Call it tradition or superstition, but eating good luck foods is something most of us do on New Year’s. It is a fun little tradition that’s been followed around the world for centuries. And who would say no to a bit of dumplings, noodles, and pretzels, right? Southern tradition says to eat black-eyed peas and cornbread, which represent prosperity. Meanwhile, the Spanish tradition of eating 12 good luck grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve for some good old-fashioned good fortune, one for each month. Even if you don’t want to be part of superstition, what’s the harm in eating a little more food? We have compiled a list of 10 New Year’s good luck food recipe ideas that you can try to start 2026 with a bang.
Black-Eyed Peas
Partake in the classic Southern tradition where you eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. It is said to bring you luck and wealth. You can prepare a meal out of black-eyed peas, serve with cooked greens, cornbread, and hot sauce. Find the full recipe.
Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan noodles are sometimes served as a soup in China, while American versions are usually more sauce-based. Make the noodles with sesame paste, peanut butter, or tahini to give them a silky, smooth texture. Follow the full recipe.
Blackened Honey-Glazed Salmon Bites
Scandinavian, Eastern European, Chinese, and Jewish communities, fish is one of the good luck foods in many traditions of the world. Regardless of your beliefs, try these blackened honey-glazed salmon bites. You dip fish into melted butter and season it with a mix of dried herbs and spices. Then you sear it on a hot skillet until the milk solids in the butter brown and the spices toast. Follow the full recipe.
Also Read: New Year’s Gift Ideas to Surprise Your Loved Ones
Lentil Soup
Would you believe that this humble yet deliciously nourishing weeknight dinner is a good luck food? Make this lentil soup for your New Year’s Day lunch or dinner. It is easy to make, on the cheaper side, and only needs a handful of ingredients with minimal chopping required. Here is the full recipe.
Tuscan Butter
Add some buttery goodness to your New Year’s with a Tuscan-inspired twist. If you want to add a flavor-booster to your 2026 table, this homemade Tuscan butter is an amazing option. You can spread it on homemade potato rolls, on top of a steak dinner, or on mashed potatoes. It goes well melted with dunking shrimp, veggies, or roast potatoes. Here is the full recipe.
Ricotta Cheesecake With Roasted Grapes
If you do not want to eat grapes as is, try this ricotta cheesecake with roasted grapes recipe. It is a double whammy of mascarpone and homemade ricotta that lends this cheesecake an amazing, dense texture with a balanced sweetness level. Bake fresh rosemary pulsed into the crust and baked grapes to add an aromatic flair. Here is the full recipe.
Collard Greens
Probably one of the best greens you can eat to begin the New Year. Slow-simmered collard greens make for the perfect side dish or any comfort food feast. You can either make a stew with collard greens or slow-simmer them and place them on beetroot hummus and roasted cauliflower. Here is the recipe for the stew.
Aleppo Pork Chops With Potatoes and Greens
Another good luck food to begin your New Year’s, you can prepare these delectable Aleppo butter pork chops served with potatoes and greens. The butter gives it a sweet and spicy depth, while the garlicky smashed potatoes and Swiss chard round out the hearty meal. Here is the full recipe.
Apple Cider-Glazed Salmon
Apple cider is a winter must, so why not incorporate it into your New Year’s menu? This apple cider-glazed salmon brings out the sweet and savory sauce of cider brushed atop the fish, with brown sugar, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic and paprika. Roast it in the oven till the fish is flaky and tender. Here is the full recipe.
Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread is a New Year’s good luck essential. Bake the classic cornbread in a big cast iron skillet. You can serve it with softened butter or a drizzle of honey. The recipe uses buttermilk and milk to round up the bread really nicely. Here is the full recipe.
Let us know which of these New Year’s good luck recipe ideas you are going to try to kick off 2026.
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