Christmas starter recipes

Take a little effort to make these mighty croquettes. They store well in the freezer and make a quick starter that takes just minutes to cook

Gather your friends for a relaxed evening – these baked red onions are special but simple to prepare, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen

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

Give the classic prawn cocktail a makeover with a boozy twist – you then need to choose whether to shake or stir the martini dressing

Make veg peelings the star of the show with these easy fritters. They're perfect the day after a big family dinner, such as at Christmas time

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

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

Save time and energy at Christmas 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

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

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

Enjoy this vibrant orange, herb and burrata salad with black olive dressing for lunch or as a starter ahead of a main meal. Scatter with pistachios to serve

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

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.

Try a clever Christmas-themed update on the ‘butter board’ trend (that’s butter spread on a board with various toppings, ready to slather on bread)

Enjoy this rich and smooth chestnut purée alongside turkey or veal on Christmas Eve. In France, chestnuts are synonymous with the Christmas season

Serve our rosemary polenta bites with peperonata as canapés or a starter ahead of a celebration. They're ideal for a special occasion such as Christmas

Choose starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward to ensure the parsnip rösti hold together. Enjoy with caramelised red onions, harissa and feta

Create this gluten-free sausage roll wonder by arranging sausage and chutney pinwheels into a festive wreath shape. It's perfect for a Christmas buffet

Rustle up these cheesy cayenne savoury biscuits for a Christmas party. They're a great make-ahead nibble to serve with drinks before the main event

Use larger slices of sourdough for our fig, burrata and prosciutto tartines for an impressive-looking lunch or starter that's deceptively easy.