For a lot of people, the Super Bowl is as much about the food, friends, and fun (and commercials!) as it is about the football. When you think Super Bowl food, though, you likely aren’t thinking healthy. Pizza, wings, cheese-laden dips, beer… The Super Bowl can do a lot to derail those healthy New Year’s resolutions that you’ve held on tight to, all through January.
Don’t worry, though. You don’t have to throw up your hands and accept that this year’s game is going to ruin all your hard work, or simply leave you feeling worse for wear for the next few days. You can plan an awesome Super Bowl party without relying on take-out menus or slow cookers filled with mostly various forms of cheese.
These are some of our favorite healthy Super Bowl snack ideas.
A New Take on Nachos
Nachos are a clear winner at any game day party, but most nacho plates are either not very filling unless you add on extra proteins like ground beef or pulled pork, and most are covered in cheese and sour cream. It’s not exactly a good option if you’re looking for something that will fill you up, or you’re choosing to avoid meat or dairy for health reasons.
So why not try a new take on nachos? These potato wedge nachos swap your typical tortilla chips for potatoes, for a more filling approach without the meat, and still incorporate all your favorite classic nacho toppings, like cheese, salsa, avocado and sour cream. These dairy-free nachos, meanwhile, are vegan and still manage to pack a punch of flavor, thanks to the harissa beans.
A Better-for-You Dip
Yes, you could buy a jar of store-bought queso, or you could mix up a dip that’s mostly cream cheese… or you could opt for a better-for-you dip that’s not overly processed and not 99% cheese. For example, this healthier hot artichoke dip offers all the flavor of classic artichoke dip but uses Greek yogurt in place of the normal mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sour cream.
Hummus is also always a healthful favorite at any party and an overlooked dip at the Super Bowl. Upgrade your hummus offerings with this green basil pesto hummus or this roasted red pepper hummus.
Prefer the chips to the dip? Toss the potato chips, which aren’t doing anything for you health-wise, and try some baked kale chips, packed with vitamins and nutrients.
A Winning Wrap
Wraps make flavorful finger foods and are just as versatile as they are scrumptious. However, don’t feed your family and guests wraps stuffed with highly processed deli meats or lackluster frozen chicken tenders. Go fresh, light and still fun, with refried bean lettuce wraps that are both vegan and highly customizable, or vegan falafel wraps with homemade salsa.
Looking for Super Bowl Ideas Beyond the Snacks?
While you can definitely feast on a smorgasbord of snacks during the Super Bowl, if you do want to also offer something a little more filling and entrée-worthy, consider an easy and impressive black bean chili with dark chocolate, or tacos that only require one tray and 30 minutes.
