Healthy Game Day Snacks
by Alina Orozco
Looking for healthier game day snacks? Here are a few snack options that go a little beyond the typical nachos and wings.
To be totally honest, I’m not so much a football fan, as much as I am a get together with friends and eat lots of food fan. The only portion of the Super Bowl that I really care about are the commercials, and the half-time show.
This does not stop me from loving everything about Super Bowl parties and being legitimately excited about the game. I’m what you would call a bandwagon fan, though I tend to root for the underdogs.
This year though, I really wanted to share some snack ideas that were a little healthier and had a bit more flair than the typical nachos and wings—not that there is anything wrong with these game day staples. But, having a few healthy appetizer options to offset the caloric abomination of all the other treats just helps you feel better about eating all day, doesn’t it?
Loaded Twice Baked Red Potatoes
I love everything about this recipe by FoodieCrush, but to make it healthier I like to sub with turkey bacon and skip the buttermilk altogether, as well as use a lighter cheddar cheese, and then add a dollop of light sour cream.
Grilled Shrimp Avocado Zucchini Bites
Spicy, tangy and healthy–if that doesn’t describe a perfect summer appetizer I don’t know what does. These grilled shrimp avocado zucchini bites are delicious and only take a few minutes to make.
Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
If you’ve never worked with rice paper before, Jessica Gavin does a great job of walking you through it. Check your regular grocery store for rice noodles and rice paper. Your gluten intolerant friends will thank you, especially if you buy the gluten-free peanut sauce. You might feel the urge to skip on the mint, but don’t. It really transforms the roll into a magical Vietnamese delight.
More Healthy Super Bowl Snacks
If you’re looking to make healthier choices, consider adding vegetables instead of chips for dips, and other low carb options.
Mini Crescent Hot Dogs with Cheddar Cheese Dip
If you’re looking for a winning game day appetizer, these mini crescent hot dogs with cheese dip are always a crowd pleaser. Plus, pre-made crescent rolls dough, and pre-cooked dogs make this pigs in a blanket appetizer a breeze to put together.
Cold Crab Dip Recipe with Old Bay and Cream Cheese
This easy and delicious crab dip recipe is made with old bay and cream cheese. It has all the makings of a perfect appetizer and its proven to be a major crowd pleaser.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
I’ve made cauliflower “mac” and cheese, and cauliflower fried rice, and it never ceases to amaze me that cauliflower is the one vegetable you can transform into pretty much anything. It’s also true for “wings.” You won’t fool anyone by calling these bites wings, but the spicy sauce and the cool ranch get you pretty close to the real thing, with much less guilt. Find the recipe here.
Sweet Potato Bruschetta
A friend brought these over for a potluck girls get together I hosted, and I’ve been obsessed over this creation ever since. These will definitely be a crowd pleaser and they’re quite easy to assemble. Find the recipe here.
Mini Italian Meatballs
Everyone loves a good meatball, and these are deliciously irresistible. I like to make them into bite size version, for convenience. Find the recipe here, and pin it. You’ll use it again.
Mini Sweet Pepper Loaded Turkey Nachos
If you’re still craving nachos, you can’t go wrong with this healthier take on the classic. Mini peppers as chips with this dish are just perfect. Find my recipe Mini Sweet Pepper Loaded Turkey Nachos