This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (2024)

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (1)

When it comes to planning your Christmas dinner, one of the most important (and often overlooked) components is your starter. But luckily we've handpicked 20 very delicious Christmas starter recipes to help you start your feast in the best way possible.

It's no secret that Christmas is all about the food. And yes, you're going to be eating lots of it, from roast turkey to the fruity richness of a classic Christmas pudding, but that doesn't mean you won't want a starter. We're thinking of them as an in-for-a-penny approach to dining, you might as well just create a proper banquet of a menu — even if it's just for the people in your household.

Plus, if Christmas is going to be smaller this year, then why not use the extra time (and budget) to experiment with a delicious starter and spice up the festive table with some new flavours mixed in with the classics.

They don't all have to be filling — in fact, it's better if they're not. We're talking a dab of terrine, a small bowl of soup, perhaps even a festive salad. (Yes, festive salads exist, and they provide just enough crunch and vitality to see you through the season.) It's just that if there's one thing that'll put the pressure on, it's knowing your guests are hungry (and the kids will no doubt make sure you're aware).

Whether it's a quick tart tatin, or some delicious mini toad-in-the-holes, you'll be wondering why you didn't serve up yuletide appetisers sooner.

Now, which one shall we devour first?

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1

Salmon and mackerel terrine

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (2)

Possibly the easiest Christmas starter recipe around, this salmon and mackerel terrine takes just 20 minutes to assemble before being left in the fridge to chill overnight. That means no oven-time! Simply slice and serve with bread.

Try this salmon and mackerel terrine recipe

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2

Scandinavian meatballs

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (3)

Meatballs with a lot of Christmas spices are a lovely match for cranberry sauce: perfect to get your family in the mood for the coming festive feast.

Try this meatballs with spiced cranberry sauce recipe

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3

Bill Granger's gravlax

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (5)

This platter of smoked salmon, rye bread, and mustard dill is a simple put-together job, that still screams 'elegance.'

Try Bill Granger’s gravlax recipe

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4

Onion tart tatin

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (7)

This vegetarian dish looks impressive but is deceptively easy to make. Serve with a sprinkling of tangy goat’s cheese and peppery rocket, to cut through the pastry's richness.

Try our onion tart tartin recipe

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5

Raymond Blanc's ham hock terrine

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (9)

If you are really looking to impress your Christmas dinner guests then this ham hock terrine will leave them in awe as you slice into a burst of bright colours made up from vegetables, herbs and ham.

Try Raymond Blanc’s ham hock terrine with soused vegetables recipe

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6

Fay Ripley's baby toad-in-the-holes

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (11)

Nothing says warming comfort food like a toad in the hole, and these mini versions are perfect to start off your festive feast. Plus, they're ready in just 30 minutes, leaving you more time to concentrate on cooking up a feast (read: drink a glass of champagne).

Try this toad in the hole recipe

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7

Gordon Ramsay's seared scallops with minted peas and beans

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (13)

Packed full of fresh flavours, the combination scallops with minted peas and beans is deliciously refreshing.

Try Gordon Ramsay’s seared scallops with minted peas and beans recipe

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8

Raymond Blanc's comte cheese souffle

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (15)

Lose your fear of the souffle with this easy recipe from Raymond Blanc. Serve in individual pots if you want to stop your guests from filling up before the Christmas main dish comes out of the oven.

Try Raymond Blanc’s Comte cheese soufflé recipe

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9

Potted shrimps

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (17)

Swap your traditional prawn cocktail this Christmas for these delicious potted shrimps. A cinch to make, they can also be prepared in advance – giving you more time to concentrate on the roast turkey.

Try our potted shrimp recipe

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10

Nigel Slater's fig and goat's cheese focaccia

The combination of sweet figs, melted goat’s cheese and crisp bread in this delicious recipe from Nigel Slater is truly hard to beat.

Try Nigel Slater’s fig and goat’s cheese focaccia recipe

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11

Fig, grapefruit and kale salad

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (21)

This nutritious salad from Maple & Fitz is the perfect starter; wholesome but not heavy enough that guests will spoil their appetite. Plus it will look pretty on your table, what's not to love?

Try this salad recipe

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12

Lisa Faulkner's smoked salmon pate

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (23)

This super quick and easy salmon paté will make a great festive starter. Serve up with melba toasts for a charming retro feel.

Try Lisa Faulkner’s smoked salmon pate recipe

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13

Salmon and watercress quiche with pink peppercorns

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (25)

This impressive quiche will make the perfect starter centrepiece.

Try Higgidy’s salmon and watercress quiche recipe

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14

Jo Pratt's oysters

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (27)

Quick and easy, this beautiful oyster dish, served with two dressings, is the perfect celebratory starter served with a glass of bubbly.

Try this oysters two ways recipe

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15

Broccoli and blue stilton soup

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (29)

A light Christmas starter option that is packed full of flavour.

Try Tom Aitkens’ broccoli blue stilton soup recipe

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16

Steak tartare

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (31)

A French classic that's a doddle to prepare.

Try our steak tartare with mayonnaise recipe

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17

Salmon with grapefruit dressing

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (33)

A zingy, light start to the festive feast.

Try Lisa Faulkner’s salmon with cucumber chive and grapefruit dressing recipe

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18

Apple and sausage filo rolls

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (35)

Pork and apple are a match made in festive flavour heaven, and these rolls are perfect to keep your family's appetite at bay before the main feast.

Try this sausage roll recipe

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19

Ham hock terrine

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (37)

Ham hock is very affordable, so this is a great recipe for feeding a crowd. You can also make the terrine in individual Kilner jars to serve too for that extra special feel.

Try Donal Skehan’s ham hock terrine recipe

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20

White stilton and red onion tart

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (39)

If you’ve got a vegetarian guest coming for Christmas, then this tasty twist on a cheese tart is the perfect option. Serve with some green leaves for a starter that is sure to go down well with everyone.

Try Tom Aikens’ white Stilton with apricot and red onion tart recipe

This no-cook Christmas starter recipe can be made in advance (2024)
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