Pastry- and bread-based appetizers

Anchovy and olive bruschetta These salty canapés are ideal with pre-dinner drinks and go equally well with a long cold glass of beer, beats peanuts hands down!
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Aubergine and goat's cheese crostini Crisp crostini with a deliciously savoury topping of creamy goat's cheese and lightly seasoned grilled aubergine.
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Boreks These feta cheese pastries from Turkey are traditionally made in cigar-shapes and triangles and served as part of a mezé.
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Broad bean, garlic, and herb crostini An original and easy to prepare combination of broad beans and garlic, these crostini are deal for parties or as an appetizer with drinks.
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Cheesy spinach pie This crisp spinach pastry or Spanakopita is popular in Greece, and is often cut into diamonds or squares, served as part of a maze.
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Crostini with green olive tapenade This easy-to-make dish is great as an appetizer or snack and can be whipped un in a food processor within 5 minutes flat.
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Empanadas These savoury Spanish tuna and tomato pastries make very versatile nibbles and ideal finger foods for an informal drinks party.
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Enchiladas This savoury, cheesy Mexican dish is an indulgent appetizer and can be converted into a main dish with the addition of chicken.
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Mushroom bruschetta Make the most of seasonally available mushrooms with this quick Italian-style winter starter for family or formal dinners.
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Mushroom vol-au-vents Vol-au-vents, or 'puffs of wind', are little puff pastry cases enclosing a savoury filling, such as creamy mushrooms or smoked salmon.
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Nachos Everyone loves nachos with that tangy melted cheese. They are quick to make and great for sharing with the whole family.
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Onion bhajis These crisp vegetable fritters are made with besan, also known as chickpea flour or gram flour, which can be found in Indian food shops.
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Savoury onion tart Anchovies give a salty kick to this mild onion tart that makes a great lunch treat, served hot or cold with a mixed salad.
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Scallop and pesto crostini These deceptively stylish canapés, which take less than 20 minutes to prepare, can also be served as a simple first course.
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Sesame prawn toasts A combination of flavours that work surprisingly well together and are great served with sweet chilli sauce from the Chinese food shop.
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Smoked chicken and spinach filo parcels These little Middle Eastern style chicken and spinach parcels are delicately flavoured with tarragon and lemon rind.
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Smoked salmon and pancetta crostini A popular hors d'oeuvre; crostini and bruschetta can be made in many variations. The crème fraîche in this recipe is light and fresh.
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Smoked trout tartlets Smoked trout and a touch of horseradish make these tartlets a perfect for a light supper with a green salad, or packed lunch.
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Stuffed filo tartlets A stylish appetizer that requires a bit of time to prepare, but which is guaranteed to visually and gastronomically impress.
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Vegetable samosas Serve these Indian pastries hot or cold. In India, they would be fried in ghee, but oil works equally well. Try the lamb version as well.
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Wild mushroom and chive hollandaise tartlets These substantial mushroom and chive hollandaise tartlets are a good meatless appetizer option.
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Anchovy and olive bruschetta These salty canapés are ideal with pre-dinner drinks and go equally well with a long cold glass of beer, beats peanuts hands down!
See the recipe

Cheese straws This classic, quick, and easy appetizer can be served with drinks at any occasion. Vary the cheese or add nuts according to your taste.
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Pizzette Mini party pizzas are easy to eat and a hit with all. Try our topping suggestions or create your own favourite combinations.
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Vegetable samosas Serve these Indian pastries hot or cold. In India, they would be fried in ghee, but oil works equally well. Try the lamb version as well.
See the recipe