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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This impressive quiche will make the perfect starter centrepiece.

Try Higgidy’s salmon and watercress quiche recipe

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

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

Try Tom Aitkens’ broccoli blue stilton soup recipe

A French classic that's a doddle to prepare.

Try our steak tartare with mayonnaise recipe

A zingy, light start to the festive feast.

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

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

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

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