Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés is an elegant selection of bite-sized appetizers perfect for holiday parties and festive gatherings. Featuring a variety of flavors and textures, these canapés are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests. This recipe combines classic and creative ideas for a stunning spread.
What Are Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés?
Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés are beautifully presented small bites that highlight seasonal ingredients like smoked salmon, cream cheese, and festive herbs. These canapés are versatile and customizable, making them suitable for any celebration. Serve them on a platter for an inviting and delicious start to your holiday festivities.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant and Festive: Perfect for entertaining during the holidays.
- Variety of Flavors: Offers something for everyone.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal cooking is required for impressive results.
- Customizable: Use your favorite ingredients to create a personalized platter.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepped in advance and assembled before serving.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Canapés
- 100g smoked salmon – For a delicate, savory topping.
- 75g cream cheese – Provides a creamy base.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Adds brightness.
- 1 tsp dill (chopped) – For garnish.
- Small crackers or blinis – As the base.
Mini Caprese Skewers
- 12 cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet.
- 12 mini mozzarella balls – Creamy and fresh.
- Fresh basil leaves – For a fragrant finish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For drizzling.
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze – Adds tanginess.
- Toothpicks – For assembling.
Goat Cheese and Cranberry Bites
- 100g goat cheese – Tangy and creamy.
- 50g cranberry sauce – Sweet and festive.
- 12 mini crackers or crostini – As the base.
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts – For crunch.
- Fresh thyme leaves – For garnish.
Optional Additions
- Pâté on Toast: Spread chicken liver pâté on small toast rounds and garnish with cornichons.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Blanch asparagus spears, wrap with prosciutto, and drizzle with olive oil.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls – For preparing the toppings.
- Sharp knife – For slicing and dicing ingredients.
- Serving platter – To present the canapés.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés
Step 1: Prepare the Smoked Salmon Canapés
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with lemon juice until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto crackers or blinis.
- Top with a small piece of smoked salmon.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of dill.
Step 2: Assemble the Mini Caprese Skewers
- Thread a cherry tomato, a mini mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each toothpick.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving.
Step 3: Make the Goat Cheese and Cranberry Bites
- Spread a small dollop of goat cheese onto crackers or crostini.
- Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and garnish with thyme leaves.
Step 4: Arrange and Serve
- Place the prepared canapés on a serving platter, arranging them attractively.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés
- Sparkling Wine or Champagne: Complements the light and festive flavors.
- Cocktail Sauces: Add a variety of dipping sauces for additional flavor.
- Fresh Vegetables: Serve with a side of crudités for balance.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with a selection of cheeses for variety.
- Festive Breadsticks: Add texture and variety to your platter.
Expert Tips for the Best Christmas Canapés
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality ingredients ensure the best flavors.
- Prepare Ahead of Time: Assemble toppings and bases separately, then combine just before serving.
- Mix Textures: Include creamy, crunchy, and fresh elements for variety.
- Keep It Bite-Sized: Ensure all canapés are easy to eat in one or two bites.
- Garnish Beautifully: Use fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés
- Vegetarian Canapés: Replace smoked salmon with avocado slices or roasted red peppers.
- Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free crackers or cucumber slices as a base.
- Sweet Canapés: Add mini fruit tarts or chocolate-dipped strawberries to the platter.
- Seafood Canapés: Include prawns or crab meat as a topping.
- Spiced Canapés: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Separate Components: Keep toppings and bases separate to prevent sogginess.
- Reassemble as Needed: Quickly assemble canapés just before serving for the freshest presentation.
How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés Healthier?
- Choose Whole-Grain Crackers: Adds fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce Cheese: Use smaller amounts of cheese for a lighter option.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate cucumber, carrot sticks, or bell pepper slices.
- Limit Sugary Toppings: Use fresh fruit instead of sweet sauces for natural sweetness.
Nutrition Value (Per Piece, Average)
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés are a delightful way to elevate your holiday celebrations with minimal effort. These bite-sized appetizers are versatile, elegant, and bursting with festive flavors, making them the perfect addition to any Christmas party or gathering. With a mix of textures and toppings, your canapé platter is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more!
More By British Baking Recipes
PrintMary Berry Christmas Canapes
- Prep Time: 20
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 canapés 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Christmas Canapés are beautifully presented small bites that highlight seasonal ingredients like smoked salmon, cream cheese, and festive herbs. These canapés are versatile and customizable, making them suitable for any celebration. Serve them on a platter for an inviting and delicious start to your holiday festivities.
Ingredients
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Canapés
- 100g smoked salmon – For a delicate, savory topping.
- 75g cream cheese – Provides a creamy base.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Adds brightness.
- 1 tsp dill (chopped) – For garnish.
- Small crackers or blinis – As the base.
Mini Caprese Skewers
- 12 cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet.
- 12 mini mozzarella balls – Creamy and fresh.
- Fresh basil leaves – For a fragrant finish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For drizzling.
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze – Adds tanginess.
- Toothpicks – For assembling.
Goat Cheese and Cranberry Bites
- 100g goat cheese – Tangy and creamy.
- 50g cranberry sauce – Sweet and festive.
- 12 mini crackers or crostini – As the base.
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts – For crunch.
- Fresh thyme leaves – For garnish.
Optional Additions
- Pâté on Toast: Spread chicken liver pâté on small toast rounds and garnish with cornichons.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Blanch asparagus spears, wrap with prosciutto, and drizzle with olive oil.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Smoked Salmon Canapés
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with lemon juice until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto crackers or blinis.
- Top with a small piece of smoked salmon.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of dill.
Step 2: Assemble the Mini Caprese Skewers
- Thread a cherry tomato, a mini mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each toothpick.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving.
Step 3: Make the Goat Cheese and Cranberry Bites
- Spread a small dollop of goat cheese onto crackers or crostini.
- Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and garnish with thyme leaves.
Step 4: Arrange and Serve
- Place the prepared canapés on a serving platter, arranging them attractively.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.