Christmas starter recipes

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

Impress guests with our creamy cauliflower cheese rolls. These easy canapés are wrapped in crunchy filo pastry and topped with sesame seeds

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

Impress guests with this vibrant vegan starter. Plant-based soft cheese, herbs and beetroot combine to make the terrine, topped with a walnut brittle for texture

Forget soggy brussels sprouts! Spruce up a classic Christmas side with the help of a crispy, golden parmesan and breadcrumb topping

A smooth and creamy winter soup, topped with crispy bacon pieces - serve with crusty bread for a filling and warming lunch

Spend less time cooking on Christmas Day with this simple yet luxurious starter. It requires almost no hands-on time and uses shop-bought elements for ease

Serve this moreish cheesy dip with tortilla chips, hunks of bread and crudités. It's perfect for a Christmas buffet or party

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

Need a break from rich Christmas food? This fresh, zingy feta, pistachio and clementine salad is just the ticket, plus there’s no cooking involved

Warm up on colder evenings with this vibrant soup, spiked with fiery chilli powder and harissa. The crispy croutons are optional but add a satisfying crunch

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

Make the most of Christmas veg with this flavour-packed gratin side dish. With brussels sprouts, carrots and potatoes, it's laced with double cream and topped with cheese

Make this cured salmon and prawn dish as a classy starter for a dinner party. It takes a few days of prep, but it’s well worth it for the flavour that you get

Toss together beetroot, carrot, feta, hazelnuts, quinoa and bulgur wheat, plus herbs and the zesty orange and lemon, to make this stunning salad

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

These non-scary, freezer-friendly soufflés can be baked ahead, then reheated in the oven before serving

This smooth duck liver parfait with a hint of Grand Marnier and Morello cherry jam can be made ahead, ready for a dinner party. Serve on toast as a starter or canapé

Whet the appetite for the main event by serving guests this special chicken terrine with leeks and apricots. It can be made up to three days ahead

Drizzle apple and horseradish dressing over oysters for a sophisticated seafood starter to share. Serve on a bed of ice or rock salt with sprigs of dill

Serve this halloumi, carrot, orange and watercress salad with a mustard and honey dressing for an easy lunch or starter. It takes just 20 minutes to make and delivers one of your 5-a-day

Rustle up these cucumber prawn cocktail cups for a speedy starter. Ideal at Christmas time, they‘re served on lettuce leaves and topped with crispy shallots.

Christmas is the perfect excuse to cook venison. Serve with sprout and apple slaw as a dinner party starter or festive light lunch to treat your guests

Give brunch a sophisticated twist with celeriac, comté cheese and crunchy pumpkin seed fritters topped with quail's eggs