Suarez isn’t the only one at the World Cup that’s hungry! As the best players in the world gear up for the final matches of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, we’ve assembled the top snacks that can help you celebrate. Score some major points with these tasty and easy-to-eat snacks!
Pão de Queijo
For Brazil, it was a tough loss against Germany in the semi-finals, but the host nation still has plenty to be proud of. Celebrate the World Cup host by making this popular Brazilian snack! Pão de Queijo, also known as cheese bread, is a small bundle of baked joy. It has a crispy outside, but an amazingly soft and chewy inside that’s bursting with cheese flavor. It’s the perfect snack to make for your friends, family, and fellow soccer fans. Bonus: They look like little soccer balls! Check out a recipe here.
Argentinian Beef Empanada
For all the Argentina fans out there, try snacking on these delightful beef empanadas. An empanada is a stuffed bread or pastry that’s either baked or fried. Called Empanadas Mendocinas in Argentina, they’re traditionally baked and filled with beef, onions, paprika, eggs, and spices. These empanadas pair perfectly with a chimichurri sauce. Try an empanada recipe, and Lionel Messi might just come running to your door begging to try some!
German Soft Pretzels
Germans are great at many things. They’re great at soccer and they’re great at making delicious food. Soft German pretzels make for an authentic snack, known for its dark, burnished skin and chewy middle. They are so much more than a twisted bread, and they’re just the right size for snacking. Try them with coarse salt sprinkled on top, accompanied with mustard, or with a savory cheddar beer sauce. Here’s a recipe you can try for the final game!
German Bratwurst
Any summer event is a great excuse to grill, and the World Cup is no exception. With Germany in the final, light up your barbeque, and grill some bratwurst! Of course, we’re not talking regular ol’ hot dogs; we’re talking some mean German sausages topped with sauerkraut, braised onions, and mustard on a nice, toasty bun. You can buy some at your local store, or make your own sausages using this recipe.
Dutch Bitterballens
If you’re rooting for the Netherlands in today’s quarterfinal game against Argentina, whip up this easy, traditional Dutch snack before watching Netherland’s Robin Van Persie go after the ball like the Flying Dutchman! The Bitterballen is a savory Dutch meatball that contains a mixture of beef or veal that’s typically served with mustard. These meatballs make a great party snack, and there are plenty of them to go around. Try making these meat Bitterballens yourself! You can also make a vegetarian version using mushrooms, like in this recipe.
Guacamole
No matter which team you cheer for, what’s a sporting event without some good ol’ chip and dip? Our go-to is classic guacamole, which you can eat with your preferred tortilla chip. Grab your avocados, onions, cilantro, and start mashing away! Here are some tips on how to make the best guacamole.