Mary Berry Canapés Recipe

This Mary Berry Canapés Recipe is an easy and elegant recipe, which is made with a simple toasted bread base and a variety of delicious toppings. It’s the perfect party appetizer, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Mary Berry Canapés Recipe Ingredients

For the Canapé Bases:

• 4 slices of white bread, crusts removed

Cheese Topping:

• 30 g (1 oz) full-fat soft cheese
• 2 spring onion tops, very finely sliced
• 4 capers

Anchovy Topping:

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 or 2 spring onion tops
• 8 anchovy fillets, drained
• 4 prawns, cooked and peeled

Salami Topping:

• 15 g (1/2 oz) butter
• 2 slices of salami
• 4 slices of gherkin

Asparagus Topping:

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 6 asparagus tips, cooked and drained
• 2 slices of radish
• a few parsley leaves, to garnish

How To Make Mary Berry Canapés

1. Prepare the canapé bases: Lightly toast the slices of white bread on both sides. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Make the cheese canapés: Spread one piece of toast with the soft cheese and cut it into four squares. Arrange the spring onion slices diagonally across the cheese on each square. Place one caper on each square to finish.
3. Make the anchovy canapés: Spread another piece of toast with mayonnaise and cut it into four squares. Cut the spring onion tops into four pieces, then make vertical cuts to separate each piece into fine strands. Cut the anchovy fillets in half and arrange them in a criss-cross pattern on each square. Place a prawn on top of each and garnish with the shredded spring onions.
4. Make the salami canapés: Butter the third piece of toast and use a pastry cutter to cut it into four rounds. Cut each slice of salami in half. Roll each half-slice to form a cornet shape. Place one salami cornet and one slice of gherkin on each round canapé base.
5. Make the asparagus canapés: Spread the final piece of toast with mayonnaise and cut it into four squares. Halve the cooked asparagus tips lengthwise. Halve the radish slices and cut away the centres to form crescent shapes. Place two halved asparagus tips on each square and arrange a radish crescent on top. Garnish with parsley leaves.

Recipe Tips

• Can I fry the bread instead of toasting it? Yes, the recipe suggests you can fry the bread bases in a mixture of oil and butter for a richer alternative to toasting.
• How do I make the bases ahead of time? You can toast the bread bases a few hours in advance. Let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from going soft.
• What other toppings can I use? Get creative! Smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill, chopped egg mayonnaise, or a simple slice of prosciutto are all excellent alternatives.
• How to cut the bread into different shapes? Use small cookie or pastry cutters to create different shapes like rounds, stars, or diamonds before or after toasting for a more decorative look.

What To Serve With Canapés

Canapés are the perfect accompaniment for pre-dinner drinks. Serve them with:

• A glass of chilled prosecco or champagne
• A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc
• Classic cocktails like a gin and tonic or a martini

How To Store Canapés

• Best served fresh: Canapés are best assembled and served as close to party time as possible to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
• Storing components: If you need to prep ahead, you can prepare the toppings and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toast the bread bases and assemble everything just before your guests arrive.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bread? Yes, you can use wholemeal bread, rye bread, or even brioche for a different flavour and texture. Ensure the bread is sliced thinly.
• How far in advance can I make canapés? It’s best not to assemble them more than an hour in advance. You can prepare all the individual components (toppings, garnishes, bread bases) up to a day ahead and store them separately.
• What’s the difference between a canapé and an appetizer? A canapé is a specific type of appetizer (or hors d’oeuvre) that is small, decorative, and can be eaten in one or two bites. It typically has a base (like toast, a cracker, or pastry), a spread, and a garnish.

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple and Mint Soup Recipe
• Mary Berry’s Vichyssoise Recipe
• Mary Berry’s Tzatziki Soup Recipe