Savoring Luck Around the World: A Culinary Countdown for a Lucky New Year!
As the clock strikes midnight and we usher in a fresh new year, why not celebrate with a New Year’s Eve lucky charcuterie board that’s more than just delicious? This year, let’s embrace global traditions that promise health, wealth, and good fortune—all through the universal language of food. Whether you’re superstitious or simply a culinary adventurer, this charcuterie board offers a unique and tasty way to start the year on the right note.
Here’s how to create a show-stopping charcuterie board inspired by New Year’s traditions from around the world:
Grapes on Skewers
Start with Spain’s beloved tradition: 12 grapes for the 12 strokes of midnight. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the upcoming year. Skewer them for easy serving and a touch of elegance.
Round Fruits
Add prosperity to your board with round fruits like oranges, mandarins, or pomegranates. In cultures from the Philippines to China, these circular fruits symbolize coins and wealth, making them a bright and festive addition.
Luck of the Irish Potato Bites
Celebrate Irish New Year’s traditions with mini potato bites. Top them with Irish cheddar, chives, and a dollop of sour cream for a comforting nod to the Emerald Isle.
Mini Pork Sliders
Pork is a global symbol of progress and prosperity, thanks to pigs’ forward-rooting habits. Assemble mini sliders with cornbread muffins, pulled pork or ham, compound butter (mix ½ cup softened butter with 2 tablespoons minced green onion), and a dab of fruit jam. These Southern-inspired treats are sure to delight.
Black-Eyed Peas
In the Southern United States, black-eyed peas are a classic New Year’s dish believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Pair them with this flavorful Hoppin’ John Dip:
Hoppin’ John Dip
Yield: 2 cups | Active Time: 5 minutes | Chill Time: 6 hours
- 3 tablespoons apple cider or red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- Hot sauce (optional)
In a mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, salt, olive oil, and garlic. Add parsley, green onions, black-eyed peas, and hot sauce if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least six hours. Serve with crackers or crusty bread.
Lentils for Luck
Small but mighty, lentils symbolize coins and prosperity in countries like Italy, France, and Brazil. They’re a delicious way to embrace abundance.
Lucky Lentil Bruschetta
This three-layer appetizer is a feast for the senses:
Whipped Feta
Yield: 1 cup | Time: 5 minutes
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- Zest and 2 tablespoons juice from one small lemon
- 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Marinated Lentils
Yield: 2 cups | Active Time: 5 minutes | Chill Time: 6 hours
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cooked green lentils
Combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Add lentils and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least six hours.
Easy Tomato Bruschetta
Yield: 1 cup | Time: 5 minutes
- 1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes with sweet onion and garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
Mix all ingredients and set aside.
To assemble, layer whipped feta, marinated lentils, and tomato bruschetta on toasted bread slices. Serve immediately.
A Toast to Tradition
Creating New Year’s Eve lucky charcuterie board that honors global New Year’s customs is not just about luck—it’s a beautiful way to connect with cultural traditions and share meaningful moments with loved ones. Whether you’re savoring grapes, indulging in lentils, or enjoying the rich flavors of pork sliders, these dishes remind us of the universal desire for prosperity and joy in the coming year.
Here’s to a Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and lots of luck. Cheers!
You will also like – Copycat Crackers – Raincoast Crisps, and A Trade Secret from Professional Party Planners – How to Make Amazing Boxed Wine Sangria

NEW YEAR'S EVE CHARCUTERIE BOARD - HOPPIN’ JOHN DIP
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons apple cider or red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 15 ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- Hot sauce - optional to taste, or on the side
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the vinegar sugar, salt, olive oil, garlic.
- Add parsley, green onions, black-eyed peas, and hot sauce if using.
- Cover, and refrigerate at least six hours before serving.
Nutrition

NEW YEAR'S EVE CHARCUTERIE BOARD - LUCKY LENTIL BRUSCHETTA
Ingredients
WHIPPED FETA
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- One small lemon, for zest and 2 tablespoons juice
- One small clove of garlic, finely minced
MARINATED LENTILS
TOMATO BRUSCHETTA
- 1 15 ounce can petite cut tomatoes with sweet onion and garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
TO SERVE
- Sliced baguette or crackers
Instructions
To make WHIPPED FETA
- Using a hand mixer or a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
To make MARINATED LENTILS
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Add the lentils to the marinade and mix thoroughly. Cover, and refrigerate at least six hours before serving.
To make TOMATO BRUSCHETTA
- In a mixing bowl, place all ingredients and stir to combine.
TO ASSEMBLE
- Start your three-layer bruschetta by spreading creamy whipped feta on your bread or cracker, followed by marinated lentils, topped with delicious tomatoes. Easy peasy!