The start of a meal is a taster of what's to come so should set the bar high. From simple and delicious easy starter recipes like soups and salads to more elaborate starter ideas such as tarts and terrines, be inspired to start your meal with a something special.
This gorgeous salad uses seasonal clementines tossed in a sweet dressing with some added crunch from nuts and pomegranates. Perfect for a festive starter or healthy, colourful lunch over the Christmas holidays.
This aubergine parmigiana recipe makes a great meat-free alternative to lasagne.
Try a cheesy festive twist on meaty stuffed mushrooms for a great vegetarian Christmas Day starter that's ready in under 30 minutes and totally gluten-free
Chef, author and TV presenter, Kwoklyn Wan shares his simple, yet totally delicious twist on sesame prawn toast. Kwoklyn says: "Christmas is a time for sharing, and a plate stacked high with glistening, golden sesame chicken toasts is the perfect festive finger food for a gathering."
These smoked salmon and cream cheese canapés have a lovely kick thanks to the wasabi. They’re quick, simple and ideal for serving at a cocktail party
An elegant starter that's colourful, light and quick to prepare, this smoked salmon recipe is just the ticket to kick off the proceedings on Christmas Day
You’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked off to Italy with this quick yet indulgent dish packed with big, bold flavours
Take a shortcut to Italy with our easy spin on a seafood fritto misto, made in the air-fryer
Sweet, fresh and zesty, this twist on the classic prawn cocktail is the best way to get your festivities underway
Set the scene for your Christmas lunch with this vibrant salad. Sweet red cabbage tastes heavenly matched with tangy blue cheese and roasted pecans in this festive starter.
Gooey, oozy baked brie is a cheese lover’s dream - here paired with an impressive homemade bread. Serve up this easy baked brie recipe as part of a Boxing Day spread or for any special occasion
Use seasonal red cabbage, beetroot and pear to make this zingy winter salad. Top with a homemade herby chimichurri dressing and enjoy throughout the festive period.
This easy Halloween soup is the perfect leftover pumpkin recipe, ideal for grey days and chilly evenings, as well as Halloween parties and autumn gatherings. Stir chunks of pumpkin through spiced olive oil, until softened then add your vegetable stock and blitz to a thick and creamy consistency. The addition of Greek yogurt in our version makes the texture of the soup extra velvety.
Made with only 4 ingredients, these quesadillas are made using Christmas leftovers. Load tortillas with brie and cranberry sauce, then fry until the cheese has melted to make a festive lunch or snack.
This rich vegan and gluten-free pâté derives its powerful flavour from a mix of dried porcini and fresh chestnut and wild mushrooms.
Set the tone for your Christmas dinner with this impressive, luxurious starter. A Vietnamese-inspired salad that pairs meaty lobster with sharp grapefruit, fresh mint and a wonderfully fragrant sweet and sour dressing
A simple starter that is ready in no time and will be a real crowd-pleaser
Kick off your Christmas feasting with these clever cheese bauble starters in three festive flavour combinations.
Impress your guests with this delicious bruschetta idea. Garlic and mushrooms are always a match made in food heaven, but particularly so when shiitake mushrooms and garlic come together. Serve on sourdough and drizzle with pesto.
Serve up this wonderfully creamy and garlicky whipped feta dip as part of a Christmas sharing platter. Simply blitz everything together and serve with crisp flatbreads or crackers for an easy festive party snack.
For a fruity vegan Christmas starter that everyone will love, look no further than these stuffed pears
This vibrant, textured salad is the perfect starter to kick off your Christmas dinner. Sweet, earthy beetroot in a fragrant herb crust paired with the crunchy walnuts and creamy goat's cheese – a classic Christmas starter that's sure to get good results
Try this delicious meaty starter for your next dinner party or festive feast. Quick-cooked minute steaks are wrapped around a roasted vegetable filling to create gorgeous little parcels your guests will love. Serve with a simple salad garnish for an easy,
Make your own bread with this delicious Pirojki recipe, which has the added bonus of a gorgeous feta filling. The sesame seeds add a moreish light crunch. Perfect for a picnic or as part of a lunch.
Create a taste sensation with this fabulous salad, the pomegranate salsa infused with garlic and chilli perfectly complements the mild saltiness of the halloumi.
These delicious prosciutto parcels are stuffed with the tasty festive flavours of tangy blue cheese and sweet, sticky dates, making it the perfect starter for Christmas Day
This stunning starter dish is the perfect appetiser this Christmas. Combining the fruity tastes of pomegranate and creamy ricotta and goat's cheese, friends and family will fall in love with this impressive, yet quick to make mousse recipe.
Halloumi, Serrano ham and figs come together beautifully in this wintery starter complemented by a dressing that combines fiery chilli and sweet honey. This fuss-free Christmas starter can be ready in just 20 minutes, leaving you more time to relax
These sweet potato rounds are perfect for a special occasion or as part of a festive feast. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead, so there’s no hassle on the day. The roasted sweet potato discs make a delicious base for a whipped feta topping, s
If you're looking for a simple Christmas starter to serve this year, try this colourful roasted squash salad. With roasted tomatoes, fresh spinach and a festive pomegranate dressing, this vegan and gluten-free starter can kick off your Christmas dinner for everyone.
Try this artichoke bruschetta recipe for a simple Christmas starter idea. Cook jarred artichokes with lemon and plenty of fresh herbs and then pile onto crisp sourdough toasts for an easy way to begin the Christmas feast.
For an easy vegan starter idea, try these Portobello mushroom tarts. Tender mushrooms are cooked in fragrant garlic oil and baked in buttery puff pastry until crisp and golden for a super simple starter with just five ingredients.
Crunchy, sweet and zingy, this vibrant salad makes an interesting starter for Christmas Day or winter dinner parties. Make the dressing and toast the nuts a couple of days in advance, to save time on the day.