Silly season is upon us, which means supermarket shelves are heaving with party food. Putting a few trays into the trolley means you will always be prepared if visitors pop in unexpectedly. And if you’re throwing a party, you can pop them in the oven and enjoy time with your guests. For years, Marks & Spencer have the most impressive range and this year is no exception. However, the other retailers are following suit with Tesco, Dunnes Stores and SuperValu stepping up to the plate. Below we’ve detailed some of our favourite sweet and savoury finds.

1. Tuli-style chicken wings

SuperValu Prepared for You

(€4 or two packs for €6)

The Irish have a love for chicken wings, and they are the ultimate in party food. However, you want them dainty and delicate, without sauce dripping on your party gear. SuperValu’s chicken wings come in a mix of mojito and smoked paprika and pack a punch without being messy. Plus, there is a decent amount of chicken on the bone to satisfy peckish guests.

2., Potato wrapped king prawns

Tesco Finest

(€6 or two packs for €9)

When it comes to party food, there seems to be an obsession with wrapping everything in filo pastry. Tesco’s bring a welcome change to the trend with a potato spiralized casing that is buttery on the inside and light and crispy on the outside. Concealed within is a juicy prawn with a real bite. Served on a lollipop stick, serve with slices of lemon to give that extra zing.

3. Irish king scallops in shell with hand churned Irish butter

Dunnes Stores Simply Better

(€7 for two)

Presentation wise, these scallops really have a wow effect and the taste is even better. Large juicy Irish scallops, that are rich and decadent are complimented by a lemon and dill butter which oozes in the shell. As you see, the pack contains two large scallops for €7, you might not be preparing them for a big crowd but they are great for a small soirée or starters for Christmas dinner. As there is plenty of butter, you might also consider serving with a fan of crab claws around them.

4. Salmon Sensation Pâté

Lidl Deluxe

(€2.99)

Pâté comes in different forms but Lidl have a refreshing change to the heavier duck and chicken liver variations. Their Salmon Sensation Pate is fused with cucumber and dill which makes it light and delicate but it also has a smooth creamy texture. Place a dollop on crackers with a squeeze of lemon. No cooking required and ready in seconds.

5. Breakfast Bacon Cups

Marks & Spencer

(€11.80)

Now these are a genius idea. Parties aren’t always held at night. The best party of the season can be around the tree on Christmas morning. If people are peckish before the big breakfast, simply throw these breakfast bacon cups into the oven. A rosette of bacon with a little scrambled egg and mushrooms topped with a juicy baby plum tomato, they are ready in 10 minutes.

6. Camembert Sharing Bread

SuperValu

A stunning centre piece for a table full of nibbles, this camembert sharing bread from SuperValu is just the thing. A ring of caramelised red onion and herb bread acts as a halo around a wheel of cheese. Pop both in the oven for a few minutes and invite your guests to tear off the warm bread and dunk. You won’t have to tell them twice.

7. Goats’ Cheese, Apricot and Ginger Bruschetta

Aldi Specially Selected

(€2.99)

Satisfy the sweet and savoury guests in one go with these bruschettas from Aldi. The monterey jack and chorizo bruschetta have a brillant spice which goes down lovely with a glass of bubbly but for a more unusual offering, opt for the goats’ cheese, apricot and ginger bruschetta. Bite sized, these were exceptionally easy to cook, and good value at €2.99.

8. Duck Selection

Tesco Finest

(€4)

When it comes to canapés and duck, you will inevitably find the usual...duck spring rolls. However, Tesco put a unique touch on the classic with their duck selection. Yes you’ll still find the marinated duck in filo pastry but there is also mini torilla wraps with hoisin sauce and our favourite, crispy and flaky rice cones with duck, potato and coconut chilli curry. The best thing about this selection, you can actually taste the duck rather than a mouthful of pastry.

9. Mini Lobster Mac & Cheese

Marks & Spencer

(€14.99 for 10 pack)

These mini lobster mac and cheese from Marks & Spencer are the most expensive on the list. However, they are also the most impressive and when it comes to this taste test, they are the ultimate winner. Cups of tiny conchigliette pasta pieces smothered in a rich cheese sauce with tender sweet lobster interspersed throughout. If you’re looking for us, you’ll find us in the corner of the party devouring these. CL

Top tip

Some of the best party food is found in the supermarket fridges but most will freeze well. If you are having parties on some of the most festive days of the season, our advice is to freeze now and enjoy later – unless you are planning on hitting the supermarkets at the crack of dawn.