Game Day is all about football, but what makes it exciting is massive Super Bowl parties that have delicious food. The amazing company of your loved ones, epic entertaining commercials, halftime performances, and good beer or drinks are just some perks that come along with it. It is safe to say that Super Bowl parties feature more than just the game.
Super Bowl food is the most important. It can make or break a party. Thinking about all the classic foods just makes you drool. Cheesy and fried comfort food is what keeps a party going. Hearing all this, you might feel a little worried if you decide to go towards haleness. But we are here to save the day.
This article features all the comfort food goodness of classic game day foods while keeping them light, nutritious, and healthy. So, it won’t be a problem if you take a healthy kick start this year. You will not have to sacrifice flavor, and your guest will never notice. Whether you are hosting your own party or bringing food to someone else’s, we have made sure you bring your “A” game.
Here are healthier versions of your favorite game-day foods, from appetizers to desserts, including vegan options and beer recommendations for suds. We have something for everyone!
Light and Fresh Appetizers
Feeding a houseful of hungry fans is difficult. These light and delicious appetizers will surely keep your guests happy. Starters and finger foods get the party started, so; make sure you prepare extra batches for refills during halftime. The following suggestions are guaranteed winners and will surely please your guests.
1. Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Spring rolls are easy and a great way to increase the intake of your favorite vegetables. Start with prepping the vegetables and thinly slicing them. Fold them in rice paper along with romaine or perilla leaf. You can also prepare a spicy Thai peanut sauce to go with these. Combine peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, and green onions in a bowl. Mix well and serve!
2. Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Whole Grain Mustard Sauce
The shrimp cocktail is a classic. To prepare the shrimp, you only need salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Marinate the shrimp using the mentioned ingredients and grill them. Prepare a whole grain mustard sauce by combining mayonnaise, yogurt, whole-grain mustard, and pepper. Mix well and serve!
3. Peach Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Honey
Bruschetta is so versatile; it can be paired with anything. Other than the classic garlic, olive oil, and tomato version, try coating a thin layer of honey on your bruschetta and serve it topped with goat cheese and fresh peaches. Another suggestion is serving it topped with cooked zucchini and ricotta cheese.
4. Bell Pepper Nachos
For this recipe, replace the traditional tortilla chips with deep-cut bell pepper boats and top them with your nacho toppings, including cooked meat, cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, parsley, and sour cream.
5. Parmesan Broccoli Tots
These are a great alternative for potato tots but just as appetizing. Blanch broccoli and grate it finely. In a bowl, mix grated broccoli, parmesan cheese, and flour. Shape them into tater tots and bake until cooked and crispy.
6. Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes
The air fryer makes the comfort food a lot easier to make. These crunchy baked potatoes might seem like a heavy course meal. It’s got good portions of meat, cheese, and sour cream to add a big flavor while keeping the calories and saturated fat to a minimum.
The secret ingredient is center-cut lean meat which cooks up nice and crispy and yields just enough pan drippings to make these potatoes shine.
7. Chili with Grains and Beans for Vegetarians
For making healthier vegetable peppers with beans, you need to skip the meat. The recipe is quick and pretty easy to make. All you need is a little cooker and serve it in the same pot to keep it warm throughout the party.
8. Muffin Margherita
Broiling English muffins with cheese and fresh tomatoes make a healthier alternative to your favorite slice. To make this recipe, first, you need to toast the English muffins and then spread them with tomato sauce.
Secondly, you need to place a broiler-safe baking sheet and add torn pieces of buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes as toppings. You need to heat it to a high temperature for 1 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Then garnish it with basil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
9. Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
In the spicy, colorful wraps, gochujang, a red Korean paste, adds heat. For this spicy shrimp recipe, the shrimps are seasoned with gochujang, fresh ginger, and garlic wrapped up in a cool and crisp Boston lettuce cup to tam the heat.
It takes 30 minutes to prepare, and it’s an easy dinner recipe or healthy lunch idea that you can enjoy hot or cold.
10. Fish Tacos with Pico de Gallo
Stuffed corn tortillas with deep white fish and green cabbage make for a healthy and fulfilling main course. Add tomatoes, pepper, onions, lemon juice, and one tablespoon of salt in a bowl. They are like Baja-style fish tacos, but the only major difference is that the fish is lightly floured and pan-friend instead of deep-fried.
Glorious Dips
These hearty dips will go along perfectly with your appetizers. They are a healthy companion for all your bite-sized delights. These dips should be your go-to on game day.
1. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Try using a hummus base for this recipe and use as minimum cheese as you can.
2. No Mayo Coleslaw
Try replacing mayonnaise with a vinaigrette dressing to get a low-calorie slaw.
3. Elote Dip
Mix sweet corn, Cojita cheese, and Greek yogurt alongside paprika to make this classic Mexican treat.
4. Healthy Queso Dip
Try using coconut milk and Greek yogurt to make this classic cheese dip lighter.
5. Hummus with Red Pepper
You can use red pepper hummus as a dip. Combine red pepper, chickpeas, and tahini sauce in a blender for this dip, and your tasty and creamy dip will be ready. Although hummus contains fiber from chickpeas, adding red pepper enhances vitamin C and beta-carotene content. Set aside a tablespoon of chopped pepper to garnish.
Delicious Entrée
If a large crowd is gathering at your place, you might have to do more than appetizers. These delicious mains will keep your party going. All these recipes have minimum calories and maximum flavor. Your guest will surely be more fascinated with your menu selection than the actual game.
1. Veggie Burgers
Take all your favorite vegetables and beans and get rid of extra moisture by cooking them. Once dry, put these in a food processor with flour, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Chop and combine all the ingredients. Season it with salt, pepper, red chili powder, cumin powder, and fresh herbs like cilantro and chives. Form in the shape of patties and serve in burgers. These patties can be baked, grilled, or fried – your choice.
2. Turkey Meatballs
Preheat the oven and line your baking sheet with parchment paper, and coat a layer of non-stick cooking spray on it. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, eggs, fresh garlic, onion (finely chopped), oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix and shape it into decent-sized meatballs. Bake it in the oven, flipping halfway until fully cooked. In a pan, heat 1/4th cup of honey and two tablespoons of soy sauce, add the turkey meatballs to the glaze and coat them. Serve with salad, rice, pasta, or anything of your choice.
3. Bolognese and Risotto
If you love comfort food, this might be the best recipe for you. For this recipe, you need to make Bolognese and risotto separately; once done, combine these dishes into one to make a rich, cheesy, and comforting Bolognese risotto bake. For flavor, you can use Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce.
Indulgent Desserts
As your team comes close to hitting that final touchdown, you need some sweet treats to celebrate with. These sweet desserts will keep your health nut happy and your taste buds satisfied. Here are some classic recipe suggestions that will help you splurge on a dessert or maybe even two desserts.
1. Frozen Grapes Marinated in Wine
This is a sweet, boozy dessert that requires minimum ingredients. Fill a bowl with grapes and marinate them with your favorite wine for an hour. Once marinated, coat with sugar and freeze. Serve cold!
2. Zucchini Brownies
Zucchinis help add natural sweetness and moisture. Therefore, you don’t have to use a ton of sugar. Preheat the oven and grease, and line your baking pan. In a bowl, mix oil, sugar, and vanilla until combined. Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Mix and add blanched and grated zucchini. Fold it in and add chocolate chunks (optional). Let the batter rest, and then bake it until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Chocolate Dipped Fruits
Melt the dark chocolate on medium heat in a double boiler. Once completely melted, take it off the heat and add butter to it. Once combined, dip fruits like strawberries and apricots, etc., into the chocolate. Leave it on a wire rack to set. You can also top these with chopped nuts for more taste and healthy addition.
4. Candied Orange Peels
Take an orange peel and thinly cut them into strips. Melt the sugar with water on medium heat until it is completely dissolved and starts to bubble. Dip the orange peels into this mixture and put it on a wire rack to cool. Serve as candies.
5. Raspberry Cream Cupcakes
The creamy raspberry cake is another great dessert you can make. All you need is a cupcake mixture, whipped cream, and raspberries. The white cake mix is always moist and flavorful, and by using whipped raspberry cream instead of frosting, you will get a bright and luxurious release.
Drinks
You can up your Super Bowl party by serving craft beer made in the city you’re rooting for. It will make your Super Bowl more exciting and fun!
Final Words
We hope that this article has helped you decide on a proper healthy menu for Game Day. You won’t end up cheating at the start of your diet, and your guests will be just as happy. The best way to keep things healthy is going for dairy-free options, high-fiber snacks, leaner meats, and smaller dessert portions. Try out these new creative recipe ideas from these suggestions, and have fun!