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football and chrismas snacks

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Jingle Balls: Festive Snacks for Watching the World Cup

FDL
By
Fine Dining Lovers
Editorial Staff

The FIFA World Cup 2022 is here. Yes, we know it might seem a bit wrong with both Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner. But stick with us, as we have some festive feel-good food to make it all seem right again.

Instead of a summer of football-fuelled outdoor BBQs and World Cup parties, nurture yourself through this wintery World Cup with our star-studded line-up of delicious savoury and sweet festive snacks.

If you're gathering round the telly for a World Cup watching party, we've got you covered. Whether your team wins or loses on the pitch, you'll always come out on top in the kitchen with these sumptuous snacks.

Caprese skewers

To kick us off, these easy-to-make caprese skewers with tomato and mozzarella are a fun and colourful addition to any party, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas or the World Cup - just be sure to hide the actual skewers in case it really does kick off.

 

Roast pork and cranberry

You only need one chance to score with these pork and cranberry jelly Christmas canapés, which offer all those sought-after festive flavours in a single bite.

 

Cranberry brie bites

These hot, creamy, tart and cheesy bites are the perfect hot appetisers, and a welcome distraction from any anxious penalty shootout.

 

Duck and onion canapes

Going for duck this Christmas? Try a prequel, and test those festive flavours on your World Cup party guests with these delicious duck and onion chutney canapés.

 

Savoy cabbage with rice and mushroom stuffing

These umami-rich vegan cabbage wraps are the perfect plant-based finger food if you're looking for a meat substitute, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or you're watching your team of vegetables exit the World Cup in the group stage.

 

Vegan potato cakes

It's extra time for vegans with these plant-based potato cakes. Containing cabbage, carrots and soy sauce, they are so easy to make, they cook in a muffin tin. Just rustle up an extra large batch of mash and you're away.

 

Eggplant tower

Crown your World Cup watching party table with this Thanksgiving favourite, a tower of pan-fried eggplant, vegetables and tofu. 

 

Turkey burgers with cranberry sauce

Burgers are the perfect food for watching football. So why not go seasonal, and harness all those festive flavours in these turkey burgers with cranberry sauce. 

 

Meatballs

From footballs to meatballs. Like the beautiful game, meatballs lend themselves to many styles and interpretations around the world. So, pick your favourite team, and pick a recipe to match. Here's a winning guide to all types of meatballs.

 

Mondeghili

More meatballs here, with mondeghili - the ultimate Lombardian appetiser. Serve them out of hand-held paper cones for a street food feel, and imagine you're outside the stadium prior to the big match.

 

Pizza

Slices of hot homemade pizza will make any crushing loss or euphoric victory taste even better. Try this recipe for a classic margherita by award-winning pizziaolo Ciro Salvo. Why not also get tips from the Top 50 Pizza winners?

 

Mince pies

Who ate all the mince pies? That will be you and your friends when you get your hands on these easy-to-bake British Christmas teatime treats that say Christmas has arrived.

Gingerbread men

Cook up your favourite team as gingerbread men. Make a squad-sized batch of 26 so that everyone gets to nibble their star player / snap his legs off, depending on performance.

 

Struffoli

If only a 'worldie' will do come dessert time, try this classic Italian dessert from Naples. This recipe for Italian struffoli will hit the target in style.

 

Pumpkin and apricot tartlets

These impressive seasonal tartlets are a Thanksgiving favourite, but will make a great addition to any World Cup party table. Discover the best pumpkin and apricot meringue tartlet here.

 

Christmas candy

Make any World Cup victory taste even sweeter with a selection of homemade candy.

 

Christmas bars

If things aren't going to pan on the pitch, try offering these sweet and chewy Christmas bars, to keep the opposition quiet.

 

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