Features
Our favourite canapés for the festive party season
by Malou Herkes
published on 18 October 2024, last updated on 14 November 2025
Christmas is a time for getting together, enjoying good food and spending quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or looking for easy but impressive canapés to make on the big day, these recipes offer plenty of festive inspiration. From juicy coconut prawns to mini vegetarian tartlets to shepherd’s pie fritters, these recipes offer something a little different and are so much more enjoyable than the shop-bought alternatives.
Mary Berry’s Dolcelatte and Sage Scone Canapés
These delightful canapés from Mary Berry include a home-baked cheese scone base topped with dolcelatte and cranberry. We particularly love the festive decoration.
Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George’s Dressed Eggs
Dressed (also known as devilled) eggs are a classic crowd-pleasing canapé. This simple recipe from sisters Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George is an essential addition to any cocktail party.
José Pizarro’s Gilda Devilled Eggs
Another devilled eggs recipe from José Pizarro , this time with a Spanish twist. These eggs are filled with a spicy and tangy alioli, and are topped with a classic pintxo made of olive, pepper and anchovy .
Mary Berry’s Chestnut, Cranberry and Brie Parcels
With a festive chestnut, cranberry and brie filling, Mary Berry ‘s delicate parcels offer a taste of Christmas in every bite.
Oysters Mignonette
Fresh oysters make an easy and elegant starter for a Christmas or New Year’s party , and these feature a delicious mignonette dressing.
Mini Cheese and Tomato Tartlets
These pretty tartlets make for the best vegetarian canapés: melt-in-your-mouth pastry encases cherry tomatoes, onion, thyme and Parmesan. This is one for the little ones to enjoy too.
Rick Stein’s Deep-fried Coconut Prawns
Rick Stein ‘s juicy king prawns are coated in coconut breadcrumbs, fried until crunchy and golden and served with an addictive spicy papaya dipping sauce.
Rick Stein’s Mini Brioche Toasts with Whipped Feta, Fresh Figs and Pickled Walnuts
Another winner from Rick Stein , this time from his Christmas cookbook . Mini brioche toasts are topped with clouds of whipped, tangy feta, fresh figs and pickled walnuts, for a canapé that delivers on every flavour and texture promise.
Kimberley’s Pea Purée and Ham Tartlets
Any bake from The Great British Bake Off is bound to be good. These are very thin, melt-in-your-mouth cheese tartlet cases filled with minty peas and topped with crisp sails made from Parmesan and Parma ham.
Shepherd’s Pie Fritters
With rich beef mince coated in golden, crisp breadcrumbs, these little fritters are as good as they sound. A guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Olive and Tomato Stars
These frankly adorable Christmas stars are cut from simple squares of puff pastry, with the corners folded in to create the festive shape. These are topped with cream cheese, sundried tomatoes and olives, but feel free to get inventive with your toppings – cream cheese and smoked salmon, paté or pesto would work just as well.
One-Bite Prawn Wraps
These simple prawn wraps are made using just three ingredients, helping to take the stress out of entertaining.
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