39 elegantly simple dinner party starter recipes
Kick things off right with our selection of easy, elegant recipes
While three-course meals might have fallen out of fashion in favour of 'small plates' in restaurants, the art of providing ample nibbles, snacks and starters for a dinner party at home is still very much our bag. Whether you're looking for something more substantial or a few thoughtfully-topped crostini, our selection of dinner party starter recipes will have something delicious and easy to make for your next gathering.
How to choose the perfect dinner party starter
Dinner party starters can come in many different forms. A great place to start is to consider the theme of your dinner.
Are you hosting an Italian-style feast? Go for aperitivo-style drinks and snacks, like this Portofino spritz with mini lemon, thyme and mozzarella pizzas. If you're planning a more formal affair, a light salad like our strawberry, feta and chilli salad would work well, and can be served on individual plates or on a platter.
For large gatherings, a selection of canape-style snacks are a great way to go. Set out our carbonara arancini, labneh with confit tomatoes and fennel, burrata and crispy Parma ham bruschetta out buffet-style with glasses of bubbles.
Looking for pudding inspiration? Try one of our dinner party dessert recipes.
The best dinner party starter recipes
Peach, spinach and mascarpone salad
If you're hosting during peach season, there's no better (or easier) starter than this fresh and fruity peach, spinach and mascarpone salad with toasted hazelnuts.
Lemon, thyme and mozzarella pizzette
These zesty little pizzas are perfect for aperitivo hour, and go down a treat with an Italian-style spritz.
Strawberry, feta and chilli salad
Serve this spicy, fresh and fruity salad individually or on a large platter for an elegant dinner party menu. Switch the strawberries for watermelon if you prefer a more traditional summer salad.
Miso pesto courgettes with labneh
Mix super savoury courgettes with a creamy homemade labneh in this moreish starter recipe. Serve with focaccia for dipping.
King prawn and mango rice paper salad
Planning a Vietnamese-style feast? This fresh and aromatic King prawn salad with mango and crispy rice paper is the best way to get the party started.
Aguachile
Zesty aguachile is the perfect way to start off a Mexican-inspired feast. It also involves zero cooking and takes just 30 minutes to put together.
Spinach and feta samosas with spicy potatoes
Planning a curry night? Our spinach and feta samosas are a brilliant way to kick things off. Serve with spicy potatoes and plenty of fresh coriander.
Lamb koftas
These juicy koftas are super easy to make, and can even be prepared ahead of time for breezy hosting. They're delicious with tahini sauce and pomegranate seeds.
Mushroom and leek cabbage dumplings
Who knew cabbage leaves could look so gorgeous? Our mushroom and leek dumplings with a spicy sesame and soy dipping sauce are the most delicious way to start any dinner party.
Carbonara arancini
What do you get when you cross two of our favourite Italian dishes? Cheesy carbonara arancini. This simple recipe is also a great way to use up leftover risotto.
Parma-ham-wrapped broccoli
This gluten-free starter idea is full of flavour, and makes the most of delicious British tenderstem broccoli.
Three-cheese custard dip with pesto
If you're catering for cheese obsessives, this three-cheese custard dip recipe is exactly what you need. Made with comté, parmesan, cheddar and fresh pesto, this rich dip pairs perfectly with crunchy crudités.
Bombay potato croquettes
Fusion cooking creations can be hit or miss. But this recipe manages to marry Spanish and Indian classics for a crunchy, unique tasting dish that works perfectly.
Chilli bean dip
Served either as a starter or part of a Tex Mex spread, this chilli baked bean dip is an easy way to amp up the heat level for your dinner party.
Buffalo asparagus
When asparagus is in season, there's nothing better to serve your dinner party guests. Here, we've used buffalo sauce and a blue cheese dip to liven up the British summertime ingredient.
Prawn cocktail
Prawn cocktail is a classic starter for a reason - the tangy sauce, creamy avocado and fresh prawns are a winning combination that'll start any meal off right.
Labneh with confit tomatoes and garlic
If you've never made labneh before, this is your sign to start. Our recipe is super easy, and comes with deliciously squidgy confit tomatoes and garlic.
Onion bhajis
Onion bhajis are far easier to make than you'd think, and you don't need a vat of oil, either. Our recipe takes just 20 minutes, making it a great quick nibble while guests wait for the main event.
Fennel, burrata and crispy Parma ham bruschetta
This five ingredient recipe is one for the last-minute host. Simply throw together roasted fennel, crispy Parma ham and creamy burrata on baguette toasts and you've got a delicious little nibble.
Lamb shami kebabs
Kebabs, but not as you know them. Our lamb shami kebabs are silky smooth and completely gorgeous served alongside cooling raita and spicy chutney.
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