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A festive New Year's Eve appetizer platter filled with cheeses, olives, and shrimp cocktail.

New Year's Eve Appetizer Platter

A festive and crowd-pleasing platter featuring crispy Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini, sweet and salty Candied Bacon Smokies, creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip, mini Cheese Ball Bites, and Pimento Cheese Stuffed Olives, perfectly suited for New Year's Eve celebrations.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer, Party Food
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini
  • 2 cups cooked short grain rice, cooled Chilled rice is easier to shape.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino You can use a mix of both.
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper Or adjust according to preference.
  • 1-2 eggs for binding Use based on the consistency.
  • 1 cup small cubes of mozzarella For the center of the balls.
  • 1/2 cup flour For coating.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs For coating.
  • 2 seconds cooking spray For the air fryer basket.
Candied Bacon Smokies
  • 1 pound cocktail sausages Use small, bite-sized sausages.
  • 1 pound bacon pieces Cut into smaller sizes.
  • 1 cup brown sugar For coating the sausages.
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes Optional for a spicy kick.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Use pre-cooked for ease.
  • 8 ounces cream cheese Softened for easier mixing.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce Adjust heat according to taste.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Topping for baking.
Cheese Ball Bites
  • 8 ounces cream cheese Softened.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar Can substitute with any preferred cheese.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions For garnish and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup crushed nuts or chopped herbs For coating.
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Olives
  • 1 jar big green olives Pitted olives are preferable.
  • 1 cup pimento cheese Store-bought or homemade.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the short grain rice ahead of time and let it cool.
  2. Mix rice with cheese and pepper until aromatic and combined.
  3. Stir in eggs until mixture holds together.
  4. For arancini, form mixture into balls with a mozzarella cube center.
  5. Coat arancini balls in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
Cooking
  1. Air fry arancini at 375°F until crispy, flipping once.
  2. For bacon smokies, coat sausages with bacon and brown sugar, then bake until caramelized.
  3. Bake buffalo chicken dip until bubbly and serve with assorted dippers.
  4. Mix cheese ball ingredients, form small balls, and coat for presentation.
  5. Stuff olives with pimento cheese.
Serving
  1. Arrange each item on a large platter for guests to enjoy.
  2. Place sturdy crackers and vegetables near spreads.

Notes

Make cheese ball bites and stuffed olives ahead of time for easier hosting. Keep dippers and crunchy vegetables nearby for balance.