Best New Year's Eve Appetizers 2015

Ring in 2016 with appetizers lowbrow (fried pickles!) and highbrow (shrimp cocktail!) to start the New Year off strong.

Nothing says classy like a glass goblet filled with ice, poached shrimp around its rim and spicy, tangy cocktail sauce in its belly. Fragrant with bay leaves and garlic, this modern take on the steakhouse classic sure beats the flash-frozen and bottled-sauce version.

Short on time before the big bash? Head to your fridge and pull out your trusty jar of kimchi. All these deviled eggs need is a whir in the blender with funky, spicy kimchi and mayo, then a sprinkle of crunchy sesame seeds.

Move over, ants on a log. This throwback snack slides bacon- and Dijon mustard-powered cream cheese onto crisp celery sticks. Now all you need is to find a platter pretty enough to pass around these hors d'oeuvres.

There's a reason why TT editors still can't stop talking about the namesake clam dip from New York City chef Mike Price. Scoop up the cool, briny mix with potato chips and make a double batch, because it'll definitely go fast.

This counts as your vegetable for the day, right? These fried pickles are the real dill: sliced into spears instead of coins for a fry-like crunch and served with an Old Bay- and cayenne-spiked mayo for an unfussy appetizer that's sure to please.

No Lipton packets required for this crowd-pleasing dip. Upgrade the standard with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a double dose of alliums—soft, sweet onions and shallots—then serve it with a big bowl of fancy crackers for the full effect.

You'll pâté yourself on the back after pulling off this level of fancy with little effort. Impress your pinky-up guests by blending sautéed chicken livers with butter and garlic for the most rewarding spread for your toast points.