The best party foods for Christmas entertaining
Entertaining at Christmas can be stressful, especially if you're in charge of feeding your guests - but don't let the thought of hosting put you off this year, as we have some really fun and easy party food ideas to get yourself and your guests in to the festive spirit.
No longer just mince pies and gingerbread men to grace the tables this year as we've got plenty of Christmas party food ideas to fulfil all guests and their preferences.
Whether you're after something simple and quick like our mini chicken poppadom bites, or a little more show stopping like homemade mini Scotch eggs, there's something for everyone!
We personally can't go past a baked camembert (hello gooey cheese), the mini mushroom crackers for their adorable appearance (plus they're tasty morsels), curry rarebit for something a little bit different, and the mini Christmas cakes to really impress your guests.
If you're looking for more Christmas inspiration, take a look at our best Christmas recipes gallery to start planning ahead. We've also got plenty of festive cocktail ideas to please all guests, and if you're stuck for time this year, the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested over 460 festive products so you know exactly where to shop and what to buy for Christmas this year.
Hot honey halloumi fingers
These oven baked halloumi fingers are served with an addictive chilli-infused honey to drizzle on top. Perfect with a refreshing cocktail.
Recipe: Hot honey halloumi fingers
Baked Camembert
This recipe couldn't be simpler and is perfect for sharing amongst friends.
Recipe: Baked camembert
Mini Mushroom Crackers
These adorable crackers are filled with a mushroom, walnut and Stilton filling for a suitably festive snack.
Recipe: Mini Mushroom Crackers
Pecan Shortbreads with Blue Cheese Cream
These savoury shortbreads, filled with an unctuous blue cheese cream will be a hit with your guests.
Recipe: Pecan Shortbreads with Blue Cheese Cream
Party prawns
Guests will go wild for these juicy Party prawns.
Recipe: Party prawns
Mini Christmas Cakes
You can't get more adorable than these mini Christmas cakes, topped with a sweet sugary glaze.
Recipe: Mini Christmas Cakes
Easy swirls
These jewel-like rolls are made by spreading strips of courgette, smoked salmon and Parma ham with various fillings, then arranging them military-style on a platter to make simple and impressive party food!
Recipe: Easiest-ever canapes
Spiced Tortilla Chips with Festive Houmous
Making your own tortilla chips is super easy when you use pre-made flour tortillas. Just cut into triangles, brush with oil and seasoning and bake!
Recipe: Spiced Tortilla Chips with Festive Houmous
Curry Rarebit
These speedy curry rarebits use naan breads for the base and then is topped with a cheesy, curry topping. What's not to like?
Recipe: Curry Rarebit
Mini jacket potatoes
Use your favourite potato fillings in miniature to make these bite-sized beauties.
Recipe: Mini jacket potatoes
Fried Stuffed Olives
Choose between anchovies or sundried tomatoes to stuff into your olive, then fry until golden and crispy. The perfect snack with beer or bubbly!
Recipe: Fried Stuffed Olives
Mini eggs benedict
These impressive bites will be the talk of the party.
Recipes: Mini eggs benedict
Christmas cake bites
Pairing a crumbly white cheese such as Wensleydale with deep rich fruit cake is a classic Christmas tradition in Yorkshire. This easy-to-make canapé is not to be missed! Lancashire cheese also works very well.
Recipe: Christmas cake bites
Bloody Mary prawn shots
Sweet, succulent prawns are the perfect match for the spicy Bloody Mary shot.
Recipe: Bloody mary shots
Goat's cheese balls
These no-fuss cheese bites look super pretty, and can easily be made a day ahead.
Recipe: Goat's cheese truffles
Mac 'n' cheese bites
You'll definitely want to eat more than one of these...
Recipe: Mac 'n' cheese bites
Polenta and fig bites
Polenta is a very versatile base for a canapé - next time, why not try it topped with pesto and mozzarella, or red onion marmalade and goat's cheese? If you don't like figs, use a piece of fresh peeled pear instead.
Recipe: Polenta and fig bites
Stilton and grape bites
A sophisticated nibble with just two ingredients.
Recipe: Stilton and grape bites
Pumpernickel bites
Smoked salmon is always a hit, but if you're cooking for vegetarians, cubed beetroot works just as well for this recipe.
Recipe: Pumpernickel bites
Stilton fruit bites
If it's a simple plate of canapés you want to pass round, these easy bites will fit the bill nicely.
Recipe: Stilton fruit bites
Mini chicken poppadoms
Light, fresh and full of flavour, these chicken bites will add a touch of Indian spice to your party.
Recipe: Mini chicken poppadoms
Steak and Bearnaise profiteroles
Everyone loves mini roast beef and Yorkshire puddings, and this year we’ve added a cheffy twist to this party staple with sirloin steak and Béarnaise sauce.
Recipe: Steak and Bearnaise profiteroles
White chocolate and pistachio profiteroles
These white chocolate and pistachio profiteroles are oozing with sweet goodness in the middle and are encased in soft pasty. A drizzle of melted white chocolate tops them off perfectly.
Recipe: White chocolate and pistachio profiteroles
Parma ham swizzle sticks
Hosting a party tonight? Impress your guests with these gorgeous little nibbles.
Recipe: Parma ham swizzle sticks
Sausage rolls
If you don’t like sage, replace it with chopped fresh parsley or wholegrain mustard.
Recipe: Sausage rolls
Sticky pigs in blankets
Jazz up this perennial favourite with marmalade or apricot jam.
Recipe: Sticky pigs in blankets
Smoked salmon pate
This impressive cheat takes just moments to put together.
Recipe: Smoked salmon pâté
Scotch quails eggs
These beauties are a real show-stopper. Make sure you have enough to satisfy demand!
Recipe: Scotch quails’ eggs
Spicy crab squares
Start the meal the perfect way with these tempting morsels
Recipe: Spicy crab squares
Mini scotch eggs
Our scotch eggs are easy to make, and sure to go down a treat with family and friends.
Recipe: Mini scotch eggs
Fig and scallop skewers
Use small scallops so they are in scale with the figs!
Recipe: Fig and scalllop skewers
Harissa chicken balls with yogurt dip
The harissa gives these chicken balls an original taste – but you can try them with Thai curry paste or pesto if you prefer!
Recipe: Harissa chicken balls with yogurt dip
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