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Our favourite canapés for the festive party season

by Malou Herkes

published on 18 October 2024

Christmas is a time for getting together, enjoying good food and spending quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or looking for easy but impressive canapés to make on the big day, these recipes offer plenty of festive inspiration. From juicy coconut prawns to mini vegetarian tartlets to shepherd’s pie fritters, these recipes offer something a little different and are so much more enjoyable than the shop-bought alternatives.

mary berry christmas canape recipe - scone with dolcelatte and cranberry

Mary Berry’s Dolcelatte and Sage Scone Canapés

These delightful canapés from Mary Berry include a home-baked cheese scone base topped with dolcelatte and cranberry. We particularly love the festive decoration.

From the book

dolly parton devilled eggs recipe

Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George’s Dressed Eggs

by Dolly Parton, Rachel Parton George

Dressed (also known as devilled) eggs are a classic crowd-pleasing canapé. This simple recipe from sisters Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George is an essential addition to any cocktail party.

Mary Berry’s Chestnut & Mushroom Parcels

Mary Berry’s Chestnut, Cranberry and Brie Parcels

With a festive chestnut, cranberry and brie filling, Mary Berry’s delicate parcels offer a taste of Christmas in every bite.

From the book

Mini Cheese and Tomato Tartlets

These pretty tartlets make for the best vegetarian canapés: melt-in-your-mouth pastry encases cherry tomatoes, onion, thyme and Parmesan. This is one for the little ones to enjoy too.

Deep-fried Coconut Prawns

Rick Stein’s Deep-fried Coconut Prawns

Rick Stein’s juicy king prawns are coated in coconut breadcrumbs, fried until crunchy and golden and served with an addictive spicy papaya dipping sauce.

Kimberley’s Pea Purée and Ham Tartlets

Kimberley’s Pea Purée and Ham Tartlets

by Linda Collister

Any bake from The Great British Bake Off is bound to be good. These are very thin, melt-in-your-mouth cheese tartlet cases filled with minty peas and topped with crisp sails made from Parmesan and Parma ham.

Shepherd’s Pie Fritters

Shepherd’s Pie Fritters

by Luke Thomas

With rich beef mince coated in golden, crisp breadcrumbs, these little fritters are as good as they sound. A guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Olive and Tomato Stars

Olive and Tomato Stars

by Emma Marsden

These frankly adorable Christmas stars are cut from simple squares of puff pastry, with the corners folded in to create the festive shape. These are topped with cream cheese, sundried tomatoes and olives, but feel free to get inventive with your toppings – cream cheese and smoked salmon, paté or pesto would work just as well. 

One-Bite Prawn Wraps

These simple prawn wraps are made using just three ingredients, helping to take the stress out of entertaining.

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