There’s something magical about ringing in the New Year with a table full of delicious food, isn’t there? I’ve hosted my fair share of New Year’s Eve parties, and let me tell you—this creamy, tangy dip with crispy bacon and fresh chives has always been the star of the show. It’s the kind of New Year’s Eve food that disappears within minutes because everyone keeps coming back for more. I first made it years ago when I needed a last-minute appetizer, and now it’s a non-negotiable part of our celebration. Simple, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor—just what you need when the clock’s ticking down to midnight!

Why You’ll Love This New Year’s Eve Food
Oh, where do I even start? This dip is my go-to for a reason—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that takes almost no effort but tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Effortless to make – Seriously, just mix, spread, and sprinkle. Even if you’re juggling party prep, this comes together in minutes.
- Bursting with flavor – The tangy creaminess from the sour cream and mayo, balanced with that bright lemon juice, then topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives? Pure magic.
- Always disappears fast – I’ve never had leftovers. Ever. It’s that good.
- Looks fancy with zero fuss – The colorful toppings make it look like you put in way more effort than you actually did. (I won’t tell!)
Trust me, once you serve this at your New Year’s Eve bash, it’ll become your tradition too.
Ingredients for Your New Year’s Eve Food
Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because the magic of this dip starts with the right stuff. I’ve made this enough times to know exactly what works (and what doesn’t). Here’s everything you’ll need, split into two simple parts: the creamy base and those irresistible toppings. Pro tip: Stick to full-fat sour cream and real mayo for the richest flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
For the Dip
- 1 cup sour cream – Full-fat, please! The low-fat stuff just doesn’t give you that luscious texture.
- ½ cup mayonnaise – The real deal, not Miracle Whip. It adds that perfect tangy richness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Freshly squeezed if you can. It brightens everything up!
For the Topping
- ¼ cup chopped chives – Snip them fresh for that gorgeous green color and mild oniony bite.
- ¼ cup crumbled bacon – Cook it crispy and crumble it yourself—none of that pre-packaged bacon bits nonsense.
That’s it! Five simple ingredients, but when they come together? Pure New Year’s Eve magic. And hey, if you’re looking for more easy appetizer ideas, I’ve got plenty up my sleeve.
How to Make This New Year’s Eve Food
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this dip that’s going to steal the show at your party! I promise, it’s so easy you could do it with your eyes closed (though I don’t recommend that—we want all that bacon to actually land on the dip). Here’s how I do it, with all my little tricks to make it perfect.
Step 1: Prepare the Dip Base
First, grab that mixing bowl and let’s make magic happen. Dump in the sour cream, mayo, and lemon juice. Now, here’s the key—mix it slowly at first to avoid splatters (learned that the hard way one New Year’s Eve with a white sweater… oops). Keep stirring until it’s completely smooth—no lumps allowed! The texture should be creamy and dreamy, like you could dip a spoon in and it would coat it perfectly. Taste it too—if you want a touch more zing, add another squeeze of lemon juice. Trust your gut!
Step 2: Add the Toppings
Time for the grand finale! Spread your creamy mixture onto a serving plate—I like using the back of a spoon to make it nice and even. Now, shower it with those gorgeous green chives. Don’t just dump them in one spot; sprinkle them like confetti for even coverage. Then comes the star of the show—crispy bacon! Crumble it between your fingers as you go so every bite gets a little salty, smoky crunch. Pro tip: Leave a few bigger bacon pieces on top for that “wow” factor when guests see it.

And that’s it! See? I told you it was easy. Now step back and admire your handiwork before it disappears in five minutes flat.
Tips for Perfect New Year’s Eve Food
Listen, I’ve made this dip enough times to know all the little tricks that take it from good to “OMG, what IS this?!” Here are my hard-won secrets for New Year’s Eve food perfection:
- Chill it first – Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully, and that cool creaminess is irresistible with warm crackers.
- Fresh is best – Skip the bottled lemon juice and pre-chopped herbs. That extra minute squeezing fresh lemon and snipping chives makes all the difference.
- Bacon hack – Cook your bacon the day before when you’re less busy. Store it crispy in the fridge—it’ll still crumble perfectly when party time comes.
- Double batch – Trust me, you’ll want to. I’ve never once regretted making extra!
Follow these tips, and your New Year’s Eve spread will be the talk of the party—just don’t be surprised when everyone asks for your “secret” recipe!

Serving Suggestions for New Year’s Eve Food
Now, here’s where the real fun begins—how to serve this glorious dip so it disappears before the ball drops! I’ve tried every combo under the sun, and these are my absolute favorite ways to let this New Year’s Eve food shine. First, temperature matters—serve it chilled but not ice-cold. That sweet spot where the flavors pop but it’s still refreshing against all those bubbly drinks.
For dippers, you can’t go wrong with:
- Buttery crackers – Ritz or Club crackers are my MVP. They’re sturdy enough to scoop up all that creamy goodness without breaking.
- Fresh veggie sticks – Cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips add a nice crunch and make you feel slightly virtuous amidst all the champagne.
- Crusty bread – Little toasted baguette slices? Yes please! They soak up every last bit like edible spoons.
Want to really impress? Set up a DIY dipper station with small bowls of extra toppings—extra bacon bits, chives, even some grated cheese. Let guests customize their perfect bite! And if you’re looking for more party snack inspiration, I’ve got loads of ideas to keep your spread exciting all night long.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Oh, the beauty of this dip? You can totally cheat and make it ahead of time—because who wants to be stuck in the kitchen when the countdown begins? Here’s how I handle it: Mix the base up to a day in advance (just cover it tightly so it doesn’t absorb any fridge smells). Add the toppings right before serving so the bacon stays crispy and the chives stay bright green. Leftovers? Ha—good one! But if by some miracle you have any, it’ll keep covered in the fridge for about 2 days. Though I can’t promise the texture will be quite as dreamy after day one.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real—this dip isn’t exactly a health food (though those chives totally count as greens, right?). Since I’m all about keeping it honest, I want to mention that nutritional info can vary based on the brands and ingredients you use. Maybe your sour cream has more fat than mine, or your bacon is extra crispy—it all adds up differently! I don’t have exact numbers for you, but hey, it’s New Year’s Eve. If there’s ever a night to indulge without overthinking, this is it. Just enjoy every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! I’ve done this when I was in a pinch. Greek yogurt gives you that same tangy creaminess, though it’ll be slightly thicker. Just use full-fat yogurt—the non-fat stuff can make the dip a bit chalky. If it feels too thick, add a splash more lemon juice to loosen it up. Honestly? Most guests won’t even notice the swap!
How far in advance can I make this dip?
Here’s my golden rule: Mix the base up to 24 hours ahead (keep it covered in the fridge), but wait to add those toppings until right before serving. The bacon stays crispier and the chives stay perkier that way. I’ve even prepped the bacon and chopped chives the day before—just store them separately in little containers. Party day? Just assemble and dazzle!
What if I don’t eat pork? Any bacon alternatives?
No problem at all! Turkey bacon works surprisingly well—just crisp it up extra. For a vegetarian twist, try smoked almonds chopped finely or even those crispy fried onions from the can (you know the ones). They give you that salty crunch without the pork. One of my friends swears by sun-dried tomatoes instead—adds a nice chewy texture and umami punch!
How many people does this recipe serve?
This batch comfortably serves 4-6 people as part of a bigger spread. But if it’s the star of your snack table? Double it. Triple it if you’ve got a crowd! I’ve learned the hard way that this dip disappears faster than New Year’s resolutions. Pro tip: Use a smaller, deeper dish if you’re serving fewer people—it looks more abundant that way and prevents sad, half-empty platter syndrome.

Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a serving plate.
- Sprinkle chopped chives and crumbled bacon on top.
- Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks.
Notes
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