Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (2024)

No party is complete without a selection of stunning canapés. Try our canapé recipes this weekend for the perfect party.

Canapés complete any party, giving your guests something to nibble on while they catch up over a glass of wine. Plus, our stunning (yet secretly very easy) canapé recipes will leave them in no doubt of your capabilities in the kitchen. If you're looking for interesting ways to delight guests' palates, you've come to the right place.

Canapés are a really simple, lovely way to get people talking at your party, and because they're so easy to eat and are usually small nibbles, they're the perfect food to socialise over. They allow people to mingle and have a good time without tying them down to one spot. Our canapé recipes are all really easy to make and make the ideal bite sized treat.

Our favouritecanapé recipes

Whether you're looking for savoury canapés like out mini crostinis made with figs and black olive tapande or something sweeter, like chocolate truffles or mini éclairs, we've got something to suit any soiree.

If you're serving canapés with an aperitif pre-dinner, then try to stick to some of the lighter options like our clever little soup shots (think bloody Mary flavours) or marinated king prawns. However, if you're having a drinks reception, with no sit down meal, then go all out on the canapés and serve up plenty of potato and bread based bite-sized treats as well as some pudding options, too. The cheese fondue with crispy new potatoes in the picture above are a perfect if you fancy a few hot bites.

We have plenty more crostini, tartlet and bruschetta ideas that are meat-free so you can pick whatever tickles your fancy. But for a more meaty option, try our pork and prawn dim sum. They are quite the treat!

So, what are you waiting for? Try our exciting and unique flavour combinations and you'll be wowing friends and family in no time with some original and delicious little treats.

Click through for more canapé recipes...

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (1)

Mini Apple Rarebit

Apple, cheese and mustrad come together in these goregous mini apple rarebits, which are perfect for passing round at a party. Plus, they only take 15 minutes to make!See the mini apple rarebits recipe.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (2)

Medjool Dates Stuffed With Roquefort

This is on eo fthe easiest assembly party nibbles, ready in just 5 minutes - and a fantastic flavour combination that tastes just like Christmas.See the Medjool dates stuffed iwth Roquefort recipe.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (3)

Smoked Salmon Blinis

Oursmoked salmon blinis are a canapé favourite, especially if you make your own blini. They're a lot softer and airier than shop-bought, and everyone will appreciate the extra effort you've gone to, to really make your party stand out. We love them topped with wild Alaskan smoked salmon, which is thicker cut than most other types and a little drier too.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (4)

Soup Shots

Pass round some very easy soup shots, in Bloody Mary, white gazpacho and guacamole flavours, which you won't believe takes just 15 minutes to make!See the soup shots recipe.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (5)

Fig and Black Olive Tapenade Crostini

It's so easy to make these simple crostini with salty tapenade topped with a fig slice that you can make 25 in 10 minutes.See the fig and black olive tapenade crostini recipe.

Kale Pesto and Curd Cheese Crostini

Have you seen a canapé with as much colour as ourkale pesto and curd cheese crostini? They're a delight to both look at and eat, and what's even better - they take no time at all to make!

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (7)

Oven Dried Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta

Bruschetta is one of our favourite choices for a canapé as it's easy to eat and a real crowd-pleaser. Try our recipe foroven dried cherry tomato and mozzarella bruschetta- both easy and tasty!

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (8)

(Image credit: charlie richards)

Hot Smoked Salmon Pate

Served on bite-size granary toast squares, this hot smoked salmon pate recipe makes the perfect fishy appetizer. Add a squeeze of lemon to the pate to give that extra flavour.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (9)

Lentil Falafel with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

If you're expecting vegetarians round, or simply want to opt for a vegetarian canapé option, try ourlentil falafels with garlic yogurt sauce. They're a dream for both those who are meat-free and carnivores alike.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (10)

Roasted Red Pepper and Goats' Cheese Crostini

There's nothing quite like the sweet flavour of roasted red peppers, so if you like them, then you'll love ourroasted red pepper and goats' cheese crostini. They're an absolute delight.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (11)

(Image credit: steve baxter)

Hot and Sour Marinated King Prawns

Thesehot and sour marinated king prawnsare irresistibly moreish and wonderfully easy to prepare - you may want to make a double batch! Great for pre-dinner nibbles in place of a starter.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (12)

Tapenade Crostini

Everyone loves a freshly made tapenade so give ourtapenade crostinia go. They make for a delightfully moreish canapé.

(Image credit: 5 Ingredients, 10 Minutes - Jules Clancy)

Ricotta Tartlets with Fig and Honey

Sweet and savoury come together in the best possible way in the form of these ricotta tartlets with fig and honey. They are lovely party food and guests will be delighted.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (14)

Broad Bean Roasted Pepper Mozzarella and Anchovy Bruschetta

Try this lovely new flavour combination ofbroad bean roasted pepper mozzarella and anchovy bruschetta. Guests will be delighted by how delicious and original this recipe is.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (15)

Filo Tarts with Caramelised Onion and Goats' Cheese

These delicious filo tarts with caramelised onion and goats' cheese make great canapesfor a party. You can easily make them the day before and assemble right before your guests arrive.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (16)

Vietnamese Lemongrass, Chicken and Prawn Wraps

This is typical of much Vietnamese food where you wrap and dip. It's very sociable and we love to serve this Vietnamese lemongrass, chicken and prawn wrap recipe with drinks pre-dinner, rather than as a starter.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (17)

(Image credit: Gareth Morgans)

Herring Caviar, Creme Fraiche and Toasted Brioche Fingers

Looking for a glamorous but quick and easy recipe? Simple: serve herring caviar, creme fraiche and toasted brioche fingersfor a really impressive and yet simple and delicious canapé.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (18)

Braised New Seasons Garlic with Tapenade Toasts and Fresh Goats Cheese

Serve this braised new seasons garlic with tapenade toasts and fresh goats' cheese as a medium-sized canape, or elaborate the recipe and serve as part of an anti-pasti platter for dinner party starters.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (19)

Mini Crab Tartlets

Our mini crab tartletsare a dinner party dream. They're so easy to make and are really sociable food as they are perfectly bite sized.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (20)

Pork and Prawn Dim Sum

For a canapé with an Oriental twist give ourpork and prawn dim suma go. They're everyone's favourite and are surprisingly easy to make at home.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (21)

(Image credit: G5_Studio2)

Tandoori Marinated Prawns with Raita

Ourtandoori marinade prawns with raitaare a real favourite - they're packed full of flavour and are so delightfully moreish!

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (22)

Red Pepper Anchovy Crostini

Sweet and salty, these gorgeous red pepper and anchovy crostini bites are perfect for a quick nibble before dinner. We've added a good kick of garlic too, for a strong Italian flavour.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (23)

Jamon and Manchego Croquettas

Creamy and cheesy on the inside, yet light and crunchy on the outside, these jamon and manchego croquettas are a wonderful way to bring a touch of Spain to your next soiree.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (24)

Vietnamese Pork Balls

These fragrant mini Vietnamese pork balls are packed with the flavours of ginger, fish sauce and mint, giving them a heady taste of Asia.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (25)

Chocolate and Salted Caramel Canapes

Sometimes you just want a couple of small sweet treats at the end of your drinks party, and these chocolate and salted caramel canapés are perfect. Made with rich cream, smooth chocolate and a delicious salted caramel these truffles are dangerously moreish!

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (26)

Mini Baileys Eclairs

It's not every day you're met with a mini Baileys filled eclair! Give your guests a really delicious finish to your canapé offering with these gorgeous little puffs of choux pastry.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (27)

Mini Bakewells

This is a canapé for those with a sweet tooth - made with soft frangipane, sweet raspberry jam and buttery pastry. Whenever you decide to serve these mini bakewells, you can be sure of one thing - they'll be a hit with your guests.

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (28)

(Image credit: steve baxter)

Mini brown sugar and hazelnut meringues

What says party more than a pile of cloud-like meringues? These delicious mini brown sugar and hazelnut meringues give more flavour than your average and don't need the addition of any fruit or cream - they're perfect as they are (which also means less mess!).

Canapé recipes that will impress your guests (2024)

FAQs

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 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 are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Some of my favorites: Deviled eggs, bruschetta, crackers with cheese and dried salami, artichoke & spinach dip with tortilla chips, stuffed mushrooms, mini-spanakopita, Chinese dumplings. What are some tasty but easy to make snacks or appetizers that don't involve any cooking? Salami cheese wraps.

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.

How do you make your canapé appealing? ›

Appearance: Canapés should be visually pleasing. A herb garnish, edible flower, or even a sprinkle of cracked black pepper goes a long way! Preparation: Aim to prepare the elements of your canapés in advance so that you can assemble them quickly and enjoy the company of your guests.

How many canapés should you allow per person? ›

We would normally recommend around 4-5 canapés per person for the first hour followed by 2-3 canapés per person for each subsequent hour. Therefore a private party at home where no other food is being served we would suggest a minimum 10 canapés per person for a standard 4 hour party.

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.

What are the 7 guidelines for making a canapé? ›

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

What food items are used to decorate canapés? ›

Crackers or small slices of bread or toast or puff pastry are cut into various shapes, used as the base for savory butters or pastes, and often topped with other savory foods such as meat, cheese, fish, caviar, foie gras, purées or relish.

How much finger food for 25 guests? ›

Quantity. A good rule of thumb when working with your caterer on just how many hors d'oeuvres to choose is as follows: for 10 – 12 guests a minimum of 5 selections, 25 guests a minimum of 9 selections and for 50 guests, a minimum of 13 selections.

How do you feed 40 guests on a budget? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  1. Taco Bar. A taco bar is one of the best inexpensive meals for large groups. ...
  2. Meatballs. ...
  3. Butter Chicken. ...
  4. Lasagna. ...
  5. Chili. ...
  6. Homemade Pizza. ...
  7. Baked Pasta. ...
  8. Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

What is the cheapest food to serve at a party? ›

Here's a look at some crowd-pleasing dishes to consider for your next gathering:
  • Chili. The most cost-efficient version of this is meat-free chili made from beans and vegetables. ...
  • Roasted Veggies. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Dips. ...
  • Apple Bruschetta. ...
  • Fruit Skewers. ...
  • Charcuterie Boards.
Feb 24, 2023

What are floating canapés? ›

floating canapés and bowl food

Experience the new age style of co*cktail dining – guests being served bite sized dishes and mini meals that can be eaten whilst mingling.

What is a canapés menu? ›

A canapé (pronounced "can-a-PAY") is a type of hors d'oeuvre, or small, easy to eat food, made with a base of a small piece of bread or pastry with a variety of toppings, and traditionally served before dinner, usually with co*cktails.

What's the difference between canapés and hors d oeuvres? ›

Canapés are typically made with an edible base – crackers, blinis, bread or pastry, and served cold. Hors d'oeuvres are small bites of something tasty and can be both savoury or sweet, and served hot or cold.

How many canapés per person for 1 hour? ›

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. Savoury canapés are always more popular; if you're serving savoury and sweet, aim for a ratio of around 4:1.

What must you consider when garnishing cold canapés? ›

(a)Canapés are relatively small so the garnish must be in proportion to the item. (b)Canapés must catch the customer's eye, so a brightly coloured garnish is required. (c)When producing large numbers of the same canapé, use different garnishes for variety.

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 the procedure of preparing canapés? ›

Using 2 inch (5 cm) circle cookie or biscuit cutter, cut rounds out of toast to make 12 circles. In small bowl, combine mayonnaise with Dijon mustard, herbs, hot sauce and pepper. To assemble: Top toast with 1 egg slice, ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) dollop of mayonnaise, a piece of bacon and garnish with fresh herbs.

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