Our foolproof Christmas starter recipes will make the big day a breeze
When it comes to planning your Christmas dinner, one of the most important (and often overlooked) components is your starter. Luckily, we've handpicked 10 delicious Christmas starter recipes to help you start your feast in the best way possible.
While roast turkey with all the trimmings is the main event, a stylish starter is definitely worth making. It gives your guests time to settle into the meal (and you an excuse to top up their glasses with fizz).
The key to a brilliant festive starter is to keep things light – think pâté, soups, salads or elevated nibbles. The second important element is time. Try something that's easy to prep ahead like our ultimate prawn cocktail or mackerel pâté. If fridge space is at a premium, something that can be whipped up just before eating like our pomegranate and orange cous cous salad is a great choice.
If you'd like more of a project, our fluffy little pierogi are a delicious morsel to start the meal with, or our labneh with confit tomatoes and garlic (essentially posh chip and dip) with crudités.
Keep scrolling for more Christmas starter inspiration...
Our best Christmas starter recipes
The ultimate prawn cocktail
A fresh and tangy prawn cocktail is a Christmas classic for a reason. The retro dish is easy to prep ahead of time and looks great on a festive table.
Pomegranate and orange cous cous salad
This jewelled salad makes the most of festive fruits and will look gorgeous on your favourite platter. The giant cous cous can be cooked in advance, and the salad can be thrown together just before serving.
Spiced honey-roasted parsnip soup
Parsnips might have a solid place on the Christmas mains table, but this soup is a great way to use them in a starter, too. The kale pesto is optional, but it adds a punch of flavour and freshness to the whole dish.
Ricotta toast with hot honey, prosciutto figs
This easy recipe works well as a starter or even nibbles on smaller pieces of toast. To make it vegetarian, just leave out the prosciutto.
Swede risotto with watercress oil
A small portion of this nutty swede watercress risotto with earthy watercress oil makes a brilliant make-ahead starter. In fact, this risotto tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to add a splash of water or stock when reheating.
Labneh with confit tomatoes and garlic
In our eyes, a chic chip and dip absolutely counts as a Christmas starter. Swap crisps for toasted sourdough slices or crunchy fresh radishes for an even more delicious result.
Parma ham-wrapped Tenderstem broccoli
Starters don't get easier than our crispy Parma ham-wrapped Tenderstem broccoli spears. Simple to prep on the big day, they also make great canapés or party snacks. For something more substantial, add a soft-boiled egg.
Whipped ricotta with roasted Jerusalem artichokes
Creamy whipped ricotta takes just minutes to whip up and pairs beautifully with sweet and earthy roasted Jerusalem artichokes. We've added quick pickled onions for a pop of freshness, but you could use chopped chives instead.
Lamb kofta with tahini dressing
Pomegranate-dressed lamb koftas make the perfect flavoursome Christmas starter. Serve with a crisp salad and pitta bread wedges for a sharing spread.
Cheese and onion pierogi
These pillowy, cheesy dumplings are comforting, delicious and the perfect starter idea for a Christmas lunch. Serve with a sour cream and chive dip on a sharing platter.
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