These Prep-Ahead Appetiser Recipes Mean You Can Spend The Night At The Party, Not In The Kitchen

You already know the secret to hosting a fabulous do: it’s putting in the work before your guests arrive. No pots still simmering, no dishes to wash, no madly hunting for those lost cheese knives. So roll up your sleeves and prep these flawless bites, so you’re sipping on your first Champagne before the doorbell goes.

Stuffed mini peppers with ricotta and pancetta

Not only are these stuffed baby peppers pretty in colour, but they are also quick to create. Allow three per person as they are a little taste sensation. You could use bacon instead of pancetta if you have some on hand.

Simple fig, bacon and blue cheese bruschetta bites

I used a delicious chewy sourdough stick for the bruschetta, because the dense texture is great for grilling and topping with an array of flavours.

Mushroom and beetroot sliders

Mushrooms are a great alternative to meat, adding a lot of depth and flavour to a dish. They’re also very quick to prepare, which is always a bonus. I don’t peel mushrooms as the skins are just as tasty.

Salmon mousse (with bagel crisps and pickled cucumber)

For this recipe, it’s great to get organised and make the mousse ahead of time — even the day before to help make your entertaining a relaxed event. Making crisps is an ideal way to use up old bagels.

Mini leek, bacon and brie pies

Who doesn’t like a good homemade pie? I like to bake my pastry blind for a crisp base, then add the flaky light puff on top. Sprinkle on the poppy seeds for a finishing touch.

Crispy lemon pepper cauliflower

This has to be the crispiest cauliflower I’ve ever eaten. It perfectly combines sweet and savoury flavours.

Tarragon is a good hardy herb to have growing in a pot so it’s on hand for delicious seafood dishes. This herb butter is also great drizzled over pan-fried fish or crayfish straight from the pot. Make sure you mop up any extra butter with crusty bread.

Peri peri chicken skewers and flatbreads

Cooking on the barbecue is part of the fun during the warm months, plus it cuts down on dishes. Here, a simple marinade adds a full-on hit of flavour to these kebabs, which I’ve served in flatbreads. Enjoy these on lazy weekends or when you want to take those great summer flavours to work; these will have your colleagues looking on with envy.

Sweetcorn ribs with a zesty chipotle sauce

Use a sharp knife and be careful when cutting your cob into ribs. They are well worth the elbow grease and cook so quickly.