They’re back! The 2026 Winter Olympics officially start on February 6 and run through February 22, as elite skiers, snowboarders, ice skaters, bobsledders, curlers, lugers, and ice hockey players—nearly 3,000 in all—converge on Milano Cortina to compete for the honor of being called the world’s best. And we’ll all be there in spirit, cheering on the athletes no matter the outcome. It all makes for very hungry work indeed. To keep you fueled up, we’ve pulled together this shortlist of snack ideas you can enjoy on your comfy couch while you watch in awe. Let the games begin!
Old Fashioned Onion Rings
Nellie Mendoza
When the iconic interlocking Olympic rings flash across the screen signifying the five global continents and the athletes taking part in the Winter Games, go on and raise these golden, crispy onion rings in solidarity. This top-rated recipe is battered and fried in oil, but you can go with air-fried onion rings or oven-baked onion rings, too.
Gold Rush
France C
This is what we’ll be drinking during the games. Recipe submitter France C says, “A Gold Rush cocktail is a riff on a whiskey sour using honey syrup instead of simple syrup. This makes enough syrup for 4 cocktails. Serve over a large ice sphere.”
No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake
lynn06sku
Show your support for Team USA with this no-bake cheesecake sporting the iconic red, white, and blue colors of the American flag. Reviewers liked that it was easy to make, very refreshing, and not too sweet. Winning move: To prevent the strawberry juice from leaking onto the cheesecake, wait to place the fruit until just before serving. You could also substitute fresh raspberries, if you prefer.
Italian Flag Verrines
pho1962
Honor the host country by serving up il Tricolore as an appetizer: layers of roasted red peppers and tomatoes, a garlicky ricotta and Parmesan middle, and a green base of zucchini and basil pesto. Serve with crusty bread or crostini.
Chef John’s Cacio e Pepe Taralli (Savory Italian Pretzels)
Chef John
Keeping with the Olympic rings theme, these savory bites are like crunchy, cheesy pretzel-crackers. “This pepper and cheese variety [of taralli] starts with a simple unleavened dough starring white wine and olive oil,” says Chef John. “Rolled into ropes, then into rings, they’re boiled and sprinkled with cheese before baking. Once baked, the cheese forms a crispy wafer in the middle of the ring!”
Italian Popcorn with Parmesan
Is popcorn is your TV snack of choice? Try this spiced up version that gives a nod to the host country for the Winter Olympics. Winning move: Make sure no unpopped kernels sneak into the mix.
Greek-Inspired Snack Board
Since the Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece, we think it’s fitting to include a charcuterie board loaded up with the flavors of modern-day Greece including a tangy feta and yogurt dip, crisp vegetables, pita chips, roasted chickpeas, sliced meats, nuts, grapes, hummus, olives, and anything else that strikes your fancy.
Risotto alla Milanese
Buckwheat Queen
Here’s the star of your Olympic-viewing spread: classic golden risotto with saffron. “Bravo! Finally an AUTHENTIC recipe that made my risotto taste like the one I had at a neighborhood restaurant in Ticino! I’ve seen so many recipes that missed the mark,” says reviewer Colby. “This one is the real thing!”
Cioccolata Calda (Hot Chocolate Italian-Style)
Buckwheat Queen
Italian-style hot chocolate is like a rich, drinkable pudding. “OMG—thanks for the recipe! When we were in Milan it was cold and rainy, and several cups of cioccolata calda kept us warm every day. It is a lovely, thick concoction. Almost like a drinkable pudding. It’s also a drinkable warm hug!” says reviewer JLHOSK.
Gluehwein
Meredith Food Studio
If watching all that skiing and snowboarding gives you the sympathetic shivers, you might like to warm up with a mug of mulled wine. Else shared her father’s recipe and says, “Gluehwein is a German/Austrian winter-holiday drink that most tourists know as an after-ski drink. After you come in out of the snow, it is supposed to make you glow with warmth again. Watch it: Since you drink this wine warm, the alcohol goes to your head extra quick! Drink when you really have come in, and do not have to go out again!”
Hungry for More?
Jessica Furniss
Dining and Cooking