48 (Semi) Healthy Snacks for the Super Bowl
HealthyHappyLife
What's a Super Bowl party without food? Boring, that's what. And while the big game is one of the biggest gorge-fests of the year-each of us chows down an estimated 2,285 calories-your options aren't go all-out or go home (leave that mindset for the players).
We rounded up 48 healthy(ish) treats from around the web so you can throw a Super Bowl party that everyone will love, complete with booze, wings, pizza, and guacamole (what, did you think we'd really do away with them for good?). Dig in, enjoy some friendly debate over the calls (or commercials), and still be ready to slip into your skinnies come Monday. That is, if you're not part of the 6 percent of Americans who call in sick the day after.
Dips
Adapted from the chefs behind NYC's Toloache, this heart-healthy guac recipe gets a flavor and antioxidant boost from four different kinds of fruit: apples, peaches, mangos, and pomegranates.
2. Gluten-Free Green Chile Queso
Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about our GF friends and fam. This dip can be as mild or spicy as you want (depending on how many green chiles you use) and is the perfect accompaniment to any crudité you may be serving. A word of caution: This one is high in calories, so enjoy in moderation!
What did people even do before the days of Greek yogurt? We don't want to think about it. Instead, whip up this lighter version of the classic dip that you loved as a kid, but swap out the sour cream for nonfat Greek yogurt and the sodium-filled seasonings packet for a few fresh herbs and spices, and you'll be set.
The dairy and refried beans in the traditional recipe tend to make this game-day staple hard on your digestion and your waistline. Luckily a few healthy swaps will help you get more fiber and less fat per serving while still staying true to the essence of the ubiquitous chip partner.
5. Skinny Taste Spinach and Artichoke Dip
So tasty, yet typically so full of fat and calories. Enter this version that's easy to prep ahead of time and is so tasty and cheesy, no one will be able to tell it's slimmed down.
Almost nothing tastes better than smooth, tangy hummus, and luckily it comes together in a flash. Skip the store-bought and try your hand at whipping up your own with our ultimate guide to this Mediterranean-inspired dip.
This colorful salsa packs some heat. Made of only a few good-for-you ingredients like corn, black beans, cumin, lime juice, and tomatoes, it clocks in at a slimming 32 calories per serving.
Dippers
8. Oven-Fried Chipotle Chicken Fingers
Can't bear the thought of giving up your beloved wings? You don't have to! These crispy fingers are baked not fried, so you get all of the flavor (plus a spicy kick from the marinade) with less of the fat.
Because eating a burger without fries is just not okay, we had to include these goodies. They'll pair great with any sandwich, but you can also enjoy them on their own with a healthy lemon dill dip that can be made with soy or Greek yogurt for an added punch of protein.
10. Vegan Nachos
Nachos aren't exactly known for being friendly to your heart or waistline, but with this version, which includes roasted veggies and vegan cheese plus a dollop of vegan cashew cream for a cool, unexpected twist, every day can be fiesta day.
11. Baked Parmesan Parsnip Chips
These go great with any of the dips mentioned on this list, and they're super easy to prep, plus they pack a hefty dose of folate. Win-win for everyone!
These healthy "fries" are a must-have at parties. Made from sweet Asian squash and paired with a Greek yogurt sriracha dipping sauce, they just may replace boring French fries for good in your diet.
Small Bites and Sides
This Cuban-inspired recipe uses lean pork for a fun, kicked-up twist on the typical mini-burgers that comes together fast to boot.
14. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings
Few things are better in life than chowing down on a greasy, spicy, hot sauce-doused chicken wing while cheering for your favorite football team. Sadly, a typical order of buffalo chicken wings will set you back a heart-stopping 1,724 calories. Yikes! This makeover tastes pretty darn close to the real thing and comes in at a much more reasonable 240 calories per five wings.
Swap out the mayo for mustard and add crunchy shallots and asparagus (plus a tiny bit of bacon!) for a colorful side that has more flavor and texture than you ever thought possible in this classic.
Try a slightly more high-brow twist on the cocktail-party classic by swapping in Andouille sausage for hot dogs and a sweet mustard chutney for ketchup.
17. Dreamy Butternut Squash Mac 'n Cheese
A comfort food classic! Sounds crazy, but butternut squash makes this creamier than ever, and who doesn't love Gruyere cheese? You'll never buy a boxed version again.
18. Caramelized Onion and Cheddar Quesadillas
When you're trying to serve a large group quickly, you don't want to spend hours puttering away in the kitchen. These simple quesadillas are more Milwaukee than Mexico City, but the sharp cheddar, sweet onions, and whole-wheat tortilla combine to form an inexplicably perfect storm of tangy deliciousness.
19. Grilled Filet Mignon Crostini
Simple yet elegant, this crostini pairs sizzling steak with red pepper pesto and cream cheese for a multitude of flavors that are sure to please.
Something More Substantial
Flavorful, filling, and full of meat (read: boyfriend- and husband-approved), this delicious and savory chili will warm you up on even the chilliest of days, and it's the perfect food to bring a group together while huddled around the TV.
21. Veggie Burgers
Vegetables, boring? Are you crazy? Pick your patty, then dress it up five different ways. These babies are so lip-smacking, you won't notice there's no meat.
22. Light BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
This pizzette recipe uses a cauliflower crust to cut cals and carbs for a tangy, cheesy pie that registers 157 calories per slice.
If you feel like breaking out the grill (or grill pan), this recipe is the way to go. It's so juicy and flavorful thanks to cilantro, ginger, garlic, and curry, there's no need for condiments.
24. Pizza
If eating pizza is wrong, we don't want to be right. But we also don't want to spend the night with indigestion and feeling heavy and gross. So we went to the experts to get their favorite lightened-up recipes.
25. Veggie Enchiladas with Black Beans and Kale
Forget salads or sautés. We bet you've never had kale in your enchiladas, but you'll want to make it a regular occurrence after trying this cumin-spiked recipe.
Don't just drink your beer-use it to infuse your food! The scents of coriander, cumin, and chipotle will keep everyone coming back for more during commercials.
27. Meatball Subs
Consider cutting these cheesy, tomato-y handhelds in half to serve since they're high in calories, or toothpick extra meatballs for those who want to skip the bread.
28. Blackened Fish Tacos with Chipotle Dipping Sauce
The tilapia in this recipe provides a healthy, low-fat dose of protein. And, hello, smoky chipotle-does it get any better? Let Taco Tuesday came on a Sunday this week!
Desserts
29. Spiced Avocado-Chocolate Cupcakes
Because no one should have to give up cupcakes in the name of health! These double-chocolate cakes use avocados to create super rich and moist texture and perhaps the smoothest icing ever.
30. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
There's no shame in using premade cookie dough when it's a party (let's face it, you kinda have a few things to do!). These ooey gooey gluten-free bites will disappear in seconds.
31. Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars
This sweet will help you meet your daily dose of dark chocolate, plus it uses chickpeas (trust us here: They add no flavor) to pack a one-two punch of heart-healthy goodness for a treat that clocks in at less than 100 calories with only 2.5g fat per serving.
Beer and pretzels are a match made in heaven, and when you combine them into one dessert, you get an addictive, distinctive flavor that will keep you reaching for more.
33. Vegan Chocolate Avocado Pudding
If you haven't tried this trick yet, do it! Luscious, chocolatey, and with a hint of cinnamon (and healthy monounsaturated fats to boot), you will want to lick the bowl.
We've never seen (or even thought about) this duo before, but it's simply brilliant-and you gotta love that there's a chocolate crust to boot. It's super decadent, so watch how big you cut the slices.
35. Nutella Brownies
We think the name says enough on this one. But just in case: Nutella, espresso, chocolate chips. Now we've said enough.
36. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Forget melting chocolate. Whip together Greek yogurt, cocoa, and a few other ingredients, and you have an easy and delicious dessert. Let guests dip themselves, or pre-dip and chill the berries. (P.S. This recipe would also make a great Valentine's Day treat for that someone special!)
You can never have too many tacos, right? These high-fiber, gluten-free sweet ones can even be made vegan. And they're loaded with three kinds of chocolate, or try them with peanut butter, coconut cream, chocolate almond fudge, or cookie dough "hummus."
38. S'mores Brownies
Bring the summertime staple to your living room and relive your brighter days spent gathered around a campfire and sleeping under the stars. With applesauce and dates instead of oil or butter, this recipe is light but still nice and gooey.
39. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies
We can't get enough of anything chocolate and peanut butter. Is there a more perfect power couple? Plus this one's gluten-free.
Drinks
40. Michelada
If you've never had this beer cocktail, the thought of brewsky, tomato, Worcestershire, and hot sauce may sound disgusting. Hear us out: It's delicious. Grab a big pitcher and mix this up ahead of time to booze up your party a little bit.
Lime make you pucker? Opt for this sweeter version of the Mexican drink, which uses orange juice and orange liquor.
Heat up the night with a healthy shot of jalape?o vodka and pickled veggies. This easy recipe is not for the faint of heart, but if you like heat, we guarantee you'll love it.
Give your favorite cocoa recipe a grownup makeover by leaving out the marshmallows and subbing in a hint of chili peppers and hazelnut liquor. Made in a Crock-Pot, this is perfect for large groups.
The holidays may be over, but it's still cold out! Warm up with a hot cocktail that's the perfect mix of sour, sweet, and cinnamony. It's a hug in a mug!
45. Snakebite
Intimidating name, can't-screw-it-up recipe. Pick your favorite stout beer and your favorite hard cider, and mix them together for a crisp, tart taste.
Broncos fans will enjoy a (loose) twist on the traditional recipe. Mix together vanilla, orange, bourbon, and a hint of anise for a fantastic cocktail with just enough depth to keep things interesting.
47. Washington Apple
Tall, short, on the rocks, however you serve this one, its winning combination of tart cranberry juice, sweet and sour apple, and fiery whiskey is sure to please even the most reluctant of football fans.
48. The Lanesborough
This sparkling cocktail may look a little frou-frou, but with cranberry juice, grand marnier, champagne, and passionfruit puree, it's a big step up from a mimosa. There's nothing lightweight about this one!
Photo credits (in order of appearance): E-vite; Skinny Taste; Big Girls, Small Kitchen; Healthy Happy Life; Generation Y Foodie; Omaha Steaks; Pinch of Yum; Recipe Rebuild; Chocolate Covered Katie; Buns in My Oven; E-vite; Micaela Piccolo; Liquor.com
