Hosting a games night is one of the best ways to entertain your friends. It's a low-fuss, casual event that's a world away from a formal dinner party — but it still gives you a chance to show off your culinary skills. Impress your friends with these dishes, which will have everyone talking about your games night for weeks to come.
The best games night food ideas
Of course, along with some avocado-stuffed devilled eggs , you could just serve a selection of party food from the supermarket. But if you give it a little more effort, you can turn your games night from good to great. When planning what to serve, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Games night food should be easy to eat. Think about things that are already in bite-sized pieces — you really don't want your guests messing around with knives and forks.
- Ideally, you want snacks that can be eaten one-handed. That way, your guests won't have to put down their cards.
- Go for crowd-pleasers. Look at pizza recipes, mini burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and so on. This isn't the time for fancy French cuisine!
- Good games night food shouldn't be too messy. Board games can be expensive, and you don't want them to end up covered in grease stains. Think of ways to serve food to keep the mess at bay, such as bite-sized morsels on cocktail sticks and sandwiches wrapped in greaseproof paper.
Games night food on a budget
It's easy to make games night food cheap and cheerful. Think of your favourite student meals, as they'll often work well on a games night. Look for recipes that take a small amount of meat and stretch it out. For example, if you're making nachos, you can have more beans and less mince for a budget-friendly twist. This bacon & capsicum flatbread pizza is a great example of a recipe that's light on cost but big on flavour.
Games night food for fussy eaters
When planning a games night, it's essential to ask friends if they have any dietary requirements. You'll have to keep track of allergies, medical restrictions, specialist diets (such as vegetarianism or veganism), as well as any particular preferences. Phew! Yes, it can be difficult, but you want everyone to have fun, right?
Consider how to manage different conditions. For example, if someone has a nut allergy, you can't serve any dishes with nuts at all, as even airborne particles can be extremely dangerous. However, if you have just one vegetarian pal, you can still serve meat dishes for the rest. Just make sure your veg-loving friend has enough food to keep them happy—and don't let the meat-eaters hog all the hummus.
Preparing games night food without wasting time in the kitchen
You don't want to spend your games night hiding in the kitchen while your guests have fun. Look for foods you can prepare in advance, and either reheat them at the last minute or serve the dishes cold. There are so many great sandwich recipes that you can make a couple of hours before. You could also whip up a selection of dips and keep them in the fridge until your guests arrive.
Another good choice for an almost effortless meal is a cheese & charcuterie board. Pile it high with different kinds of cheese, cold cuts of meat, chutneys, crackers and some fruit, like grapes or raisins. Just make sure to have enough vegetarian dishes for your guests!
The best ways to serve your games night food
Think about how to minimise fuss and mess. Hot, saucy items, like this yummy chipotle steak sandwich, can be wrapped in sheets of greaseproof paper. This way, your guests can eat with their fingers without getting dirty.
If you love to show off your hosting skills, think creatively. For example, you can buy a set of Chinese takeaway cartons to serve portions of your favourite stir-fry recipes. These are easy and fuss-free to eat, assuming your guests know how to wield a pair of chopsticks. Try this sweet and sticky Asian pork for meat-eating guests, or replace the pork with cubes of tofu to keep vegetarians happy.
Games Night Foods FAQ
What kind of food do you serve at a games night?
Games night food should be simple and easy to eat. Think of dips, snacks like popcorn, or things you can eat with your hands. Just don't make it too messy, or you risk ruining your board games.
What is the best thing to eat on a games day?
Think of crowd-pleasing dishes that everyone loves, like nachos, pizza, sandwiches and so on. Don't forget that some people have a sweet tooth. A tray of brownies or a plate of biscuits is always welcome.
What shouldn't I eat on games day?
Games night food should never be too formal. If you need both hands to hold cutlery, forget it! Try to avoid really greasy or crumbly food, too, as it can make a mess.
What should I prepare for games night?
Before a games night, make sure you have plenty of space, with comfy chairs and a clear table. Check that your games aren't missing any vital pieces, and get some snacks and drinks ready.
What are healthy games night snacks?
Try serving dips, like hummus or guacamole, with sticks of carrots, celery and peppers for dipping. These are great alternatives to crisps. Air-popped popcorn is tasty and moreish while being light on calories, too. Of course, a fruit platter is always welcome as well.