Mark my word, as surely as the national anthem will play, there’ll be big hits, unforgettable footwork and an equal display of sheer joy and open weeping when the final siren sounds. 

But what if you can’t score a ticket to the big game? Organise the next best thing—good friends, half time shenanigans and delicious food.

We can’t help with the friends or half time antics, but we can make the food something to remember. The recipes below are quick enough not to take you away from the game and delicious enough to keep all the armchair referees happy.

White line fever wings

The pre-game entertainment might be falling as flat as Meatloaf and Richie Sambora combined but these sticky wings are bound to impress.

Step 1 – Night before - Combine all ingredients in a big bowl, add the chicken and marinate overnight in the fridge.
Step 2 – On the day - Put chicken and marinade in a baking dish. Pop into a preheated 200˚C oven for about 30 minutes until sauce is sticky and wings are ready to devour.

Grocery list
¼ cup tomato sauce
1/3 cup BBQ sauce
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbs soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tbs honey
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
1 kg chicken wings

Putting in the hard yard’s potato skins

You only need one hand to eat these beauties so bring them out when the game’s heating up and all eyes need to be on the screen.

Step 1 – Night before - Cut sweet potatoes in half and bake at 200˚C for 1 hour or until tender. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon leaving the skins intact. Mash with butter and salt and pepper. 
Step 2 – Night before – Add drained corn kernels, spring onion and grated cheese to the mash, and use a spoon to fill the skins. Top with cheese and diced bacon and store in the fridge overnight.
Step 3 – One the day - Put potato skins on a baking tray and roast for 15 minutes until cheese melted, and bacon crisp. Top with a dollop of sweet chili sauce and watch them disappear.

Grocery list
4 x small to medium sweet potatoes
125g can corn kernels
2 spring onions
2 cups grated tasty cheese
4 x bacon rasher
1 x bottle sweet chili sauce

Half thyme posh snags  

Your team might be a bit shaky at half time so settle those nerves with the ultimate sausage in bread. 

Step 1 – Coat chopped onions and sprigs of thyme in olive oil and cook on heated BBQ until golden.
Step 2 – Get some quality sausages and char to your liking.
Step 3 – Divide and split the baguettes and toast on the BBQ. When done spread roll with mustard, add sausages, onion and sliced tomatoes. Don’t forget the tomato relish! 

Grocery list
2 x brown onions
6 x sausages
2 x baguettes
Dijon mustard
2 x ripe tomatoes
1 jar Tomato relish

Full credit to the nachos

Celebrate or commiserate with these ultra-quick nachos. Best served when full credit needs to go to the boys.

Step 1 – Place tortilla chips on a baking tray, top with dollops of salsa, oodles of cheese, a sprinkling of spring onions and a dash of chili.
Step 2 – Put under the grill until cheese melted. Serve with bowl of guacamole and sour cream. Grab them while their hot! 

Grocery list
1 x Packet tortilla chips
250g cheddar cheese
1 x jar salsa
1 x tub Guacamole
1 x tub Sour cream
3 x Spring onions
Chili flakes