Spring onion & halloumi bruschetta with carrot & saffron salsa

An interesting new starter idea of fried cheese from Cyprus, crispy toasted sourdough bread and a carrot topping

Rarebit toasts

This comforting snack is super-quick and easy, perfect for suppertime snacking.

Soft-boiled egg, bacon & watercress salad

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Crispy bacon and a perfectly cooked egg with oozing yellow yolk is a brunch staple – this version teams it with watercress

Roasted tomato, mozzarella & rocket

Turn a slice of bread into something sophisticated with this colourful toast topping

Big chicken & crouton salad

When it’s too hot to cook, a shop-bought ready-roasted chicken is a great summer cheat

Open cottage cheese & pepper sandwich

Throw a healthy slant on bruschetta by topping your wholemeal toast with cottage cheese, basil and contrasting balsamic

Summery mushroom & truffled herb salad

A drizzle of truffle oil turns mushrooms on toast into an elegant starter, says associate food editor Barney Desmazery

Steak sandwich on a plate

Prepare your steak sandwich ingredients separately and let your guests assemble it themselves

Mushrooms on toast

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
The ultimate comfort dish – earthy mushrooms piled on toast topped with crisp, succulent prosciutto

Veggie platter

Alastair Little’s veggie antipasti platter makes an ideal starter course, or to serve with wine and a loaf of crusty bread

Nettle & blue cheese rarebit

No nettles? This simple rustic dish can also be made using spinach

Croque madame

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
This speedy supper for one takes just five minutes to prepare