Wedding days can be lengthy affairs for everyone. Having the perfect selection of finger foods to snack on throughout the evening can be a cherry on top of this already fantastic day.
Don’t get us wrong. Cocktail hour may not be the main event. In fact, it’s really only for the period of time before the couple walks down the aisle and after the kiss and “I do.” But serving some delectable appetizers can make a wedding all the more memorable.
However, finding the best combination of canapés and drinks isn’t always easy, considering that you want to please all your guests. You also want your wedding treats to come across as tasteful and classy.
Here are five mouthwatering ideas for wedding canapés paired with their match in mixed drinks that you can serve either pre- or post-ceremony. Getting your reception menu right will go a long way in ensuring that your guests go home happy and look back on your wedding with as many fond memories as you do.
What You'll Learn...
1) Black Olive Tapenade
These bite-size envelopes of joy can be the perfect starters for your wedding reception!
Here’s what you’ll need…
- 5-6 figs
- 150g of black olive tapenade
- 150g packet of Crostini
Here’s what to do…
1) Thinly slice 2 to 3 figs and set them aside
2) Take the rest of the figs and the tapenade and blend them until perfectly smooth
3) Spread them neatly onto the Crostini and top with fig slices
4) Serve them with champagne or sparkling wine to balance out some of the saltiness of the olives
2) Smoked Salmon Canapés with Cream Cheese Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need…
1 packet of crisp rye breads
- 200 grams of salmon
- Cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons of crème fraîche
- 1 bunch of dill (finely chop half of it, and reserve the rest)
- 2 large lemons
- Black pepper for seasoning
Here’s what to do…
1) In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, lemon juice, chopped dill, and crème fraîche together, and then add black pepper to taste
2) Add a dollop of this cream cheese filling on the crispbreads
3) Take the smoked salmon, roll and twist it, then place it neatly on top
4) Garnish with lemon zest and sprigs of dill
5) Serve
Notes
*It should be noted that smoked salmon canapes go best with wheat beer. The contrast of pink, white, and gold and the hint of spicy coriander combined with the smokiness of the salmon is definitely a treat both for your eyes and your palate.
3) Mackerel Pate Canapés Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional canapés, give this one a try. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that goes amazingly with a glass of gin and tonic.
Here’s what you’ll need…
- 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1 smoked and filleted mackerel
- Half of an apple
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- Fresh lemon juice
- Pink pepper salt
- Finely chopped dill or chives
- 1 pack of oatcakes
Here’s what to do…
1) Cut the smoked mackerel into tiny pieces. Place in a bowl, add lemon, yogurt, and mustard and mix thoroughly
2) Add the chopped dill or chives into the mixture
3) Grate the apple in a separate bowl, add salt and pepper, and mix it together.
4) Spread nicely onto the oatcake and garnish with dill.
Optional: Add a thin slice of grapefruit on top for a crisp citrus flavor
4) Mary Berry Canapés Recipe
These simple and easy to make canapés are little slices of heaven. Take your time assembling them, as they look best when they’re not rushed.
Here’s what you’ll need…
- Cream cheese or goat cheese (whichever is easily accessible to you)
- Dill pickles
- Parma or Serrano ham sliced thin
- Rocket leaves
Here’s what to do…
1) Butter the slices of ham with goat cheese (or cream cheese)
2) Garnish with some rocket leaves
3) Add a slice of pickle and then fold it up tightly
4) Place them in the fridge for a couple of minutes to cool them down.
5) Cut into halves and place them neatly on a white tray.
NOTE: These are best served with glasses of Old Fashioned on the rocks.
5) Cucumber Canapés with Whipped Feta Cheese Recipe
These cucumber canapés are a splendid blend of fresh and creamy flavors!
Here’s what you’ll need…
- 2 ounces of cream cheese
- 6 ounces of feta cheese
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- ½ cup of chopped fresh basil
- 2 large cucumbers
- Olive oil
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Here’s what to do…
1) Whisk feta and cream cheese together in a bowl.
2) Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
3) Slowly add olive oil as you’re mixing the ingredients together.
4) Slice the cucumbers and place a generous amount of whipped feta on top of each slice.
5) Top with fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
6) Serve with martinis to complement the crispness of the cucumbers.
Wrapping it Up
Carefully selected and perfectly seasoned canapés can be a great way to segue into the main course. You can make a statement with your choice of appetizers and set a theme for the day.
It is advised to keep a selection of at least five to six canape options on the menu. This gives you ample room to play with your wedding food ideas and have something for everyone.
Serving hors d’oeuvre with glasses of bubbly adds an element of fun and festivity to the wedding experience. The sound of champagne glasses clinking together amidst the lively chatter and laughter is a beautiful sign that signifies brighter days ahead.