When it comes to party foods, Britain offers a treasure trove of delectable bites that many outside the UK have yet to experience. These traditional British snacks and treats are perfect for any festive occasion, bringing a taste of Britain’s culinary heritage to the table. In this list, we’ll introduce you to 10 British party foods that deserve global recognition. Prepare to be charmed by these flavorful and fun offerings that are sure to impress your guests.
Contents
- 1 Scotch Eggs
- 2 Pork Pies
- 3 Sausage Rolls
- 4 Cheese and Onion Pasties
- 5 Cornish Pasties
- 6 Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Roast Beef
- 7 Ploughman’s Lunch Skewers
- 8 Devils on Horseback
- 9 Welsh Rarebit Bites
- 10 Mini Fish and Chips
- 11 More From RetailShout
- 12 12 Traditional Frostings and Fillings That Elevate Any Cake
- 13 10 Simple Ways to Create a More Sustainable Kitchen
Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs are a popular British snack made by wrapping boiled eggs in sausage meat, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying them until golden and crispy. To prepare, boil 6 eggs for 4-6 minutes (depending on your preference for soft or hard yolks) and peel them. Take 1 pound of sausage meat and season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme or parsley. Divide the sausage into six equal portions and flatten each into a patty. Wrap each egg in the sausage, making sure the egg is completely sealed. Next, roll each sausage-wrapped egg in 1/2 cup flour, dip it into a beaten egg, and coat it with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Deep-fry the eggs at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until crispy and golden. For a healthier option, you can bake them at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Serve hot or cold with mustard or pickles for dipping.
Pork Pies
Pork pies are a classic British dish, perfect for parties or picnics. To make the filling, combine 1 pound of ground pork with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried sage, and a pinch of nutmeg. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of lard with 1 cup of water, then mix it with 3 cups of all-purpose flour to create a hot water crust pastry. Roll out the pastry and line small pie tins with it, reserving some for the top crusts. Fill each pie with the seasoned pork mixture, pressing it in firmly. Cut out pastry lids and crimp them onto the pies, making a small hole in the center for steam to escape. Bake the pies at 375°F for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Serve cold with pickles and mustard for a traditional touch.
Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are a beloved British snack made by wrapping sausage meat in puff pastry. Start by mixing 1 pound of sausage meat with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried sage. Roll out 1 sheet of puff pastry and cut it into strips about 4 inches wide. Place the sausage mixture along the center of each strip and fold the pastry over, sealing the edges with a little beaten egg. Cut the rolls into 2-inch pieces, brush the tops with beaten egg, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Serve hot or cold, and they’ll quickly disappear at any party!
Cheese and Onion Pasties
Cheese and onion pasties are a comforting vegetarian option made with a flaky pastry and a rich filling. Start by sautéing 1 large onion in butter until soft and translucent, then mix it with 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roll out store-bought shortcrust pastry and cut it into circles. Spoon the cheese and onion mixture into the center of each circle, fold the pastry over, and crimp the edges to seal. Brush with a beaten egg and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. These pasties are delicious served warm but are equally good cold.
Cornish Pasties
Cornish pasties are hearty, hand-held pies filled with beef, potatoes, and vegetables. For the filling, mix 1 pound of diced beef with 1 large diced potato, 1/2 cup of diced rutabaga (swede), and 1 chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Roll out shortcrust pastry and cut it into large circles. Place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center of each, fold over the pastry, and crimp the edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg and bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until golden and cooked through. These pasties are perfect for lunch or a light dinner and can be served with ketchup or brown sauce.
Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Roast Beef
Mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef are an elegant party snack that brings a British classic to the finger-food realm. To make the puddings, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of milk, 3 eggs, and a pinch of salt. Heat a mini muffin tin with a little oil in each cup at 425°F until the oil is hot. Pour the batter into the cups and bake for 15 minutes until puffed and golden. Fill each pudding with slices of roast beef and a dollop of horseradish sauce for a delicious bite-sized treat that will impress any guest.
Ploughman’s Lunch Skewers
Ploughman’s lunch skewers bring a modern twist to the traditional British meal of cheese, pickles, and bread. To make these skewers, start by cutting chunks of sharp cheddar cheese, crusty bread, and deli-style ham into bite-sized pieces. Thread the cheese, ham, bread, cherry tomatoes, and small pickled onions onto wooden skewers. Serve with a side of Branston pickle for dipping to add that iconic tangy flavor. These skewers offer a variety of textures and flavors in every bite, from the sharpness of the cheese to the crunch of the pickle. They’re easy to assemble and make for a fun, no-fuss party appetizer that guests can enjoy on the go.
Devils on Horseback
Devils on horseback are a sweet and savory British party favorite, made by wrapping dried fruit in bacon and baking until crispy. For this dish, you’ll need 12 large prunes or dates, 6 slices of streaky bacon cut in half, and a bit of blue cheese or almonds for filling (optional). If desired, stuff each prune with a piece of blue cheese or an almond, then wrap it in half a bacon slice and secure it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped prunes on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden. The combination of sweet, chewy fruit and salty bacon creates a flavor explosion that’s irresistible. Serve these warm for the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack.
Welsh Rarebit Bites
Welsh rarebit bites offer a savory and cheesy snack that’s a smaller version of the traditional Welsh rarebit. To make the cheese sauce, whisk together 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1/4 cup of beer (or milk), and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard until smooth and thickened. Toast slices of baguette or small pieces of bread, then spoon a generous dollop of the cheese mixture onto each toast. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown. The rich, creamy flavor of the cheese pairs beautifully with the crunchy toast, making these bites a perfect appetizer for any party. Serve warm for the best experience.
Mini Fish and Chips
Mini fish and chips bring Britain’s most beloved dish to the party in bite-sized portions. Cut firm white fish, such as cod, into small pieces and coat them in a beer batter made by mixing 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of beer, and a pinch of salt. Fry the fish pieces in hot oil until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels. Serve with small portions of crispy fries, either homemade or frozen, and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve these in mini cones or paper cups for easy handling. Add a side of tartar sauce or malt vinegar for dipping, and you have a fun, party-friendly take on the classic British fish and chips.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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