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.

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Lemon and pink peppercorn cured trout terrine

Trout recipes

Lemon and pink peppercorn cured trout terrine

This trout terrine with fruity and floral pink peppercorns takes a bit of time, but is so worth it for...

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Brown sugar-cured trout with easy wheaten bread

Trout recipes

Brown sugar-cured trout with easy wheaten bread

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

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Crab pots with parmesan crisps

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...

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Marinated goat’s cheese salad

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...

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Spinach and smoked trout roulades

Trout recipes

Spinach and smoked trout roulades

The retro swirl of a roulade always looks impressive – and, thankfully, it’s dead easy to make. Our savoury spinach...

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Turnip, cheddar and quince rose

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 an often-forgotten vegetable...

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Chicken liver pâté with beetroot, orange and sage

December seasonal recipes

Chicken liver pâté with beetroot, orange and sage

Pâté is a Christmas classic – with pots lining the supermarket shelves – but it’s so satisfying to make your...

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Goat’s cheese salad with cranberry dressing

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...

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Giant prawn cocktail

Prawn recipes

Giant prawn cocktail

Go large this Christmas with a giant prawn cocktail that feeds a crowd. Layer a serving bowl with peppery leaves,...

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Individual smoked salmon terrines for Christmas

Make-ahead Christmas starters

Individual smoked salmon terrines for Christmas

After a classic smoked salmon starter? Make these easy to prepare individual smoked salmon terrines to serve at a dinner...

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Speedy mackerel pâté

Make-ahead Christmas starters

Speedy mackerel pâté

Find out how to make smoked mackerel pâté with our quick-fix recipe. It would make a sensational speedy starter at...

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Vegan minestrone soup

Easy vegan recipes

Vegan minestrone soup

This vegan minestrone soup is a recipe of a thousand variations: throw in whatever’s in your veg drawer, plus leftovers...

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Broccoli and stilton soup

Blue cheese recipes

Broccoli and stilton soup

Broccoli and stilton is a classic flavour combination, and this verdant green homemade version of the traditional soup can be...

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Cream of mushroom soup

Vegetarian soup recipes

Cream of mushroom soup

If you’re on the lookout for the ultimate classic soup recipe, this cream of mushroom soup hits the spot every...

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Cornish gouda with sourdough and rocket

Christmas starter recipes

Cornish gouda with sourdough and rocket

A cheese course is a special treat at Christmas but if you fancy something different to the typical cheeseboard, Rick...

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Gravadlax with soda bread and horseradish cream

Christmas salmon recipes

Gravadlax with soda bread and horseradish cream

Jack Stein’s version of this classic gravadlax with soda bread recipe from Scandinavia is a great make-ahead first course. It’s...

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