What Starter Goes With Sunday Roast Dinner? 6 Best Choices!
Nothing quite beats getting the whole family together for a traditional roast dinner.
Whether it’s beef, chicken, pork or lamb, it’s such a treat to be able to sit down to a delicious chunk of roasted meat with tons of crispy, fluffy potatoes and all the associated trimmings!
But what starter goes with Sunday roast dinner?
I’m here to help you to make that choice!
We should start off right away by saying that an appetiser of any kind is definitely not essential when it comes to a roast dinner. It’s a hearty meal in its own right, and there’s no denying that it requires a lot of effort and juggling in the kitchen.
There’s definitely no shame in ditching the starter altogether and saving yourself the extra time and fuss.
But seeing as you’re here, it’s pretty safe to assume that you’ve already decided that a starter is going to feature on your menu. Well done on your commitment to taking on the challenge!
We’re going to keep things as simple as possible so it’s all manageable in an average kitchen, but we’re definitely not going to compromise on flavour and satisfaction.
Let’s get down to business…
What starter goes with Sunday roast dinner?
A Sunday roast dinner calls for a fairly light and easy starter, and if you can prep it in advance, even better. The best choices include mini spinach filo pastry tarts, tomato soup, asparagus wrapped in prosciutto ham, stuffed dates with goats cheese and honey, prawn cocktail, and garlic mushrooms on melba toasts.
Read on to grab the recipes and discover the best shortcuts to make your Sunday stress free.
1. Mini spinach filo pastry tarts
These mini spinach filo tarts are one of my go to choices for an easy starter for a roast dinner.
You’ll save a ton of time by using a readymade packet of pastry, and a handful of everyday ingredients including eggs, spinach, mustard, and parmesan cheese.
Once you’ve assembled your tarts, you’ll bake them in the oven for just 12 minutes and be ready to go!
I like to offer these to any guests as casual canapés for when they arrive, with a glass of wine or a cold beer. If you prefer, you can serve them as a sit-down starter at the dinner table, with a dollop of tomato chutney.
I find that 2 tarts per person is ample for a starter for a Sunday roast.
2. Tomato soup
Soup is always a safe choice, and kids and adults alike will enjoy tucking into a bowl of this tomato soup.
It’s colourful, vibrant, full of flavour, and because you’ve made it yourself at home, you know that there are no hidden nasties or preservatives.
Take the opportunity to get ahead with your meal prep for the coming week by making a big batch and setting some aside for lunches.
3. Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto ham
For a starter that’s stupidly simple but elegant and impressive, choose asparagus wrapped in prosciutto ham.
If you can, it’s worth spending a little bit more on the best quality ingredients you can find here. When you’re showcasing the flavours of just a couple of items, it pays to ensure they’re at their very best.
Simple wrap your asparagus spears with a slice of the ham, place on a baking tray, and drizzle with olive oil before sprinkling with parmesan. Roast in the oven for around 8-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is cooked through and the ham is beginning to crisp.
4. Stuffed dates with goats cheese and honey
These stuffed dates are easy to make, and bring a wonderful mix of sweet and savoury flavours to the party.
You’ll get a deliciously sweet caramely goodness from the dates, complemented perfectly by the tangy, rich goats cheese, and a smoky spice from the paprika. Add a drizzle of honey to the mix, and you’ll be in culinary heaven!
They take just 15 minutes to make, and they require zero cooking. This is something that I really appreciate when my oven is crammed full of trays from my roast dinner!
Not sure if you’ll like dates?
I urge you to give them a try. They’re not so trendy these days, but they really are delicious. If you’ve ever had sticky toffee pudding, you’ll be able to attest to just how good they can be. They’re also surprisingly popular with kids, so they’re a good choice for the whole family.
5. Prawn cocktail
Whenever I’m making a traditionally British meal like a Sunday roast, a prawn cocktail is always a starter that I’ll consider.
It’s fun, it’s tasty, and it really couldn’t be any easier to make. You’ll just need prawns, a Marie Rose sauce, lettuce, and lemon.
Assemble in a cocktail glass, and you’re good to go.
There are plenty of modern twists you can add here, such as chopped avocado, but I much prefer to keep things simple with the more traditional version.
6. Garlic mushrooms on melba toasts
These garlic mushrooms are earthy, rich with umami flavour, and super creamy whilst also being light and healthy!
They’re a good choice for what starter goes with Sunday roast dinner if you want something that’s warm, easy to prepare, and suitable for vegetarians.
Serve on melba toasts so you avoid too much filling bread before your main course, and dress with your favourite chopped herbs. I like to choose parsley for its satisfying bitter and peppery taste.
Choosing the best starter for a Sunday dinner
The best starters for a Sunday roast dinner are easy, no fuss, and allow you to focus most of your efforts on your main course! I recommend considering:
- Mini spinach filo pastry tarts
- Tomato soup
- Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto ham
- Stuffed dates with goats cheese and honey
- Prawn cocktail
- Garlic mushrooms on melba toasts
If you’d like a little inspiration for rounding off your meal, take a look at my guide to the best desserts for roast beef before you go!
