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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.
Low on ingredients but high on fun, these snake dough sticks are deliciously spooky
This aubergine parmigiana recipe makes a great meat-free alternative to lasagne.
Kick off your Christmas feasting with these clever cheese bauble starters in three festive flavour combinations.
Not only does this taste great, but it’s a fantastically simple recipe for children from seven and eight upwards. They’ll learn how to peel, squeeze, snip, mash, stir and most of all enjoy!
These grilled bacon and salmon skewers make a quick and simple meal for one. Served alongside stir-fried onion and courgette with young spinach leaves, this low-carbohydrate dish is ready in under half an hour.
This easy air-fryer brie is a must-try for entertaining. Top the cheese with fruity chutney for a gorgeous caramelised glaze and walnut pieces for extra crunch, then dip in! Cooking for a crowd? Simple double the recipe and cook both at the same time.
Roasted squash and grapes add warmth to this winter salad that's packed with flavour and crunch.
A filling, hearty meal on a budget. Chunky kidney and butterbeans add texture, with the chilli powder adding some spice (experiment with the amount if you prefer a little more heat) and the cheesy garlic baguette is perfect for dunking.
A great way to make the most of the freshest green spring asparagus, this quiche has a crisp pastry base and a creamy filling made from asparagus, eggs, cream and gruyere or parmesan cheese. Make it for friends or take it on a picnic.
Sweet, fresh and zesty, this twist on the classic prawn cocktail is the best way to get your festivities underway
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."
Providing gluten-free canapés can be a challenge, but these blinis are the perfect GF base for a variety of toppings at your Christmas dos. Prepare a pile of them in advance then top with party favourites like smoked salmon and sour cream.
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
Make this easy, stylish starter on Christmas Eve, then simply slice to serve the following day
Sweet, firm, white scallops and the paprika-hot orange oil of smoky chorizo are delicious when cooked together – plus this salad, which is bursting with summer flavours, only takes ten minutes to make.
Dip chunks of crusty bread into this easy-to-make tomato soup recipe.
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 warming vegetarian soup is packed full of goodness - perfect for keeping you warm on chilly evenings! Serve with crusty bread for hearty winter meal.
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.
A simple starter that is ready in no time and will be a real crowd-pleaser
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.
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,
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.
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
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.
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.
Combining two classics – Chinese-inspired prawn toast and retro-style prawn cocktail – these bite-sized canapés bring comfort and joy in equal measure. Better still, they take just 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook in the air-fryer, while you can dial up the spice for extra heat.
Got leftover chicken from a Sunday roast? Turn it into this quick bang bang chicken recipe - toss the chicken in a spicy ginger and peanut dressing along with plenty of fresh raw veg, chilli and rice noodles for an easy Chinese-inspired salad.
These classic vol-au-vents are made decadent with creamy mushrooms piled high through the centre of a light and airy puff pastry case.
This seasonal salad is a great make-ahead starter for your Easter lunch. Serve your asparagus over whipped feta, then add homemade croutons for extra crunch.
Add a splash of colour to your summer feast with these easy veg skewers
BBQ sticky ribs are a real crowd pleaser and great for sharing with family and friends