Vegetarian Christmas starter recipes

Nigella seeds are a flavourful addition to this winter soup; they taste like oregano and have the slight bitterness of mustard seeds

Feed your friends this simple freeze-ahead starter, topped with goat's cheese croutons for added crunch

Satisfying and comforting soup is the ultimate meal in a bowl, like this smooth and spicy North African blend

Top baked camembert with spiced honeyed nuts to add crunchy texture and aromatic sweetness to a classic Christmas starter. Enjoy with crusty bread

This simple breaded cheese can be made ahead and frozen, ready to use as a starter for a dinner party with friends

These fabulous soufflés are not as nervewracking to cook and serve as traditional ones, and can be prepared ahead

A soufflé to start always gives your dinner party a 'wow' factor and this make-ahead recipe gives you more time to be the perfect host

This impressive-looking dish makes a wonderful starter for a dinner party

Use a hearty shortcrust base then top with creamy cheese and crunchy walnuts and contrast with watercress salad

This low-fat, easy pâté is a perfect vegetarian starter

An interesting new starter idea of fried cheese from Cyprus, crispy toasted sourdough bread and a carrot topping

This wonderfully light salad is packed with easy-to-find seasonal ingredients and makes a great Christmas starter

Give vegetarian food the Michelin-star touch with this rich and velvety soup from MasterChef judge Monica Galetti

This impressive starter is perfect for entertaining guests and can be made ahead for extra ease

Labneh is a mascarpone-like strained yogurt - serve with sweet roasted pumpkin, pomegranate and leaf salad

Gary Rhodes' perfect starter for a Boxing day lunch, made with lots of leftovers from the day before

A crispy, fresh vegetarian salad to use up those winter vegetables

This thrifty dinner party leek and potato soup recipe has an attractive pale colour from using the bottom end of the allium and a bouquet garni

With a double layer of goat's cheese and a coating of cream, these bistro-style bakes are authentically rich

Baked cheese gets even more indulgent. A layer of quince or cranberry jelly adds an extra dimension to this group-sized starter

Spruce up a salad with a rosemary, honey and hazelnut crumb to accompany Spanish cheese, sweet fruit and bitter leaves

Serve this easy vegetarian pâté as a starter at a dinner party. It's a great partner to toast, mini crispbreads and cornichons

This extra-special vegetarian starter is bursting with contrasting flavours and textures, such as spiralized pear, crunchy roasted nuts and creamy cheese