The Champagne is on ice, the playlist is sorted, now all you need are some delicious canapé recipes to serve up and win over your guests. Take the stress out of entertaining and opt for homemade minimalism over fussy finger food this year.
Our crowd-pleasing recipes feature many unique twists and are ideal for seasonal sharing. From meat-free asparagus rolls to veggie Crostini, when food turns bite size it can afford to be all the more indulgent.
Whether you’re preparing your guests for what’s to come or just providing some light bites over a more arduous buffet, some of these recipes can be prepared in less than 20 minutes - and they beat a bowl of ready-made vol-au-vents, right? (Note: we still love a vol-au-vent, of course - but some occasions require something a little more special)
Hot or cold, savoury or sweet - we all know canapés can be great icebreakers, so prepare to make mouths water with these delicious homemade recipes.
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1
Parma ham and parmesan palmiers
These tasty crisp little puff pastry canapés are a savoury version of the French sweet pastries of the same name. They are also good as an accompaniment to vegetable soups.
Try this parma ham and parmesan palmiers recipe
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2
Nigel Slater's sausage danish
Succulent little sausage pastries from Nigel Slater will make the perfect canapés - they're sure to go down well with children, too.
Try Nigel Slater’s sausage Danish recipe
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3
Lisa Faulkner's Smoked Salmon Pate
This super quick and easy salmon paté from Lisa Faulkner is great served up with melba toasts – so retro.
Try Lisa Faulkner’s smoked salmon pate recipe
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4
Poached quails eggs on spoons
Quail’s eggs are a lovely little delicacy, and this winter twist is sure to delight your guests – especially with an added drizzle of rich truffle oil.
Try this poached quails eggs canapés recipe
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5
Seasonal Sharing Flatbread
You can top these flatbreads with anything – get creative. Here are some ideas that are sure to get the party started, but everything goes with bread and cheese.
Try this seasonal sharing flatbread recipe
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6
Streamline apricot jam and stilton canapés
These delicious canapés are really easy to make and are perfect for a drinks party (see our round-up of the easy co*cktail recipes for more inspiration). Ready made puff pastry makes it super simple, and the addition of the walnut adds a good crunch, too.
Try this apricot jam and Stilton canapés recipe
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7
Smoked salmon canapes with cream cheese
You can’t go far wrong with smoked salmon canapés served with a chilled glass of Champagne...
Try this smoked salmon canapés with cream cheese recipe
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8
Apple, prawn and pork spring rolls
Serve these hot spring rolls with several bowls of dipping sauce.
Try this prawn and pork spring rolls recipe
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9
Onion fritters
Onions work perfectly with the Asian spicing in this fritter recipe, due to their natural sweetness and subtle flavour.
Try this onion fritters recipe
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10
Bagna cauda crudites
A moreish, creamy dip that can be prepared in advance.
Try this bagna cauda with winter crudités recipe
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11
Fennel salami bruschetta
These fennel and salami bruschetta are so easy to make. Try using finocchiona: a Tuscan salami flavoured with fennel seeds.
Try this fennel and salami bruschetta recipe
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12
Asparagus Cigars
These quick and easy canapés are perfect for drinks parties, and it’s easy to double or triple the recipe, too.
Try this asparagus cigars recipe
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13
Chilli Beef Lettuce Wraps:
These simple chilli beef lettuce wraps from Gordon Ramsay make the perfect accompaniment to a co*cktail or beer – and they’re incredibly easy to prepare, too.
Try this chilli and beef lettuce wraps recipe
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14
Mini cheeseburgers
The simplest burger recipe around, try your hand at these as a fun canapé at a drinks party.
Try this mini cheeseburgers recipe
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15
Crostini
You can make crostini a day or two in advance. Just let them cool before storing in an airtight container. Heat for a few minutes in the oven before garnishing, or serve cold, if you like.
Try this crostini recipe
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16
Pink Lady Apple and Manchego Tapas:
Crisp apple wedges chargrilled are the perfect partner to the Spanish manchego cheese. Inspired by the Spanish growing region for apples, these are delicious with a glass of sherry.
Try this Spanish apple and manchgo tapas recipe
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17
Cheese sables
Buttery, crumbly, cheesey, just a little spicy and absolutely perfect with a glass of chilled white wine. Coat the outside of these biscuits with a mixture of sesame and kalonji seeds to make them a more sophisticated co*cktail nibble.
Try this cheese sables recipe
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18
Smoked Mackerel Pate
Once upon a time smoked mackerel pâté was a harsh, crude dish. By using good quality, oak-smoked fish and mixing with lemon and horseradish to cut through the richness, it becomes subtle and moorish.
Try this smoked mackerel pate recipe
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19
Coconut Pancakes with Mango and Prawns
These delicious pancakes are quick enough to make for supper and can be reheated (or the batter can be made and kept in the fridge) but they are also glam enough for a starter or canapé.
Try this delicious coconut pancakes with mango and prawns recipe
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20
Vegetable Pakoras
These spring vegetable pakoras are simple to make and a great way of getting children to eat vegetables during party season!
Try this spring vegetable pakoras recipe