Ultimate sports night menu

Big match crowd-pleasing recipes

1. Buffalo cauliflower

Plate of buffalo cauliflower with celery sticks and dip

This veggie take on an all-American classic is excellent finger food. Swing your wing around in joy at a goal scored, or dip it in delicious ranch dressing.

Get inspiration for more US favourites, from burgers and hot dogs to pancakes and pies, with our American recipes.

2. Pull-apart meatball sliders

Tray of meatball sliders with a hand lifting one out

These moreish meatball sliders with tomato sauce and melted cheese are perfect for any party. They’re easy to make, taking only 10 minutes to prepare with only three simple steps.

Discover more delicious tear and share recipes.

3. Vegetable samosas

Vegetable samosas on a slate next to a tea towel, plate of samosas and a dip

These beautifully crisp samosas are a crowd-pleasing party number. Being vegan, they can be enjoyed by everyone, and this recipe makes 24 servings.

For more vegan finger food inspiration, check out our vegan canapé recipes.

This addictive crispy fried ‘chicken’ made using tofu is an incredible party food. Dunk in BBQ sauce or devour in a bun with your favourite toppings and a side of coleslaw. It can also be frozen, if you want to prep ahead.

Discover more ideas for replacing meat with our tofu recipes.

5. Popcorn prawn po' boys

Win over guests with a sandwich made famous in Louisiana. It's a great handheld option all year round but is especially perfect for the Super Bowl coming in February 2025. We've used soft sub rolls here, but you could also use a couple of cut-up baguettes.

Sandwiches are a great sports viewing option as there are so many variations and they create minimal mess to eat. Check out our sandwich recipes for new fillings and toppings to try.

Snacks

6. Chilli & ginger nuts

Bowl of nuts coated in chilli, cayenne and ginger

Bar nuts are a great addition to enjoy alongside an ice cold beer or any drink for that matter, and these nuts spiced with chilli, cayenne and curry powder are perfect, though not for the faint-hearted.

Nuts are a brilliant snack; read more about what the top 10 healthiest nuts are.

7. Rosemary, garlic & chilli popcorn

Popcorn is the quintessential screen-time snack. Spice it up with rosemary, chilli and garlic for a flavoursome twist, and it will still be healthy, vegan and gluten-free.

Discover more popcorn recipes.

8. Bean, feta & herb dip

Bowl of bean, feta and herb dip surrounded by tortilla chips

Dill, chive or mint (or a combination of all three) work beautifully in this creamy cannellini dip. Enjoy alongside our homemade tortilla chips.

Discover more dip recipes.

9. Easy sausage rolls

Tray of sausage rolls with sesame seeds on top

These gorgeous golden sausage rolls are easy to make and a surefire winner when entertaining. Enjoy with a chutney or pickle, such as our classic caramelised red onion chutney or try something new like our runner bean chutney. They're also freezable in their uncooked state, so they can be prepared ahead of time and put in the oven when guests arrive.

Discover more wonderful sausage roll recipes.

10. Pizza fondue dip

Hand dipping into bowl of pizza fondue next to garlic bread

Love pizza? That’s a silly question. Who doesn’t? This indulgent fondue dip with tomato, melted cheese and pepperoni is for you. It's excellent sharing food for a party. Enjoy with garlic bread or breadsticks.

Make-ahead drinks

11. Mojito pitcher

A pitcher cocktail is ideal for parties – this mojito one makes six servings, and everyone can help themselves so you don't have to miss any of the sporting action. We also have three twists on this classic if you want some variety.

Check out our mojito recipes.

12. Pimm's

Glass of pimm's with mint, strawberry and cucumber

Pimm’s is a true taste of summer. Serve this fruity punch with fresh mint leaves, strawberries, cucumber and orange. It’s the perfect refreshing beverage to recharge with during halftime.

For more recipes inspired by this staple of English summertime, check out our Pimm's recipes.

13. Blueberry & mint iced tea

Two jugs of blueberry and mint iced tea with fruit

This blueberry & mint iced tea is a fantastic alcohol-free alternative for guests. It’s refreshing and fruity, and unlike its calorific cousin alcohol, it only contains 69 calories per serving!

Discover more refreshing iced tea recipes.

14. Summer punch

Punch bowl of yellow lemon juice next to three glasses with mint leaves

This simple, refreshing drink is designed for a large gathering – it serves 8-10 people and it can be made in one fuss-free step. Swap the sparkling water for champagne to make it celebratory.

Discover more summer drink recipes.

15. Citrus peach cooler

3 glasses and a jug of orange drink with fruit

This citrus peach cooler recipe can easily be doubled or halved. You can also make separate batches depending on whether people want to drink alcohol or not – add schnapps for those who do.

Check out more of our citrus cocktail recipes.

16. Healthy veggie platter

Platter of mixed vegetables with a tahini dip

This moreish meze-style platter is made using a variety of colourful produce such as pepper, courgette and beetroot. Whizz up a butterbean tahini dip and impress guests by offering a delicious homemade brown loaf or seeded wholemeal loaf to enjoy it with.

Discover more fantastic meat-free options with our vegetarian recipes.

17. Meatball marinara fries

Oven chips covered in marinara sauce and meatballs with a fork

Fuse two brilliant cuisines, Italian and American, to create these loaded meatball marinara fries. Top oven chips with a meatball marinara sauce for an inevitable crowd favourite. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to your regular chips, give our courgette fries a go. They’re super simple to prepare, taking only five minutes, and are perfect with a sprinkling of parmesan.

Discover more recipes inspired by Italy with our Italian recipe collection.

18. Cheese & pesto whirls

Breaded swirls with pesto, cheese and sundried tomatoes

These herby cheese and pesto tear-and-share bread rolls are filled with mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes. They taste amazing alone but also work perfectly dipped in hummus or soups, so check out our delicious hummus recipes and soup recipes for inspiration.

Discover a range of delicious bread roll recipes.

19. Mini soft pretzels with cheese dip

Serve these mini pretzels as an ode to Germany hosting the euros. If you’re hosting a grown-up party, you can swap 100ml of the milk in the cheese sauce with pale ale.

Discover more pretzel recipes, from miniature to chocolate coated.

20. Beetroot hummus party platter

Plate of mixed veg and bread with beetroot hummus topped with chickpeas

Our vibrant beetroot hummus party platter is vegan but will be a hit with meat-eaters, too. It also doesn’t involve any cooking, so you won’t work up a sweat in the kitchen. Serve with any veg of your choice; we recommend carrots, cucumber, radish and sugar snaps.

Discover more vegetarian party recipes.

Fakeaway

21. Seitan & black bean stir fry

Seitan in black bean sauce on top of noodles with chillis and lettuce

This handy vegan stir-fry makes a satisfying supper with a sticky, sweet, spicy sauce. Seitan, peanut butter and a mix of veggies is a winning combination. The recipe states it serves four but this could easily be doubled to feed a crowd.

Discover more seitan recipes.

22. Chow mein

Egg noodles in a bowl with chicken and sugar snaps

This classic Chinese dish of stir-fried egg noodles with chicken is a takeaway staple, but you only need 30 minutes to prepare it from scratch. You can also replace the chicken with any meat, vegetables or meat substitute (such as tofu or seitan).

Discover more Chinese fakeaway recipes.

23. Mozzarella-stuffed-crust pizza

Pizza on a dish with slices cut out and plate of pizza

Create your own cheesy masterpiece at home, because you can't beat an oozy stuffed crust. If you want some extra flavour, personalise with your favourite toppings.

Discover more pizza recipes.

24. Chicken biryani

Chicken biriyani in a pan topped with nuts and coriander

This chicken biryani is delicious eaten fresh but leftovers are arguably even better the next day. Made using only one pot, it means less washing-up after everyone else has gone home.

Check out our leftover rice recipes if you have a surplus.

25. Chicken jalfrezi

Skillet of chicken jalfrezi topped with coriander

Save money on a takeaway and try making this fragrant and healthy chicken curry. It contains two of your five-a-day and a good dose of vitamin C.

Discover more spicy and flavourful Indian recipes.

Sweet treats

26. Football pitch party cake

Top this easy traybake with mini football figures and flags for a simple decoration. It’s the perfect cake to get kids and adults alike hyped up for their team to win the euros.

Discover more sharing dessert recipes.

27. S'mores dip

Marshmallow and chocolate dip with a biscuit on the side

This sized-up, super-chocolatey twist on the classic American campfire treat will be gone before you can say ‘mini marshmallow’. Impress your guests by serving with some of our simple homemade biscuits.

Discover more s'mores recipes.

28. Watermelon vodka jelly shots

Tray and plate of watermelon vodka shots

These watermelon jelly shots are a great sweet treat to enjoy during a match. Pour your jelly into a hollowed-out watermelon, slice and pass around.

Discover more jelly recipes for kids and adults.

29. Vegan pecan pie

Pecan pie on a plate cut into two pieces

This magnificent vegan version of the traditional American pecan pie is a crowd-pleasing favourite that everyone can enjoy. Using a store-bought vegan shortcrust pastry makes it incredibly easy to prepare, taking only 15 minutes.

Discover more sweet pie recipes.

30. Boozy brownie trifle

A naughty chocolate version of a traditional trifle and so easy to make. Layer chocolate brownies, custard, Irish cream liqueur and whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Discover more trifle recipes.

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