Christmas Canapés: Recipes for your Christmas Party

The festive season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and savour gorgeous food. Whether you're hosting a chic Christmas soirée with friends and neighbours, or an intimate family gathering, the key to impressing your guests lies in the details, especially when it comes to the food. Canapes have come a long way since they started to make an appearance in the UK, and there are new ideas emerging on social media all the time! If you want to stand out with your spread, with original bites, read on for some delicious recipes.

 

At Gardiner Haskins, we’re here to make your festive hosting effortless and elegant. Our Cook Shop in the Cirencester store offers everything you need to make it happen once you have the right ingredients and ideas. We have a few fabulous recipes for you for your Christmas entertaining that are simple but luxurious! So here goes!

 

Canapés to Wow Your Guests

 

1. Fennel, Burrata, and Crispy Parma Ham Crostini  

 

 

Roast the Fennel: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Slice 2 large fennel bulbs thinly, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in a tray for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft.  

Crisp the Parma Ham: Fry 4 slices of Parma ham in a hot pan (no oil needed) for 1–2 minutes per side until crispy. Cool on paper towels and break into pieces.  

Prepare the Crostini: Slice a 400g baguette diagonally into 12 pieces, drizzle with oil, and toast in the oven for 5–8 minutes. Rub toasted slices with a garlic clove for flavour.  

Assemble: Top each baguette slice with roasted fennel, pieces of burrata (you will use 2 full burrata’s in total), and crispy Parma ham. Serve immediately.  

*Red Magazine

 

 

2. Pitta Chips with Mango, Crème Fraîche, and Prawns  

 

 

Prepare the Pitta Chips: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Slice 6 wholemeal pitta breads into pieces, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with cayenne, and bake for 8 minutes until crispy. Set aside.  

Make the Topping: Blend 1 chopped mango, 200g cucumber, and a large handful of chopped coriander, then mix with 300ml crème fraîche in a bowl.  

Assemble and Serve: Spoon the mixture onto each pitta chip, top with prawns (you will need about 100g altogether), and serve immediately.  

**Red Magazine

 

 

3. Sticky Pork Belly Bites  

 

 

Cook the Pork Belly: Preheat the oven to 170°C (fan 150°C/gas 3). Place 1.25kg of trimmed and skinless pork belly in a roasting tin, cover with foil, and roast for 2.5 hours. Let it cool and cut into bite-sized pieces.  

Crisp the Pork: Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (fan 180°C/gas 6). Roast the pork pieces on a tray for 30 minutes, turning them regularly.  

Make the Glaze: In a small pan, heat 150g marmalade, 1 tsp chili flakes, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and the juice of 1 orange, until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency.  

Coat and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the pork belly, toss gently, and roast for another 5 minutes until glazed. Pierce with cocktail sticks to serve.  

*Olive Magazine

 

 

4. Carrot and Halloumi Fritters  

 

 

Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, combine 2 grated carrots, 250g grated halloumi, 1 large egg, a small bunch finely chopped dill, 4 tbsp plain flour, 2 tsp cumin seeds and 1 tsp paprika. Season with pepper and a little salt.  

Shape the Fritters: Mix everything together with your hands, then roll about 1 tbsp of the mixture into balls. Repeat with the rest.  

Heat some Oil: Fill a pan with oil (about 1/3 full) and heat to 180°C or until a bread cube browns in 30 seconds. Line a plate with kitchen paper.  

Fry the Fritters: Carefully add the balls to the hot oil in batches and fry for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on the paper.  

Serve: Enjoy hot with salad leaves.  

*Olive Magazine

 

These simple yet elegant recipes will be real crowd pleasers for your festive gatherings, and you are likely to use them again and again! Remember, Christmas simply encourages a little indulgence so enjoy making them, eating them and sharing them! 

 

 

Set the Scene for Success

 

Beyond the food, the ambiance of your gathering will also make a lasting impression. Decorate your table with fairy lights, sprigs of greenery, candles and dried citrus fruit slices or spare baubles. Pair your canapés with sparkling drinks like Prosecco or festive mocktails to complete the experience.  

 

Cooking and hosting at Christmas is one of life’s simple joys, made even better when you’re in a kitchen that you are proud of. Add to that the comforting aroma of mulled wine and pastry treats along with the clinking of glasses as friends and family gather, the kitchen truly becomes the heart of the home during the festive season. Our Bristol showroom has many beautiful styles and designs that you will want to show off and always be the host! 

 

Let’s make this festive season one to remember, with modern canapés, a touch of festive flair, and all the essentials from Gardiner Haskins. Merry Christmas! ????

 

Whether you’re a seasoned host or trying your hand at festive entertaining for the first time, Gardiner Haskins has everything you need to make your Christmas unforgettable. Visit our Bristol store for our beautiful selection of kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms or our Cirencester Home Store to explore our range of kitchenware, home décor, and expert advice.