Make-ahead Christmas starters

Need a festive head-start? Don’t we all. Here’s our round-up of 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. On your marks, get set…

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Cornish gouda with sourdough and rocket

Cornish gouda with sourdough and rocket

A cheese course is a special treat at Christmas but if you fancy something different...

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Potted duck with pistachio

Potted duck with pistachio

This pimped potted duck starter is easy to make ahead of time and will lend...

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Beetroot-cured salmon with watercress

Beetroot-cured salmon with watercress

This colourful Christmas starter uses beetroot and colourful citrus zest to produce a beetroot-cured salmon...

Gluten-free
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Devilled eggs

Devilled eggs

The ultimate Christmas party food, devilled eggs are about as moreish as canapés get. Popular,...

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Smoked haddock scotch eggs with lemon mayo

Smoked haddock scotch eggs with lemon mayo

”I’m not sure why, but using haddock instead of sausagemeat makes these scotch eggs feel...

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Classic prawn cocktail

Classic prawn cocktail

Make our classic prawn cocktail when you want to whip up a starter in just...

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Pork and rabbit rillettes

Pork and rabbit rillettes

David Everitt-Matthias – head chef at Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham – shares his recipe...

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Duck, pork belly and green olive terrine

Duck, pork belly and green olive terrine

Henry Harris’ duck terrine recipe is a great starter for Christmas or, indeed, a swish...

Make-ahead
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Mackerel pâté with quick-pickled radishes and spelt

Mackerel pâté with quick-pickled radishes and spelt

Homemade mackerel paté is an easy but impressive starter, that takes very little time to...

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Ham hock terrine

Ham hock terrine

This stunning terrine is a great way to use up leftover Boxing Day ham, as...

Make-ahead
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Venison terrine with prunes, orange, juniper and thyme

Venison terrine with prunes, orange, juniper and thyme

Gill Meller’s venison terrine, flavoured with orange zest and sweet prunes, makes a tasty starter...

Dairy-free
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Speedy mackerel pâté

Speedy mackerel pâté

Find out how to make smoked mackerel pâté with our quick-fix recipe. It would  make...

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Anchovy rarebit

Anchovy rarebit

Lucas Hollweg recommends eating this rarebit just as it is or posh it up on...

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Cheesy choux wreath with hot smoked salmon and horseradish dip

Cheesy choux wreath with hot smoked salmon and...

An impressive tear-and-share cheesy profiterole wreath served with a fiery smoked salmon, horseradish and cream...

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Smoked salmon, fennel and clementine salad

Smoked salmon, fennel and clementine salad

The refreshing flavours of clementine and fennel cut through the salty richness of the smoked...

Dairy-free Gluten-free
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Trout terrine with capers, chopped egg, dill and chives

Trout terrine with capers, chopped egg, dill and...

Served with fresh crusty bread and sharp pickled cucumbers, Gill Meller’s trout terrine is studded...

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