32 best shop-bought canapés to serve guests this Christmas

• https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/best-christmas-canapes-1633759440.jpg
• How many canapés per person?
• How we test canapés
• Aldi Argentinian Prawn Skewers 200g
• Morrisons The Best Tiger Prawns Wrapped In British Smokey Bacon 185g
• ASDA Extra Special Smoked Salmon Blini Kit with Truffle and Dill Cream Cheese 240g
• Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Mini Crab Thermidor Crumpets 410g
• Waitrose & Partners King Prawn Katsu Curry Melts
• Iceland Tempura Breaded Black Tiger Prawns 360g
• Tesco Finest Prawn Toast 450g
• M&S Collection Lobster Mac and Cheese Crostini 470g
• Lidl Smoked Salmon & Citrus Canapes 120g
• Aldi Specially Selected Breaded Prawn Platter with Sweet Chili Sauce 600g
• Tesco Finest Duck & Pancakes 200g
• Aldi Specially Selected Indian Lamb Bon Bons with Mango Chutney Dip and Poppadom Crumb 230g
• ASDA Extra Special Mini Beef Wellingtons 289g
• M&S Crispy Bacon, Mac & Barbers Cheddar Cheese Bites 350g
• Tesco Finest Pork and Truffle Bon Bons 250g
• Iceland TGI’s Corn Dogs 280g
• Aldi Specially Selected Hog Roast Bites with Bramley Apple & Kentish Cider Sauce 240g
• Morrisons The Best New York Style Meat Balls 300g
• Lidl Vegan Mini Crumble Top Vegetable Pie
• M&S Plant Kitchen Vegan Thai Fish Bites 240g
• Aldi Plant Menu BBQ No Pork Bon Bons 220g
• Morrisons Christmas No Prawn Toast Baguette 170g
• M&S Reindeer Steamed Buns 480g
• M&S Pizza Gyoza 350g
• Tesco Finest Whipped Feta and Mint Parcels 272g
• ASDA Mini Praline Tarts
• Morrisons The Best Salted Caramel Profiteroles
• Aldi Let’s Party Ganache Presents 200g
• Sainsburys Taste the Difference Salted Caramel & Chocolate Profiteroles 440g
• Iceland Chiquitos Mini Churros 250g
• M&S Chocolate & Hazelnut Mince Lies 200g
• M&S Rodney Reindeers 495g

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You’ve chilled the champagne, donned your party outfit, and now all that’s left to do is put out the party canapés. Whether you’re feeding friends or treating yourself while wrapping the last of the presents with a glass of festive liqueur (we’ve all been there), these are the very best supermarket canapés to buy this season.

How many canapés per person?

We’d recommend serving four to six Christmas canapés per person if you’re planning on following up with a main meal later in the evening. Or, up to 10 if you’re opting for a more informal drinks reception.

How we test canapés

Our panel tested 49 varieties of canapés to find their favourite meat, seafood, vegetarian, vegan and sweet options — it’s the season of goodwill, after all. Each was prepared as per pack instructions and presented to testers blind to avoid brand bias. They judged each on their party-ready appearance, aroma, flavour and texture, to find the canapés you’ll be going back for seconds (… and thirds) of.

Aldi Argentinian Prawn Skewers 200g

£3.99

Score: 93/100

These simple skewers let the juicy prawns do all the talking. The succulent seafood is coated in a light South American style smoky glaze, that’s packed with garlic, and works a treat when grilled.

Morrisons The Best Tiger Prawns Wrapped In British Smokey Bacon 185g

£4.50

Score: 85/100

Forget pigs in blankets, this year we’ll be serving prawns wrapped in sweet smokey bacon at our festive shindig. The juicy shellfish benefits from the salty rashers, and testers felt this festive favourite was great quality.

ASDA Extra Special Smoked Salmon Blini Kit with Truffle and Dill Cream Cheese 240g

£6.00

Score: 83/100

This DIY kit makes creating the party classic blini a doddle. The mini pancakes are light and fluffy, and the truffle-infused cream cheese is every bit as rich and luxurious as you’d hope. ASDA’s robust smoked salmon was described as “excellent quality”, and all in all testers felt this kit was great value.

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Mini Crab Thermidor Crumpets 410g

£12.00

Score: 81/100

Well-presented and fun, Sainsburys’ mini crumpets are everything great party food should be. Each bite is topped with a flavoursome mix of white and brown crab meat, making it a sophisticated option that would pair well with fizz.

Waitrose & Partners King Prawn Katsu Curry Melts

£7.00

Score: 80/100

Like a fishcake in bitesize form, these lightly battered prawn balls contain a pocket of mild katsu curry in the middle. Although mild, the sauce has a delicious depth of flavour, so they should appeal to a crowd.

Iceland Tempura Breaded Black Tiger Prawns 360g

£8.00

Score: 80/100

Iceland can always be relied upon for a stellar line up of party food, and this selection pack delivers. You’ll find their signature juicy crustaceans, wrapped in two different batters — chip shop-style and spicy tempura. A simple yet delicious, crowd-pleasing canapé.

Tesco Finest Prawn Toast 450g

£4.50

Score: 78/100

Tesco has elevated the humble prawn toast, topping each with a whole crustacean, complete with tail. Flavourwise, expect a light Thai curry note, full of lemongrass, ginger and garlic.

M&S Collection Lobster Mac and Cheese Crostini 470g

£25.00

Score: 78/100

With gooey white wine-infused mac and cheese and meaty lobster, piled on top of authentic sourdough — it doesn’t get more decadent than this. A truly indulgent choice for when you’re looking to impress.

Lidl Smoked Salmon & Citrus Canapes 120g

£0.01

Score: 74/100

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Lidl’s smoked salmon bites. The combination of thick cream cheese, well-smoked fish and fragrant dill is light, pleasant, and a true classic.

Aldi Specially Selected Breaded Prawn Platter with Sweet Chili Sauce 600g

£8.99

Score: 72/100

Can’t choose which canapé to go for? Aldi has bought together four styles of coated prawns, in one well-priced platter. From shop-inspired batter, to hot and spicy, there’s also sweet chili dip to serve alongside.

Tesco Finest Duck & Pancakes 200g

£5.50

Score: 93/100

These bitesize banana leaf-wrapped pancakes (which are generously stuffed with duck, veg, rice and soy sauce) certainly look the part. Scoring highly with the panel, testers felt they were a fresh alternative to the fried party food you normally find at this time of year.

Aldi Specially Selected Indian Lamb Bon Bons with Mango Chutney Dip and Poppadom Crumb 230g

£3.99

Score: 89/100

Aldi’s juicy lamb meatballs are presented with a vibrant poppadom crumb, which is sure to make an impression on the party platter. Packed with authentic Indian spices, there’s also sticky mango chutney dip included — the perfect complement to the light heat.

ASDA Extra Special Mini Beef Wellingtons 289g

£4.00

Score: 89/100

These bitesize beef wellingtons contain a filling more akin to pulled beef than the traditional slice of steak, but that just makes eating them one handed, that bit easier. The middle reminded testers of a well-seasoned ragu, paired with sharp mature cheddar, encased within perfectly crisp, buttery pastry.

M&S Crispy Bacon, Mac & Barbers Cheddar Cheese Bites 350g

£7.00

Score: 89/100

Mac and cheese might not sound like a sensible canapé, but these clever cups are a great idea for entertaining. Streaky bacon holds the structure together, and the combination of bold cheddar sauce and light herby topping was a hit with the panel.

Tesco Finest Pork and Truffle Bon Bons 250g

£5.50

Score: 85/100

These bite-size herby pork meatballs are elevated with a smidge of truffle and a light breadcrumb coating for extra crunch. Testers said they stayed crisp for a long time, making them a good option for preparing in advance when entertaining.

Iceland TGI’s Corn Dogs 280g

£4.00

Score: 83/100

Going for an American theme this Christmas? A mini sausage on a stick is just the ticket. The crisp corn coating tasted authentic, and the pack includes a mild mustard sauce for dipping.

Aldi Specially Selected Hog Roast Bites with Bramley Apple & Kentish Cider Sauce 240g

£3.99

Score: 80/100

Flavourwise, these mini mouthfuls were nearly identical to a traditional hog roast sandwich, complete with tart apple sauce on the side. However, instead of bread, the pulled pork is lightly battered, adding a lovely contrast to the rich meat.

Morrisons The Best New York Style Meat Balls 300g

£3.00

Score: 74/100

Keeping things classy, Morrisons mini beef meatballs are served on cocktail sticks. And while the meat was tasty, the relish was the real highlight — a sweet, sharp mustard with a gherkin tang that transforms the taste to that of New York pastrami.

Lidl Vegan Mini Crumble Top Vegetable Pie

£0.01

Score: 85/100

An absolute highlight of our taste test, our winning vegan canapé champions Italian-style vegetables, encased within a rich, buttery pastry case. The crumble topping adds a lovely contrast, making it the perfect plant-based bite this season.

M&S Plant Kitchen Vegan Thai Fish Bites 240g

£5.00

Score: 81/100

Despite being vegan, testers thought these bites were very similar to a real Thai fish cake, simply shrunken. The flavour and texture was convincing, with a delicious mix of fresh lemongrass and ginger, too. And you’ll also find a spicy sweet chili included, for effortless entertaining.

Aldi Plant Menu BBQ No Pork Bon Bons 220g

£1.99

Score: 74/100

If you’re a fan of Frazzles, we’re confident Aldi’s frankfurter-style sausage bites will be a hit. The texture is so similar to pulled pork, you may find yourself doing a double take, although the panel would have liked an accompanying dip for top marks.

Morrisons Christmas No Prawn Toast Baguette 170g

£4.00

Score: 74/100

Proving you can still enjoy the classics, even if you’re plant-based, Morrisons’ baguette-style slices are topped with a succulent prawn-substitute layer and mix of sesame seeds. Full of garlic and ginger, testers described it as a delicious canapé, regardless of whether you’re vegan or not.

M&S Reindeer Steamed Buns 480g

£7.00

Score: 74/100

Kids are guaranteed to be smitten with these cute reindeer-shaped, fluffy buns. Stuffed with cabbage, mushroom and water chestnut, testers enjoyed the crunchy veg but would have preferred a more generous filling. Best enjoyed straight out of the microwave while nice and hot.

M&S Pizza Gyoza 350g

£5.50

Score: 74/100

Looking for a Japanese-inspired canapé? Marks and Spencer’s pizza-filled crispy gyozas are a fun fusion, filled with spicy arrabiata sauce, with extra for dipping.

Tesco Finest Whipped Feta and Mint Parcels 272g

£5.50

Score: 70/100

Some felt these Greek parcels would be better suited to the picnic hamper, rather than a party platter. However, the combination of dried mint, lightly whipped feta, pastry and poppy seeds was too good a combination to bypass.

ASDA Mini Praline Tarts

£3.50

Score: 93/100

Round off your evening with these decadent, sweet cups, filled with hazelnut praline. Testers loved the fudgy filling and thought the pastry had the perfect snap.

Morrisons The Best Salted Caramel Profiteroles

£6.00

Score: 91/100

The combination of crisp choux pastry, a generous creamy filling and an intense hit of salted caramel sauce, makes this deconstructed profiterole stack a solid choice for entertaining.

Aldi Let’s Party Ganache Presents 200g

£2.99

Score: 87/100

Perfect for a party, these chocolate orange-flavoured presents are rich and indulgent. Each bite is topped with a slab of chocolate, which provides a nice contrast against the smooth, fudge-like consistency.

Sainsburys Taste the Difference Salted Caramel & Chocolate Profiteroles 440g

£8.00

Score: 83/100

With a light chocolate mousse filling and salted caramel flavour, the panel described these puffy profiteroles as “fresh, light and delicious”. The perfect antidote to the season of excess.

Iceland Chiquitos Mini Churros 250g

£3.00

Score: 83/100

Recreate the feeling of a Christmas market, in your own home, with these fragrant cinnamon and sugar-coated churros. Testers particularly loved the thick caramel sauce which runs through the centre of each doughy bite.

M&S Chocolate & Hazelnut Mince Lies 200g

£12.00

Score: 81/100

A chocolatey treat for those who don’t fancy a mince pie. These may look like the traditional festive bake, but they consist of a toasted hazelnut feuilletine base, topped with intense and creamy chocolate mousse. Be warned though, these are messy, so napkins at the ready!

M&S Rodney Reindeers 495g

£12.00

Score: 78/100

Little ones are bound to appreciate these sweet reindeer-shaped treats. The chocolate mousse filling pairs perfectly with the layer of light sponge, while the biscuit base adds a pleasant crunch.