“Hungry for football” takes a whole new meaning when it comes to the overwhelming food intake on game day. Discovered by the American Institute of Food Distribution and reported by Mashable, Super Bowl Sunday is the second highest event in America, falling just behind Thanksgiving. Americans consume more than one billion chicken wings, 120 million pounds of avocados, 28 million pounds of chips, 4 million pounds of pizza, and 3.8 million pounds of popcorn! Lighten up your game day menu and score with these healthy game day appetizers and ideas!
Healthy Game Day Appetizers
Party Snack Mix
Want something to crunch on without severe guilt often brought from chips? This party snack mix is packed with fiber and healthy fats, all thanks to whole grain cereals and peanuts. Also feel free to swap cereals and nuts, along with using various seasonings of choice.
Spicy Popcorn
Fancify and healthify buttered popcorn with this spicy variation. And while it may be low in calorie, it is far from short in heat and flavor!
Healthier-for-You (Un)fried Chicken
Whether you go for the drumsticks or wings, fried chicken is a customary game day staple. But instead of reaching for the oily pieces, indulge in this healthier-for-you (un)fried chicken recipe!
Potato Skins
Along with healthifying those notorious potato skins, have fun creating a topping bar! Include plain Greek yogurt, hummus, hot sauce, salsa, roasted veggies, and other favorites for your guests to choose from and prepare based on flavor preferences.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
While buffalo chicken dip is generally craved, succumbing to those temptations may be packing on serious calories (chips even excluded…). But this buffalo chicken dip is not only guilt-free, but boasts with flavor and protein. And to complement the heat, serve with cool cucumber slices or celery sticks.
Edamole
Offer guests this vegetarian-friendly edamole recipe, a unique twist of guacamole. Pair with veggie slices, pita bread, or these sweet baked potato chips.
Chicken Feta Meatballs
Filled with fennel, basil, feta and parmesan cheese, this bistroMD original recipe is sure to please your guests! Serve meatballs as is or top onto small rolls for mini meatball sub sliders.
Brown Rice Pizza Muffins
While pizza may be desirable all year, game day scores a touchdown on orders and delivers. But rather than slicing up a greasy, big slice, prepare these brown rice pizza muffins, granting the flavors of pizza while keeping portions and calories in check.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Rather than serving up a plate of deep-fried mushrooms, prepare this healthier alternative. The mushrooms are stuffed with spinach, feta, and balsamic mixture sure to excite your taste buds and guests!
Bacon Mac N’ Cheese Bites
For those lovers of bacon and mac n’ cheese… Look no further than these appetizing bites! While they may not feature colorful produce, they are portion-controlled and allow you the opportunity to relish on your favorites without overdoing it.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
Satisfy that sweet (and salty) tooth with these chocolate-dipped pretzels. Feel free to garnish with chopped pecans, walnuts, peanuts, or other favorite nut varieties.
Sangria
Wash the food down with this healthier sangria recipe, serving 10 and sure to score a touchdown! You can also adapt fruits for team colors or preferences, including blueberries, raspberries, and peaches.
