Lara Kilner
Our selection of the best quick and easy canapé recipes includes classics like smoked salmon blinis, plus some mini desserts too - the perfect party food.
If you're planning for a Christmas party or marking any special occasion, this is the place to find all the inspiration you need for finger food – either to serve on trays, waiter-style, or as buffet food. You could even go sweet-only – perfect for a baby shower or as an afternoon tea-themed event. We've also included some festive ideas for those of you looking for Christmas buffet ideas.
"Canapés are a chance to give your guests a little glimpse of what they can expect from your dinner party but they are also a really fun option if you're hosting a themed event," says Senior Food Writer, Jessica Ransom. "It's important they are bite-sized and easy to eat, in most scenarios your guests will only have one hand free because the other will be holding a drink of some kind."
"If you're serving a canapé ahead of a dinner, make sure you don't fill your guests up too much," says Jessica. "Allow for 2-3 canapés per person and keep the portion sizes of indulgent ingredients like cheese or fried foods quite small. It's better to have your guests wishing for more than feeling too full."
Quick and easy canapes recipes and ideas
1. Cheat’s goat’s cheese and cranberry tartlets
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
These sound so fancy but they’re actually a frugal little treat. You make them by cutting a disc out of a slice of bread - one slice per canapé. You don’t need to use fancy bread. Standard stuff works best and gives a lovely crisp shell. If you’ve got an old jar of cranberry sauce in the cupboard after Christmas, this is a great way to use it.
The bread leftovers can be made into melba toast for dipping into homemade dips. Or you can just put them in a food processor, whizz them down to breadcrumbs, and keep them in the freezer for topping homemade pies and bakes.
Get the recipe: Cheat’s goat’s cheese and cranberry tartlets
2. Halloumi dippers
Makes: 40 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 40 mins
Crisp halloumi canapés are such a treat. They are coated in extra light and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. However, if you want to keep costs down you can use normal breadcrumbs - either homemade ones very finely processed, or preserved ones from a packet.
Jessica Ransom, Senior Food Editor says, "These deep-fried little cheese bites are incredibly indulgent so we recommend allowing 2-3 max per person. After frying, they should be sturdy enough to pick up with just fingers but providing small forks or cocktail sticks will make it easier for your guests. Why not upgrade these canapés to a simple starter? Cut the halloumi into slightly bigger chunks and serve with a rocket salad and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to cut through the fattiness of the cheese."
Get the recipe: Halloumi Dippers
3. Chicken Katsu skewers
Makes: 18 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 45 mins
These look so beautifully arranged on a long-serving platter with a dipping sauce in a bowl at the end. And, whereas lots of canapés are quite a strain on the waistline, these are low fat and high in protein, making them a pretty healthy option.
They are best served warm. However, it’s really easy to cook them in advance and then just keep them on a low shelf in a warming oven, already skewered up and ready to go, for up to an hour before you plate up. Cover them with some foil to keep them from drying out if you use this method.
Get the recipe: Chicken Katsu skewers
4. Peanut butter caramel
Makes: 48 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 1 hr 30, plus cooling and setting time
"A delicious nutty take on the classic Millionaire's shortbread," says Jessica. "These are a great option for after dinner with a shot of espresso. Make them the night before then cut them into shape on the day of serving and arrange them on your platter so they are ready to go. They would make a really nice addition to a sweet grazing board and can be cut into triangles or squares."
This is such a useful recipe to have in your repertoire. Not only is it a great choice for a canapé, but it’s also great to make for charity bake sales - cut into larger portions for people. Don’t be put off by the long cooking time for these - a lot of it is downtime while you’re waiting for things to bake or set. They’re easy to make and you get nearly 50 from a batch so the payoff is huge.
Get the recipe: Peanut butter caramel slice
5. Smoked salmon and pea vol-au-vents
Makes: 18 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
Vol-au-vents are the classic party nibble. Don’t worry about them looking old-fashioned - they don’t. In fact, they have a really cool retro appeal. You could really lean into the retro vibe and serve them up with a range of other classic party nibbles, from blinis to devils on horseback (dates wrapped in crispy bacon).
This recipe is quick and easy to do because it uses ready-made frozen vol-au-vent cases. No need for cutting shapes out of a puff pastry sheet.
Get the recipe: Smoked salmon and pea vol-au-vents
6. Mini Parma ham veggie tarts
Makes: 8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
These are a little bit like a pastry-free version of a mini quiche. The parma ham forms a crisp case, and no pastry means they are gluten-free - great for guests with wheat intolerance. Serve these up on a board or a china plate as the ham will be a little oily, which can discolour paper plates. Place your napkins nearby too because people will probably want to wipe their fingers.
They are easier than they look to create, with only five ingredients. Vary the filling vegetables according to what you like and what’s in season. In spring and early summer during the British season, mini asparagus spears are often on special offer making them a great value.
Get the recipe: Mini Parma ham veggie tarts
7. Pea and prawn crostini
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 15 mins
Pea and prawn crostini are so easy to make and you can knock out a dozen in 15 minutes. It’s really easy to multiply the amounts for this recipe but remember, although they are very quick, most of the time is in assembling the crostini. If you’re making double, expect it to take twice as long.
"If you don't like peas, swap for classic guacamole either homemade or shop-bought. Squeeze over a little lime juice before serving for zing and a sprinkle of chilli flakes if you like spice," says Jessica.
Get the recipe: Pea and prawn crostini
8. Spicy salmon and guacamole cones
Makes: 16 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 30 mins
Serve up these delicious Mexican-inspired mini corn tortillas at a summer party with a fiesta feel. They're quite spicy, so probably best for a grown-up do.
If you want to have a crispy case, more like a taco, try this trick. Make up the corn tortillas into cone shapes and secure them with a toothpick to stop them from unraveling. Bake them in the oven for a couple of minutes until they harden on the outside. Leave to cool and then remove the toothpicks before filling them.
Get the recipe: Spicy salmon and guacamole cones
9. Beetroot blinis with garlicky mushrooms
Makes: 30 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 30 mins + 30 mins for the yeast to develop
These are so colourful and dainty, that they make a delightful little platter. Serve them up with other blinis like smoked salmon, to make the plate a rainbow.
This recipe includes actually making your own blinis, so you will need an hour in total. However, you can do this section in advance and just heat the blinis in the microwave before assembling and serving, or use shop-bought ones.
Get the recipe: Beetroot blinis with garlicky mushrooms
10. Mini lamb kebab skewers
Makes: 24 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
This is one of our most popular recipes because it’s easy to make, and so tasty. Each mini kebab is served on a stick, so your guests can dip in the minty yogurt dip without getting their hands greasy.
Make the kebabs and the sauce up a day in advance and just keep them chilled and ready to grill just before serving.
Get the recipe: Mini lamb kebab skewers
11. Strawberry cheesecake pots
Makes: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
There is nothing difficult about this recipe, though you need a little precision and patience when you’re putting them together. It's a great canapé for a small-ish garden party when you don't have to make more than 6-10.
These use fat-free yogurt and extra light cream cheese to keep them as low-calorie as possible.
Get the recipe: Strawberry cheesecake pots
12. Beetroot and goats’ cheese crostini
Makes: 20 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
These look so professional but they’re really easy to make and assemble. To keep your assembly line speedy, wear plastic gloves and place the beetroot by hand. That way you won’t get purple-stained fingers for the party.
Cut the baguettes thinly and on the horizontal to get the long finger effect for the crostini, which allows you to add four quarters of beetroot per canapé. Don’t skimp on the orange zest and thyme leaf garnish - it adds a beautiful flourish.
Get the recipe: Beetroot and goats' cheese crostini
13. Crispy prawns with sweet chilli dip
Makes: 30 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
Party food that everyone can pass around and share. "Try using prawns with the tails still attached. They look more elegant and provide the perfect ready-made handle for easy eating," says Jessica. Remember to leave a discard bowl for people to leave the tails in though.
If you’re short on time, you can just use sweet chilli dipping sauce straight from a bottle, but adding the lemon and soy just gives it a little something extra.
Get the recipe: Crispy prawns with sweet chilli dip
14. Caramel cream Nutella lollies
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 40 mins + 5 hrs chilling
Sweet canapés are just as important as savoury. Keep these in the fridge until people have eaten their fill of savoury canapés and are ready for them.
An hour before you bring them out, put the serving plate to chill in the freezer. This keeps them cool for longer if people don’t eat them straight away. If you leave them out on a sunny day, the chocolate will melt and leave brown puddles behind.
Get the recipe: Caramel cream Nutella lollies
15. Crushed potatoes with smoked salmon toppers
Makes: 18 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 45 mins
If you're bored of the same old salmon blinis, try making them with crushed potatoes instead. They have a lovely crispness that is a brilliant contrast to the salmon.
These are really easy to portion up as each base is exactly one small potato, so you know exactly how many you’re going to get. Make sure you grease your baking tray well as you don’t want the finished potatoes sticking to it just before you assemble them.
Get the recipe: Crushed potatoes with smoked salmon
16. Smoked salmon roses on rye toast
Makes: 6 | Skill level: medium | Total time: 25 mins
These smoked salmon roses may look fancy but they're actually really easy to make. Apart from toasting the rye bread, they don’t need any cooking at all. You can speed up the process by simply spreading the cream cheese mixture onto the rye toast, but piping it from an icing bag with a star nozzle makes it so pretty.
If you’re serving this to a group that includes people with gluten intolerance, replace the rye bread with a really dense, dark gluten-free bread with lots of seeds.
Get the recipe: Smoked salmon roses on rye toast
17. Leek and blue cheese pizza
Serves: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
Slice this unusual pizza into small squares to pass around at parties. Pizza always makes a great canapé as you can slice it into as many or as few pieces as you need. It’s best served warm but you can cook and slice it up before your guests arrive and keep it in a very low oven until you’re ready to serve.
This one uses a defrosted portion of pizza dough, rolled into a square for easy portioning. But it’s adaptable too. You could use a piadina flatbread (try Crosta & Mollica’s) or even plain naan bread to make the base.
Get the recipe: Leek and blue cheese pizza
18. Steak on sticks
Makes: 8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 11 mins
"Sometimes the simplest recipes are the tastiest," says Jessica. "Using high-quality steak will ensure the most flavour and an enjoyable texture. It's really important to rest the steak well before slicing so that it's as tender as possible.
"It's a nice idea to serve these canapés with classic warmed steak sauces such as peppercorn or béarnaise. They should be served and eaten quickly as they will become toughen up if left to go cold."
Get the recipe: Steak on sticks
19. Smoked salmon blinis
Makes: 24 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 15 mins
One of the quintessential party canapés - brilliant at anything from a high summer garden party to Christmas cocktails. If serving in summer, pass them around and then keep any spares in a cool, shady place so the salmon doesn’t start to discolor.
Salmon goes so well with champagne, crémant, or cava. The bold, fresh flavours of the fizz balance well with the oily fishiness of the salmon. Using packet blinis, you really can make two dozen of these in just a quarter of an hour.
Get the recipe: Smoked salmon blinis
20. Smoked salmon, cottage cheese and rocket rolls
Makes: 16 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
Canapé spreads can be a minefield of high-calorie counts, but with these, you and your guests can enjoy a treat, guilt-free. They’re actually Slimming World-approved.
"You can try this recipe with smoked trout or salami if you prefer," says Jessica. "It's best to secure the rolls with a cocktail stick and chill to firm up for 30 minutes before serving. You can arrange them on a bed of rocket or watercress. This is mostly for presentation but is edible and delicious too."
Get the recipe: Smoked salmon, cottage cheese and rocket rolls
21. Chilli Philly potato cakes
Makes: 16-20 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 35 mins
These bite-sized treats are always really popular. Serve with the homemade dip, or alongside some shop-bought ones for variety. Most people will want three or four each, so adjust your batch size accordingly. The only extra time is when you’re shaping the little potato cakes into balls and flattening them, so making extras doesn't lengthen the cooking time too much.
Get the recipe: Potato cakes
22. Chocolate and cranberry cheesecake shots
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins + 2 hrs cooling time
Another cheaty cheesecake-a-like. Make these in shot glasses and serve them up to your guests with coffee spoons (regular teaspoons will be too large to get to the bottom of the pudding.)
If you don’t have shot glasses or spoons, you can make this as one large cheesecake instead. We recommend using a loose-bottomed, square tin. Cut the cheesecake into portions, and place in the freezer for 30-45 minutes before serving, to firm them up a bit and make them easier to pick up.
Get the recipe: Chocolate and cranberry cheesecake shots
23. Mini vegetable frittatas
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 30 mins
A brilliant, Spanish fiesta-inspired recipe. These are like little quiches but they don’t have any pastry. That means they’re not only suitable for vegetarians but also for any guests who are gluten-intolerant.
They are lovely served hot or cold, depending on the type of party you’re throwing. In winter, we’d recommend cooking them in advance and then reheating them in the oven just before serving. In summer you can serve them straight from the fridge, made a day or two in advance.
Get the recipe: Mini mushroom and onion frittata
24. Courgette curls with salmon and cream cheese
Makes: 15 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 25 mins
The classic smoked salmon and cream cheese combo is given a modern and healthy twist by adding a little courgette instead of serving it up on bread.
It's another great option for slimmers (make it with extra light cream cheese and fat-free cottage cheese), or anyone who can’t eat pastry. Have a discard bowl handy that people can put their used cocktail sticks in.
Get the recipe: Courgette curls with salmon and cream cheese
25. Rose Turkish delight
Makes: 35-49 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 30 mins
"Another easy recipe to prepare ahead of time," says Jessica. "Cut these into dainty little squares and serve as a petit four. Why not create a little sharing board consisting of these, the peanut caramel from above and a selection of cake pops from below?"
Of course, you can buy Turkish Delight but serving up the homemade stuff is a whole other level of impressive hosting. Good Turkish delight is also expensive, whereas, with this version, you get a really large batch for about £2.70.
Get the recipe: Rose Turkish delight
26. Cheese and chutney scones
Makes: 8-12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 35 mins
These little round cheese and chutney scones are so delicious. And because you don’t need to roll out and use a scone cutter to make them, they’re even quicker than regular cheese scones to make.
Jessica says, "Serve these sliced and topped with a selection of different ingredients. You could do some with salted butter and others with additional cheese and chutney. They'll be great warm or cold."
Get the recipe: Free-form cheese and chutney scones
27. Apple doughnuts with apple purée
Makes: 28 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 45 mins
Ever considered making doughnuts as a sweet canapé? They're not as hard to make as you may think. It only takes 30 mins to cook a batch of 28. Serve with apple puree, as we do in this recipe, or swap for melted chocolate, Nutella, or even something as simple as strawberry jam.
Get the recipe: Apple doughnuts with apple puree
28. Pigs in blankets
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
Sausages make the perfect party food for anyone from adults down to toddlers. You probably don’t even need a recipe for pigs in blankets because they’re so easy to do, but this one gives you lots of top tips too to make sure you get them perfectly every time.
It might feel like a bit of a Christmas treat, but it definitely doesn’t have to be. Sausages wrapped in bacon are a great idea at any time of year. Serve in a bowl and leave out cocktail sticks so people don’t have to get their fingers dirty.
Get the recipe: Pigs in blankets
29. Twisty sausage rolls
Makes: 24 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
While we’re on the subject of sausages, how about this twist on the pig in a blanket classic? In the US, the term pigs in blankets usually refers to sausages wrapped in pastry rather than bacon, so these are our little American-inspired canapés.
We’ve used ready-rolled puff pastry to make these, to keep it really simple. All you need to do is cut it into strips. This is one of the quickest hot canapé recipes we have - 24 treats in just 20 minutes.
Get the recipe: Twisty sausage rolls
30. Devilled eggs
Makes: 24 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
Another brilliant retro classic canapé that makes a big plateful of food in less than half an hour. With a good hit of spicy Tabasco, these are great at grown-up parties.
This version has crab meat mixed in with the filling, but if you want a veggie-friendly version, simply leave it out and add in a pinch of paprika. Refill the egg halves with a spoon or, if you have time and you really want to go for a traditional look, use a piping bag and a star piping attachment.
Get the recipe: Devilled eggs with crab
31. Cheese and chive puffs
Makes: 16 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 35 mins
These cheese and chive puffs make great finger food. Serve in a clear bowl or a woven basket lined with some pretty napkins for a rustic look.
If you haven’t made choux pastry before, it might seem a bit daunting but it’s actually pretty easy as long as you follow our recipe and don’t over-baked the balls.
Get the recipe: Cheese and chive puffs
32. Potato skins with dips
Makes: 24 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 1hr 35
Potato skins make a brilliant chip 'n' dip style option. This recipe includes three different dips for you to serve them with, but if you’re pressed for time, just serve up salsa and some sour cream with chopped chives mixed in. Don’t be put off by that cooking time either - there is practically no work involved. You will scoop the flesh out of these potatoes, but don’t discard it. Save it to make bubble and squeak or fishcakes another day.
Get the recipe: Potato skins with dips
33. Cake pops
Makes: 20 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 1-2 hrs, plus cooling and setting time
Cake pops are the ultimate party treat. You can take as long as you like over them, and theme and decorate them for your party. If you need a quicker option, use shop-bought sponge cake and reduce the making time to about 40 minutes plus setting time.
"These are a really fun option for children but you can put a sophisticated spin on the flavours if serving to adults. Why not try coffee-flavoured sponge and dip in crushed walnuts of cacao nibs," says Jessica.
Get the recipe: How to make cake pops
34. Chocolate honeycomb mousse pots
Makes: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
These little chocolate honeycomb mousse pots are ideal for a sophisticated bash. Sprinkle shards of Crunchie bars on top of the chocolate mousse for a simple but impressive finishing touch. You can make the mousse go further by serving it in smaller glasses. Try serving in egg cups for an Easter-themed bash, topped with smashed Mini Eggs.
Get the recipe: Chocolate honeycomb mousse pots
35. Cheese and pickle straws
Makes: 25 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 35 mins
These homemade cheese straws are deliciously served with a couple of dips. The pickle makes them better than any versions you can buy in shops, too. They’re really easy to make - just be sure to keep a close eye on them while they’re in the oven.
Serve these with a traditional picnic-themed spread, with Scotch eggs and pork pies. Alternatively, they are good at cocktail parties because you can hold them in one hand and your drink in the other.
Get the recipe: Cheese and pickle straws
36. Crushed pea and bean toasts
Makes: 6-15 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
This recipe was actually created as a starter rather than canapés. However, to serve up at a party, you can either simply cut the toast in half, or use slices of toasted baguette instead.
This is one of our quickest finger food options. Once you know what you’re doing, you can knock out a batch in 10 minutes or so. It’s cheap too - use frozen peas and broad beans to keep the costs really low.
Get the recipe: Crushed pea and bean toasts
37. Moroccan chickpea cakes
Makes: 16 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 35 mins
These make a lovely addition to a canapé spread because many of your guests will not have tried them before. These are great for home entertaining. The bulk of the recipe comes from a tin of chickpeas, so it’s cheap to make. Use dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, to make it even cheaper if you prefer. Serve with a creamy garlic dip.
Get the recipe: Moroccan chickpea cakes
38. Seeded Parmesan biscuits
Makes: 30 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 45 minutes, including chilling time
These make great nibbles on their own, or you can serve them with cheese as part of a spread. They’re especially good with baked camembert, dipped into the melted cheese. Make them vegetarian by using a Parmesan cheese alternative.
Get the recipe: Seeded Parmesan bites
39. Mini macaroons
Makes: 34 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 50 mins
You can buy swanky mini macaroons from patisseries, but why bother when you can make them yourself at home in less than an hour? This version will definitely work out cheaper. Plus you can adjust the colour to suit your own party spread.
One batch makes 34 macaroons. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with adding flavours like cocoa or peppermint to the macaroon, chocolate, caramel, or pistachio to the frosting. They also make a great take-home gift for people.
Get the recipe: Mini macaroons
40. Parma ham and mozzarella bites
Makes: 20 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
These little mozzarella bites look fancy but they're easy to make and can be rustled up in no time. There’s no cooking, chilling, or waiting.
“If you'd prefer to make them meat-free, swap the parma ham for half a cherry tomato,” says Jessica. “You could secure a basil leaf to each bite for an elegant garnish. And try drizzling them with balsamic vinegar for an extra flavour punch.”
Get the recipe: Parma ham and mozzarella bites
41. Vegan carrot cake with frosting
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 30 mins
This is a perfect pudding for serving up if you have vegan guests at your party. The recipe makes six portions but you can cut them smaller for a canapé version - between 12 and 15 pieces.
Non-vegan guests won’t complain either - the sweet stodginess of the base and the creaming topping are really reminiscent of carrot cake, but a healthier version.
Get the recipe: Raw carrot cake with vegan frosting
42. Hot and spicy chicken skewers
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
The skewers are easy to make and they only take 10 minutes to cook - just make sure to leave at least a couple of hours for the chicken to marinade first. This recipe includes a dip to go with the chicken, but for speed, you could just serve it with hummus or sweet chilli sauce.
Get the recipe: Hot and spicy chicken skewers
43. Watermelon, cured ham and feta
Makes: 28 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 15 mins
These require no cooking at all, so they’re really quick and easy to do. You could even get the kids to help with assembly. The watermelon is such a brilliant summer contrast to the salty ham and feta. Make these up a day in advance and just keep them in the fridge until needed.
Get the recipe: Waterlemon, cured ham and feta
44. Mini ice cream cones
Makes: 10 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 40 mins
Having a frozen canapé is such a treat at hot summer parties. You can make these as far in advance as you like and keep them in the freezer until ready to deploy. Have a few different flavours to suit all your guest's tastes (and because they’ll look pretty on a platter).
Get the recipe: Mini ice cream cones
45. Mexican roasted sweet potato bites
Makes: 26 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
These are so fun and more-ish, and they’re really easy to make. Top the little discs of sweet potato with different combinations of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, so you have lots of variety on the platter. These are a great gluten-free option.
Get the recipe: Mexican roasted sweet potato bites
46. Mini roasted potatoes
Serves: 8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 30 mins
These mini roasties are an ideal canapé - you can make as many as you want and it won’t take you any extra time. Serve with this delicious cheese fondue, or just with a cheese and chive dip if you want something speedier.
Get the recipe: Mini roasted potatoes with cheese fondue
47. Canapé crackers
Makes: 30 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 1 hour
It doesn't have to be Christmas to enjoy these little crackers. In summer you can tie them with just chives so they are green on both ends, or use very thin strips of orange or yellow peppers. This recipe has three different fillings, but you reduce it to just one or two if you prefer.
Get the recipe: Christmas canapé crackers
48. Pisa Mozzarella
Makes: 20 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
Make these delicious little leaning towers of cheese in next to no time - this definitely one of our quickest canapé ideas and requires no skill whatsoever. You can make them up to two hours in advance (any longer and the mozzarella starts to dry out a little).
Get the recipe: Pisa mozzarella
49. Sesame Thai fishcakes
Makes: 18 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 45 mins + chilling time
These are just like the Thai fish cakes you get with a takeaway, but in miniature form to make the perfect canapé. You will need a little over an hour to make them, including chilling.
They are only mini, so depending on what else you are serving, expect people to have about three each. Serve with sweet chilli dipping sauce and watch them disappear off the plate.
Get the recipe: Thai fish cakes
50. Roquefort and peach bruschetta
Makes: 8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 15 mins
For a speedy canapé these moreish, snack-sized Roquefort and peach bruschetta are just the answer. You only need three ingredients to make them (plus some thyme to sprinkle over the top if you like). This is another ‘no cooking required’ recipe, so they can be made in minutes.
Get the recipe: Roquefort and peach bruschetta
51. Mini Yorkshire pudding and beef
Makes: 10 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
Roast beef always makes an impressive canapé, but serving it on miniature Yorkshire puddings is next-level brilliance. You need some rare roast beef for this recipe, so it’s a great way to use up leftovers from a Sunday roast. Or you could buy slices from a supermarket deli counter. If you’re not a Yorkshire pudding fan, you could serve this up on discs of roasted potatoes instead.
Get the recipe: Mini Yorkshire pudding and beef
52. Crispy fish bites
Makes: 20 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 40 mins
These crispy fish bites are great party canapés - they’re good value because they’ll fill your guests up. Serve them with the homemade tartare sauce - it’s really quick to make and you only need four ingredients. For kids, serve with ketchup instead.
Get the recipe: Crispy fish bites
53. Coronation crab crackers
Makes: 18-20 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 15 mins
Coronation chicken gets the limelight at buffets, but coronation crab crackers are even easier to make because they don’t need any cooking.
Ready in just 15 minutes, the secret is serving them up on prawn crackers, so you don’t even need to slice and toast bread. Using tinned crab, they’re cheap but they look really fancy when they’re assembled.
Get the recipe: Coronation crab crackers
54. Mini quiches
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 1 hour 10 plus chilling time
You can vary the filling in these mini quiches – we’ve used the classic combo of onion, bacon, and cheese but you can try fried shredded leek and smoked salmon or chopped broccoli. You need a muffin tray to make them in (or you can make smaller versions in a tart tray).
Get the recipe: Mini quiches
55. Beef Wellington canapé
Makes: 12-15 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 1 hour
These little vol-au-vents are so impressive but surprisingly easy to make. Use a roll of puff pastry and you can create 15 mini vol-au-vent cases in only 20 minutes. Why not serve these up in a roast dinner-themed spread with mini roast potatoes and pigs in blankets?
Get the recipe: Beef wellington canapé
56. Chicory leaf with tomato salsa and blue cheese canapé
Makes: 18-20 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
canapé spreads can often feel really heavy, with lots of pastry or deep-fried options. These are brilliant to serve as a contrast because they’re so light and refreshing. They’re only 16 calories per serving, too, so even guests (or hosts) on a diet can indulge.
Get the recipe: Chicory leaf with tomato salsa and blue cheese canapé
57. Filo smoked salmon canapé
Makes: 30 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
Sophisticated, delicious and a breeze to prepare - our filo smoked salmon canapé is one of the tastiest, easiest recipes you can find. They take less than 10 minutes to make and the crunch of the filo is a lovely modern twist on salmon blinis.
Get the recipe: Filo smoked salmon canapé
58. Tomato and cream cheese Santa hat
Makes: 16 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
If you need a canapé that takes 10 minutes or less to cook, these no-cook Santa hats are a brilliant little gimmick. Using plain crackers and cream cheese, you only need six ingredients to make them.
They’re perfect for Christmas morning drinks but if you want to serve them at other times of the year, just use round tomatoes so they don’t look like Santa hats.
Get the recipe: Tomato and cream cheese Santa hat
59. Halloumi wrapped in Parma ham
Makes: 40 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 30 mins
This delicious, quick, and easy canapé can be prepared ahead of time and then only takes 10 minutes to cook. It’s an ideal little stop-gap to give your guests before dinner, as you won’t need to step away from your hosting duties.
Get the recipe: Halloumi wrapped in parma ham
60. Cheesy stuffed olives
Makes: 75 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 1 hour
Serving olives is such an easy space filler in a canapé spread, but they do tend to be oily and drippy. This version isn’t - and it’s so much more delicious. You need an hour to make and bake these, but you get so many in a batch, that it’s a really good time-to-output ratio.
Get the recipe: Cheesy stuffed olives
61. Gluten-free Smoked Salmon Tartlets
Makes: 22 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 45 mins
These are probably our favourite canapés for anyone who’s gluten-free - but they’re lovely even if you aren’t. Shop-bought gluten-free options are often really stodgy, but they are fresh and light.
They’re so easy to make, they look really appealing, and they’re really adaptable too. If you’re serving vegetarians you can swap the salmon for roasted butternut squash.
Get the recipe: Gluten-free smoked salmon tartlets
62. Miso prawn skewers
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 18 mins
These are seriously impressive looking for such a speedy canapé. If you prefer your prawns headless, that’s fine, just leave the tails in place and they’ll still look amazing.
Whole prawns are slightly more expensive than most canapés in this list, but they’re still cheaper than buying similar, readymade ones.
Get the recipe: Miso prawn skewers
63. Chocolate ice cream balls
Makes: 8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins plus at least 2 hours freezing time
One of the easiest canapes to make. These are so easy to make even the kids can help. They’re brilliant to bring out after dinner with coffee, or at the end of a drinks party.
You need plenty of time for them to chill and freeze - the chocolate must be cool (but not set) before you cover the ice cream, so don’t hurry them. Make them well beforehand and then you don’t even need to think about them until you’re ready to serve.
Get the recipe: Chocolate ice cream balls
64. Berry swirl cheesecake bites
Makes: 25 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 45 mins
Cheesecake makes such a good canapé. Make it in a square tin and you can cut it into slices as large or as small as you like, depending on how many guests you have. You can vary the berries in this depending on what is on offer, to make it cheaper, or use mixed frozen berries.
Get the recipe: Berry swirl cheesecake bites
65. Lemon pots
Makes: 6 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 1hr 25 mins
These make a brilliant pudding, with everyone getting their own personal pot, but you can also make them as a canapé. You can make them a day in advance for ease.
You will need ovenproof ramekins for this recipe. If you don’t want to bake your own meringues, use bought ones or just extra berries.
Get the recipe: Lemon pots with mini meringues
66. Garlic and cheese stuffed mushrooms
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
Transform this easy starter into a mini canapé version by replacing the four large mushrooms with 12 small ones. These are best served warm but you can make and cook them in advance and keep them in a warming oven to bring out when your guests arrive.
Get the recipe: Garlic and cheese stuffed mushrooms
67. Avocado chocolate mousse
Makes: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
Like a stack of drafts - but edible, these mini pudding treats are vegan and very healthy. They’re also a welcome chocolate option for any guests with dairy allergies. You can serve them as pudding or put them in smaller shot glasses (to make up to 10) as a canapé. You’ll need small spoons to serve them with.
We suggest you don’t tell guests about the avocado until they’ve tried these, and they’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Get the recipe: Avocado chocolate mousse
68. Baked jam doughnuts
Makes: 20 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 1hr 25
Baked jam doughnuts are easier to make than deep-fried ones - no need to heat up a vat of oil. That’s not all, these are healthy options too. In fact, this recipe is from WW (formerly Weight Watchers). A guilt-free treat that serves 20.
Get the recipe: Baked jam doughnuts
69. Maltesers traybake bites
Makes: 12-16 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 30 mins
A no-bake tray cake that’s brilliant for kids' parties, though we find adults really like the retro feel of these too. Cut smaller pieces if you have more than 12 guests (or make two - it’s really easy to just double all the ingredients). It takes just 30 minutes to whip up a batch of these bites. You could swap Maltesers for other biscuit-based chocolate too if you fancied a few options.
Get the recipe: Maltesers traybake bites
70. Chai latte cheesecake bars
Makes: 20 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 55 mins
These are such a grown-up little treat, perfect for finishing off drinks or dinner parties. Think of them as a coffee treat, but for people who don't like the coffee taste or are sensitive to caffeine. That said, you could add a shot of coffee to the recipe for an extra kick if you like.
This neat recipe doesn't take long to make, but you do need an extra four hours before serving for them to chill and set.
Get the recipe: Chai latte cheesecake bars
71. Sweet chilli fig canapes
Makes: 16 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
Prep a batch of these sweet chilli fig canapes in just 15 minutes. Think sweet and savoury, with a warming kick of chilli heat. These mouthwatering bites are perfect if you're looking for something a little different. Save yourself time by using readymade crostini as the base.
Get the recipe: Sweet chilli fig canapes
72. Hot smoked salmon crostini
Makes: 16 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
We love the gentle balance of flavours of this classic hot smoked salmon crostini - salmon is a party food favourite and this canape proves exactly why. It takes around 25 minutes to prepare and make these bites from scratch. One canape works out at around 71 calories. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Get the recipe: Hot smoked salmon crostini
73. Beef toastie canapes
Makes: 16 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 30 mins
Our beef toastie canapes are so simple to make at home. Rich and cheesy with a subtle fiery horseradish kick. An indulgent choice topped with tender roast beef, rich blue cheese and Cheddar. Topped with horseradish and creme fraiche for a silky smooth, flavoursome finish. Top with tiny gherkins and serve. This recipe would work just as well with pork or lamb too.
Get the recipe: Beef toastie canapes
74. Burrata and pesto squares
Makes: 48 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
Hard to resist, these burrata and pesto squares go well with a glass of fizz. The perfect buffet food if you're looking to cater to a large number of people as you can whip up 48 of these canapes in just one go. It takes just 10 mins to prep all the ingredients for these simple nibbles. We've cheated and used readymade puff pastry to speed up the process even further.
Get the recipe: Burrata and pesto squares
75. Tandoori chicken canapes
Makes: 30 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
Poppadoms are a great base for creating these quick, crunchy Tandoori chicken canapes. Alternatively, this is a good way to use up leftover turkey from Christmas Day - especially if you're making as part of a Boxing Day or New Year's Eve party spread. These flavour-packed canapes are lightly spiced and just perfect served with a glass of fizz or a well-deserved beer.
Get the recipe: Tandoori chicken canapes
76. Crispy duck on cucumber canapes
Makes: 40 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
Simple crispy duck on cucumber canapes - a classic flavour combination from the takeaway but in bite-sized form and at just 23 calories per canape. It takes just 10 minutes to make a batch of 40 of these bites, perfect for bigger parties or buffet spreads. The flavours from the duck, hoisin sauce, lime, chilli flakes, cucumber, spring onion, and crispy fried onion work perfectly together. Mouthwatering.
Get the recipe: Crispy duck on cucumber canapes
77. Lamb meatball lettuce cups
Makes: 20-25 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
Lamb meatball lettuce cups - fresh and packed with flavour, using shop-bought meatballs is a great time-saver. It takes just 20 mins to make a batch of 20-25 canapes using this recipe. One of these canapes works out at 100 calories per serving. This recipe would work just as well with other meat too - including tofu or Quorn strips for vegetarians.
Get the recipe: Lamb meatball lettuce cups
78. Mini trifle shots
Makes: 10 | Skill level: Med | Total time: 10 mins
A wonderful sweet canapé, these cute mini trifle shots will be a popular choice – and they’re so easy to make. Before you begin, you will to invest in some shot glasses - you want to make sure they aren't small shot glasses otherwise you won't be able to achieve the defined layers in this dessert as clearly. The perfect little buffet pud serving with a mini spoon and enjoyed all year round.
Get the recipe: Mini trifle shots
79. Mini clemetine pavlovas
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Med | Total time: 10 mins
Whip up a batch of these deliciously sweet mini clementine pavlovas - these tiny meringues are the ideal way to end your party. Make a batch of 12 in just 10 minutes. This recipe calls for readymade mini meringues, but you could opt to make your own meringues from scratch if preferred. Top each meringue with mascarpone, clementine segment, dark chocolate, and crushed pistachios.
Get the recipe: Mini clemetine pavlovas
80. Mini gingerbread cakes
Makes: 16 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 10 mins
It takes just 10 mins to make mini gingerbread cakes. Jazz up a shop-bought cake with frosting, candied peel, and ginger for a delectable nibble. A really simple recipe, ideal not just for buffet party spreads, but for kids' parties too. You could also try this method using Madeira cake and raspberry jam for a more classic combination. This recipe makes 16 cakes.
Get the recipe: Mini gingerbread cakes
Who cares if winter is looming, these kebabs have a totally tropical taste
81. Sticky chicken skewers with coconut and mango
Makes: 8 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 25 mins
Creamy, sweet, yet punchy in flavour, these Indian-inspired skewers are marinated in coconut cream, lime, chilli, and garlic, with the hero ingredient being a generous dollop of mango chutney – hence the lovely stickiness of the meat. Leave the chicken in the marinade for as long as possible to do its magic, and serve with a squeeze of lime and a dip – raita or even a southeast Asian peanut sauce both work well.
Get the recipe: Sticky chicken skewers with coconut and mango
A next level muffin experience
82. Banana peanut muffins
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 45 mins
Relatively nutritious as sweet treats go, these muffins are a great canapé, particularly for a daytime gathering that may, just perhaps, be more focused on tea and coffee than champs and cocktails. Clever use of overripe bananas and with both crunch and flavour from the peanuts and almonds, make them smaller than the recipe to serve more of your guests and to keep them bite-sized. Just make sure none of your guests have nut allergies before putting them on the menu.
Get the recipe: Banana peanut muffins
An oldie but a goodie, who doesn't love a classic vol-au-vent?
83. Vol-au-vent selection
Makes: 24 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 40 mins
It's pretty retro as canapés go, and we reckon it's time to get the vol-au-vent back center stage as a finger food because it's truly a marvelous thing. Simple, too. You can buy read-made vol-au-vent pastry cases from most supermarkets, and fill them with whatever takes your fancy. Make like Abigail's Party and opt for some Seventies classics in your filling – including this mushroom favourite, or our ritzy ham and pineapple.
Get the recipe: Vol-au-vent selection
How to improve on scone perfection? Add bacon, of course
84. Cheese, bacon and onion scones
Makes: 25 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 30 mins
These mini savoury scones are lovely for a tea party, elevating an already delicious cheese scone to a whole new level with the addition of spring onions and bacon. Because what in life wasn't made better by bacon? There's even a cheeky dash of chilli powder in the mix for a hint of spice. Perfect served sliced with a sprinkling of grated cheese (a crumbly Wensleydale or Lancashire works well) and a little chutney – try cranberry if it is a festive feast.
Get the recipe: Cheese, bacon and onion scones
Fancy up your swiss roll into a fabulous canapé
85. Swiss roll raspberry pots
Makes: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
An easy and effective use of a cheap and simple shop-bought cake, these are wonderful dessert canapés, especially for an afternoon tea party, or for anything that requires child-pleasing. We highly recommend a dollop - or a quenelle if you'd like to be posh – of clotted cream on the top. Delicious and divine.
Get the recipe: Swiss roll raspberry pots
These arancini take a bit of time to make – but are worth every minute
86. Arancini rice balls with aioli
Makes: 18 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 1 hr 35 mins
Essentially like a bite-sized risotto – yet even better thanks to its crispy shell – these arancini are perfect canapés not just because they taste wonderful, but also because they're pleasingly dense and carby, thus soaking up all those cocktails/wines brilliantly.
Risotto rice flavoured with stock, Parmesan, lemon, and white wine is shaped into balls, covered with panko breadcrumbs, and fried. The tangy homemade aioli offsets the heaviness of the rice wonderfully. Pop a bowl in the middle of the tray when serving (and keep your eye on any potential double dippers...).
Get the recipe: Arancini rice balls with aioli
Coronation chicken, or cheese and bacon? Classic flavours for a classic canapé
87. Vol-au-vents – coronation chicken, and cheese and bacon
Makes: 24 | Skill level: Medium | Total time: 30 mins
This recipe shows you how to make the actual vol-au-vent cases themselves (though you're allowed to use shop-bought puff pastry – we're not monsters). It's always nice to have a selection of fillings to please different taste buds, so, here, we have a very patriotic coronation chicken, as well as an absolute mouth-waterer of a cheese and bacon filling, with chives, shallots, and pine nuts alongside some fabulously gooey Taleggio cheese.
Get the recipe: Vol-au-vents
Sausage rolls made even better
88. Bloody Mary sausage rolls
Makes: 12 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 1 hr 10 mins
Yep, we did the impossible – we made a sausage roll even more incredible. These ones are jazzed up with the ingredients of a Bloody Mary cocktail (minus the vodka – though there's no absolute reason you can't wash them down with some). Celery salt, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce are all added to the mix, to truly marvelous effect. They'll be a talking point, that's for certain.
Get the recipe: Bloody Mary sausage rolls
Creamy pots of canapé joy
89. White chocolate passion fruit mousse
Makes: 6 | Skill level: Easy | Total time: 20 mins
White chocolate, cream, passion fruit, lime zest, what could possibly go wrong? Absolutely nothing with that flavour combo. A perfect mini dessert to round off the evening and leave your guests on a canapé high and wanting more (might be wise to make a double batch, don't you reckon?)
Get the recipe: White chocolate passion fruit mousse
What is the definition of canape?
Canapés (the French word for sofa) are so-called because, when a chef invented them in mid-1800s France, the topping was thought to sit on the bread like a person sitting on a sofa. As such, canapés are technically supposed to be a topping on a base, so think smoked salmon blinis, vol-au-vents filled with mushrooms, or mini toast topped with paté.
What are the types of canapes?
While they are, as we've established, officially a topping on a base, canapés have evolved somewhat over the years and we now tend to use the term as a catch-all for finger foods at parties. Nowadays, canapés can vary wildly, so long as they can be eaten with a drink in hand and ideally in one bite (though two or even three at a push is also acceptable). They simply need to be able to be grabbed from a passing tray and consumed with the minimum of faff.
As well as things on toast/bread/crackers, canapés encompass food on skewers – mini sticks of satay or king prawns, for example – and kid-friendly bites like fish goujons or sliders, as well as small dishes like mozzarella wrapped in Parma ham, pastries like cheese straws or quiches, and falafels or koftas.
And lest we forget the sweet stuff – mini cakes, small pots of cheesecake, mini chocolate mousses or bite-sized doughnuts are all up there with perfect canapés to complete any party or gathering.
What is the difference between a canapé and an hors d oeuvre?
This is the subject of debate, but the easiest way to make a distinction is that hors d'oeuvres are always a precursor to a meal, while canapés can be either small bites before a dinner or a standalone meal in their own right.
Apparently, all canapés are hors d'oeuvres, while not all hors d'oeuvres are canapés – this is because, while they are both finger foods made to be eaten standing up while drinking cocktails (in an ideal world), canapés are technically meant to be the aforementioned topping on a base, while an hors d'oeuvre can be anything small served before sitting down for a more formal affair.
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