Make-ahead Christmas starters
Need a festive head-start? Don’t we all. Here’s our round-up of the best make-ahead Christmas starters – from classic salmon blinis, to soups and lighter salads. You can make some days in advance, or part-make some the night before. While these recipes are seasonal, you’ll find inspiration for all year round too.
And think about how you can round off your meal with a make-ahead Christmas dessert too. Then, put your feet up.
Still want more? Browse our dedicated Christmas recipes hub.
Showing 1-16 of 62 recipes
Trout recipes
Lemon and pink peppercorn cured trout terrine
This trout terrine with fruity and floral pink peppercorns takes a bit of time, but is so worth it for...
Trout recipes
Brown sugar-cured trout with easy wheaten bread
This dish sings with aniseed flavours, from the spices in the trout cure to the glorious tarragon herb butter on...
Crab recipes
Crab pots with parmesan crisps
Effortless but packed with flavour, this easy crab starter with fancy parmesan crisps can be made entirely in advance in...
Christmas starter recipes
Marinated goat’s cheese salad
Infusing creamy, soft goat’s cheese with aromatic fennel seeds, rosemary and chilli is a simple way to turn an already...
Trout recipes
Spinach and smoked trout roulades
The retro swirl of a roulade always looks impressive – and, thankfully, it’s dead easy to make. Our savoury spinach...
Make-ahead Christmas starters
Turnip, cheddar and quince rose
This turnip, cheddar and quince rose makes a beautiful vegetarian starter. It’s easy to make and showcases an often-forgotten vegetable...
December seasonal recipes
Chicken liver pâté with beetroot, orange and sage
Pâté is a Christmas classic – with pots lining the supermarket shelves – but it’s so satisfying to make your...
Christmas recipes for two
Goat’s cheese salad with cranberry dressing
Our goat’s cheese salad with zesty cranberry dressing makes an easy light lunch or starter. Could it become your go-to...
Prawn recipes
Giant prawn cocktail
Go large this Christmas with a giant prawn cocktail that feeds a crowd. Layer a serving bowl with peppery leaves,...
Make-ahead Christmas starters
Individual smoked salmon terrines for Christmas
After a classic smoked salmon starter? Make these easy to prepare individual smoked salmon terrines to serve at a dinner...
Easy vegan recipes
Vegan minestrone soup
This vegan minestrone soup is a recipe of a thousand variations: throw in whatever’s in your veg drawer, plus leftovers...
Blue cheese recipes
Broccoli and stilton soup
Broccoli and stilton is a classic flavour combination, and this verdant green homemade version of the traditional soup can be...
Vegetarian soup recipes
Cream of mushroom soup
If you’re on the lookout for the ultimate classic soup recipe, this cream of mushroom soup hits the spot every...
Christmas salmon recipes
Gravadlax with soda bread and horseradish cream
Jack Stein’s version of this classic gravadlax with soda bread recipe from Scandinavia is a great make-ahead first course. It’s...
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