The World Cup is coming, and with it, the ultimate battle: who can fuel their viewing party with the most epic snacks? Step forward, chef Max Halley, with two show-stopping recipes that'll leave your mates cheering – not just for their team, but for these unbeatable bites. We're talking 'Reuben-esque' hot dogs that'll make you feel like you're sitting in the Big Apple's iconic Katz's Deli, and prawn toasts that will redefine what it means to be a fan favourite.
Halley knows his stuff when it comes to comfort food, but these two creations take the biscuit. Perfectly paired with an ice-cold beer (or three), they're designed to wow your guests, whether you win or lose. And the best part? They're ridiculously easy to make in advance, so you can focus on what really matters – that match.
The 'Reuben-esque' hot dog is a real game-changer. Smoked sausages (think kielbasa myśliwska or frankfurters) get the royal treatment in a bun smothered with homemade Russian dressing, tangy sauerkraut, crunchy caraway seeds, and a crispy pangrattato for good measure. Halley swears by sourcing your sausages from local Polish delis – trust us, it makes all the difference.
And then there's the prawn and sausage toast – the ultimate match-day twist on a classic. With input from chef Lorcan Spiteri, this beauty blends raw king prawns with sausagemeat, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a dash of red chilli for added kick. The sausagemeat adds a denser texture that'll have your mates begging for more – serve it up with sweet chilli sauce or on its own, either way, it's a winner.
So, how do you get involved? 'Reuben-esque' hot dogs prep in just 10 minutes and cook for 20, yielding two generous portions. The prawn toasts take a bit more time – 10 minutes of prep, an hour or so to chill, and 30 minutes cooking time – but trust us when we say it's worth the effort. With straightforward steps and ingredients that are easy to source, you'll be well on your way to hosting the ultimate match-day feast.