Christmas entertaining should feel luxurious without the stress. These four starters prove that cooking, easy recipes can be showstopping yet genuinely simple. Each recipe uses a handful of ingredients, minimal fuss, and plenty of flavour. Perfect for a relaxed gathering or to prep in advance.
Camembert Christmas Tree Pull and Share
This is the ultimate party centrepiece that doubles as a dipping station. Soft, tearable bread balls arranged into a tree and baked around a whole camembert create an oozy, communal starter people will love.
Ingredients
- 800 g strong bread flour
- 7 g dried yeast
- 500 ml warm water
- Camembert
- Garlic and fresh rosemary
Method
- Mix flour, yeast, salt and warm water to form a soft dough. Leave to double in a warm spot for about 40 minutes.
- Roll small balls of dough (about 30) and arrange on a floured sheet in a tree stencil. Let prove for another hour so the buns become spongy.
- Prepare the cheese by removing a little of the top rind, mixing minced garlic with olive oil, and pouring into the camembert box.
- Dot rosemary over the tree, nestle the camembert in place and bake at 180 C for about 30 minutes.
"What could be more indulgent? Bread dipped in melted cheese."
Smoked Salmon and Seafood Pâté
This is a hands-off, elegant starter that can be made a day ahead. It pairs perfectly with toasted ciabatta soldiers and a quick pickled onion garnish.
Ingredients
- 150 g cooked prawns
- 150 g smoked salmon
- 150 g white crab meat
- 280 g cream cheese
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- Pinch of cayenne, optional salmon roe to finish
Method
- Roughly chop the seafood and fold together with cream cheese, lemon zest and juice. Keep the texture slightly rustic for bite.
- Adjust with a pinch of cayenne if desired. Chill overnight to let the flavours develop.
- Serve with griddled toast, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and quick pickled red onions (finely chopped onion, white wine vinegar, pinch of sugar and salt).
Potato Bombas Canapé with Spiced Tomato Sauce
A playful canapé inspired by Spanish tapas. Crisp outside, soft potato centre with melting Manchego, served on a warming arrabbiata-style sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 kg jacket potatoes
- 150 g Manchego, diced
- 1 egg yolk
- Breadcrumbs for coating
- Prepared arrabbiata sauce
Method
- Bake or microwave the potatoes until soft, scoop out the flesh and mash with seasoning and an egg yolk.
- Mix in diced Manchego, form into small mouthful balls, roll in breadcrumbs and deep-fry at around 170 C until golden, about five minutes.
- Drain briefly and serve warm on a pool of spiced tomato sauce.
Beetroot-Cured Salmon with Horseradish and Rye Scones
This cured salmon feels special but is straightforward to make ahead. The bright, beetroot-tinted cure and dill finish create a striking cold starter paired with malty rye scones.
Ingredients
- 1.2–1.5 kg salmon fillet, pinboned
- 400 g rock salt
- 200 g brown sugar
- Grated beetroot, lemon zest, grated horseradish
- Dill and crème fraîche to serve
- For scones: 500 g natural yogurt (use tub as measure), rye flour and self-raising flour, egg, oats
Method
- Combine salt, sugar, lemon zest, grated beetroot and a splash of vodka. Rub the mix over the salmon and wrap flesh side down. Cure in the fridge for 36–48 hours.
- Brush off cure, slice thinly and finish with chopped dill, a dollop of crème fraîche and grated horseradish.
- For scones, use the yogurt-tub trick as the measure: mix flours, yogurt, egg, honey and bicarbonate, cut into rounds, egg wash and bake at 190 C for about 20 minutes.
Tips for Stress-Free Entertaining
- Prep ahead Choose one or two make-ahead elements such as the pâté and cured salmon to spread the workload.
- Keep it simple Each starter focuses on a few strong flavours so it counts as both elegant and approachable.
- Presentation Arrange pull-apart breads on a board, spoon pâté into ramekins and garnish with pickles for instant wow factor.
These recipes show how cooking, easy recipes can feel indulgent and achievable. They work for small gatherings, buffets and those magic moments when simple food looks and tastes like a celebration.
This article was created from the video Christmas Starter Ideas By Jamie Oliver with the help of AI.
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