These Jamie Oliver Canapés are perfect for effortless entertaining. They combine bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and minimal fuss—ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or a casual get-together. This recipe features three signature canapés: smoked salmon with cream cheese, roasted cherry tomato crostini, and prosciutto-wrapped figs with goat cheese. Each one is simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, staying true to Jamie’s approach to fresh, seasonal cooking.
What Are Jamie Oliver’s Canapés?
Jamie Oliver’s canapés are bite-sized appetizers made using wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs, quality cheese, smoked fish, and roasted veggies. These small bites are designed to be easy to assemble and served cold or at room temperature—making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Elegant but Easy – Minimal prep with impressive results
- Great for Any Occasion – Parties, brunches, or holiday spreads
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble before guests arrive
- Full of Flavor – Each bite has a balance of texture and taste
- Flexible Ingredients – Mix and match to suit your taste
Trio of Jamie Oliver-Inspired Canapés
1. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients:
- Smoked salmon slices (6–8 pieces)
- Cream cheese (100g / ~½ cup)
- Cucumber slices or rye bread rounds
- Fresh dill (for garnish)
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions:
- Spread a layer of cream cheese on each cucumber slice or bread round.
- Top with a folded piece of smoked salmon.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest, dill, and black pepper.
- Chill until ready to serve.

2. Roasted Cherry Tomato & Basil Crostini
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes (200g / 1 cup)
- Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- Sea salt and pepper
- Baguette (1 small, sliced and toasted)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions:
- Toss cherry tomatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes.
- Lightly toast baguette slices until golden.
- Spoon roasted tomatoes onto each slice.
- Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if using.
3. Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese
Ingredients:
- Fresh figs (6, halved)
- Soft goat cheese (75g / ~⅓ cup)
- Prosciutto slices (6, halved lengthwise)
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Cracked pepper
Instructions:
- Cut figs in half and place a small amount of goat cheese in the center.
- Wrap each fig half with a strip of prosciutto.
- Place on a platter, drizzle with honey, and add a touch of black pepper.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Canapés
- Sparkling Wine or Prosecco – Light and festive pairing
- Herb-Infused Lemonade or Spritzers – Great non-alcoholic option
- Cheese Boards or Charcuterie – To complement the flavor profiles
- Olives, Nuts, or Pickled Vegetables – For variety and texture
- Mini Quiches or Tarts – If you want a larger spread
Expert Tips for Perfect Canapés
- Use Quality Ingredients – With fewer ingredients, each one shines
- Keep Bites Small – Should be easy to eat in one or two bites
- Prep Ahead When Possible – Most components can be made ahead
- Balance Texture and Flavor – Crunchy, creamy, salty, sweet—it matters
- Serve at Room Temperature – Best flavor and less stress
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Canapés
- Vegetarian Option – Swap prosciutto for roasted red pepper
- Swap Goat Cheese for Cream Cheese – A milder flavor
- Add Crushed Nuts – For extra crunch on top of any bite
- Use Crackers or Blinis Instead of Bread – Quick and mess-free
- Try Roasted Beetroot Instead of Figs – Earthy and beautiful
Best Practices to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container – Best within 1–2 days
- Store Components Separately – To prevent sogginess
- Avoid Freezing – Most canapés don’t hold texture well when frozen
- Refresh Bread Before Serving – Lightly toast if needed
- Reassemble as Needed – Especially for fresh herbs or cheese
Nutrition Value (per canapé, average)
- Calories: ~70–90
- Protein: ~3g
- Fat: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Fiber: ~1g
FAQs
Can I make Jamie Oliver’s canapés ahead of time?
Yes. Many elements like roasting tomatoes, slicing bread, or mixing spreads can be done ahead. Assemble the final bites close to serving to keep textures fresh.
What’s the best bread to use for canapés?
Baguette slices, rye rounds, or sourdough toasts work well. Make sure they’re toasted to hold toppings without becoming soggy.
How many canapés should I serve per person?
Plan for about 4–6 canapés per guest if they’re part of a larger spread. If they’re the main offering, consider 8–10 per person.
Can I make vegetarian versions of these canapés?
Absolutely. Omit prosciutto and use roasted vegetables or cheeses like brie, halloumi, or grilled mushrooms as substitutes.
Final Words
These Jamie Oliver Canapés offer effortless elegance for any occasion. With fresh ingredients and bold flavor, they’re the kind of appetizers that look beautiful, taste amazing, and leave you stress-free. Mix and match or serve all three—your guests will love them.
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Jamie Oliver Canapés Recipe: 3 Easy Party Bites
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 canapés
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s canapés are bite-sized appetizers made using wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs, quality cheese, smoked fish, and roasted veggies. These small bites are designed to be easy to assemble and served cold or at room temperature—making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Ingredients
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients:
-
- Smoked salmon slices (6–8 pieces)
-
- Cream cheese (100g / ~½ cup)
-
- Cucumber slices or rye bread rounds
-
- Fresh dill (for garnish)
-
- Lemon zest (optional)
-
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
-
Spread a layer of cream cheese on each cucumber slice or bread round.
-
Top with a folded piece of smoked salmon.
-
Sprinkle with lemon zest, dill, and black pepper.
-
Chill until ready to serve.