It’s full steam ahead in the countdown to Christmas and with any luck you’ve got all your shopping done and gifting sorted. Which leaves the fun stuff: the food! I’ve already pulled together a list of my favourite festive dishes, but now it’s time for the nibbles and the Christmas appetisers. From wings and bao buns to meatballs and more, get set for the party food ideas and mini morsels your guests will love. Money can’t buy happiness, but you can absolutely cook it.
Crispy Thai Laab Meatballs
If you thought meatballs were always bland and tasteless, think again. These gorgeous bites are crunchy and gnarly on the outside, but jam-packed with freshness and flavour on the inside. And don’t even get me started on the dipping sauce.
Mini Prawn Spring Rolls
These mini spring rolls are perfect party food for this year’s festivities, or try them as Christmas appetisers for a more sit-down affair. I’ve also been known to add them to lunchboxes or to take on picnics. So versatile, so good.
Thai-Style Prawn Toast
Show me a party guest who can refuse these mini morsels – I’ll wait. Not only are these finger food beauts delicious but they’re also easy to rustle up, especially as you can make them ahead for even more of a cooking breeze. Store the uncooked prawn toasts in the fridge for up to a day, or if you’re really prepared you can freeze them for up to a month. How’s that for planning!
Korean Fried Chicken Bao
Bao buns are the cloud-like, pillowy parcels that are perfect for soirees (hello, handheld food). Yes, you can buy them readymade and frozen, but once you’ve made your bao from scratch, it will rock your world forever (I’ve even got a meal kit with everything you need). Add some Korean-inspired fried chicken, and you have even more of a gamechanger on your hands.
Thai Prawn Fishcakes
Looking for the ultimate Christmas appetisers? These fishcakes are bursting with Thai flavours and are utterly moreish. Better back a double batch.
Japanese Nagoya Fried Chicken Wings
Double-cooked fried chicken wings are twice as nice, in my opinion. These Japanese-style Nagoya wings are all crunch, with a delightfully light glaze that keeps things crispy and joyous.
Bali Prawns
The cornflake crumb on these delicately flavoured prawns gives off such a loud crunch, you’ll have to apologise to the neighbours for all the commotion. Golden, crispy and the perfect friend-making dish to serve at a party or take on a picnic.
Jam Bao-nuts
Fluffy, pillowy, homemade bao buns… filled with JAM? Totally a thing! My Asian-esque jam donuts are everything, and I’ve dipped them in a five spice sugar as a finishing touch. Make these for a Christmas party, weekend treat, birthday get-together, special occasion, picnic… just make them. You won’t regret it.
Sticky Korean Fried Shrimp Bao
Everything in a bao bun tastes better in my humble opinion. And this recipe for sticky Korean fried shrimp bao is a real crowdpleaser. Tender yet crispy prawns, fresh lettuce and a smoky, spicy sauce… pretty epic.
