Bowls of crisps and nuts are all very well but it’s easier than you think to elevate the tone of cocktail hour at Christmas – and your guests will be endlessly grateful if you do. As Jamie Oliver puts it: ‘If there’s one thing the festive season needs it’s a good snack selection. Little mouthfuls of flavour perfection that will have everyone coming back for more.’

Here, we share festive canape recipes from the nation’s favourite cooks.

Mini Tarts With Three Toppings


Delia Smith



With the bestselling Christmas book she first published in 1990, Delia taught hosts across the land how to cook Christmas. It should come as no surprise, then, that these mini tarts – the perfect Christmas canape – are from that ancient tome and never get tired. Find the recipe here.


Devils On Horseback


Jamie Oliver
Devils On Horseback

You’d be hard pushed ever to find a carnivore who doesn’t like devils on horseback. Jamie Oliver’s super-easy recipe includes whole salted almonds for a satisfying crunch and dose of protein. Find the recipe here.


Cheese Stars


Nigella
CHEESE STARS

If you’ve watched any of Nigella’s TV shows, you’ll know how well she gives a party. These cheese stars are typical of her thoughtful, elegant and spoiling approach to entertaining. Of course, the moreish cheesy biscuits can be cut into any shape but the stars are so festive and charming. Find the recipe here.


Mini Squash And Chive Dumplings


Anna Jones
Anna Jones’s Party Recipes For Noodle Bowls And Dumplings

Anna Jones, queen of modern vegetarian cooking, says: ‘I am that person at a party, desperately following the one tray of vegetarian canapes around, trying to sneak a second mouthful before I get noticed. I can’t count the number of parties I have left a little bleary because there just wasn’t anything to eat. As far as I am concerned, where there’s drink, there should be food – for everyone.’ Hear hear. Find the recipe here.
Photograph: Issy Croker/The Guardian


Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Blinis


Red Magazine
Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Blinis

Smoked salmon always gets the party started, and it seems very generous, too. You can make your own blinis, but as this recipe shows, a good shop-bought cracker does just as well. The optional addition of cod’s roe or caviar is the crowning glory. Find the recipe here.


Apple And Stilton Puffs


Nigel Slater
Stilton Puffs

Few things say Christmas like stilton does. Combining it here with apples in little puffs of pastry, Slater has worked his typical festive magic. Find the recipe here.
Photograph: Jonathan Lovekin/The Observer

By Becky Ladenburg
November 2023