25+ Traditional New Year’s Portuguese Recipes for Your New Year’s Feast

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New Year’s celebrations in Portugal are a vibrant mix of tradition, family, and, of course, delicious food.

If you’re looking to elevate your New Year’s dinner with a taste of Portugal, you’re in the right place.

Portuguese cuisine is full of hearty, comforting dishes, fresh seafood, rich desserts, and flavorful appetizers that are perfect for ringing in the new year.

From the beloved bacalhau (salted cod) to the decadent pastéis de nata (custard tarts), Portuguese recipes offer something for every palate.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family meal or an extravagant feast, these 25+ New Year’s Portuguese recipes will add a touch of tradition and festive flair to your celebration.

25+ Traditional New Year’s Portuguese Recipes for Your New Year’s Feast

new years portuguese recipes

As the clock strikes midnight, there’s no better way to start the year than with a table full of flavorful Portuguese dishes.

From the comforting caldo verde (green soup) to the sweet indulgence of pudim flan (caramel flan), these 25+ Portuguese recipes are sure to delight your guests and make your New Year’s celebration unforgettable.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or keeping it simple, these dishes capture the essence of Portugal’s rich culinary tradition, making them the perfect choice for a festive and memorable holiday meal.

Embrace the spirit of Portugal and add a new culinary tradition to your New Year’s celebrations this year!

Bacalhau à Brás

This is a quintessential Portuguese dish that’s often enjoyed during New Year celebrations.

Bacalhau à Brás combines salted cod (bacalhau) with crispy potatoes, eggs, and fresh parsley.

The combination of the tender fish and crunchy potatoes makes it a perfect balance of textures.

To make this dish, soak the salted cod for 24 hours, changing the water several times to remove the excess salt.

Then, flake the cod into bite-sized pieces and sauté it with julienned fries and onions.

Once the mixture is golden and crispy, add beaten eggs and stir gently until the eggs are soft and creamy.

Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and black olives for a touch of color.

The flavors in this dish are rich and savory, and it’s a crowd-pleaser at any New Year’s gathering.

[Full Recipe]

Feijoada Portuguesa

Feijoada is a hearty, flavorful stew made with black beans, various cuts of pork, and beef.

It’s a traditional dish in Portuguese cuisine, especially for special occasions like New Year’s Eve.

To prepare, start by simmering different meats like pork ribs, chorizo, and bacon along with onions, garlic, bay leaves, and a touch of paprika.

After that, add soaked black beans and let everything cook slowly to develop deep, rich flavors.

The stew is typically served with rice, a side of sautéed greens like kale or collard greens, and sometimes a fresh orange to cut through the richness of the dish.

This comforting meal is perfect for large family gatherings, and the longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together.

[Full Recipe]

Pastéis de Nata

No New Year’s celebration in Portugal is complete without the iconic Pastéis de Nata, crispy custard tarts that are beloved worldwide.

The secret to a perfect pastel is the flaky, buttery pastry combined with the rich, silky custard filling.

Start by preparing a quick puff pastry or using store-bought to save time.

For the custard, combine egg yolks, sugar, cream, vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon.

Carefully fill the pastry cups with the custard mixture, then bake until the edges are golden brown and the filling is just set with a beautiful golden top.

These tarts are often enjoyed warm, and they’re perfect with a cup of coffee or espresso. They’re a sweet, indulgent treat to ring in the new year and share with friends and family.

[Full Recipe]

Caldo Verde

Caldo Verde is a comforting, traditional Portuguese soup that’s perfect for a cozy New Year’s Eve dinner.

This vibrant green soup is made with kale, potatoes, chorizo, and garlic, creating a flavorful and hearty dish that’s both simple and satisfying.

To make it, start by boiling potatoes in water until soft, then mash them to create a smooth base.

Add sliced chorizo and minced garlic to a pot, and cook until the chorizo releases its rich flavors.

Next, add the mashed potatoes, water or broth, and simmer until everything is well combined.

Just before serving, stir in finely shredded kale and cook until it softens.

The soup is typically served with a drizzle of olive oil and a slice of rustic bread on the side.

This dish is a Portuguese classic, ideal for warming up during chilly winter nights and celebrating the start of a new year.

[Full Recipe]

Arroz Doce

Arroz Doce, or Portuguese rice pudding, is a sweet and creamy dessert that’s traditionally served at the end of New Year’s feasts.

Made with short-grain rice, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest, this pudding is a comforting and nostalgic dish for many.

Start by cooking the rice in milk, along with a cinnamon stick and a strip of lemon peel, until the rice becomes tender and the mixture thickens. Sweeten with sugar and a pinch of salt, then stir until smooth.

After cooling slightly, transfer the pudding to individual bowls and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

This rich, velvety dessert is a wonderful way to end a celebratory meal, and its delightful aroma of cinnamon and citrus makes it even more irresistible.

[Full Recipe]

Lampreia de Ovos

Lampreia de Ovos, or “Egg Lamprey,” is a traditional Portuguese dessert often served during festive occasions, including New Year’s celebrations.

Despite the unusual name, this dessert has nothing to do with lampreys (the fish); it’s a stunning, molded treat made from egg yolks, sugar, and almonds.

To make this dessert, start by creating a smooth mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and water, which you then cook until it thickens into a syrup.

Once the syrup is ready, gently pour it into a mold, often shaped like a fish or snake, and let it set to form a firm, jelly-like texture.

The finished dessert is often decorated with slivers of almonds for added crunch.

Lampreia de Ovos is sweet, rich, and indulgent—perfect for marking the occasion of a new year in grand style.

[Full Recipe]

Bolinhos de Bacalhau

Bolinhos de Bacalhau, or Portuguese codfish cakes, are a beloved appetizer often served during New Year’s Eve gatherings.

These crispy, golden-brown fritters are made with salted cod, mashed potatoes, onions, parsley, and a hint of garlic.

The process begins by soaking the salted cod to remove the excess salt and then boiling it until tender.

Flake the cod and mix it with mashed potatoes, finely chopped onions, and fresh parsley, then season with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic.

Form the mixture into small cakes or balls and fry them until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

These cod cakes are a delicious, savory bite that pairs perfectly with a glass of Portuguese vinho verde or a crisp white wine.

Serve them as a starter or as part of a larger New Year’s meal to impress your guests with a taste of authentic Portuguese flavor.

[Full Recipe]

Alheira de Caça

Alheira is a traditional Portuguese sausage, originally created by Jews in Portugal as a way to avoid persecution.

The version made for New Year’s celebrations often uses game meats, such as wild boar or venison, giving it a rich, hearty flavor.

To prepare Alheira de Caça, begin by mixing the ground meat with bread crumbs, garlic, onions, paprika, and herbs like parsley and thyme.

The sausage is then stuffed into natural casings and carefully cooked until golden and fully flavored. Typically, Alheira is pan-fried until crisp and served with sides such as sautéed greens or a simple salad.

Its savory taste and crispy exterior make it a perfect addition to any festive spread.

It’s a flavorful choice that speaks to Portugal’s culinary history and adds a rustic touch to your New Year’s meal.

[Full Recipe]

Pão-de-Ló

Pão-de-Ló is a light, airy Portuguese sponge cake that’s often enjoyed during New Year’s and other festive occasions.

The cake is made with just a few simple ingredients—eggs, sugar, and flour—yet it’s rich in flavor and texture.

What sets Pão-de-Ló apart from other sponge cakes is its moist, almost custard-like center.

To make this cake, whip egg yolks with sugar until fluffy and pale, then gently fold in beaten egg whites and sifted flour.

The batter is poured into a round or square cake pan and baked at a low temperature to create its delicate, soft texture.

After baking, the cake’s center remains slightly moist, making it melt in your mouth.

Traditionally, Pão-de-Ló is served plain, but you can also dust it with powdered sugar or serve it with whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra special touch.

This cake is a delicious way to ring in the new year with something sweet and light.

[Full Recipe]

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato is a classic Portuguese dish featuring succulent clams in a fragrant garlic and herb sauce.

This dish is a favorite for New Year’s gatherings, where it’s often served as a starter or a light main.

To prepare, start by cleaning the clams and then cooking them in a pan with olive oil, plenty of crushed garlic, fresh cilantro, and a splash of white wine.

The clams open up quickly, releasing their natural brine, which melds with the garlic and herbs to create a rich, aromatic broth.

For a final touch, add a squeeze of lemon juice and serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

The combination of the tender clams and the bold, garlicky sauce makes this dish a crowd favorite, ideal for those who appreciate fresh seafood.

[Full Recipe]

Tarte de Amêndoa

Tarte de Amêndoa, or Portuguese almond tart, is a sweet and indulgent dessert perfect for ringing in the New Year.

The rich, nutty filling, made from ground almonds, eggs, butter, and sugar, is baked inside a buttery, crisp pastry shell, creating a delightful balance of textures.

To make this tart, begin by preparing a simple shortcrust pastry, then line a tart pan and blind-bake until golden.

Meanwhile, whisk together ground almonds, sugar, butter, and eggs to form a smooth filling.

Pour the mixture into the pre-baked crust and bake until set and lightly golden on top.

The tart’s subtle almond flavor, combined with its smooth, dense filling, makes it an elegant and satisfying dessert.

It pairs beautifully with a glass of Madeira wine or a rich coffee, making it the perfect way to end a festive meal.

[Full Recipe]

Cozido à Portuguesa

Cozido à Portuguesa is the ultimate comfort food, a Portuguese boiled dinner made with a variety of meats, sausages, and vegetables. This dish is perfect for New Year’s, as it brings together hearty ingredients in a flavorful, satisfying way.

The dish includes pork, beef, chicken, and traditional sausages like chorizo and morcela (blood sausage), all simmered together with vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and turnips.

The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich, savory broth.

It’s typically served in two parts: first, the meats and sausages, followed by the vegetables and broth.

Cozido à Portuguesa is often enjoyed with a side of rice and a drizzle of olive oil.

This dish is perfect for a large family meal, offering a variety of flavors in every bite and a comforting warmth that’s ideal for the holiday season.

[Full Recipe]

Sopa de Cebola

Sopa de Cebola, or Portuguese onion soup, is a rich and comforting dish perfect for the cooler New Year’s season.

The key to this flavorful soup is caramelizing the onions to bring out their natural sweetness before simmering them in a savory broth.

To prepare, thinly slice several onions and sauté them in butter or olive oil until golden brown and soft.

This step takes time but is essential to developing a deep, rich flavor.

Once the onions are caramelized, add beef or chicken broth, a touch of white wine, and season with thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Allow the soup to simmer gently until the flavors have melded together.

For an added indulgence, serve the soup with toasted bread topped with melted cheese, which will melt beautifully into the broth.

This dish is perfect for warming up on New Year’s Eve or as a comforting start to the holiday feast.

[Full Recipe]

Percebes (Gooseneck Barnacles)

Percebes, or gooseneck barnacles, are a true delicacy in Portugal, often served during special occasions like New Year’s celebrations.

These unique shellfish are harvested from the rocky coastlines and are known for their distinct appearance and incredibly tender meat.

To prepare percebes, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of sea salt—just like cooking pasta in salted water.

Submerge the percebes into the water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, just until they turn a beautiful reddish-brown.

After draining, serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of melted butter for dipping.

The texture is soft yet firm, with a briny, oceanic flavor that pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine or a glass of refreshing vinho verde.

These barnacles are a true Portuguese treat that will elevate any New Year’s celebration with their distinct taste and elegance.

[Full Recipe]

Toucinho do Céu

Toucinho do Céu, or “Bacon from Heaven,” is a traditional Portuguese almond and egg yolk cake with a rich history.

Despite its name, the “bacon” refers to the egg yolks, not actual pork! This dessert has deep roots in Portugal’s convent cuisine, often made by nuns using local almonds, sugar, and egg yolks.

To make Toucinho do Céu, start by combining ground almonds, sugar, and egg yolks to form a dense batter.

The mixture is baked in a round cake pan, often lined with parchment paper.

The result is a sweet, fragrant cake with a moist, almost fudgy center and a crisp golden exterior.

Traditionally, Toucinho do Céu is garnished with candied almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar.

It’s a luxurious dessert, perfect for serving during New Year’s celebrations, offering a sweet and indulgent way to end a festive meal with a nod to Portuguese tradition.

[Full Recipe]

Chanfana

Chanfana is a traditional Portuguese stew made with goat meat, slow-cooked in red wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs.

This rustic, hearty dish is perfect for New Year’s gatherings, offering deep flavors and tender meat that falls apart with the touch of a fork.

To prepare Chanfana, marinate chunks of goat meat overnight in a mixture of red wine, olive oil, garlic, onions, bay leaves, and spices like paprika and pepper.

The next day, braise the meat in the marinade until tender, allowing the wine to reduce into a rich, flavorful sauce.

The longer it cooks, the more the meat absorbs the spices and wine, creating a savory, satisfying dish.

Serve with rustic bread to soak up the delicious sauce or alongside roasted potatoes or rice for a complete meal.

Chanfana is a true celebration of Portuguese flavors and is a wonderful way to start the New Year with family and friends.

[Full Recipe]

Tarte de Laranja

Tarte de Laranja, or Portuguese orange tart, is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that celebrates the citrus fruit in all its glory.

The tart is made with a buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with a zesty orange custard, giving a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

To prepare, first make the pastry dough and line a tart pan, then blind-bake the crust until golden and crisp.

Meanwhile, whisk together fresh orange juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and a little cornstarch to form the custard filling.

Pour the custard into the baked crust and bake again until it sets. Once cooled, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of whipped cream.

The natural citrus flavor is refreshing and bright, making this tart the ideal dessert to end a festive New Year’s meal with a burst of fresh flavor.

[Full Recipe]

Migas à Alentejana

Migas à Alentejana is a traditional Portuguese dish from the Alentejo region, where it’s made with leftover bread, garlic, olive oil, and spices.

The dish is both simple and comforting, often served as a side dish alongside meats or as a standalone vegetarian meal.

To make Migas, begin by tearing up rustic bread into small pieces and soaking it briefly in water.

In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Add the soaked bread and stir to combine, cooking until the bread crisps up and absorbs the flavorful oil.

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

In some variations, Migas can be served with pieces of chorizo or pork, adding a savory richness to the dish.

This rustic, satisfying meal is perfect for a hearty New Year’s celebration and offers a taste of Portugal’s countryside with every bite.

[Full Recipe]

Bacalhau com Natas

Bacalhau com Natas is a comforting and indulgent Portuguese dish that transforms salted cod into a creamy, delicious casserole.

It’s perfect for a festive New Year’s meal, offering a luxurious combination of tender cod, rich cream, and golden potatoes.

To prepare, start by boiling the salted cod to remove the excess salt, then flake the fish into pieces.

In a separate pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, and layer the cod with sautéed onions, crispy fried potatoes, and a generous amount of heavy cream.

Once assembled, bake the dish in the oven until bubbly and golden on top.

The creamy texture of the dish, combined with the slight saltiness of the cod, creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s guaranteed to impress guests.

This dish is often served with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness.

[Full Recipe]

Queijadas de Sintra

Queijadas de Sintra are delicious Portuguese cheesecakes originating from the town of Sintra, near Lisbon.

These small, individual cheesecakes are made with a filling of fresh cheese, eggs, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon and lemon zest, all nestled in a buttery, flaky pastry.

They are sweet, slightly tangy, and full of flavor.

To make them, prepare a pastry dough and line muffin tins or small tart pans.

In a bowl, mix fresh cheese (such as ricotta or a similar soft cheese), eggs, sugar, and spices until smooth.

Pour the mixture into the pastry shells and bake until golden brown and set.

The result is a bite-sized treat that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for serving at New Year’s parties.

Serve them warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.

[Full Recipe]

Peixinhos da Horta

Peixinhos da Horta, or “Little Fish from the Garden,” is a beloved Portuguese snack that features vegetables, typically green beans, coated in a light batter and deep-fried until crispy.

The dish is a perfect appetizer or finger food for New Year’s celebrations, providing a satisfying crunch and a subtle sweetness from the vegetables.

To make Peixinhos da Horta, blanch green beans until tender, then dip them in a simple batter made from flour, water, and a pinch of salt.

Fry the battered beans in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.

These “little fish” are usually served with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt, making them irresistible as a snack or appetizer.

The crisp exterior and tender interior make this dish a delightful contrast of textures, ideal for munching on during festive moments.

[Full Recipe]

Feijão Verde com Chouriço

Feijão Verde com Chouriço is a vibrant and flavorful Portuguese dish that combines tender green beans with smoky, spicy chorizo sausage.

This simple yet satisfying side dish is a fantastic addition to any New Year’s meal, as it balances the richness of other dishes with its fresh, savory flavors.

To prepare, start by blanching the green beans until tender but still crisp.

In a separate pan, sauté slices of chorizo sausage with garlic and onions until they release their delicious oils and become slightly crispy.

Add the green beans to the pan and toss them together to combine, letting the beans soak up the smoky, garlicky goodness.

Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for an extra depth of flavor.

This dish pairs wonderfully with meats like roast pork or lamb, and it adds a colorful and flavorful element to your holiday spread.

[Full Recipe]

Bacalhau à Lagareiro

Bacalhau à Lagareiro is one of the most celebrated ways to prepare salted cod in Portugal. The dish features tender cod, oven-roasted with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, resulting in a succulent and aromatic meal.

For this dish, start by soaking the bacalhau (salted cod) for at least 24 hours to remove the salt, then roast it in a hot oven with olive oil, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

As it roasts, the fish becomes incredibly tender, and the flavors of the garlic and herbs infuse the flesh.

Serve it with boiled potatoes drizzled with the rich, garlicky olive oil sauce that forms in the pan.

This dish is a Portuguese classic, often served at festive occasions such as New Year’s, where the combination of flavors and textures offers something both hearty and indulgent.

[Full Recipe]

Doce de Abóbora

Doce de Abóbora is a traditional Portuguese pumpkin jam, sweetened with sugar and flavored with cinnamon and cloves, making it the perfect treat for the holiday season.

This jam is often served with cheese or spread on toasted bread as part of a New Year’s dessert platter.

To make Doce de Abóbora, peel and chop a ripe pumpkin into cubes, then cook it slowly with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a few cloves until it becomes soft and the mixture thickens.

Once the pumpkin breaks down and the syrup thickens, you can blend it to a smooth consistency or leave it slightly chunky, depending on your preference.

After cooling, store it in jars for a homemade, sweet addition to any celebration.

Serve with Portuguese cheeses like queijo de cabra (goat cheese) or a slice of pão caseiro (homemade bread) for a sweet and savory pairing that will delight your guests.

[Full Recipe]

Carne de Porco à Alentejana

Carne de Porco à Alentejana is a savory and aromatic Portuguese dish from the Alentejo region, combining tender pork with sweet clams and seasoned with garlic, white wine, and paprika.

This unique combination of land and sea flavors makes it an ideal choice for a festive New Year’s meal.

To prepare, marinate chunks of pork with garlic, white wine, paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme.

Sauté the pork until golden, then add fresh clams and let them cook until they open up and release their briny juices into the dish.

The sweet clams and savory pork create a rich, flavorful sauce that can be served with boiled potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.

This hearty dish is perfect for impressing guests and bringing a taste of the Portuguese countryside to your table.

[Full Recipe]

Conclusion

Portuguese cuisine offers an abundance of unique flavors and comforting dishes that are perfect for ringing in the New Year.

With 25+ recipes to choose from, you can mix and match savory dishes, fresh seafood, and indulgent desserts to create a feast that will delight everyone at your table.

From the smoky richness of feijoada to the sweetness of queijadas de sintra, each recipe is a window into Portuguese culinary heritage.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these 25+ New Year’s Portuguese recipes will help you celebrate the start of a new year with delicious food and cherished traditions.

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