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 pinsaRecipe Delicious and super-quick pinsa

Fancy an express pizza ? Try the 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 accompanied by a homemade tomato sauce , soft mozzarella, speck and a...

Garnished nachos perfect for an aperitif dinner!Recipe Garnished nachos perfect for an aperitif dinner!

In the mood for a different kind of aperitif that will delight everyone? These topped nachos are the perfect way to share a convivial, ultra-gourmet moment! Crispy tortilla chips , melting cheese, well-seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, homemade...

Red bell pepper hummusRecipe Red bell pepper hummus

In the original recipe , this creamy chickpea paste does not contain red pepper , but here we decided to give it a special touch and it's simply irresistible and very fragrant. A recipe to enjoy as a starter or appetizer , accompanied by pita...

Scotch eggs - scottish breaded eggsRecipe Scotch eggs - scottish breaded eggs

What if we tried Scottish cuisine? This specialty is easy and fun to cook ;)

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

For a change from classic potato chips and to vary the pleasures, try our recipe for buckwheat crepe chips. The advantage of making your own chips is that you can flavor them as you wish ;-) Here, we've added a hint of dried rosemary to our olive oil +...

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 dreamt it, we did it: super-crispy homemade onion and parmesan chips ! Ultra-simple to prepare, they're perfect for your aperitifs with friends or just to nibble on in front of a good movie. With their spicy taste and crunchy texture, these...

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? rose folding with salami!Recipe How to make a charcuterie board? rose folding with salami!

Who hasn't dreamed of a charcuterie board accompanied by a glass of wine? The assurance of a simple and effective evening with friends or loved ones. And to bring a bit of poetry to your evening, arrange your slices in a rose! A great tip for the...

Air fryer zucchini chipsRecipe Air fryer zucchini chips

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

Zucchini fries cooked in airfryerRecipe Zucchini fries cooked in airfryer

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 hummus with a twistRecipe Avocado hummus with a twist

A new idea to accompany your appetizer: 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 verrinesRecipe Prawn and mango verrines

You thought we were going to leave you without chic recipes for your holiday meal?! Here are our prawn and mango verrines for a sweet/savory combination that your guests will love. An easy-to-make preparation for last-minute verrines that we...

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 substituting chickpeas with white beans. This easy, healthy, economical, and very tasty recipe can be prepared in just 5 minutes and is perfect for...

Chicken and avocado quesadillasRecipe Chicken and avocado quesadillas

Travel to Mexico with our homemade quesadillas recipe! Filled with chicken and avocado, you'll love these little triangular sandwiches! Very easy to make, this recipe will give you the chance to use wheat tortillas in a different way than for fajitas...

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...

Cheese twists with cheese and parsley: the must-have appetizerRecipe Cheese twists with cheese and parsley: the must-have appetizer

Yes, we can clearly say that this recipe is THE recipe that everyone will love for the appetizer (and they'll ask you for more, so get ready!). Flaky twists that are soft as a cloud thanks to the addition of cream cheese and slightly enhanced with our...

Microwave sweet potato chipsRecipe Microwave sweet potato chips

Are you tired of the typical potato chips, industrial crackers and toasts 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 also...

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

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

Cheese sticksRecipe Cheese sticks

For all the cheese lovers out there, this incredibly easy recipe for crispy cheese sticks will make you happy! Cut your Emmental cheese 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...

Crispy chicken tenders like kfcRecipe Crispy chicken tenders like kfc

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

In the original recipe , this creamy chickpea paste does not contain red pepper , but here we decided to give it a special touch and it's simply irresistible and very fragrant. A recipe to enjoy as a starter or appetizer , accompanied by pita...

Cheese ball appetizersRecipe Cheese ball appetizers

Looking for an appetizer idea that's a 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: roll...

Cheese and beef yakitori skewersRecipe Cheese and beef yakitori skewers

The perfect appetizer that everyone will agree on: Yakitori! These Japanese skewers combine marinated beef in a Yakitori sauce and hard cheese. Interestingly, you will find this recipe in most Japanese restaurants in France but not in the Land of the...

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

Need a recipe that's quick, tasty and full of freshness? This pesto pinsa is the perfect option for an easy meal that packs a punch every time. With its crispy golden dough, delicately fragrant flavors and ultra-gourful textures, it brings a real...

Sweet potato fries in the air fryer, for a crispy-soft result!Recipe Sweet potato fries in the air fryer, for a crispy-soft result!

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

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

Do you have leftover yogurt in the fridge? Create a marinade for your chicken pieces! Mixed with lemon, garlic, and cilantro, just let it rest so the meat absorbs all these delicious flavors :-) Then, some skewers, cooking on the barbecue, in the...




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 at the Air Fryer! :-) Crispy and very little sweet, these chips will be absolutely perfect for a healthy snack , thanks to cooking in the Air Fryer, where very little fat is required....

Popcorn with airfryer, it's possible!Recipe Popcorn with airfryer, it's possible!

After seeing this viral trend of Air Fryer popcorn , we couldn't help but try it out, and verdict... Ultra-crisp popcorn in no time! For a movie night at home or a TV dinner with friends, you'll have popcorn in record time thanks to powerful Air...

Tiramisu-style rochers, the italian dessert in mini portions perfect with coffee!Recipe Tiramisu-style rochers, the italian dessert in mini portions perfect with coffee!

Alert to all tiramisu lovers, here are some completely addictive mignardises: rochers tiramisu-style :-) These little marvels combine everything we love in a classic tiramisu: a creamy mascarpone , a touch of coffee and a cocoa coating. Perfect for...

The perfect chocolate mousse, ultra gourmet with a hint of saltRecipe The perfect chocolate mousse, ultra gourmet 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 creams. the healthy snack for sunny days!Recipe Skyr, raspberry and chocolate ice creams. 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 creams Here, there's no need for an ice cream maker or complicated ingredients: just a few basics, a little patience... and you're ready to go!...

Juliette HessJuliette Hess
I’ve been creating culinary content at Petitchef for over 7 years.
I love traveling and discovering new dishes, trying out new culinary trends, and exploring new restaurants.
I’m a pasta fan in all its forms ❤ from udon noodles to tagliatelle, I love cooking it and even making it homemade!
Right now, I’m preparing, filming, and photographing your next recipe, and I hope you’ll love it!

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