What Starter Goes Well With Beef Wellington? Experts Explain

Are you planning a special dinner party and wondering what to serve as a starter with your beef wellington?

Look no further! The perfect starter can set the tone for the entire meal, and we’ve got you covered with some delicious and fuss-free options.

From prawn cocktail to watercress soup, these starters are light and refined, leaving you plenty of time to focus on your main course.

And don’t forget to add some crunch to your meal with our recommended side dish of Cracker Barrel baby carrots.

So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect starter to complement your beef wellington.

What Starter Goes Well With Beef Wellington?

When it comes to pairing a starter with beef wellington, it’s important to choose something that won’t overpower the main course. After all, the beef wellington is the star of the show!

One classic option is a prawn cocktail. The light and refreshing flavors of the prawns, combined with a tangy cocktail sauce, make for a perfect start to your meal.

If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, try a smoked mackerel pate. The rich and creamy texture of the pate pairs perfectly with the tender beef wellington.

For a vegetarian option, consider serving goats cheese with caramelised onion chutney. The sweetness of the chutney complements the tangy flavor of the cheese, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

Another seafood option is smoked salmon with horseradish canapés. The smoky flavor of the salmon pairs well with the spicy kick of the horseradish, making for a tasty and elegant starter.

Finally, if you’re looking for something warm and comforting, try serving a bowl of watercress soup. The peppery flavor of the watercress adds a unique twist to this classic soup, making it a perfect complement to your beef wellington.

Prawn Cocktail: A Classic Starter For Beef Wellington

One of the most classic and beloved starters that pairs well with beef wellington is the prawn cocktail. This dish has stood the test of time and is still popular today for good reason. The combination of luscious prawns sitting atop crisp lettuce, drizzled with a tangy cocktail sauce, is the perfect way to start your meal.

To make a prawn cocktail, start by laying out cooked and peeled prawns on some kitchen paper and dabbing them dry. Then, put them into a large bowl and add shredded lettuce, mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, lemon juice, Tabasco, and paprika if desired. Stir to combine, then adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Slice a cucumber half into equal rounds as thinly as possible and use them to line the glasses. Spoon in the prawn mixture and garnish with black pepper and a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve with lemon wedges and Melba toast or bread.

The light and refreshing flavors of the prawn cocktail complement the rich and savory flavors of beef wellington perfectly. So, if you’re looking for a classic starter that won’t overpower your main course, give the prawn cocktail a try.

Soup’s On: Try A Light And Refreshing Watercress Soup

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing starter option to pair with your beef wellington, you can’t go wrong with a bowl of watercress soup. This soup is not only delicious, but also easy to prepare in advance, leaving you more time to focus on your main course.

To make the soup, start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a pot until they become translucent. Then, add in some chopped potatoes and chicken or vegetable stock, and let everything simmer until the potatoes are tender. Next, add in a generous amount of fresh watercress and mint leaves, and let the soup cook for a few more minutes until the greens are wilted.

Once the soup is done, you can serve it with some goat cheese crostini or tiny grilled cheese bites for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, you could also garnish it with some orange zest and mint sprigs for a pop of color.

This watercress soup is not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients. Watercress is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. So not only will your guests love the taste of this soup, but they’ll also be getting some added health benefits as well.

A Twist On Tradition: Goat Cheese And Fig Crostini

If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your beef wellington starter, consider serving goat cheese and fig crostini. This appetizer is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

To make the crostini, start by toasting slices of baguette until they are crispy. Then, spread a generous amount of creamy goat cheese on each slice. Top the cheese with a slice of ripe fig and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.

The sweetness of the figs pairs perfectly with the tangy flavor of the goat cheese, while the crispy bread provides a satisfying crunch. This appetizer is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect addition to your dinner party spread.

To add an extra layer of flavor, you can drizzle balsamic glaze over the crostini before serving. The acidity of the balsamic vinegar will cut through the richness of the cheese and add a tangy sweetness to the dish.

Keep It Simple With A Fresh Salad

If you’re looking for a lighter option, a fresh salad is a great choice to pair with beef wellington. The key is to keep it simple and let the flavors of the salad complement the rich and savory beef.

One option is a basic green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing helps cut through the richness of the beef, while the greens provide a refreshing contrast in texture.

Another option is a winter greens salad with a honey-balsamic dressing. This salad features heartier greens like kale and arugula, which pair well with the robust flavors of the beef wellington. The sweet and tangy dressing adds a touch of complexity to the dish, making it a perfect starter for any meal.

If you want to add some crunch to your salad, consider adding some toasted nuts or croutons. These will provide a satisfying texture that complements the tender beef.

Don’t Forget The Crunch: Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots As The Perfect Side Dish

While beef wellington is a delicious and indulgent main course, it can be quite soft and tender in texture. That’s why it’s important to add a bit of crunch to your meal with the perfect side dish. And what better option than Cracker Barrel baby carrots?

These tender and buttery carrots are the perfect addition to your beef wellington meal. Adding a touch of brown sugar helps to caramelize them, bringing out their natural sweetness. It’s a simple yet delicious way to elevate your meal.

If you’re looking to switch things up, you can also try making baked garlic butter carrots. This easy and tasty recipe will give you the sweet and tender taste of fresh vegetables with a savory garlic twist.

For those who prefer a bit of spice, roasted honey-glazed carrots and parsnips are another great option. The satisfying sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the beef wellington.