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Make-ahead Christmas starters

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 65 recipes

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Pâté recipes

Mushroom and tarragon pâté with roasted grapes and chestnuts

This easy pâté makes a pretty vegetarian starter, Roasted grapes bring bursts of sweetness while earthy chestnuts add festiveness.

Gluten-free Vegetarian Make-ahead

Easy

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Crab recipes

Crab crumpet rarebit with pickled walnut ketchup

Crab raises welsh rarebit to the height of luxury in this impressive Christmas starter recipe. Make the rarebit and crab mixes a day ahead.

Make-ahead

Easy

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Pear recipes

Beef carpaccio with pickled pear and parmesan mayonnaise

This carpaccio is a masterpiece on the plate, with butter-soft beef, pear, umami-rich mayo and crunchy nuts, A perfect make-ahead starter.

Freezable Gluten-free Make-ahead

Medium

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Trout recipes

Lemon and pink peppercorn cured trout terrine

This elegant trout terrine with pink peppercorns is so worth the effort for a special occasion like Christmas or New Year's Eve.

Gluten-free

Easy

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Trout recipes

Brown sugar-cured trout with easy wheaten bread

This festive trout starter sings with aniseed flavours, from the spices in the cure to the glorious tarragon herb butter on the bread.

Make-ahead

Easy

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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 just 15 minutes.

Gluten-free Make-ahead

Easy

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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 tasty treat into something even better.

Gluten-free Vegetarian

Easy

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Trout recipes

Spinach and smoked trout roulades

Our savoury spinach and smoked trout roulades are amped up with the fruity flavour of crushed pink peppercorns. A fabulous canapé!

Medium

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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 a veg deserving far more attention.

Make-ahead

Easy

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December seasonal recipes

Chicken liver pâté with beetroot, orange and sage

Orange zest and liqueur give this pâté a festive flavour, with beetroot and crispy sage leaves adding colour and interest.

Easy

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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 festive starter?

Vegetarian Make-ahead

Easy

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Prawn recipes

Giant prawn cocktail

Go large this Christmas with a giant prawn cocktail that can serve a crowd. Layer a serving bowl with leaves, langoustines and prawns.

Easy

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Make-ahead Christmas starters

Individual smoked salmon terrines for Christmas

Looking for a salmon starter? Make this easy to prepare smoked salmon terrine recipe as a starter to serve at a dinner party, or Christmas lunch...

Freezable Gluten-free

Easy

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Make-ahead Christmas starters

Speedy mackerel pâté

Serve up this elegant yet speedy starter of mackerel pâté at your next dinner party. It's so tasty that no one will guess it takes just 15 minutes to make!