I may have said this before: I’m a fair-weather football fan. Meaning, I’m only in it for the super bowl, and more honestly, the game day foods. (Well, also the commercials and, this year, the half-time show…love Maroon 5.) You say “football” and I think “yummy dips, finger foods, and chilis”. After all, in my case, it’s only once a year that I’m watching!
But sometimes “game day foods” means “unhealthy storebought, processed and refined foods”–which is a compounded problem if you watch football every week.
So, score bonus points for good health with a real-food plan for your football party! To that end (zone), I’m sharing a variety of game day, real food recipes developed by fellow dietitians.
As you know, nutrition is very individual. So, there’s something here for everyone:
- traditional to trendy choices,
- many lower carb options,
- some dairy free and/or vegan recipes (if that’s your preference).
Fortunately, I don’t have allergies or dietary restrictions, but I do believe everyone should be eating more real foods and fewer processed foods.
So all the recipes included here are:
- minimally processed,
- free of refined grains and sugars, and
- gluten free.
Dips and Spreads
Spinach and Artichoke Dip (Dairy Free) from www.eatreallivewell.com
Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus from www.eatreallivewell.com
Pizza Dip (Vegan Optional) from www.nutritiontofit.com
Japapeno Lime Almond Dip from www.stephanieleenutrition.com
5-Minute Vegan Cheese Sauce (Dairy Free, Nut Free) from www.sinfulnutrition.com
B’s Homemade Guacamole (my recipe)
Easy Pico de Gallo from www.betsyramirez.com
Patriotic 7-Layer Dip Flag (my recipe) Note: you could make the shape of a football on top with tomatoes and cheese, using the olives as the laces.
Freezer Friendly Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip (my recipe)
3-Ingredient Crackers (Vegan) from www.beekaynutrition.com (No, not a dip but you need something to scoop up all these wonderful dips!)
Easy, Filling Finger Foods
Pimiento Cheese Pepper Poppers from www.holleygrainger.com
Easy Japapeno Poppers (4 Ingredients) (my recipe)
Grilled Chicken Satay with Thai Style Peanut Sauce from http://www.triadtowellness.com
Potato Satay with Almond Lime Sauce (Vegan) from www.chefcatherinebrown.com
Oven-Fried Chicken Taquitos from www.hungryhobby.net
Harissa Cauliflower Wings (Vegan) from www.karalydon.com Note: these have a little flour in them so aren’t gluten free as written, but you could probably substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Oven-Fried Chicken Wings (my recipe)
Broccoli Hummus Snack Bites from www.healthy-inspiration.com
Avocado Deviled Eggs with Smoked Paprika from www.amydgorin.com
Chili
And if you really want EASY + YUMMY + FILLING FOR A CROWD, just whip up a batch of B’s “Gonna Get Through This” Chili. I promise it’s in a category all of its own, no matter what spice level you choose!
And as for the game, may the best team win! Whatever that means to you…
These look so yummy! I can’t wait to try some of them! Thanks so much for sharing these great alternatives for game day!
You’re welcome! Thank you for your sweet comments! Let me know what you think if you try them!
Just made the spinach artichoke dip. So good! Thanks for all the great recipes! ❤️
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I love rounding up recipes to make life easier and more delicious for you. 🙂