Fuss-free starter recipes (2024)

This light and fresh tasting dish is simply delicious. Full of flavour and pretty to look at this is perfect for a dinner party starter. Use sea bass or whatever firm white fish is freshest

Sea bass ceviche

Nothing beats a bowl of classic French onion soup. The combination of lowly cooked caramelised onions, sherry-infused broth, and toasted cheese on crusty bread is delicious.

French onion soup

Salads make the perfect starter and this delicious twist on the classic Waldorf salad has a lovely warm spice to it. Easy to make, it’s ideal for a light healthy lunch or a dinner party starter.

Waldorf salad

Though a big bowl of fragrant, garlicky mussels is the highlight of many lazy, summer lunches, mussels are at their fat and juicy best in winter.

Mussels with tarragon and white wine

This super quick and easy salmon paté makes a great canapé for a drinks party. Serve up with melba toasts for a charming retro feel.

Smoked salmon pate

This is a great starter to pile into a bowl and share; simply cook the pods whole, then pull them through your teeth to pop out the little green beans hidden inside. Quick and delicious, these edamame beans have a good kick of chilli to and are great served with a sprinkling of salt.

Spicy hot edamame beans

Classically served up with tzatziki and lemon wedges, this tasty squid dish makes the perfect summer dish.

Fried squid

This dish should be redolent with heady forest flavours, but feel free to include some cultivated mushrooms. Provide good French bread to mop up the juices.

Fricassee of wild mushrooms

Smoked trout often has a more delicate colour and flavour than smoked salmon. Horseradish is hot, so if you don’t like it fiery add a little and taste before adding any more. Perfect as a starter or serve with a green salad for a bigger meal.

Smoked trout tartlets

Potted shrimps are a British dinner party classic and, if you find a fishmonger who sells peeled brown shrimps, they are a cinch to make too.

Potted shrimps

The sesame crust and chocolate dressing with these scallops makes this a truly indulgent starter. They are so quick and easy to make, leaving you more time to enjoy your dinner party.

Scallops with a chocolate dressing

Delicious spread on sourdough bread, this traditional pork terrine needs to be made one to two days before it is served (to allow the flavours to mature and develop), so you can spend more time with your guests.

Country style pork and walnut terrine

Light, fluffy and utterly delicious, loose your fear of the soufflé. These rich Gruyere cheese soufflés are easy to prepare and will make the perfect veggie starter served with a crisp green salad.

Baked gruyere cheese soufflés

Succulent, spicy and beautifully presented on a crisp lettuce leaf, this easy beef dish has a good kick of flavour and is sure to become a dinner party staple.

Chilli beef lettuce wraps

A big platter of gravlax served with a variety of rye breads and crackers makes the perfect elegant drinks party platter – and it takes barely any effort too.

Gravalax

Quick, easy and beautifully sweet, these vibrant tomato tarts are a great vegetarian option for a dinner party starter, and can be ready within half an hour.

Tomato tart

The saltines of the feta cheese in this flatbread recipe works perfectly with the sharp sweetness of pomegranate juice; serve with a round of drinks or alongside another dish.

Flatbreads with fennel and feta

Pakoras typically consist of fish, meat or vegetables that are coated in a batter made from spiced gram flour and fried until golden brown. These prawn pakoras are especially delicious served with a spicy green or tomato and cucumber chutney as a starter.

Spicy prawn pakoras

These beautifully vibrant courgette flowers are stuffed with creamy ricotta and fresh herbs for a delicious dinner party starter or summer lunch dish.

Stuffed courgette flowers

Homemade chilli chutney gets a summery twist with the addition of British strawberries. Delicious served as a dipping sauce for any fish dish, or served with good old cheese and crackers.

Salt and pepper squid with chilli strawberry chutney