20 Traditional British Appetizers

Discover 20 Traditional British Appetizers perfect for any get-together or holiday meal. From British Christmas appetizers like Cullen Skink to easy English starter food like Cheesy Leeks, this collection offers a variety of flavorful and comforting options. Ideal for parties or family dinners, these recipes bring the best of British cuisine right to your table.

Explore 20 Traditional British Appetizers, featuring everything from Cheesy Leeks to Cullen Skink, perfect for any gathering:

1. Sausage rolls

In this classic British starter, sausage rolls are more than just meat in a blanket. Combining higher-welfare pork sausages with sage and red onions, this dish harmonizes flavors that bring back memories of Christmas dinners.

Mix in breadcrumbs and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg to lock in moisture. For 25 minutes in the oven, watch the puff pastry rise and turn golden. Serve it alongside piccalilli and a cress salad. The recipe yields 10 to 12 rolls, and it’s quite budget-friendly, with ingredients costing around $20.

2. Angels on Horseback

For a quick and elegant option, try Angels on Horseback. Within just 12 minutes, fresh oysters come to life, wrapped in smoky bacon. Sprinkling a touch of salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley elevates them to restaurant-quality.

Being an English starter food, it pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine. A dozen oysters per recipe make this dish perfect for small gatherings. The whole affair should cost you less than $30, making it a reasonable appetizer.

3. Potted Shrimp

This potted shrimp recipe captures the essence of traditional British Christmas appetizers. Infused with spices like ground mace and cayenne pepper, the shrimp bursts with complex flavors yet remains easy to make.

Serve it on hot brown toast, and you’ve got a classic British starter for any occasion. This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and yields 2 ramekins. At approximately $25, it’s not too heavy on the wallet either.

4. Yorkshire Pudding

If you’re after an iconic British snack, Yorkshire Pudding is the go-to. This recipe is simple, using only basic ingredients like eggs, flour, and milk. In just 12 to 15 minutes, these little golden treasures puff up in the oven, offering a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.

It yields 12 servings, making it ideal for a small party. The total cost for the ingredients won’t exceed $10, marking this as a budget-friendly British finger food.

5. Welsh Rarebit

Want to turn plain bread into a culinary masterpiece? Welsh Rarebit does just that. The combination of stout, Lancashire cheese, and English mustard powder creates a cheesy heaven that you spread over toasted bread.

It takes roughly 20 minutes from start to finish and costs about $15 for all ingredients. This easy-to-make dish yields 2 servings and is perfect as an English snack for parties.

6. Deviled Kidneys

For those who love organ meats, Deviled Kidneys offers a spicy and flavorful British snack recipe. After a quick dusting of flour, cayenne, and mustard, the kidneys are seared in butter for a crisp texture.

Add mushrooms to elevate the flavors and you’ve got a dish that takes only 20 minutes to prepare. This dish can serve 2 to 4 people and costs roughly $20. Great as a British finger food, it’ll stand out in any gathering.

7. Potato Scones With Scrambled Egg And Smoked Salmon

Kick-start your morning with this luxe British hors d’oeuvre. Potato scones serve as the perfect base for silky scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. It’s not just breakfast; it’s a complete experience, taking about 30 minutes to make.

With the floury potatoes and fresh chives, you get an English starter that pairs well with a brunch menu or a fancy gathering. Costs roughly $20 for 4 servings, and it’s incredibly easy to make.

8. Devilled whitebait with roasted garlic mayo

For an easy and crispy English starter, look no further than Devilled Whitebait. Coated in a blend of corn flour, rice flour, and spices, the white bait turns into a crunchy delight.

The roasted garlic mayo is a tangy contrast that elevates the entire dish. Takes around 35 minutes to prepare, serves 4, and costs about $15 for all the ingredients. Ideal for any gathering where finger foods are in demand.

9. Prawn Cocktails

Transform simple ingredients into an elegant British hors d’oeuvre with this Prawn Cocktail recipe. Layers of crispy pancetta crumbs, lettuce, and prawns make up this classic English starter. The sauce brings mayo, yogurt, and ketchup into a lovely mix, adding a tangy twist.

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, it serves 6 people and the cost is approximately $25. Ideal for parties where easy yet fancy starters are the aim.

10. Haggis Bon Bons

With Haggis Bon Bons, you’re in for a traditional Scottish treat, spun into a playful snack. The ingredients set you back around $15, making it an affordable gathering dish. Infused with smoked paprika and optional parmesan, these bonbons are more than basic haggis.

The cooking time is just 2-3 minutes in hot vegetable oil. Trust us, they’ll be golden and ready to impress. It yields about 12-16 bonbons, perfect for a small get-together. Don’t skip letting them rest on a paper towel; it drains excess oil.

11. Leek & potato soup

For this leek and potato soup, simplicity shines through. With a cost of roughly $10, it’s budget-friendly and nourishing. Use olive oil for a fuller flavor and don’t rush the simmering; 10 minutes bring out the ingredients’ essence.

The recipe yields enough for 6 servings, ideal for family meals. Organic chicken or vegetable stock cubes make all the difference.

12. Baked Camembert

Starting at just $13, Baked Camembert offers a delicious experience without breaking the bank. A mix of honey, rosemary, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes amps up the flavor.

In just 12-15 minutes, your mouthwatering appetizer is oven-ready. It’s a one-wheel wonder that easily serves four. Add this to your list of English snacks for a party, and you won’t regret it.

13. London Yellow Split Pea Soup

For a budget-friendly $10, this London Yellow Split Pea Soup serves as a warm British appetizer and takes 45 minutes from start to finish. Mixing garlic, onions, and carrots with ham hocks creates a flavorful base.

Including a cup of the soup before blending gives it extra texture. The dish yields 4 servings and is low in saturated fats, making it a cozy yet healthy start to any meal.

14. Scotch quail eggs

Scotch Quail Eggs, costing around $15, are a crispy, protein-rich British appetizer. Fresh thyme in the sausage meat elevates the dish’s flavor. Make sure your frying oil is at 180ºC with a thermometer for the best results.

This recipe is great for sharing, yielding 12 appetizing servings. Serve them with tangy sauce to impress your guests in just 20 minutes.

15. Mackerel pâté with pickled cucumber

Mackerel Pâté with Pickled Cucumber costs about $20 and takes 40 minutes to prepare. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, it yields about 6 servings.

The pickle’s flavor intensifies the longer it sits in the vinegar mix, while fennel jelly cubes add a pop of taste and texture. Spread it on crispy sourdough slices for a refined British appetizer experience.

16. Cheesy Leeks

For $20 and 40 minutes of cooking time, you get 6 servings of Cheesy Leeks. This appetizer blends leeks with cheddar and Dijon mustard for a rich, savory flavor. The panko breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture on top, and the dish comes together in a snap.

It’s the perfect British snack recipe that’s both comforting and indulgent. Bake until golden to ensure the best taste and texture.

17. Bar Pickled Eggs

Spend $10 and 4 days to create Bar Pickled Eggs, a staple British finger food. This appetizer is as simple as it gets, needing just eggs, vinegar, and pickling spices. The optional onions offer an added layer of flavor.

These eggs are great for a crowd and give a tangy start to any party. The longer they stay in the fridge, the better they taste. Perfect for an English snack party!

18. Blinis with smoked salmon

For about $30 and 2 hours, you get Blinis with Smoked Salmon, a British appetizer that is super classy. The buckwheat flour gives the blinis a nutty flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of crème fraîche and the rich, smoky salmon.

This appetizer recipe is an elegant British finger food that’s perfect for upscale events. Don’t forget the dill and lemon juice for that extra zing!

19. Cullen skink

Cullen Skink is a traditional British starter that comes from Scotland. It costs about $25 and takes about 40 minutes to make. This dish is a rich soup with smoked haddock, potatoes, and leeks. Adding onions and parsley makes the dish look nicer and makes it taste better.

It’s not just a bowl of soup; it’s a great way to start your meal. This British snack recipe is a good way to start a dinner party because it is warm and filling.

20. Maple-Sriracha Devils on Horseback

You can make Maple-Sriracha Devils on Horseback, a British starter with a hot twist, for $20 and 35 minutes. Dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon make up this dish.

The maple and Sriracha sauce gives it a sweet and hot kick. This starter is good for a lot of people, which makes it a great British finger food for your next party.