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

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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 the 7 lucky new year's food traditions? ›

Food traditions that you can do to bring good luck next year
  • Pork. Pork is thought to bring good luck on New Year's Day. ...
  • Cabbage. ...
  • Black-Eyed Peas. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Noodles. ...
  • Grapes and other fruit.
Dec 31, 2023

What are three 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 are you supposed to cook on New Year's Day? ›

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.

How to cook food for 1 person? ›

Halve recipes and use leftovers.

This allows you to only make the amount of servings you want. For me, I usually make two servings of any recipe to either share with someone that night, or save for lunch leftovers the next day. This allows me to cook often without being overwhelmed with leftovers.

What not to cook 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.

Why eat cabbage on new year's Day? ›

This eastern European tradition of eating cabbage on New Year's—either as a dish or as cabbage rolls—is meant to signify luck, particularly on the financial side of things. People who eat cabbage on New Year's believe that it'll help them make more money in the year ahead.

What meat are you not supposed to eat on new year's Day? ›

If you don't want your luck to fly away in the new year, it's best to avoid any animal that has wings and scratches in the dirt, like turkey or chicken. These birds scratch backward, which can imply dwelling in the past or—even worse—the need to scrape by for your living.

What are you not supposed 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.

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.

What to grill on New Year's Day? ›

NEW YEAR'S RECIPES
  1. BBQ Burnt Ends.
  2. Ken Griffey Jr.'s Surf n' Turf.
  3. Smoked Pork Butt.
  4. Traeger Tri Tip.
  5. Roasted Tequila-Lime Wings.
  6. Italian Beef Pinwheels.
  7. Duck Confit, Red Onion Jam, and Goat Cheese Crostinis.
  8. Roasted lemon Rosemary Beer Can Chicken.

Why eat pork on New Year's Day? ›

Pork was believed to bring good luck because “the pig roots forward” for its food, as opposed to the backward scratching of an animal like a chicken. The Germans also believed that if the pork was rich in fat, it would signify prosperity in life, according to Stoltzfus Meats, a Pa.

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

Chicken, Squab, or Anything with Wings

If it has wings, it can fly away - and that's what legend says about chicken on New Years. Eating chicken can cause your good luck to fly away, and well - we definitely don't want that. Make that Roasted Chicken later in January, just to be safe.

How do I plan a menu for one? ›

Plan to Use Every Ingredient You Buy
  1. Pick an ingredient or two from your fridge or pantry that you need to use up.
  2. Think of a dish that uses those ingredients, then add what you don't have to your list.
  3. Think about what you'll have leftover from that recipe. ...
  4. Repeat steps 1–3 until you have a plan for the week.
Dec 30, 2021

How many dishes does 1 person need? ›

Traditionally, it is suggested that three to four plates for each person are optimal. However, this number can increase when you are setting up a formal table.

How to cook cheaply for one? ›

Mini casserole-style meals like a layered taco bake, shepherd's pie, chicken and rice, and tater tot casseroles are affordable, filling, and freeze well. Hearty beef and bean chili is one of my favorite meals to batch cook. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better!

What is the belief for eating round cake in the new year? ›

Cake: From donuts to more traditional cakes, round or ring-shaped sweets are very popular on New Year's Day. Many people believe round foods symbolize a circle. They may bring good luck that the coming year will go well and come “full circle” around to this same point in time the following year.

Why do you 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.

What are lucky sweets for new year? ›

Ring-Shaped Desserts

Donuts, cakes, cupcakes, you name it: all are lucky on New Year's Day. Circular foods represent "coming full circle."

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