Christmas starter recipes

This classic retro starter packed with juicy prawns will never go out of fashion

A hit of vodka gives this classic a new edge. Serve with a shot of vodka for full effect

Save time and energy with these easy, no-fuss baked ham hock pots as a starter. They’re great to begin a Christmas menu and set the festive mood

This low-fat, easy pâté is a perfect vegetarian starter

A light, elegant make-ahead starter to ease you into the Christmas Day blow-out, or to kick off a dinner party menu

Bring a festive theme to the buffet table with a sausage roll wreath. It's a great sharing dish at Christmas when you have a friends and family over

Make these moreish arancini for a party. Once they’re breadcrumbed, they can be popped in the freezer – on party day, you can simply fry straight from frozen

Gooey, melted cheese and crispy, golden bread make a stunning centrepiece to share with friends over drinks or as a dinner party starter – make ahead for fuss-free entertaining

Top toasted sourdough with goat's cheese, honey-roasted pears and walnuts to make these tasty tartines. They take just two minutes to prep and deliver one of your 5-a-day

Marmite and brussels sprouts may sound like an unusual combination, but trust us: it works. Try this recipe for your next Christmas feast or as a winter side dish

Bake these vegetarian nut roast rolls for a Boxing Day buffet or summer picnic. They're packed with mushrooms, lentils and nuts, and encased in puff pastry

A smart veggie starter that will impress even the biggest foodie at your dinner table

Enjoy our easy halloumi salad as a festive starter or light lunch – it takes just 15 minutes to make

Creamy and low-fat aren't words you often hear together, but that's exactly what you get with this freeze-ahead starter

Make cheese straws with the added flavours of sesame and poppy seeds, dried onion flakes and sea salt. They're great snacks to serve with cocktails

Create a memorable sharing experience with our pull-apart garlic rolls – they're baked with a wheel of gooey baked camembert, making them ideal for big gatherings such as Boxing Day

Try our easy starter – the filling can be made well in advance and chilled. Once your guests arrive, toast the crumpets and pile the filling on top

Serve this smoked salmon dish as a starter on a special occasion such as at Christmas. With beetroot, rocket and walnuts, it‘s full of colour and texture.