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 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

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

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, pomegranate, fennel & walnut 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 perfect 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.

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