Everybody loves a canapé – especially when it’s made with Snowdonia cheese. Whether your party is a sit-down dinner, a glittering cocktail soirée or a cosy night in with blankets, friends and your favourite Christmas film, a platter of festive nibbles is a surefire way to get the party started.
Our mini Beech Wood cheese and ham hock scones are always a hit. Flaky, golden and deliciously smoky, these savoury little scones combine Beech Wood Cheddar, shredded ham hock and a spoonful of Spiced Tomato & Vodka Chutney. They work perfectly as mini starters, fireside snacks or bite-sized treats before an intimate dinner party – and each mouthful has a wisp of smoke and sweetness that will keep your guests coming back for more.
For a veggie-friendly option, our Green Thunder mini pies are a must. Cute as a button and sensationally savoury, these shortcrust pastry pies are filled with eggs, double cream and Green Thunder, our award-winning mature Cheddar infused with roasted garlic and herbs. Once baked, they’re finished with a dollop of Balsamic Caramelised Onion Chutney and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives. A standout pick on any pre-dinner platter.
Or turn up the heat with Red Devil tomato crostini. Slices of rustic baguette are topped with Red Devil, our Red Leicester with Habanero chillies and peppers, then grilled until the cheese is melted and bubbling. A spoonful of sun-blush tomatoes, red onion and smoked paprika goes on top, with fresh thyme to finish. Fiery, tangy and full of colour, they’re just the thing for waking up the taste buds before dinner.
And our elegant Truffle Trove, pear and honey crostini are a festive showstopper. Thin slivers of pear and toasted hazelnuts pair with luxurious Truffle Trove extra mature Cheddar, all served on lightly toasted crostini carved from a rustic seeded baguette. A drizzle of runny honey ties the flavours together, creating a canapé that’s rich, earthy and subtly sweet – the perfect Christmas indulgence for cheese lovers.
For a cheese canapé that’s simple to assemble before guests arrive, try our Black Bomber cheese sticks wrapped in Parma ham. Black Bomber extra mature Cheddar is cut into neat batons, topped with peppery rocket and green basil pesto, then wrapped in Parma ham. The result is a savoury little mouthful with plenty of creamy Cheddar flavour, while the pesto and rocket keep it fresh.
Our Rock Star, broad bean and mint crostini have a lovely balance of creamy, fresh and citrusy flavours. Broad beans and petits pois are lightly crushed with fresh mint, lemon and extra virgin olive oil, then combined with crumbled Rock Star and piled onto crisp rounds of toasted baguette. Scatter a little more cave-aged Cheddar and mint over the top before serving.
Whether you’re planning a drinks party for a crowd or a smaller gathering at home, these Christmas canapés give you plenty to mix and match. Choose a few different styles for the table – from golden mini pies and smoky scones to fresh crostini and rich Black Bomber bites – and you can have something ready for every guest as the drinks are poured. For more cheese canapés, festive sharing dishes and ideas for the big day, explore our Christmas recipe hub.
