As the summer sun is just beginning to peek around the corner, we understand that many different people will already be starting to plan different summer events. This can include both corporate and private parties between family and friends. But whatever the event may be, the one thing that always brings people together is food.
With the weather heating up, rich, heavy meals may not be at the forefront of people’s appetite and instead a glass of something bubbly accompanied by a light, tasty appetiser might sound more appealing. This is where canapés come in handy – whatever the event may be that you are hosting!
What are canapés and why should I have them at my party?
Canapés are hors d’oeuvres (an appetiser) and are typically made with a base of either bread, pastry, or crackers. They are topped with an assortment of small, savoury toppings. Traditionally, canapés are served before dinner alongside cocktails. Due to their bite-sized nature, they are great to engage guests and accompany a cocktail or a glass of bubbly perfectly. Not only this, but they can add a wonderful pop of colour to your drinks reception! There are so many wonderful ingredients and flavours in canapés, they would be almost impossible to ignore on a table!
Gourmet, glamorous and grand canapé ideas
With our London restaurant-based experience, we are proud to share with you some delicious canapé ideas for your party.
Rare roast beef, mini Yorkshire puddings and horseradish cream
This is a savoury canape, but the horseradish cream adds a subtle kick and accompanies the rare roast beef perfectly.
Herb scones with red onion marmalade and ricotta
This canapé has a savoury base, but the marmalade adds a sweet vibrancy which brings a slight zest to the taste. The ricotta accompanies the marmalade well, especially with its mild and creamy texture, making it perfect in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Cherry tomato, mozzarella, balsamic and basil skewers
This is ideal for children and adults alike, as it is simpler, but equally just as tasty as the rest!
Spiced crab, coriander and lime croustades
The crab in this canape adds a very small hint of sweetness and when contrasted with the coriander and lime.
Smoked trout, horseradish and dill toasts
This canapé combines the creamy tang of horseradish with the delicate flavour of smoked trout making it an all-around traditional British canapé.
Smoked salmon, beetroot and horseradish blinis
Beetroot and smoked salmon work wonderfully well together and this type of canapé can be made in minutes.
Mini goat’s cheese and roasted vegetable tarts
A great vegetarian canapé! Or if you know you will have vegan guest(s), you can even swap the goat’s cheese out for a vegan alternative.
Manchego, roasted red pepper and chorizo
The red roasted pepper is lightly sweet with hints of a charred flavour, while the chorizo has hints of a smoky taste. Combined with the Manchego cheese, this will definitely be a hit!
Chicory, pear, walnut and gorgonzola
Chicory has a natural, slightly bitter taste while the pear provides sweet undertones. The mixture of these ingredients helps to balance out the strength of the gorgonzola cheese in this specific canapé.
We hope our delicious canapé ideas for your party whet your appetite! If you would like your private event or party to be catered for by dido’s fine food, contact us today on 07796 274028, or drop us an email at [email protected] and we will be more than happy to provide a catering quote for you. Our catering company is based in Thame, Oxfordshire and we can cater across many of the adjoining counties too including Buckinghamshire and areas of Berkshire.