5 winning recipes for the big game

Baked potatoes with a twist

With their bacon and cheddar flavours and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these easy-to-make mini baked potatoes will definitely earn MVP status! Serve them hot, serve them warm, serve them on a fancy platter or in the middle of the table with dill-and chive-flavoured sour cream. Prefer a dip with a bit of a kick? Swap out the herbs for a hot sauce like Sriracha. If you want to chill before the game with an aperitive, prepare these little guys the night before and just pop them in the oven a few minutes before serving.

Mini bacon stuffed potatoes

Preparation 30 minutes
Cooking time 25 minutes
Servings 30

PAIRINGS

The bold flavours of bacon and cheddar will enjoy the accessibility of an easy-drinking red featuring smoky notes, like a South African Pinot Noir for example. Thanks to their fruity attack, wines of the Fruity and medium-bodied taste tag will also be a hit served chilled. Beer is also a logic option to balance the saltiness and greasiness (and deliciousness) of this recipe. The light and refreshing properties of a blonde beer will get the job done right!

Mac and cheese muffins

For a different take on mac and cheese, use your favourite recipe to make… muffins! Cook the macaroni in mini portions, using non-stick silicone moulds or, failing that, parchment paper. Use breadcrumbs for crust, placing them at the bottom of the moulds. To serve, arrange them on a tray. These macaroni bites are just right for a TV night, and for lunch any day.

Mac-and-cheese bites

Preparation 15 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
Servings 40

PAIRINGS

For wines, there’s no better match than the enveloping texture and bouquet of white wines under the Aromatic and mellow taste tag. Graced with notes of butter, white fruits, stone and/or exotic fruits, they will bring out another dimension in these bites. Contrasting the fattiness of the dish with their well-marked freshness, rosés from the Fruity and medium-bodied tag will bring a little sunshine to the table. Light, fruity and spicy, white beers also make for a good option.

Mexican salad

If bites served while watching sports are usually rather aimed at meat-lovers, a little freshness is always welcome. This colourful salad is suitable for vegetarians (and vegans, omitting the sour cream) and will delight guacamole fans. Serve it with a cocktail to at least feel like you’re on vacation.

Mexican salad

Preparation 15 minutes
Cooking time none
Portion 4 to 6 bolws

PARINGS

It’s all about freshness when it comes to pairings for this recipe, which is as inviting as it is succulent. A premixed mojito or gin and tonic totally fit the bill but also have the advantage of displaying a moderate alcohol content. If you’re in the mood for sparkling wine, a white wine or a cider, take your pick from the Fruity and vibrant taste tag.

Spinach and cheese stuffed baguette

The warm bread and cheese combo is rarely turned down, especially in the cold season. The secret to getting more complex bites, and to be able to brag about cooking, is to add garlic, spinach and above all to play with the textures and profiles of the different cheeses. Hard not to ask for seconds.

Spinach and cheese stuffed baguette

Preparation 15 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
Servings 24

PAIRINGS

The saltiness of the cheeses and vegetal notes from the spinach will benefit from the liveliness and herbaceous side of Sauvignon Blanc. Beer lovers can turn to thirst-quenching blond lagers for an easy and natural pairing. If you’re feeling like mode fancy bubbles, sparkling wines like Cava or Prosecco and just the thing.

Chicken wings with honey, ginger and soy

Not without my wings! This game-night classic gets more flavourful and complex with sweet and salty notes that allow for interesting pairings. These are definitely finger-licking good, but still, don’t forget a generous pile of napkins.

Chicken wings with honey,
ginger and soy

Preparation 5 minutes
Cooking time 30 minutes
Servings 4

PAIRINGS

Recalling vanilla, maple and/or mild spices, the profile of the wines from the Aromatic and supple taste tag will offer a nice complement to the recipe’s ingredients. Carried by their sweetness and often exotic and floral accents, white wines of the Fruity and sweet taste tag offer a refreshing alternative. As for cocktails, the marriage of a rum and cola’s caramelized notes with the wing’s sweet side is surprising, in a good way.

Cocktail ideas

Try one of these easy to mix classics so you don’t miss any game time.

Photos: Maude Chauvin