What to serve at your England vs Croatia World Cup watch party this Wednesday: tasty, simple picks

Tuesday 16 June 2026 17:30 - Juliette Hess
What to serve at your England vs Croatia World Cup watch party this Wednesday: tasty, simple picks

World Cup nights are made for good food, good company and plenty of excitement in front of the television. England begin their campaign on Wednesday, June 17, with a big opening match against Croatia at Dallas Stadium. With kick-off at 9 p.m. in the UK, it is the perfect excuse to turn dinner into a proper football night.


For an England match, the best food is simple, generous and easy to share. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen when the first whistle blows, so the ideal match-day spread is all about recipes that can be prepared ahead, placed on the table and enjoyed throughout the game. Think crispy bites, warm snacks, dips, sandwiches, traybakes and a few lighter options to balance everything out.


Because this is an evening kick-off, the food can sit somewhere between dinner and snacking. You do not necessarily need a formal meal, but the table should feel satisfying enough to carry everyone through 90 minutes and maybe extra time in spirit, even if not on the night. Mini pies, sausage rolls, loaded chips, chicken wings, sliders, cheese boards, dips, fresh vegetables, savoury pastries and sweet bites are all great choices for a relaxed watch party.


The key is to keep things easy to serve and easy to eat. Go for recipes people can pick up between attacks, pass around during half-time or enjoy without missing a big chance. A mix of hot and cold dishes always works well, especially if you are watching with friends or family. Add a few crowd-pleasers, one or two fresh options and something sweet, and you have everything you need for a festive football evening.


So before England walk out for their World Cup opener, get the snacks ready, settle in and make the most of the occasion. Whether you are hosting a full house or keeping things cosy at home, these recipes are perfect for cheering, sharing and enjoying every moment of England vs Croatia.


Here are our best recipes to share:

Delicious and super-quick to make pinsaRecipe Delicious and super-quick to make pinsa

Fancy a quick pizza ? Try pinsa ! With its pre-baked dough that's soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, it's perfect for a quick, super-tasty meal . Here, it's topped with homemade tomato sauce , melty mozzarella, speck and a little arugula...

Cheddar, avocado and ground beef nachos, perfect for a party!Recipe Cheddar, avocado and ground beef nachos, perfect for a party!

In the mood for a fun, crowd-pleasing party snack? These loaded nachos are perfect for sharing with friends! Crispy tortilla chips , melty cheese, well-seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, homemade guacamole... and jalapeños to spice things up: it's a...

Red bell pepper hummusRecipe Red bell pepper hummus

Hummus is a delicious, creamy chickpea paste originating in the Middle East, and it is full of flavor. In the original recipe , there is no red bell pepper , but here we decided to give it a special touch, and it turned out simply irresistible and...

Scotch eggs – scottish-style breaded eggsRecipe Scotch eggs – scottish-style breaded eggs

What if we tried Scottish cuisine? For that, try our breaded eggs ;-)

Buckwheat crepe chips: perfect for an aperitif!Recipe Buckwheat crepe chips: perfect for an aperitif!

To switch things up from classic potato chips, try our recipe for buckwheat crêpe chips. The great thing about making your own chips is that you can flavor them however you like ;-) Here, we've added a hint of dried rosemary to our olive oil and salt...

Flaky flowers - video recipe!Recipe Flaky flowers - video recipe!

A nice folding with puff pastry to get these pretty flowers, perfect for a quick dinner party appetizer !

Super crispy homemade onion and parmesan chipsRecipe Super crispy homemade onion and parmesan chips

You dreamed it, we made it: super-crispy homemade onion and Parmesan chips ! They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for get-togethers with friends or simply snacking on while watching a good movie. With their bold flavor and delightfully...

Cupcakes with cucumber and hummus - video recipe!Recipe Cupcakes with cucumber and hummus - video recipe!

A nice appetizer for vegans, or not, very stylish ! Have this salted cupcake, a very nice way to introduce veggies during a dinner !

How to make a charcuterie board: fold salami into a rose!Recipe How to make a charcuterie board: fold salami into a rose!

Who hasn't dreamed of a charcuterie board accompanied by a glass of wine? It's the perfect way to enjoy a simple, lovely evening with friends or a loved one. And to bring a bit of poetry to your evening, arrange your slices in the shape of a rose! A...

Air fryer zucchini chipsRecipe Air fryer zucchini chips

Here's a deliciously crispy way to enjoy your zucchini with zucchini chips made in the air fryer ! Prepared in no time with zucchini slices, these chips are perfect as a healthy snack or as a side dish with your favorite meals :-) With their...

Zucchini fries cooked in the air fryerRecipe Zucchini fries cooked in the air fryer

Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional French fries? These zucchini fries are for you! Rich in fiber and vitamins, they are cooked in the Air Fryer without the addition of unnecessary fat. The light, crispy breading gives them an...

Avocado hummusRecipe Avocado hummus

A new idea for your appetizer spread: avocado hummus! Not only does it add a vibrant green color, but it also makes your spread creamier and smoother. So grab your veggie sticks or chips and cheers! An easy, quick, and no-cook recipe: simply ideal!...

Little easter pies - video recipe!Recipe Little easter pies - video recipe!

Let's try this little pie baked in an Easter mood with little quail eggs !

Prawn and mango verrines for a sweet-and-savory appetizerRecipe Prawn and mango verrines for a sweet-and-savory appetizer

You thought we were going to leave you without chic recipes for your holiday meal?! You don't know us very well! Here are our prawn and mango verrines , a sweet-and-savory combination your guests will love. An easy-to-make recipe for last-minute...

Microwaved potato chipsRecipe Microwaved potato chips

Potato chips made in the microwave really work and are a practical and surprisingly healthy alternative for those looking for a quick and tasty appetizer or snack without giving up the crunch of traditional snacks. Using only thinly sliced...

White bean and coconut milk hummusRecipe White bean and coconut milk hummus

You probably already know hummus, that silky Lebanese dip made with chickpeas. Today, we add a twist by replacing the chickpeas with white beans. This easy, healthy, inexpensive, and very tasty recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare and is perfect for...

Chicken and avocado quesadillasRecipe Chicken and avocado quesadillas

These chicken and avocado quesadillas are made with wheat tortillas filled with a sautéed mixture of finely chopped chicken, bell peppers, onion, and tomato sauce, along with grated mozzarella and slices of fresh avocado. Cooking them in a pan melts...

Pico de gallo and homemade tortilla chipsRecipe Pico de gallo and homemade tortilla chips

Let's go to Mexico! With this "Pico de gallo" sauce and these homemade tortilla chips, the appetizer promises to be fresh, sunny, and spicy: sure to delight your taste buds and those of your guests :-D To make these two ultra-simple recipes, we provide...

Puff pastry twists with cheese and parsley-garlic butter: a must-have for aperitif timeRecipe Puff pastry twists with cheese and parsley-garlic butter: a must-have for aperitif time

Yes, we can confidently say this is THE recipe everyone will love for aperitif time (and ask you to make again, so get ready!). These flaky twists are as soft as a cloud thanks to the cream cheese, and are lightly seasoned with our homemade...

Microwave sweet potato chipsRecipe Microwave sweet potato chips

Are you tired of the usual potato chips, store-bought crackers, and pâté on toast at snack time? It's time for a change! Here's a nutritious and delicious alternative : sweet potato chips. This healthy snack is not only easy to prepare, but it's...

Mexican chicken drumsticks with a delicious marinadeRecipe Mexican chicken drumsticks with a delicious marinade

Today we're heading to Mexico with these delicious Mexican-style chicken drumsticks for a meal that's super easy to prepare! :-) Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a marinade to die for, the whole family will love them—we guarantee...

Cheese sticksRecipe Cheese sticks

For all the cheese lovers looking for an appetizer recipe, these crispy cheese sticks are sure to hit the spot! Cut your Emmental into sticks, make a dough, and use it to wrap the cheese pieces. After a quick fry, you'll have a gooey inside and a...

Kfc-style crispy chicken tendersRecipe Kfc-style crispy chicken tenders

Do you have chicken breasts and corn flakes? Perfect! With a little milk, eggs, and flour, you can enjoy our crispy chicken recipe!

Red bell pepper hummusRecipe Red bell pepper hummus

Hummus is a delicious, creamy chickpea paste originating in the Middle East, and it is full of flavor. In the original recipe , there is no red bell pepper , but here we decided to give it a special touch, and it turned out simply irresistible and...

Cheese ball appetizersRecipe Cheese ball appetizers

Looking for an appetizer idea that's a nice change from potato chips ? These cheese balls are ready in just a few minutes and always make an impression. Made with ricotta and Parmesan , they're fresh, melt-in-the-mouth and infinitely customizable:...

Cheese and beef yakitori skewersRecipe Cheese and beef yakitori skewers

The perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer: yakitori! These Japanese skewers combine beef marinated in yakitori sauce with hard cheese. Interestingly, you’ll find this recipe in most Japanese restaurants in France, but not in the Land of the Rising Sun. In...

Pinsa with pesto and mortadella, ready in 10 minutes!Recipe Pinsa with pesto and mortadella, ready in 10 minutes!

Need a quick, tasty recipe that's full of fresh flavors? This pesto pinsa is the perfect choice for an easy meal that's sure to impress. With its golden, crispy base, delicate aromas and wonderfully indulgent textures, it brings a real taste of...

Air fryer sweet potato fries, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!Recipe Air fryer sweet potato fries, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!

Discover a crispy and delicious new way to enjoy your favorite sweet potatoes with our sweet potato fries cooked in the air fryer! Perfectly golden fries, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside , without all the fat and calories of...

Marinated chicken skewers in yogurt and lemon sauceRecipe Marinated chicken skewers in yogurt and lemon sauce

Do you have any yogurt left in the fridge? Make a marinade for your chicken pieces! Mix it with lemon, garlic, and cilantro, then let the chicken rest so the meat absorbs all those delicious flavors :-) Then thread the chicken onto skewers and cook...




And our sweet ideas:

Air fryer cinnamon apple chipsRecipe Air fryer cinnamon apple chips

For a healthy and delicious snack , opt for cinnamon apple chips in the air fryer! :-) Crispy and not too sweet, these chips are absolutely perfect for a healthy snack , thanks to air-frying, which requires very little fat. You can also enjoy them...

Popcorn in an air fryer? it's possible!Recipe Popcorn in an air fryer? it's possible!

After seeing this viral trend of air fryer popcorn , we couldn't help but try it out, and the verdict is... Ultra-crispy popcorn in no time! For a movie night at home or an evening watching TV with friends, you'll have popcorn in record time...

Tiramisu-style truffles, the perfect mini version of the italian dessert to enjoy with coffee!Recipe Tiramisu-style truffles, the perfect mini version of the italian dessert to enjoy with coffee!

A call to all tiramisu lovers: here are some completely addictive little treats: tiramisu-style truffles :-) These little marvels combine everything we love in a classic tiramisu: a creamy mascarpone filling , a touch of coffee and a cocoa coating....

The perfect chocolate mousse, incredibly indulgent with a hint of saltRecipe The perfect chocolate mousse, incredibly indulgent with a hint of salt

What if we told you that we fell in love with this chocolate mousse ? And that it might just be the best chocolate mousse we've ever had! :) Ultra-simple to make, it's light, melt-in-your-mouth and terribly delicious... Very few ingredients , very...

Skyr, raspberry and chocolate ice pops. the healthy snack for sunny days!Recipe Skyr, raspberry and chocolate ice pops. the healthy snack for sunny days!

When the sun's beating down and you're craving something cool, it's hard to resist these homemade ice pops , which are as delicious as they are light. There's no need for an ice cream maker or complicated ingredients: just a few basics, a little...

Juliette HessJuliette Hess
I have been creating culinary content for Petitchef since 2017.
I love travelling and discovering new dishes, trying out new food trends and exploring new restaurants.
I’m a huge fan of pasta and noodles in all their forms ❤ from udon noodles to tagliatelle, I love cooking them and even making them from scratch!
I’m currently preparing, filming and photographing your next recipe, and I hope you’ll enjoy it!

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