9 Easy British Appetizers

Bubble and Squeak

One of the most popular British appetizers is bubble and squeak. This potato cake recipe is incredibly easy and will take just about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. 

The best part of bubble and squeak is it uses leftover mashed potatoes, traditionally from a big Sunday meal. You also can use whatever vegetables you have on hand (or leftover), with cabbage, swede, carrots, peas, and Brussel sprouts being among the favorites.

Traditional Colcannon

If you're seeking a traditional Irish recipe to kick off your meal, look no further than colcannon. This hearty potato recipe is similar to bubble and squeak and the Scottish version called rumbledethumps.

The beauty of colcannon is that you can make it in the traditional mashed potato way or you can form it into cakes, which are perfect to serve as a first course. The dish features onions, and although kale is the classic ingredient, cabbage is not half bad, either. 

Scottish Tattie Scones

Potatoes are everywhere in British cuisine and tattie scones are another great option for using up those leftover mashed potatoes. While traditionally a breakfast food, these scones can work for any meal of the day.

Most popular in Scotland, tattie scones are tasty little potato cakes that fry up in just a few minutes. While egg might not be a traditional ingredient, it does help bind the cake. You also want to make sure your potatoes are good for mashing.

Quick Vegetable Frittata

It might not be traditional British fare, but vegetable frittata is very popular in the U.K. If you have yet to give a homemade frittata a try, this recipe is the perfect opportunity.

A frittata is a quick-and-easy egg dish that fries up in just a few minutes, ideal to serve to guests. You simply add your favorite diced vegetables along with garlic, onion, and goat (or other) cheese to create a delicious appetizer. Cut it into slices and serve it alongside a salad for the perfect start to a great meal.

Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Mustard Soup

Two favorite vegetables come together in this steaming hot cauliflower, broccoli, and mustard soup, which is an ideal complement to a winter dinner with a remarkable flavor.

Steamed cauliflower and broccoli are combined with potato, garlic, and onion and simmered in vegetable broth until tender. The soup is then puréed and seasoned with your favorite whole-grain mustard and crème fraiche, which gives it that lovely creamy touch. 

Watercress and Rocket Soup

Should you need a little pick-me-up, this recipe is here to help. Watercress and rocket soup is healthy and is a fantastic remedy for those days when you're feeling a bit sluggish.

The soup is filled with nourishing greens, including watercress, rocket (or arugula), and baby spinach, which are sautéed before simmering in a soup stock. After a quick purée, a warm bowl of this creamy, green soup is ready to enjoy.

Smoked Haddock Chowder With Sweet Corn

This smoked haddock chowder recipe is a fun variation on the Scottish classic cullen skink. It is just as hearty, filling, and satisfying and equally easy to make.

A single smoked haddock fillet forms the soup's foundation. The leek, carrot, spinach, and onion make up the rest, while a healthy heap of sweet corn finishes it off. In traditional chowder fashion, the creamy soup is thickened to a perfect consistency.

Vegetable and Bean Soup

Vegetable and bean soup is an ideal appetizer for the cold nights of winter and an excellent precursor to any main dish you're cooking up. While the ingredient list for this soup might look long, everything on it is very common and you might have most of it in your kitchen already. White beans are the best to use, but be sure to soak them overnight if they're dried.

Asian-Spiced Turkey Salad

Here's a salad with some spunk. This is the ideal recipe for those times when you want to break away from turkey curry and try something different. This Asian-spiced turkey salad has some wonderful kick to it, with a combination of ginger and chili peppers in the pomegranate and soy dressing. The salad itself includes crunchy cashews with sweet, dried cranberries and leftover turkey, duck, or chicken. It is sure to be the talk of the dinner table.