30+ party perfect canapé recipes - quick and easy ideas for hosting (2024)

30+ party perfect canapé recipes - quick and easy ideas for hosting (1)

The Champagne is on ice, the playlist is sorted, now all you need are some delicious canapé recipes to serve up and win over your guests. Take the stress out of entertaining and opt for homemade minimalism over fussy finger food this year.

Our crowd-pleasing recipes feature many unique twists and are ideal for seasonal sharing. From meat-free asparagus rolls to veggie Crostini, when food turns bite size it can afford to be all the more indulgent.

Whether you’re preparing your guests for what’s to come or just providing some light bites over a more arduous buffet, some of these recipes can be prepared in less than 20 minutes - and they beat a bowl of ready-made vol-au-vents, right? (Note: we still love a vol-au-vent, of course - but some occasions require something a little more special)

Hot or cold, savoury or sweet - we all know canapés can be great icebreakers, so prepare to make mouths water with these delicious homemade recipes.

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1

Parma ham and parmesan palmiers

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These tasty crisp little puff pastry canapés are a savoury version of the French sweet pastries of the same name. They are also good as an accompaniment to vegetable soups.

Try this parma ham and parmesan palmiers recipe

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2

Nigel Slater's sausage danish

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Succulent little sausage pastries from Nigel Slater will make the perfect canapés - they're sure to go down well with children, too.

Try Nigel Slater’s sausage Danish recipe

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3

Lisa Faulkner's Smoked Salmon Pate

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This super quick and easy salmon paté from Lisa Faulkner is great served up with melba toasts – so retro.

Try Lisa Faulkner’s smoked salmon pate recipe

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4

Poached quails eggs on spoons

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Quail’s eggs are a lovely little delicacy, and this winter twist is sure to delight your guests – especially with an added drizzle of rich truffle oil.

Try this poached quails eggs canapés recipe

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5

Seasonal Sharing Flatbread

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You can top these flatbreads with anything – get creative. Here are some ideas that are sure to get the party started, but everything goes with bread and cheese.

Try this seasonal sharing flatbread recipe

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6

Streamline apricot jam and stilton canapés

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These delicious canapés are really easy to make and are perfect for a drinks party (see our round-up of the easy co*cktail recipes for more inspiration). Ready made puff pastry makes it super simple, and the addition of the walnut adds a good crunch, too.

Try this apricot jam and Stilton canapés recipe

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7

Smoked salmon canapes with cream cheese

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You can’t go far wrong with smoked salmon canapés served with a chilled glass of Champagne...

Try this smoked salmon canapés with cream cheese recipe

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8

Apple, prawn and pork spring rolls

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Serve these hot spring rolls with several bowls of dipping sauce.

Try this prawn and pork spring rolls recipe

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9

Onion fritters

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Onions work perfectly with the Asian spicing in this fritter recipe, due to their natural sweetness and subtle flavour.

Try this onion fritters recipe

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10

Bagna cauda crudites

A moreish, creamy dip that can be prepared in advance.

Try this bagna cauda with winter crudités recipe

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11

Fennel salami bruschetta

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These fennel and salami bruschetta are so easy to make. Try using finocchiona: a Tuscan salami flavoured with fennel seeds.

Try this fennel and salami bruschetta recipe

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12

Asparagus Cigars

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These quick and easy canapés are perfect for drinks parties, and it’s easy to double or triple the recipe, too.

Try this asparagus cigars recipe

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13

Chilli Beef Lettuce Wraps:

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These simple chilli beef lettuce wraps from Gordon Ramsay make the perfect accompaniment to a co*cktail or beer – and they’re incredibly easy to prepare, too.

Try this chilli and beef lettuce wraps recipe

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14

Mini cheeseburgers

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The simplest burger recipe around, try your hand at these as a fun canapé at a drinks party.

Try this mini cheeseburgers recipe

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15

Crostini

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You can make crostini a day or two in advance. Just let them cool before storing in an airtight container. Heat for a few minutes in the oven before garnishing, or serve cold, if you like.

Try this crostini recipe

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16

Pink Lady Apple and Manchego Tapas:

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Crisp apple wedges chargrilled are the perfect partner to the Spanish manchego cheese. Inspired by the Spanish growing region for apples, these are delicious with a glass of sherry.

Try this Spanish apple and manchgo tapas recipe

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17

Cheese sables

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Buttery, crumbly, cheesey, just a little spicy and absolutely perfect with a glass of chilled white wine. Coat the outside of these biscuits with a mixture of sesame and kalonji seeds to make them a more sophisticated co*cktail nibble.

Try this cheese sables recipe

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18

Smoked Mackerel Pate

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Once upon a time smoked mackerel pâté was a harsh, crude dish. By using good quality, oak-smoked fish and mixing with lemon and horseradish to cut through the richness, it becomes subtle and moorish.

Try this smoked mackerel pate recipe

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19

Coconut Pancakes with Mango and Prawns

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These delicious pancakes are quick enough to make for supper and can be reheated (or the batter can be made and kept in the fridge) but they are also glam enough for a starter or canapé.

Try this delicious coconut pancakes with mango and prawns recipe

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20

Vegetable Pakoras

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These spring vegetable pakoras are simple to make and a great way of getting children to eat vegetables during party season!

Try this spring vegetable pakoras recipe

30+ party perfect canapé recipes - quick and easy ideas for hosting (2024)

FAQs

How do you host a canapé party? ›

We would normally recommend around 8 canapés per person for the first 2 hours hours followed by 1-2 manapes per person. These can be set out as a grazing table or buffet style for your guests to help themselves to at their leisure.

What should a canapé always have? ›

There are 4 distinctive elements of a canapé – the base, spread, a topping & a garnish. Canape base ingredients are usually bread, puff pastry or crackers, allowing a solid foundation for the rest of the canapé. Then there is spread followed by the topping.

What makes a successful canapé? ›

Balancing colour, flavour, and texture

These three elements are paramount to creating canapés that are memorable and look inviting. Texture is an important one to think about – a successful canapé is one that contrasts several different textures to create an enjoyable eating experience.

What is the tip to making the best canapés? ›

How to make and serve perfect canapés
  • Always serve your canapés at room temperature.
  • Don't ever leave a single canapé on a tray. Ensure your trays look bountiful.
  • There is elegance in simplicity. ...
  • Odd numbers always look best on a tray.
  • Get creative with your canapés, from beautiful toppings to chic and seasonal trays.
Nov 24, 2022

How many canapés do I need for 20 guests? ›

How many canapés should I order? For a one-hour drinks reception, order four to six canapés per person. If it's before a grand dinner, four should be plenty. For longer events, add another two to four pieces per hour.

How to host a party for dummies? ›

Beginner's Guide to Planning and Throwing a Party
  1. Choose a Date and Time. It is important to pick a date and time that works for most of your guests. ...
  2. Choose a Location. ...
  3. Set a Budget. ...
  4. Create a Guest List. ...
  5. Plan the Food and Drinks. ...
  6. Choose Entertainment. ...
  7. Make Sure You Have Enough Supplies.
Aug 30, 2022

What are the 7 guidelines for assembling canapés? ›

Guidelines for Assembling Canapés
  • Good mise en place is essential. ...
  • Assemble as close as possible to serving time. ...
  • Select harmonious flavor combinations in spreads and garnish. ...
  • Be sure that at least one of the ingredients is spicy or pronounced in flavor. ...
  • Use high-quality ingredients. ...
  • Keep it simple.

How do you present canapés? ›

A beautifully-presented tray of canapés can put a smile on people's faces. So try not to overload platters – it's better to plate up trays in smaller batches and replenish them often with freshly-made canapés than have one large – and quickly emptying – sat on the side.

What are the 3 types of canapés? ›

Canapés consist of three parts the base, spread/toppings and garnish. The Base holds the spread and garnish. Like biscuit, bread, toast or puff pastry as the base of the canapes. The biscuit, bread or crackers are firmer and give a pleasing texture and crispness to the canapés.

What is a gourmet canapé? ›

Canapé is a bite-sized food served at parties and formal dos while the drinks are being served. The word is from the French, meaning sofa — tiny morsels had in the living room amidst co*cktail chatter before the formal lunch or dinner. Traditionally canapés are made with an edible base — crackers or breads.

What is a canapé party? ›

Opting for finger food solves the problem of space and allows your guests to really enjoy a party, as they are able to freely walk around and interact with each other, while canapés are being passed around on trays and platters by waiting staff.

What is canapés appetizer? ›

noun. can·​a·​pé ˈka-nə-pē -ˌpā Synonyms of canapé : an appetizer consisting of a piece of bread or toast or a cracker topped with a savory spread (such as caviar or cheese) compare hors d'oeuvre.

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
  • Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
  • Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
  • Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Treat your guests to a sweet and savory appetizer with bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Jan 10, 2024

What is good party food? ›

38 Ideas For Party Food That Will Please Any Crowd
  • Chicken Fajita Quesadillas. tasty.co. ...
  • Tomato Basil Bruschetta. tasty.co. ...
  • Chicken Pesto Pinwheels. tasty.co. ...
  • Deep-Fried Mini Calzones (Panzarotti) tasty.co. ...
  • The Best Fudgy Brownies. tasty.co. ...
  • Pigs In A Blanket. tasty.co. ...
  • Parmesan Cheese Crisps. tasty.co. ...
  • Homemade Cheese Crackers.
Dec 21, 2023

What makes a good finger buffet? ›

Finger Buffet Menu No. 1
  • A Selection of Finger Sandwiches. Served on mixed breads with various fillings.
  • A Selection of Savouries. Sausage rolls, mini pork pie pieces, picnic eggs, mixed quiche pieces & co*cktail sausages.
  • Pickles. Gherkins, silverskins, olives & cherry tomatoes.

How do you display canapés? ›

Dependent on the style and theme of the event, consider displaying your canapes on LED light trays for a luxe modern look. Consider a clear acrylic box filled with gorgeous blooms or an abundance of foliage for a decadent, yet natural feel.

What is a canapé buffet? ›

Canapés are small, decorative, and mouthwatering hors d'oeuvres typically served on bread or a base, topped with various savoury or sweet toppings. These bite-sized delicacies offer a burst of flavour and an enticing visual appeal.

How is a canapé usually served? ›

The canapés are usually served on a canapé salver and eaten from small canapé plates.

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