’s especially comforting on a cold winter night. And if you’re hosting an intimate gathering this New Year’s Eve, this fully cooked pre-made lasagna from Trader Joe’s is the perfect meal to serve for a cozy year-end gathering.
18. Roasted Cauliflower and Orzo
Take the stress out of hosting with this hassle-free, heat-and-serve dish alongside your main meal. With roasted cauliflower, orzo pasta, four cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, kale, and panko breadcrumbs, this side dish is sure to have your guests asking for the recipe.
19. Gluten Free Madeleine Cookies
No gathering is complete without dessert, and this no-fuss option is reminiscent of the conventional madeleine cookies you’d find at a Parisian patisserie. Don’t let their allergy-friendly label fool you—they’re just as good as their traditional counterparts and pair effortlessly with an after-dinner coffee or tea.
20. Platinum Reserve Brut Sparkling Wine
And last but not least, don’t forget the bubby. Champagne and New Year’s Eve are practically synonymous, and this budget-friendly sparkling wine doesn’t hold back on flavor. Ripe with a light fruity flavor that goes down easy, you and your guests will gladly toast to the new year with this under-$15 option.