Bonfire Night Recipe Ideas: Food & Activities At Home

Bonfire Night at home: A dazzling dark blue backdrop with fireworks and decor

Ignite the spirit of Bonfire Night from the comfort of your home with our delightful guide to Bonfire Night recipes and activities. From twinkling sparkler ideas to creative crafts, and mouth-watering recipes, here's your blueprint for a magical Bonfire Night at home.

Bonfire Night Fireworks Gif

What is Bonfire Night?

Bonfire Night is an evening that’s celebrated in the UK on November 5th of each year. It commemorates the failed gunpowder plot of November 5, 1605, an attempt by Guy Fawkes to assassinate the king at the time.


It’s typically celebrated with bonfires and firework displays across the UK.

Bonfire Night Fireworks Gif

Bonfire Night Tips

Are you planning to have a Bonfire Night at home? Here’s some tips to ensure your event runs smoothly!


Wrap up warmly: November is a chilly month, especially during the dark evenings! Stay cosy by piling on layers and set up a designated area for warm clothing, ensuring gloves and scarves are within reach as you enjoy the night's activities.


Illuminate your space: Set the scene for your bonfire night by transforming your garden into a twinkling wonderland with fairy lights draped along fences and tree branches. Opt for solar or battery-powered LEDs for a bright and eco-friendly choice.


Try glowing accessories: Add a sparkle to the night with glow-in-the-dark accessories. Kids and adults alike will enjoy sporting glowing bangles, necklaces, or even glow sticks as they dance around the bonfire. Plus, it makes for some great group photos too!

bonfire night colourful rockets GIF

Bonfire Night Crafts

Sparkler rings: Engage the little ones with fun crafts like sparkler rings made from glittery pipe cleaners or cardboard rockets decorated with colourful papers and glitters. Create miniature paper 'Guys' as a modern, safe twist to the tradition.


Cardboard rockets: Don’t throw your empty toilet rolls away! Combine them with tissue paper, coloured cardboard and loads of glitter to make mini rockets.


Paper Guy Fawkes: Traditional Guys tend to be life-sized, but if that’s not an option, why not try a small version instead? Cut out a paper figure and decorate how you like!

Bonfire Night Recipes


Now that you’ve got the decoration and activities sorted, it’s time to think about the food! After being out in the crisp winter air, you’ll definitely want something that’s both hearty and comforting. Read on to discover some easy Mexican-inspired Bonfire Night recipes you can try this November 5th.

chilli con carne stuffed baked potato skin

Chilli Con Carne Stuffed Baked Potato Skin

Piping hot stuffed potato skins filled with tender chilli beef and supple kidney beans, covered in golden, gooey melted cheese, these stuffed potato skins are perfect for serving a crowd on Bonfire Night!


Recipe Name

Chilli Con Carne Stuffed Baked Potato Skin

Total Time

1 hour

Spice Level

Mild

Servings

4

Ingredients

  • 1 packet of Old El Paso™ Spice Mix for Chilli
  • 500 g lean minced beef
  • 50 g finely grated cheese
  • 1 can of juicy chopped tomatoes
  • 1 can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 10 small-medium sized potatoes
  • 1 large onion, chopped

Preparation

  1. Fire up the oven to 200ºC (180ºC for fan assisted ovens), gas mark 6. Lay the potatoes on a baking tray and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until they’re golden and tender. Leave them out to cool until they’re warm to the touch.
  2. Cut each potato in half and scoop out the filling, leaving just a little bit around the inside to make potato shells, and pop them back on the baking tray.
  3. Throw the minced beef and onion in a large pan and dry fry (without oil) until the mince starts to brown, then stir in the Spice Mix for Chilli.
  4. Tip in the tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes. Then stir in the kidney beans until they are supple and heated through and spoon the tasty chilli mix into the potato shells.
  5. Sprinkle with cheese and throw it all back in the oven for 10 more minutes, until the cheese is bubbling.
  6. Grab a spoon and pile on the refried beans, cool sour cream and a dollop of guacamole. Then gather round and grab as many as you can before they all get devoured.

Made With...

More Bonfire Night Recipe Ideas For At Home

Teriyaki Fusion Fajitas served in a white plate surrounded by blue cloth on a wooden table

Teriyaki Fusion Fajitas

These Teriyaki Fusion Fajitas offer a Mexican-inspired dish with a flavourful Japanese twist! Easy to enjoy with either tofu or chicken, they’re a great way to cater to everyone at your next Bonfire Night and will be ready in only 15 minutes.
View Recipe
a pan filled with steak nachos garnished with parsley & thyme

Steak Nachos

These steak nachos offer up the perfect nibbles for your Bonfire Night event! Cheesy and filling, you can make them in a single pan, saving you time on cleaning up later. After all, who doesn’t love nachos?!
View Recipe
crunchy beef tacos topped with sour cream & diced tomatoes served in a red plate

Crunchy Beef Tacos

Easy to hold and munch while watching the fireworks light up the night sky, these crunch beef nachos offer a satisfying texture and plenty of flavour. Stock up on toppings like sour cream, guacamole and grated cheese and you’re good to go!
View Recipe

HOW TO USE SPARKLERS

Ensure a safe sparkler experience with our tips below.

  • Bonfire Night Matches

    1. Read the Instructions

    First things first, take a good look at the instructions on your sparkler packet. Also, make sure to keep the powder dry and store them well away from your bonfire when they're not in use.

  • Bonfire Night Sparklers

    2. Stay safe

    Before you dive in, protect your fingers by slipping on some gloves and be sure to tuck away any loose scarves or fabrics. Keep a bucket of water nearby to safely extinguish the sparklers once you're finished.

  • Bonfire Night Decoration

    3. Keep a Distance

    Remember to use a handheld lighter or matches (and not your bonfire) to ignite the sparklers. Hold them at arm's length during the lighting process. After that, maintain a safe distance from others as you create your sparkling letters, draw shapes, or weave your enchanting spells!

Have A Happy & Delicious Bonfire Night

With our range of delicious Bonfire Night recipes and safety tips, you’re sure to have a happy and delicious night at home! Looking for even more inspiration? Check out our full range of easy recipes here for even more ideas.

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