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The delayed European Championships – Euro 2020, kicks off in earnest today and it is most welcome. To celebrate this festival of sport and football that promises to light up summer, here’s a range of snacks you can get stuck into as you’re watching the games.
There were times last year when it looked like we might never return to normality, but with the first major sporting festival getting underway today with stadiums at 25% capacity, it feels as if we’re on the way back. We might be missing some of the usual fanfare and anticipation of the event, but once it kicks off, it promises to be an incredible spectacle that every football fan will enjoy.
You’ll need a few snacks for the matches though, so we’ve got you covered with ideas from the participating nations.
Group A: Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland
Turkey - Pide with Sheep's Cheese Filling
This is a simple and very satisfying flatbread with a salty sheep’s cheese. It goes perfectly with your cold beer to wash it down.
Italy - Pizza Margherita by Ciro Salvo
What better way to enjoy watching the Azzurri than with pizza. Check out this foolproof recipe for homemade pizza by Ciro Salvo, and follow these five tips for the best results.
Wales – Welsh Rarebit
Learn how to make the ultimate comfort food with this Welsh rarebit recipe with Michelin-star chef April Bloomfield.
Switzerland – Maluns
Learn how to make maluns with the three-Michelin-star chef Andreas Caminada. Serve with Alpine cheeses and cured meats.
Group B: Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia
Denmark – Smørrebrød
Get the right way to make the classic Danish open-faced sandwich with pickled herring. Delicious with white wine or cold pilsner.
Finland - Lohikeitto
A rich, creamy, delicious salmon soup from Finland that will definitely hit the spot.
Belgium - Waffles
Start the day the right way with Belgian waffles, and get behind a team that could go all the way in this competition.
Russia - Beef Stroganoff
Learn this classic Russian recipe for beef stroganoff: it's an easy and delicious meat dish.
Group C: Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia
The Netherlands – Poffertjes
The Dutch mini-pancakes make a great breakfast or brunch treat on game day and set you up for the long day ahead.
Ukraine – Chicken Kiev Skewers
Try this Italian take on the classic chicken Kiev that makes skewers from delicious chicken breasts.
Austria – Eggplant Schnitzels
Try this vegetarian take on the classic Austrian fried schnitzel that is every bit as satisfying as the meat-based original.
North Macedonia – Tavče Gravče
A traditional baked bean recipe with a roux and red pepper, usually served with bacon. Filling and delicious.
Group D: England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic
England – Steak and Kidney Pie
It has to be a classic English steak and kidney pie to fill the void left when England go out on penalties to Germany, again.
Croatia – Sarma
This retro video is a real treat and shows how to prepare the classic Croatian stuffed cabbage dish.
Scotland - Salmon Croquettes
Scotland has some of the best salmon in the world so use it to make some salmon croquettes - perfect when you’ve got company for the game.
Czech Republic – Bramborák
Otherwise known as potato latkes, these are a Czech favourite and an easy and tasty way to feed your guests.
Group E: Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia
Spain – Tapas
The perfect way to eat is also made for game day festivities with friends. Have a look at these tapas that everyone should try.
Sweden - Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce
A classic recipe for this Nordic favourite is a hearty and delicious game day treat, either as a snack or as a main course.
Poland – Kulebiak
Try this traditional Polish bread stuffed with cabbage, salmon and eggs.
Slovakia - Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon
Potato pancakes are a traditional Slovak favourite, and this modern take with smoked salmon is a fresh and delicious version to enjoy.
Group F: Hungary, Portugal, France, Germany
Hungary – Goulash
Probably the best-known Hungarian food is the goulash and this is the definitive recipe for you to get a pot on the stove and make sure every one of your guests is well fed.
Portugal – Bacalhau
Salted cod is synonymous with Portugal, and with a little preparation it's an undeniably delicious dish. Celebrate current Euro champions Portugal with this classic fish dish.
France - Coq Au Vin
Do things properly and replicate Paul Bocuse’s coq au vin for when the current World Cup holders play. It might be your pre-final meal.
Germany – Currywurst
Yes. Don’t fight it. Just as the German team are inevitable finalists, the currywurst is also your inevitable favourite Euro 2020 snack. Try this recipe for currywurst sauce and you’ll never look back.
