When it comes to Christmas entertaining, nothing sets the tone quite like a beautiful platter of easy, flavour-packed canapés. Whether you’re hosting the family, catching up with friends or bringing a plate to a festive gathering, these three simple bites are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Fresh, summery and fuss-free, they’re perfect for Australian Christmas celebrations – and won’t keep you trapped in the kitchen.
Prawn, Mango & Chilli Cups
Ingredients (makes 12)
12 mini crispy wonton cups or tart shells
200g cooked prawns, chopped
½ fresh mango, finely diced
1 small red chilli, finely sliced (optional)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp coriander, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
In a bowl, combine prawns, mango, chilli, lime juice and coriander.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Spoon mixture into wonton cups just before serving.
Garnish with a tiny coriander leaf or extra chilli.
Tip: Swap mango for peach or nectarine if you prefer.
Smoked Salmon, Dill & Caper Blinis
Ingredients (makes 16)
16 mini blinis (store-bought is fine)
150g smoked salmon, sliced
⅓ cup crème fraîche or sour cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tsp baby capers
Black pepper
Method
Mix the crème fraîche, lemon juice and half the dill.
Dollop a teaspoon onto each blini.
Add a small folded ribbon of smoked salmon.
Top with a few capers and a sprinkle of dill.
Finish with cracked black pepper.
Tip: Warm blinis slightly before assembling for best flavour.
Roast Beef, Horseradish & Pickled Onion Bites
Ingredients (makes 12)
12 small crackers or toasted baguette rounds
150g rare roast beef slices (deli-style), cut into strips
¼ cup cream cheese
1 tsp horseradish cream
6 small pickled onions, halved
Parsley to garnish
Method
Mix cream cheese and horseradish until smooth.
Spread a little onto each cracker.
Roll or fold a strip of roast beef on top.
Add half a pickled onion to each.
Garnish with parsley and serve.
Tip: For extra flavour, add a tiny smear of mustard under the beef.