Christmas starter recipes to try

A luxurious yet simple starter. Our rich Collection duck rillette delivers melt-in-the-mouth flavour, perfectly balanced by sweet ale and onion chutney and a scattering of parsley. Piled onto crisp bruschettine, it’s ready in minutes and ideal with a glass of fizz.

A bright and festive seafood starter that feels effortlessly elegant. Crack open sweet Orkney crab, slice creamy avocado and butter crisp brown bread, then layer with crunchy lettuce and tangy seafood sauce. Light, classic, and ready to impress.

Golden prawn cocktail cakes capture all the nostalgic flavours of the classic starter with a crisp, flavour-packed twist. Juicy prawns are mixed with herbs and seasonings, served alongside creamy avocado, a dollop of seafood sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika and a squeeze of lemon for a lively festive bite.

Pair melt-in-the-mouth pulled pork rillette with crunchy sourdough and a punchy mustard-dressed salad for a tangy way to start your festive meal. Quick to assemble and full of flavour, it’s a brilliant way to kick off your celebrations.

Dunk golden sourdough into gloriously melty, hot-maple-drizzled Camembert baked inside the loaf for maximum gooey goodness. The ultimate tear-and-share starter that’ll have everyone wishing every day was Christmas.

Top crisp toasted baguette slices with roasted chilli squash, whipped cottage cheese, shards of serrano ham and a drizzle of hot maple, finished with a crispy sage leaf. Swap the ham for Plant Kitchen vegan ‘nduja for a vegetarian option.

This show-stopping starter is sure to wow the table. Buttery pastry is spread with fig, apple and balsamic fruit, then topped with sweet roasted pears. Scatter tangy stilton over the top, drizzle with Zambian honey and sprinkle with crunchy walnuts. Perfect for sharing – everyone can grab a slice and tuck in.

These elegant blinis take 10 minutes to make and are ideal for a quick festive starter. Top each blini with crème fraîche, gravadlax, and finish with a scattering of crispy capers for a burst of saltiness. A stunning canapé that pairs beautifully with a glass of bubbles.

Ready in just 20 minutes, these crostinis are a quick yet gourmet starter. Spread golden ciabatta slices with smooth artichoke purée, top with creamy stracciatella, peppery rocket, and slices of truffle ham, then finish with a drizzle of sweet walnut honey. Rich Italian flavours come together in every bite, made for sharing around the table.

Fresh and full of flavour, these tartines are a light, shareable starter. Grill golden baguette slices, spread with chilli jam and a creamy lemon broad bean smash, then top with Serrano ham, burrata, and a spoon of Calabrian chilli paste for a zingy finish.