New Year's Recipes For One (2024)

Home New Year New Year’s Recipes For One

By Joanie Zisk

on Dec 20, 2022, Updated Dec 19, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

New Year’s Day is a time for fresh starts and delicious food, even if you’re cooking for one or two. This year, why not treat yourself to a special meal that’s both easy and delightful? Our New Year’s Recipes For One roundup brings you a selection of delightful dishes that are perfect for a cozy celebration at home. Featuring classics like Black Eyed Peas, Cornbread, and Cabbage, along with some sweet desserts, each recipe is scaled down to suit smaller servings without sacrificing flavor.

this Recipe

If you’re in search of unique and delightful single serving and small batch recipes perfect for celebrating New Year’s Eve and welcoming the new year, think about preparing these tantalizing options: creamy Hot Spinach Dip, spicy Jalapeño Poppers, crispy Chicken Nuggets, and decadent Chocolate Covered Oreos.

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love These New Year’s Recipes
  • Prosperous New Year’s Day Feast: Southern Traditions and Good Luck Foods
  • Your New Year’s Menu (Choose Your Favorites)
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Maximizing Leftover Ingredients From Our Recipes

Why You’ll Love These New Year’s Recipes

  • Perfect Portions: No more worrying about leftovers or waste. These recipes are perfectly sized for one or two, ensuring you enjoy your meal without excess.
  • Easy to Prepare: Each recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, making your cooking process enjoyable and stress-free.
  • Traditional Flavors: Experience the rich heritage of New Year’s classics with a modern twist that fits your lifestyle.
  • Versatility: Whether you’re a fan of savory or sweet, there’s something in this roundup for every palate.
  • Nutrition and Taste Balanced: These recipes are crafted to be both nutritious and flavorful, offering a wholesome yet delicious way to start the New Year.

Each of the easy New Year’s recipes are accessible by clicking the link for each recipe and then going to the bottom of the specific recipe’s page.

Prosperous New Year’s Day Feast: Southern Traditions and Good Luck Foods

Embracing the Southern United States tradition, certain foods are believed to bring good fortune when enjoyed on New Year’s Day. These beloved items are staples in our annual celebration.

In Southern tradition, black eyed peas are a must-have on New Year’s Day, symbolizing prosperity. Their resemblance to coins and the way they swell when cooked represent an expanding wealth in the year ahead.

Cabbage leaves are also a sign of prosperity, thought to mimic paper money.

The golden hue of cornbread is associated with gold, suggesting that eating it will bring financial prosperity in the new year.

Pork is a popular choice for New Year’s Day as pigs are seen rooting forward, symbolizing progress and moving ahead.

For dessert, consider a bundt cake or donuts. Desserts shaped like rings are believed to complete a “full circle” of luck for the forthcoming year.

Your New Year’s Menu (Choose Your Favorites)

New Year's Recipes For One (3)

Black Eyed Peas For One

5 from 19 votes

Enjoy this quick, easy single serving Black Eyed Peas recipe, filled with rich bacon, onions, and garlic – a tasty Southern tradition!

Black Eyed Peas For One Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (4)

Cornbread For One

4.83 from 68 votes

Discover how to make a quick and easy small batch of homemade cornbread! Ideal for single servings or small groups, it's the perfect snack or side dish.

Cornbread For One Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (5)

Small Batch Corn Muffins

5 from 8 votes

Discover tender and moist Small Batch Corn Muffins, ready in under 25 minutes. With golden kernels in every bite, these easy-to-make muffins are the perfect addition to any meal. Simple ingredients, effortless steps.

Small Batch Corn Muffins Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (6)

Cowboy Caviar For One

5 from 4 votes

Cowboy caviar is a wonderfully fresh, healthy, and flavorful dip that combines beans, fresh vegetables, and a tangy lime dressing. It can be ready in minutes!

View Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (7)

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls For One

4.93 from 13 votes

Enjoy a single serving of unstuffed cabbage rolls in minutes! This easy recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal. Made with simple ingredients, these unstuffed cabbage rolls are quick and easy to make, and they're sure to satisfy.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls For One

New Year's Recipes For One (8)

Pork Tenderloin For One

4.92 from 24 votes

Discover how to make pork tenderloin with our simple, single serving recipe. Ideal for a quick, tasty dinner for one, without any leftovers.

Pork Tenderloin For One Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (9)

Colcannon For One

5 from 8 votes

Prepare a comforting single serving of Colcannon, an Irish classic with potatoes, cabbage, and a buttery twist. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.

Colcannon For One Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (10)

Roasted Cabbage For One

5 from 4 votes

These roasted cabbage wedges are crispy and caramelized around the edges and soft in the centers. Easy and delicious, this will be your new favorite way to eat cabbage!

Roasted Cabbage For One Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (11)

Small Batch Black Eyed Pea Hummus

5 from 1 vote

Create this easy and delightful Black Eyed Pea Hummus, a perfect snack or spread for any occasion. It's a healthy, flavorful twist on a classic.

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (12)

Small Batch Ham and Cheese Scones

5 from 6 votes

Bake a batch of delightful Ham and Cheese Scones today! Perfect for a quick snack or a delicious addition to any meal.

New Year's Recipes For One (13)

Mini Texas Sheet Cake

4.98 from 46 votes

This is the best Texas sheet cake recipe! An incredibly moist chocolate cake baked in a mini baking dish and topped with a warm chocolate topping. Easy to make and the perfect amount to serve one or two people.

Mini Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (14)

Mini Carrot Cake

4.93 from 41 votes

This Mini Carrot Cake is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It's everything you love about a carrot cake but in a single serve dessert. Topped with cream cheese frosting, this mini cake bakes in just 20 minutes!

Carrot Cake For One Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (15)

Tiramisu For One

4.92 from 12 votes

Easy Tiramisu recipe made with coffee-dipped lady fingers (store-bought or homemade) surrounded by a lightly sweetened, creamy, egg-free filling. This wonderful no bake Italian dessert can be ready in minutes!

Tiramisu For One Recipe

New Year's Recipes For One (16)

Small Batch Red Velvet Donuts

5 from 1 vote

Easy Small Batch Red Velvet Donuts Recipe – These oven baked donuts are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This wonderful donut recipe yields four to five of the best tasting donuts!

Small Batch Red Velvet Donuts

New Year's Recipes For One (17)

Eggs Benedict For One

5 from 6 votes

Make a luxurious Eggs Benedict for one with this simple recipe! Perfect for a special breakfast, it combines classic flavors with easy steps.

Eggs Benedict For One Recipe

Expert Tips

  • Plan Your Menu Early: Start planning your New Year’s menu as early as possible. This allows you ample time to gather all necessary ingredients, avoiding the last-minute rush and the disappointment of finding items out of stock.
  • Pre-Read Recipes: Thoroughly read through your chosen recipes in advance. Determine which dishes can be prepped ahead of time, ensuring a more relaxed cooking experience without the need to prepare everything simultaneously.
  • Treat Yourself with Elegance: If you’re celebrating solo this year, make the occasion special. Use your finest linens and dine with your best plates. Remember, you deserve to celebrate in style!
  • Adhere to Recommended Dish Sizes: For each recipe, we specify the ideal baking dish size. For optimal results, use the recommended size or a dish with similar dimensions. This ensures your meals cook evenly and turn out just as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these New Year’s recipes be prepared in advance?

Within each recipe blog post, we mention whether the dish can be made ahead of time. This information helps you plan your cooking schedule efficiently and enjoy a stress-free New Year’s celebration.

What kitchen essentials should I have for these single serving and small batch recipes?

For these recipes, basic kitchen tools like a good chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and a reliable oven are essential. Each recipe will detail any specific equipment needed, including baking dish sizes.

Is there a way to scale these recipes up for more people?

While these recipes are designed for smaller servings, most can be easily scaled up and we mention this information within each recipe post. In most cases, simply double the ingredients or adjust as needed if you’re expecting more guests.

How can I adjust these New Year’s recipes for dietary restrictions?

Most recipes can be easily modified to cater to dietary needs. Look for suggested substitutions in each recipe, or feel free to experiment with alternative ingredients that suit your dietary preferences.

Maximizing Leftover Ingredients From Our Recipes

For each of our single serving and small batch recipes, we provide creative ideas to utilize any remaining ingredients. To access these suggestions, simply click on the recipe title you’re interested in and scroll through the post. You’ll find these handy tips located just above the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

Don’t miss out on our other resourceful articles:

  • Small Batch Cookie Recipes: Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without excess.
  • Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up To: Start your day right with these delightful single serving breakfasts.
  • Slow Cooker Recipes For One: Discover the convenience of slow-cooked meals, tailored for solo dining.
  • Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes: Indulge in comforting classics, perfectly portioned for one.
  • Soup Recipes For One: Cozy up with a bowl of soup, ideal for a nourishing single-serving meal.

If you would like additional information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit ourFAQ page.

To see examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit ourStore page.

If you’ve tried any of our single serving One Dish Kitchen recipes please let me know how you liked them by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

New Year's Recipes For One (18)

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Cooking for One Articles New Year

New Year's Recipes For One (19)

Welcome!

I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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4 Comments

  1. Would love for you to try to make a 5” Italian cream cake. Please let me know if you ever do. I love all your recipes. Thank you

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Pam. We will definitely add it to our list of potential recipes to develop in the future. Stay tuned!

      Reply

  2. My family has a great New Year’s Day dinner that is perfect for one or a whole family. It’s a broiled sandwich called a Lone Eagle. Take two slices of bread and butter them. Lay down a slice each of ham and turkey (frozen leftunders are great for this), and add a slice of tomato. Close the sandwich, then butter the top of it and add a slice of cheese. Run under the broiler until the cheese melts, then cut in two and serve. It’s so good you won’t want to wait until 1 Jan to make it again.

    Reply

  3. Thanks for your recipes, I love to cook, but I ‘m defeated sometimes by the quantity of food recipes make, yours’ are perfect, I tried a lot of them and they taste just as good as they look.

    Reply

New Year's Recipes For One (2024)

FAQs

What are 3 foods that are eaten on New Year's Day? ›

Looking for prosperity? As Southern tradition dictates, black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread represent pennies, dollars, and gold, respectively, so eating them together on New Year's will keep your purse full all year long.

What foods are you supposed to cook for New Year's? ›

Greens, pork, and cornbread, as well as black-eyed peas, cowpeas, or beans, are some of the typical symbolic foods served on New Year's Day. When planning your dinner menu, add the Southern foods that some say bring good luck and avoid those that may do just the opposite in the new year.

What are the 7 Lucky New Year's food traditions around? ›

7 Lucky New Year's Traditions
  • Grapes // Spain. Better hope all those grapes taste sweet! ...
  • Black-Eyed Peas // Southern United States. ...
  • Soba Noodles // Japan. ...
  • Pomegranate // Eastern Europe. ...
  • Lentils // Europe & South America. ...
  • Marzipan Pigs // Germany & Scandinavia. ...
  • Pickled Herring // Poland, Scandinavia.

What's a good dinner for New Year's Eve? ›

New Year's Eve Dinner Ideas
  • Classic Shrimp Scampi. Melissa Clark. ...
  • Roasted Beef Tenderloin. Genevieve Ko. ...
  • Halloumi Chicken Parmesan With Za'atar. Yotam Ottolenghi. ...
  • Tardivo Salad With Pistachio and Citrus. Nikita Richardson, Mary Attea. ...
  • Seared Bone-In Rib-Eye Steaks. Genevieve Ko. ...
  • Easy. ...
  • Easy. ...
  • Ombré Gratin.

What is the first thing you should eat on new year's Day? ›

Eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is a time-honored tradition. Black-eyed peas are actually a kind of bean, not to be confused with green peas (or the hip hop band). There are a few different reasons they're associated with luck on New Year's Day.

What is the traditional new year's Day menu? ›

According to Southern lore, you will have good luck for the entire year if you have the traditional New Year's Day supper. In the South, that means a meal of collard greens, hoppin' John, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and pot likker soup.

What not to do on new year's Day? ›

Don't Clean the House on New Year's Day - You will wash away any good luck coming your way.

What meat do you eat on new year's Day? ›

Pigs root around with their snouts moving in a forward motion, which is why many cultures around the world eat pork on New Year's Day to symbolize progress for the coming year.

Can you eat potatoes on new year's Day? ›

A New Year's Day Tradition: Roast Pork, Mashed Potatoes and Sauerkraut. Growing up, our New Year's Day meal was always a pork roast, mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut, whether we liked it or not. It's a Pennsylvania Dutch New Year's tradition.

Can you eat pork on new year's Day? ›

Like many other cultures, the Pennsylvania Dutch believe eating pork on New Year's Day brings good luck because pigs root around with their snouts in a forward motion. After all, we want to move forward, not backward, in the new year.

Can you take a shower on new year's Day? ›

Taking a bath on New Year's is not necessary, but it is a personal choice. Different cultures and superstitions have varying beliefs about bathing on New Year's Day.

Can I wash dishes on new year's Day? ›

food-adjacent than being about what you should and shouldn't eat, and instead are about behaviors you'll want to follow or avoid in your kitchen in the new year. Per tradition, it's said you shouldn't clean your house (yep, including doing the dishes!) lest you accidentally sweep or wash good luck away.

What are you supposed to eat at midnight on New Year's Eve? ›

Eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight comes from Spain. While most participants expected it to help them find love in the new year, the 12 grapes are supposed to bring you luck. However, if you don't finish all 12 grapes before the bells finish chiming you might not be granted the good fortune.

Can I eat chicken on New Year's Eve? ›

Lobster, cows, and chicken are all considered unlucky animals to eat on New Year's because of how they move. Read on for more foods superstitious people try to avoid on the holiday.

What meat is served on New Year's Eve? ›

In fact, pork served in various iterations is a tradition that has woven its way through many cultures. It is believed that while chickens, turkeys, and other fowl root for food by kicking their feet backward, pigs bury their snout in the ground and move forward, considered a sign of prosperity for the coming year.

What brings good luck for the new year? ›

Eat 12 Grapes

The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight began in Spain and spread to other Central and South American countries, making it a fairly known New Year's superstition. As the clock strikes midnight, you're supposed to eat one grape with each chime to welcome good luck for each month in the new year.

Why do we eat cornbread on new year's Day? ›

If there was any corn left they made cornbread. So, theses three items have come to represent hope and prosperity for the New Year. The peas represent coins, the greens - paper money and the cornbread, gold.

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