The Luxury Lover's Guide to Caviar for New Year's

Many cultures and religions view fish as a symbol of wealth, fertility, and good health, which is why there are so many traditions centered around eating seafood at the beginning of the year. As the roe of a rare fish, eating a spoonful or two of caviar on New Year's Eve is a great way to kick off a year of abundance. 

Want to add caviar to your table this December 31? These recipes and serving tips will help you start a New Year's Eve caviar tradition that your friends and family will look forward to every year.

New Year's Eve Caviar Recipes by Course

Need some inspiration for serving caviar for New Year's? Here are some recipe ideas for each course of an NYE dinner.

1. Hors D'Oeuvres

Caviar is a versatile topping for all sorts of finger foods.

• Buttered toast points: Slice the bread of your choice diagonally to form triangles and remove the crusts, then toast in the oven and top with softened butter and caviar.
• Blinis and crème fraîche: Warm homemade blinis with a dollop of créme fraîche and caviar make a classic, savory snack for any occasion. You can also buy packs of premade blinis if you want to save time.
• Deviled eggs: Add a few tablespoons of crème fraîche to the yolk mix in your favorite deviled eggs recipe and garnish with caviar pearls and chives for a rich, luxurious bite. 

2. Appetizer: Potato Rösti

A Rösti is a Swiss food similar to a latke, though it's taller and thicker than a regular potato pancake. Instead of using flour and egg as a binder like a latke, a rösti only uses melted butter to stick the other ingredients together.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and mandoline two large russet potatoes into thin slices, then cut each slice into matchsticks. Soak the matchsticks in a bowl of water to remove the starch, then pat them down with paper towels until dry. In a clean medium bowl, toss the matchsticks with 1/2 cup of melted butter and season with salt.

In an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, arrange the matchsticks into an even layer and press them together using a spatula. Let the potatoes cook on the stovetop for five to six minutes to develop a golden crust, then transfer the entire pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes before carefully flipping and baking for another 15 minutes. Finally, remove the pan and sprinkle with salt to taste.

While the Swiss traditionally eat rösti as a breakfast dish with sausage and eggs, it also makes a hearty appetizer for a chilly New Year's Eve. Top yours with a dollop of crème fraîche, a spoonful of caviar, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives to elevate the experience.

3. Starter Course: Seafood Bisque

What better way to incorporate the tradition of eating fish on New Year's Eve than with a creamy seafood bisque and caviar? 

Melt 1 cup butter in a large pot, then add one small diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Whisk in 1/2 cup flour, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning until mixed, then slowly whisk in 1 quart heavy cream and 1 quart whole milk. 

Bring the pot to a boil before adding in 1 1/2 pounds raw seafood. Because the base is so neutral, you can add almost anything — shrimp, scallops, crab, and cod are some delicious choices. Lower the heat and allow the pot to simmer for about 10 minutes or until the seafood is thoroughly cooked. 

Distribute the soup into bowls and top with a spoonful of your favorite caviar and some chopped parsley.

4. Main Course: Miso Butter Pasta

A rich, creamy pasta with an umami kick makes an excellent pairing for caviar's oceanic bite. This recipe serves four and is easy to double if needed.

First, cook 8 ounces of pasta according to the instructions on the box. You can use any long and thick noodle you like, such as:

• Spaghetti
• Linguine
• Fettuccine
• Bucatini
• Tagliatelle

Make sure to save at least 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Next, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add 5 ounces shiitake mushrooms and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sauté for five to eight minutes before removing the mushrooms and setting them aside.

Reduce the heat and add four cloves minced garlic. Allow the garlic to cook for about a minute, then add 3 tablespoons white miso, 1 to 1 1/2 cups pasta water, and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan. Stir to combine the sauce, then toss in the pasta, mushrooms, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Dish up and garnish with a healthy spoonful of caviar.

5. Dessert

The bold, slightly briny taste of caviar adds a uniquely savory element to creamy and milky desserts like panna cotta, flan, and even cheesecake. Generally, subtle flavors like the following are exceptional pairings for caviar:

• Vanilla
• White chocolate 
• Caramel 
• Melon
• Mango

A caviar-topped dessert makes a great complement to a midnight champagne toast, since the dry bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites. Dessert wines like port or sweet sherry are also good choices for those who like something a little more robust.

Which Type of Caviar Should You Get for New Year's Eve?

The right caviar for your NYE party depends on the kind of flavor you're looking for:

• Royal Ossetra: A versatile choice for various recipes, Royal Ossetra caviar features large, dark pearls with a buttery texture and bold yet nutty flavor. 
• Beluga Hybrid: With its firm amber pearls and balanced flavor, Beluga Hybrid makes an excellent pairing for sweet treats and light hors d'oeuvres.
• Sevruga: With its deliciously balanced flavor, Sevruga caviar is best for heartier pairings like rösti and buttery pasta.
• Fish roe: The bright orange color and sharp, salty flavors of smoked trout roe (masuko) and wild salmon roe (ikura) can turn any dish into a showstopper.

You can also purchase a tasting bundle to experiment with multiple varieties, including some with limited harvest seasons. 

How to Serve Caviar for a New Year's Party

Setting up a caviar bar is one of the most popular ways to serve caviar at a New Year's party. Make all your guests feel like royalty with a decadent spread of crackers, blinis, toasts, luxurious cheeses, and toppings centered around a chilled tin of caviar. 

The proper serving utensils are essential for making sure you get the best experience. A mother-of-pearl spoon preserves the delicate flavor of the caviar, while a tin opener adds a touch of class and makes opening tins easier. 

Of course, you can always spoon some of your New Year's Eve caviar onto the back of your hand to do a caviar bump with your guests.

Get Premium Caviar for New Year's Eve From Petrusco

Make this New Year's Eve one to remember. Browse our caviar selection to find the perfect variety for your celebration!