Dreaming of fireside dining with friends? This al fresco supper menu brings rich and warming flavors as the sun sets on aperitivo hour

From a light, but fragrant soup with fluffy flatbreads to a comforting sausage bake and a seriously indulgent chocolate torte, this al fresco supper menu will hit the spot as summer nights take on a chill and we crave warmth and rich flavors.

So light up the firepit, grab a blanket and kick off your fireside nights with a warm cocktail, followed by these elegant yet satisfying dishes.

Mung bean hummus

This super smooth, mung bean hummus is a fresh take on the classic dip, but has a more creamy texture, and requires minimal effort.

Blended with garlic, lemon juice, and light tahini, and enriched with a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil, it’s rich, vibrant, and packed with earthy flavor. A final flourish of paprika and a scattering of mung bean sprouts add both color and crunch, making it as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Perfect for generous scooping with flatbreads or crudités, this is a crowd-pleaser for pre-dinner aperitivo hour.

Garlic and herb flatbread

Whether you're serving these garlic herb flatbreads alongside a hearty main, dipping them in soup, or for scooping up dips, their versatility knows no bounds. And they're so moreish, so make more than you think.

Herby fennel and cannellini bean soup with ricotta

Light yet deeply satisfying, this herby fennel and bean soup recipe is a celebration of delicate flavors done well. Combining fragrant fennel, creamy cannellini beans, and subtle herbs with a generous dollop of ricotta adds gentle richness without overpowering the broth.

Toasted cous cous and charred vegetables

Toasted cous cous forms a hearty, nutty base, while charred seasonal vegetables bring depth, smokiness, and a beautiful contrast in texture. Tossed with a fragrant basil dressing, it’s fresh, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.

Whole baked pears with Italian sausage

This recipe combines whole baked pears with Italian sausage in a dish that’s all about contrast – sweet against spicy, soft against crisp – and feels both rustic and indulgent.

The baked pears, sweet from the oven, pair beautifully with the rich, savory depth of Italian sausage. A touch of chilli cuts through the sweetness, adding gentle heat.

Dark chocolate torte with crispy pears

The base of this dark chocolate torte combines spelt and buckwheat flours with toasted pecans and pistachios, creating a pastry that's both nutty and satisfyingly crisp. It’s a foundation that holds its own beneath a silky, rich filling made from dark chocolate, double cream, and just a hint of sea salt to sharpen the sweetness.

Rum and pear warmer

Infused with the gentle sweetness of poached pears, subtle spices, and a splash of dark rum, this clever rum and pear warmer recipe transforms leftovers into luxury.

Simply heat the pear-infused liquid gently with the rum and zest, and serve it warm in mugs or handled glasses for an easy aperitivo or after-dinner drink.