After a conversation with a friend, I decided to write this post for ‘Quick And Easy Cold Canapés To Make Ahead Of Events’ with suggestions. She told me she had to cancel the annual Christmas family meal. But she was still determined to make Christmas special. We never go out at Christmas; it’s been a rule since the boys were little that we have the day at home. Anyone is welcome here, but we go nowhere.
However, these easy canape recipe ideas are also perfect for a cocktail party, having something show-stopping to offer guests that you can prepare ahead that looks great and tastes delicious is always a winner.
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Easy Canapés To Make Ahead
For me, the key to making quick and easy canapés is choosing something we will all love for the perfect finger food. Our sons adore canapés and feel it’s a bit of an event perfect for a midday snack on Christmas Day, or preparing for a dinner party.
However, we are trying to have themed weekend food evenings to make more of an event of eating together. For me, part of family time is making food fun, whether it’s smoothie making, a curry night, Chinese or Saturday afternoon canapés.
Also, making your canapés in advance is a great idea, especially for an event. As I was making this little lot, I had a son trying to help; to be more accurate, he was trying to pick at the ingredients.
Making ahead allows you to enjoy a glass of fizz and feel relaxed as you serve, rather than being harassed and trying to tidy up as the family digs in!
Shopping List For Quick Easy Canapés
- 1 French Stick
- 2 Panini’s
- Low-fat cream cheese
- A Handful of cherry tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Caviar (Optional but we buy a great one from Amazon for £12.00 and our teens love it!)
- Parma ham
- Salami
- Smoked cheese
- Mozzarella
- 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Mint leaves to garnish
- Pepper
- Spices such a paprika or chilli spice
How Many Canapés Should You Serve Per Person?
The general rule is between 6 and 8 per person if they are classic mini bites. However, if you make your canapés on baguettes, consider they may be larger than regular canapés, so factor about 4 per person. But batch cooking thread makes life so much easier.
It’s also a great idea to get some gluten-free bread in case you have a guest who is gluten intolerant. I use the Warbutons square rolls or Marks and Spencer Tiger Rolls. These are the tastiest and do not fall apart.
How To Make Quick And Easy Canapés
Start by slicing the French stick into thin baguette slices.
Next, slice the panini into two and cut into small 1-inch squares.
Put the olive oil into a bowl and grind some salt and pepper to season.
Lay the bread out on a baking tray and brush it with the salt and olive oil before placing it into a hot oven at 140° for around 10 mins; you want the bread to go crispy but still be soft in the middle. Take out and allow to cool.
While the bread is cooling, prepare all your toppings on a board ready to build.
Once cooled, start building your canapés; now, you can freestyle it and build what works for you. Or these are the combinations that we like. I also find perfect quick and easy canapés to make for impatient teens!
Easy Canapé Suggestions
- Cream cheese with a little caviar, garnished with a small mint leaf.
- Mozzarella sliced with tomato and basil
- Mozzarella sliced with salami and cucumber.
- Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and slice cucumber.
- Mozzarella and tomato garnished with a small mint leaf.
- Crispy bacon and lettuce
- Cream cheese wrapped in parma ham.
- Just caviar ( just for our boys)
- Cheese and sour cream
- Feta cheese and tomato
More Hot Canape And Nibbles Ideas
- Use store-bought puff pastry and make mini Pigs in Blankets.
- Mini Yorkshire puddings with hot sliced beef
- Mini burger sliders
- Miniature fish and chip cones
- Roast beef and fried onion
- Fried mushrooms in garlic butter on small squares of toast.
- Hot cheese straws with a spicy dip
Quick And Easy Cold Canapés To Make Ahead For Events
Quick And Easy Cold Canapés To Make Ahead Of Events such as family meals, dinner parties and Christmas days, easy canapes to prepare in for the family.
Ingredients
- 1 Small French Stick
- 2 Panini’s
- 100 Grams Low fat cream cheese
- A Handful of cherry tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Caviar (Optional but we buy a great one from Amazon for £12.00 and our teens love it!)
- Parma ham
- Salami
- Smoked cheese
- Mozzarella
- 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Mint leaves to garnish
Instructions
Start by slicing the French stick into thin slices.
Next slice the panini’s into 2 and then cut into small 1inch squares.
Now put the olive oil into a bowl and grind in some salt to season.
Lay the bread out on a baking tray and brush it with the salt and olive oil before placing into a hot oven at 140° for around 10 mins, you want the bread to go crispy but still be soft in the middle. Take out and allow too cool.
whilst the bread is cooling prepare all of your topping on a board ready to build.
Once cooled, start building your canapés, now you can just freestyle it and build what works for you. Or these are the combinations that we like. Which I also find are perfect quick and easy canapés to make for impatient teens!
Easy Canapé Suggestions
Cream cheese with a little caviar, garnished with a small mint leaf.
Mozzarella sliced with salami and tomato.
Mozzarella sliced with salami and cucumber.
Cream cheese, smoked salmon and slice cucumber.
Mozzarella and tomato garnished with a small mint leaf..
Cream cheese wrapped in parma ham.
Just caviar ( just for our boys)
Notes
How Many Canapés Should You Serve Per Person?
The general rule is between 6 and 8 per person. However if you make you canapés on French stick do consider they may be larger than regular canapés, so factor about 4 per person.
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