With the festive season comes the joy of entertaining friends and family. What better way to kick off your Christmas celebrations than with a delectable spread of canapes?
These bite-sized delights are the perfect way to tantalise taste buds and set the tone for a memorable gathering.
What are canapes?
Canapes are small, decorative finger foods that are typically served at parties and events.
The word ‘canapé’ comes from the French word for ‘couch’, referring to the way the toppings sit on the base like a person lounging on a couch.
They are usually made with a base of bread, pastry, or crackers, topped with a variety of ingredients such as meats, cheeses, vegetables and sauces.
They are designed to be visually appealing, easy to eat in one or two bites and packed with flavour.
Canapes can be served hot or cold, and they come in a variety of forms, from miniature sandwiches and tarts to skewers and spoons.
Types of canapes
The world of canapes is vast and varied, offering endless possibilities for creativity.
Here are some popular types to inspire your Christmas menu:
- Bases: These form the foundation of your canapes and can include bread (baguettes, crackers, crostini), pastry (vol-au-vents, tartlets), or vegetables (cucumber slices, endive leaves)
- Spreads: Add flavour and moisture with spreads like cream cheese, pâté, hummus, or pesto
- Toppings: Get creative with your toppings, using ingredients like smoked salmon, prawns, cheese, olives, roasted vegetables or cured meats
- Garnishes: A touch of garnish can elevate your canapes to the next level so consider using fresh herbs, edible flowers or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Canapes are incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways during your Christmas celebrations:
- Party snacks: Serve a selection of canapes with drinks before the main meal
- Table centrepieces: Create a festive display with beautifully arranged canapes
- Gifts: Package canapes in festive boxes as edible gifts for friends and family.
Canape ideas for Christmas
For a festive twist, incorporate seasonal ingredients into your canapes.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Miniature mince pies: A classic Christmas treat in bite-sized form
Smoked salmon and cream cheese blinis: A sophisticated and elegant option
Prawn cocktail canapes: Prawns served on a bed of lettuce with a tangy cocktail sauce
- Turkey and cranberry sausage rolls: Mini sausage rolls filled with turkey and cranberry stuffing
- Cranberry and brie bites: A sweet and savoury combination that captures the essence of Christmas
- Fig and prosciutto crostini: A tasty and visually appealing canape
- Spiced nuts and olives: A simple yet satisfying snack to complement your drinks.
Canape recipes
Feeling inspired? Here are a couple of recipes to get you started:
Cranberry and Brie bites
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 100g brie, sliced
- 50g cranberry sauce
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions:
- Toast the baguette slices until golden brown
- Top each slice with brie and cranberry sauce
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Smoked salmon and cream cheese blinis
Ingredients:
- 12 blinis
- 100g cream cheese
- 100g smoked salmon, sliced
- Fresh dill sprigs.
Instructions:
- Spread cream cheese on each blini
- Top with smoked salmon slices
- Garnish with fresh dill sprigs.
Where to buy canapes
If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of ready-made canapes, many retailers offer a wide selection of options. Here are some places to consider:
- Supermarkets: Most major supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, have a range of excellent canapes in their party food sections
- Online retailers: Websites like Ocado and Marks & Spencer offer convenient online ordering and delivery
- Speciality food shops: Local delis and food shops may offer unique and handcrafted canapes.
Don’t forget too that recipe websites, such as Olive Magazine and Delicious Magazine will have lots of canape recipes and ideas at this time of year.
How much to spend?
The cost of canapes can vary depending on whether you make them yourself or buy them ready-made.
Making your own canapes can be more cost-effective, especially if you’re catering for a large group.
However, ready-made canapes offer convenience and can be a good option if you’re short on time.
We found that the cost of canapes depends on the ingredients and homemade canapes should be £10-£20 for a variety of them.
Ready-made canapes from speciality shops – check out the likes of Fortnum and Mason – or online retailers will be more expensive, ranging from £20-£50 for a selection of high-quality options.
Canapes for Christmas
We think that canapes are a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance and festivity to your Christmas celebrations.
Whether you choose to create your own culinary masterpieces or opt for the convenience of ready-made treats, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of festive flair to your gatherings.
