It's not just deep-fried Mars bars and Irn-Bru (though, those are worth a try). If Burns Night – on 25 January – has piqued your interest, check out our favourite Scottish foods, and maybe try making them yourself. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for something different to try for supper, these are the best Scottish and Scottish–inspired recipes, from classic (and vegan) haggis to fish dishes and creamy, fruity desserts. Oh, and there's a deep-fried Mars bar recipe here too...

For a fun twist on classic haggis, why not try these haggis croquettes? Coated in paprika and panko breadcrumbs and served with a whisky-mayonnaise dip, this dish is an easy way to incorporate haggis into your meal without making it the centrepiece. You can make it using vegetarian haggis too.

Get the recipe for haggis croquettes with whisky sauce here

Simple nibbles that are perfect for parties, these tasty bites – created by celebrated Scottish chef Tom Kitchin – are a fancy take on homemade potato scones (or 'tattie scones' as they're commonly known in Scotland). Top them with some Scottish smoked salmon and slices of mature Cheddar for maximum wow-factor.

Get the recipe for Cheddar potato scones here

Hearty and satisfying, Cullen skink is a traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. It's luxuriously thick and creamy in texture, and the smoky flavour of the haddock is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the onions and potatoes. 

Get the recipe for Cullen skink here

Cock-a-leekie is a soup made with chicken, leeks, prunes and (sometimes) barley. As traditionally Scottish as it gets; it's a hearty, comforting dish that makes a great starter or light main course. The name 'cock-a-leekie' simply means 'chicken and leeks'.

Get the recipe for cock-a-leekie soup here

Renowned Scottish chef Tom Kitchin is the brains behind this recipe for yummy Cheddar bites, which make a perfect appetiser or party snack. Apples are mixed with Cheddar and hazelnuts, then encased in filo pastry to create moreish cheesy pockets packed with flavour. Hot tip: you'll want to make a double batch.

Get the recipe for Cheddar bites with apple and hazelnut here

A brilliant way to prepare delicious Scottish salmon is to cure it, a fairly easy preserving process that will take it to the next level. This six-hour cured salmon is infused with delicate-tasting maple syrup, adding a subtle sweetness that strengthens the longer it cures. Plate it up as a starter with lemon, dill and a sour cream topping, or serve it as a canapé on squares of buttered toast.

Get the recipe for maple-cured salmon canapés here

Perhaps the most famous Scottish dish of all, haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes) is often served as the main course in a traditional Burns supper. The savoury pudding is made using sheep offal mixed with oats, onions and spices, and traditionally comes encased in a sheep's stomach. While it may not sound like the most appetising dish, it's a true Scottish delicacy with a wonderfully crumbly texture and a perfect mix of coriander, pepper and nutmeg. Serve with a luscious whisky sauce.

Get the recipe for haggis, neeps and tatties with whisky sauce here

Plant-based versions of haggis are readily available – but it's way more fun to make it at home. This surprisingly easy recipe uses lentils and barley to replicate haggis' crumbly texture, and keeps the traditional blend of spices that makes the dish unique. Serve it with steaming neeps and tatties, and a dram or two of Scotch whisky.

Get the recipe for vegan haggis here

A sumputous slow-cooked dish, beef olives consist of thinly sliced steak wrapped around sausage meat, black pudding or haggis. The parcels are braised in gravy with onion and vegetables for a couple of hours, so you can take some time to work up an appetite before serving. Incredibly warming and comforting, this one's perfect for a wee midweek meal.

Now take a look at our best slow cooker recipes

Looking for a modern Scottish recipe that features haggis? Try Chicken Balmoral: chicken breasts stuffed with haggis, wrapped in bacon or ham, then baked or grilled. The dish is named after Balmoral Castle, the royal residence in Scotland, and is an elegant yet easy-to-make meal that tastes heavenly when served with gravy and mashed potatoes.

Scottish scallops are prized for their sweet, delicate flavour and firm texture, and they're often served seared or pan-fried. For a modern twist on scallops that's guaranteed to impress your dinner guests, try baking them with chipotle butter.

Get the recipe for baked scallops with chipotle butter here

This light-as-air soufflé is another brilliant recipe from Scottish chef Tom Kitchin. While the prospect of making a soufflé may sound intimidating, this impressive-looking dish is surprisingly easy to whip up at home – and it uses strong Cheddar and Scottish smoked salmon, so you know it's going to taste delicious.

Get the recipe for Cheddar cheese soufflé with smoked salmon here

For a show-stopping main, try this maple and whisky glazed poached lobster. The luxurious recipe was reated by Scottish chef Peter McKenna, chef director and co-owner of The Gannet – a 3 AA Rosette restaurant in Glasgow with a menu inspired by seasonal, local produce. Utterly irresistible, the lobster is enriched with the mouth-watering aromas of Scottish whisky and smoked butter.

Get the recipe for maple and whisky glazed poached lobster

When it comes to salmon, Scotland truly shines. The ice-cold, crystal-clear waters of the North Atlantic provide the perfect environment for these fish to thrive. Not only that, but Scotland's sustainable aquaculture practices and strict quality control standards also help to produce a truly succulent delicacy that will leave your taste buds tingling. Whether or not you can get hold of Scottish salmon, try these fish cakes for a fabulous dinner party main.

Get the recipe for smoked salmon fish cake here

Tom Kitchin’s rich fisherman’s pie is a tasty dish that'll feed the whole family. Take any fish of your choice, mix it with a creamy béchamel sauce and top with cheesy mashed potatoes for a truly sumptuous meal that celebrates the best of Scottish cuisine. To make it extra special, use the catch of the day and serve with a light salad.

Get the recipe for Cheddar fisherman’s pie here

Scotch pancakes (also known as drop scones) are smaller and thicker than traditional pancakes, making them perfect for a snack or sweet dessert. They taste delicious topped with fresh berries and a dollop of cream, or a drizzle of custard.

Get Lisa Faulkner's Scotch pancakes recipe here

The sweetest way to celebrate Scotland is by rounding off a Burns supper with this layered dessert. Cranachan is a creamy, fruity delight that's made by layering whipped cream, whisky, toasted oats and fresh berries. The oats are toasted in the oven to give them a nutty flavour, then steeped in whisky to create a rich, satisfying texture.

Get the recipe for traditional Scottish Cranachan here

Take a famous Scottish tradition and bring it bang up to date with this tempting cranachan cheesecake. As you might guess, it combines all the flavours of classic cranachan (raspberries, rolled oats and plenty of cream) in stunning cheesecake form, and it comes with a boozy Drambuie kick.

Get the recipe for cranachan cheesecake here

A clootie dumpling is a sweet treat made with dried fruits and a suet pastry dough, similar to a fruit pudding. The dough is formed into a round shape, wrapped in a cloth – a 'clootie' – and then boiled for several hours. Slice and serve with a generous splash of vanilla custard for the ultimate celebratory dessert.

Get the recipe for clootie dumpling here

A British classic that features the best of Scotland’s flavours, this raspberry-and-custard trifle packs a delicious punch of honey liqueur. The Tipsy Laird is the perfect dessert to prep ahead of a Burns Night bash, whether in individual servings or as one big centrepiece.

Get the recipe for Tipsy Laird trifle here

This unique and delicious ice cream cranachan sundae recipe comes from innovative chef Heston Blumenthal. Irresistibly fruity and creamy, it's a seriously decadent way to end a Burns Night meal.

Get the recipe for Heston Blumenthal's ice cream cranachan sundae here

Dundee cake is a traditional Scottish fruitcake crowned with a beautiful arrangement of blanched almonds. Rich and zesty, it's the perfect treat to have with a cup of tea (or an after-dinner sip of whisky, if you're so inclined). Some believe the cake was first made for Mary, Queen of Scots back in the 16th century. Whether or not the rumours are true, it's certainly got the royal seal of approval – the tasty bake was a well-known favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Get the recipe for Dundee cake here

The craze for deep-frying Mars bars took off in Scottish chip shops during the 1990s – and while the sweet snack is rather indulgent, it really is delicious. If you feel like trying it at home, all you'll need is a chilled Mars bar and some batter. Make the batter by mixing 125g plain flour, 60g of cornflour and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda, then add soda water or beer until the batter is the consistency of cream. Dip your cold Mars bar in the batter, deep-fry until golden, and enjoy. There should be enough batter for a few bars.

Indulge in the hearty flavours of Scotland with these traditional Scottish oatcakes. Crafted from Scottish oats, flour and butter, they're a rustic, nutty treat that's easy to make at home. Enjoy them with a chunk of tangy cheese, a drizzle of sweet heather honey or a spoonful of jam.

Get the recipe for Scottish oatcakes here

What better way to finish your Burns Night supper than by toasting Scotland's fantastic cuisine with this layered coffee cocktail? The bold, indulgent recipe combines Scottish honey liqueur, whisky and coffee with a delicate layer of cream – and it'll set you up nicely for a post-dinner snooze.

Get the recipe for Scottish coffee cream cocktail here