Skip to Content

Easy British Appetizer Assortment Of 17

Easy British Appetizer Assortment Of 17

If you’re looking for some beloved British appetizers to whet your appetite, you’ve come to the right place! 
 
We’ve got a robust lineup of recipes that will have your guests begging for more. 
 
From Scotch eggs to Welsh Rarebit to savory Sausage Rolls, there is something here to suit every craving or occasion! 
 
Leave a memorable impression on diners with your culinary aptitude by whipping up any of these fantastic British appetizers. 
 
They’ll be sure to leave the table satisfied and maybe even a bit fuller than when they sat down. 
 
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
 
If you’re seeking a truly unique culinary experience, you’ll want to sample some British appetizers.
 
From savory pies and sausage rolls to sweet scones and shortbread, there’s something to suit every taste.
 
And if you’re feeling intrepid, you can try a traditional haggis starter! 🤯
 
Whatever you choose from the 17 recipes below, you’re sure to enjoy a very palatable start to your meal.
 
And remember to check on #15; it’s a real crowd-pleaser!

1. Devils On Horseback

Bacon. Cheese. Maple syrup. Sriracha.
 
Need I say more?
 
These Devils On Horseback are an exquisite mix of sweet and savory, with a little bit of heat thrown in for good measure.
 
The piquant blue cheese pairs well with the Medjool dates, and the bacon provides a salty crunch.
 
The Maple-Sriracha glaze takes these hors d’oeuvres to the next level, and they’re sure to be a palate-pleaser at your next shindig or game day gathering.

2. British Sausage Rolls

There’s something about a sausage roll that just screams British.

These pastries have become a classic staple of British cuisine, whether it’s the occasional appearance on a pub menu or their ubiquity at roadside service stations.

And for good reason—they’re versatile and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Sausage rolls also come in different sizes, making them suitable for everything from a quick snack to a hearty lunch.

So next time you’re looking for a taste of Britain, give sausage rolls a try.

Complete the meal by pairing the sausages with any of these: potato salad, mustard, apple sauce, and ketchup.

3. Yorkshire Pudding

There’s something special about Yorkshire Pudding so we included it here when we have gotten some feedback that it’s not really a starter, per se.

It’s a side dish, but we hope you enjoy this recipe anyway.

This humble dish, made with simple ingredients like eggs and flour, can transform a roast dinner from ordinary to memorable.

And while it may not look sophisticated, the transformation that takes place during cooking is truly dramatic.

As the batter puffs up in the oven, it forms a crispy shell that envelops the roast beef drippings, creating a decadent treat.

Serve it with a hearty portion of roast beef, and you’ve got a meal that is fit for a king!

4. Scottish Potato Scones

When you think of a full Scottish breakfast, chances are one of the first things that come to mind is a potato scone.
 
These little round discs of starchy goodness are essential to any self-respecting fry-up. 
 
Their crispy, buttery texture is a terrific foil for eggs, bacon, and grilled tomatoes.
 
Potato scones are traditionally made with leftover mashed potatoes, but you can also use boiled potatoes in a pinch.
 
The key is to ensure they’re nice and dry before adding flour and other ingredients.
 
Serve your Scottish Potato Scones warm with butter and enjoy!

5. English Prawn Cocktail

You’ll love the prawn cocktail if you’re looking for a classic English dish with a twist.
 
This dish is traditionally made with shrimp, but you can also use lobster, crab, or chicken.
 
The critical ingredient is the sauce, which is usually a mayonnaise-based dressing flavored with lemon juice and garlic.
 
Try adding diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado to make the dish even zestier.

6. Leeks With Creamy Cheese Sauce

There’s something so satisfying about a bubbling, cheesy gratin.
 
This dish takes leeks, often considered a rather mild-flavored vegetable, and transforms them into something rich and decadent.
 
The leeks are steamed until tender, then covered in a creamy sauce with Gruyere cheese and shallots.
 
A sprinkling of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add a crispy topping, and the whole dish is baked in the oven until it’s bubbly.

7. Angels On Horseback

The Angels On Horseback appetizer is a truly unique dish.
 
It consists of oysters wrapped in bacon, then skewered and grilled.
 
The result is a savory, slightly sweet treat that will please any palate.
 
Angels On Horseback are often served as hors d’oeuvres, but they can also make a great main course.

8. Welsh Rarebit

A classic British dish, Welsh Rarebit hits all the right notes on any occasion.
 
Effortless to prepare, it is made with a rich cheese sauce and grilled on crispy bread.
 
This savory dish is sure to please even the most discerning palate with a wonderful blend of creamy and crunchy.
 
For an extra touch of elegance, serve Welsh Rarebit with a side of pickled onions.
 
Tasty and decadent, this dish will surely be a hit at your next gathering.

9. Bubble & Squeak

Anyone who’s ever made a batch of roasted potatoes knows that, come the next day, they’re never quite as good as they were straight out of the oven.
 
But what if I told you there was a way to reclaim that lost glory?
 
Enter Bubble & Squeak.
 
This classic English dish is made by frying up leftover potatoes and greens—often cabbage or Brussels sprouts—until they’re crispy and golden brown.
 
The result is an irresistible appetizer that will satisfy everyone around the table.

10. Fish & Chips

There’s nothing like freshly fried fish and chips.
 
A sublime blend of briny and crispy, it’s no wonder this dish is a classic.
 
While it may be traditionally served as an entree, Fish & Chips make an ideal appetizer.
 
After all, what could be more appetizing than a heaping plate of hot seafood?
 
Served with a side of refreshing tartar sauce, this dish will have diners reaching for seconds.

11. London Particular

London Particular is a hearty soup that will warm up your soul on a cold winter day.
 
The key ingredient in this soup is dried peas, which are combined with ham, bacon, or gammon to create a rich and flavorful base.
 
Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion are added for extra flavor. 
 
The soup is usually thickened with flour or breadcrumbs.

12. Watercress & Rocket Soup

Watercress and rocket soup is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a flavorful soup that will give you a boost.
 
This spinach-based soup is nourishing, and adding watercress and rocket gives it a nice peppery flavor.
 
If you’re feeling incredibly sluggish, this soup is a great way to get your spirits up.
 
The next time you require a pick-me-up, give watercress and rocket soup a shot.

13. Cullen Skink

This chowder is everything you want in comfort food.
 
It’s savory and hearty, with the right amount of smokiness from the haddock.
 
The potatoes and onions add a wonderful sweetness and creaminess, while the thyme ties everything together well.
 
Despite its complex flavor, this chowder is relatively easy to make.
 
When you’re done, you’ll have a warm, comforting soup that will warm you from the inside out.
 
So, give this Scottish chowder a try next time you’re in the mood for something cozy.

14. Beef Wellington Bites

These little parcels of meaty deliciousness are the quintessential finger food for your holiday party.
 
Tender chunks of beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry will satisfy any carnivore on your guest list.
 
And the nice thing is that these can be easily made ahead of time, so you can enjoy mingling with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
 
Simply prepare the Beef Wellington Bites according to the recipe, then pop them in the oven before your guests arrive.

15. Mushrooms On Toast

The British know what they’re doing when it comes to mushrooms on toast.
 
This classic dish provides a flavorful and filling meal.
 
Great for brunches, appetizers, parties, or just snacking, mushrooms on toast is always a hit.
 
The key ingredient to making this dish stand out is the mushrooms.
 
Choose a variety of mushrooms that have different tastes and textures.
 
Slice them thinly so that they cook evenly.
 
Experiment with different herbs and spices; a little bit of thyme or rosemary can really elevate the flavor!

16. Homemade Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs are a savory and popular British snack that is ideal for any occasion.

They are made by wrapping a hard-boiled egg in sausage meat and then coating it in breadcrumbs.

The eggs are then deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft center.

If you want to impress your friends, a Scotch egg can do the trick!

17. Potted Shrimps

Potted Shrimps are a mouthwatering and traditional British treat, suitable for any occasion.
 
Made with fresh shrimp, they are a wonderful way to show off the delicate flavor of this seafood delicacy.
 
Potted shrimps are often served as part of a cold collation or picnic.
 
They are also a popular choice for jubilee teas, providing a tasty and elegant addition to any celebration.

The bottom line

British appetizers are an enticing way to start any meal.

From soups and chowders to savory pies and pastries, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

So next time you’re planning a party or get-together, be sure to include some of these classic British dishes on your menu!

And oh, we have an epic collection of 30 British foods that are worth giving a shot—check it out!

Easy British Appetizer Assortment Of 17

Easy British Appetizer Assortment Of 17

If you're looking for some beloved British appetizers to whet your appetite, you've come to the right place!

Ingredients

  • Devils On Horseback
  • British Sausage Rolls
  • Yorkshire Pudding
  • Scottish Potato Scones
  • English Prawn Cocktail
  • Leeks With Creamy Cheese Sauce
  • Angels On Horseback
  • Welsh Rarebit
  • Bubble & Squeak
  • Fish & Chips
  • London Particular
  • Watercress & Rocket Soup
  • Cullen Skink
  • Beef Wellington Bites
  • Mushrooms On Toast
  • Homemade Scotch Eggs
  • Potted Shrimps

Instructions

  1. Have a look at our list of British Appetizers.
  2. Choose the dish you want to recreate.
  3. Start cooking your newly found recipe!
  4. Share your insights on our Facebook page!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Furious English Woman

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Very few of these could be used as a starter or appetiser. Devils on horseback for instance is a savoury and used to end a meal. As for fish and chips, well that’s a main course Why not change the title of this to something sensible like “Interesting British Dishes you must try”. Otherwise it is nonsense

Andi Reis

Sunday 18th of February 2024

Hi, thanks for coming by. We love feedback from folks in the countries we are hoping to share an interest in native foods. We are writing for an American audience and we are trying to find and divulge foods to try. Often, people may eat things at different times of the day or meals that aren't traditional. That said, I take responsibility for missing the mark. Are all of these not really good British appetizers? Fish and chips are often considered pub food here and are absolutely used interchangeably as a starter to share, as a lunch and as a dinner. While it's typically not part of a passed plate of party hors d'oeuvres type appetizers, they might be agreeably eaten as an appetizer in America. Honestly, I'd eat them for breakfast, too. Thank you for your feedback and I will do a bit more investigating about Devils on Horseback. - Andi

Angry Brit

Saturday 24th of September 2022

Absolutely furious that Yorkshire puddings are listed here as a starter when they are NOT A STARTER.

Also this page has pretty much the exact same stuff as the first result. Work harder on your writing because this is NOT IT.

Andi Reis

Monday 26th of September 2022

Thank you for your feedback. We are working pretty hard to offer lots of different options that are both highly reviewed and a little off the beaten path. Hope you'll come back soon.

Skip to Recipe