Four in 10 Brits prefer festive ‘picky bits’ to Christmas lunch – with baked cheese the nation’s favourite

Christmas dinner is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the festive season.

But four in 10 Brits prefer ‘picky bits’ to the full meal – with baked cheese the nation’s favourite – according to a survey.

Researchers at Asda asked 2,000 adults about their food plans as the festive season approaches.

According to the findings, Brits tuck into four party spreads over the winter holidays with 74 per cent saying they plan to host a festive dinner or lunch party.

Some 36 per cent said they actually prefer small platters or a buffet-style feast to a traditional sit-down meal.

Baked cheese such as camembert or a fondue topped the leaderboard, with 50 per cent of respondents saying it was among their favourite of all picky bits.

Mini sausage rolls, pigs in blankets, cheese straws and mini pizzas also ranked high on the list.

Old-school favourites such as potato salad, pate and mini quiches were also a favourite, while more modern options such as chorizo and ‘posh crisps’ made an appearance.

Asda have recently unveiled a two-metre fondue fork to help Brits reach baked cheese – voted the nation’s favourite ‘picky bit’

Further down the rankings – but still important for some – was meatballs, vol-au-vents and even mini gherkins.

Data from Asda show that sales of platters and olives are up 55 per cent year-on-year, while sales of cheese bakes have risen by nearly 10 per cent.

Their research also revealed that the worst buffet ‘crimes’ include putting olive pits back in the bowl, dripping melted cheese over the table and cutting pate or cheese with a used knife.

‘The festive spread is where Christmas memories are made,’ a spokeswoman for the supermarket said.