When it comes to game day snacks, it’s common to find options that are high in fat and calories. This is often due to the fact that they’re typically comfort foods, and many of them are fried in oil. However, there is no need to worry! There are still plenty of delicious and nourishing snacks that you can enjoy while rooting for your favorite team. As a matter of fact, you can modify the common and traditional recipes slightly, so they taste almost identical to the original recipe, except they have healthier ingredients and use better cooking methods.
For instance, create perfectly crispy appetizers by baking or air frying instead of simply deep frying them. Or, make nachos with cauliflower as the base instead of processed chips. Nevertheless, you don’t need to come up with these ideas yourself because you can use one of these options next time you plan your game day spread. These recipes allow you to indulge in tasty treats without sacrificing taste or your health, and that’s the most important win of all.
1. Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
Evolving Table created this recipe, which is the perfect balance of savory and healthy. Essentially, there’s a spicy buffalo chicken filling on top of celery sticks. The celery gives a nice crunch, and the garlic, cayenne, and cream cheese make the veggies more flavorful. It’s also great for game day since this recipe makes a total of 32 stuffed celery sticks, perfect for serving a crowd! Drizzle light ranch dressing atop them before serving to give them a nice presentation.
2. The Best Cowboy Caviar Dip
You are definitely missing out if you’ve never had cowboy caviar dip. This vibrant and zesty dip is a gorgeous combination of tomatoes, black-eyed peas, black beans, sweet corn, and red onions. Although the beans and veggies are tasty on their own, a hint of lime juice, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, and other seasonings enhance their natural flavor. Just before serving, you can mix in the cilantro.
3. Football Veggie Tray
Here is a recipe for the folks who love to get festive on holidays and other special days like game day. This football veggie tray is adorable and will certainly catch your guests’ attention. Plus, it makes vegetables more fun for kids! It has cucumber, celery, carrots, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. Use cheese as a finishing touch to create the lines on the football. Serve this with light ranch dressing or other dipping sauce that you enjoy!
4. Air Fryer Zucchini
Fried zucchini is the perfect finger food for game day. But did you know that you can make them in your air fryer instead of a traditional fryer? Jz Eats posted this recipe for air fryer zucchini, and it’s unique since you don’t cut the zucchini into rounds, but rather you chop them into wedges. They also have parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and more to ensure that they have plenty of flavors.
5. Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos
Instead of assembling nachos with processed chips and unhealthy cheese sauce, you can use this recipe instead, which is much healthier and just as scrumptious. These cauliflower nachos are loaded with tempting ingredients such as refried beans, shredded cheese, jalapenos, grape tomatoes, and more. You can also sprinkle on chopped red onion, cilantro, and avocado pieces as well. In addition, you season the cauliflower, too, so no bite will leave you disappointed.
6. Pizza Muffins
Our recipe for pizza muffins is the perfect snack to have around on game day. They are low in Weight Watchers points and super easy to make! They have all the classic pizza flavors, such as mozzarella cheese, parmesan, pepperoni, and more. But we keep it lighter because we use reduced-fat cheese and low-point bacon. Serve these little pizza bites with marinara sauce on the side, which brings all of the flavors together!
7. The Best Turkey Pinwheels
We recommend this turkey pinwheel recipe since it only takes 20 minutes to make, which is super convenient when you host a game day party! Not only that, but they are nourishing for your body and look so elegant. With simple ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, tortilla wraps, and turkey meat, you can’t go wrong. To keep it healthier, we suggest using light mayo instead of regular and reduced-fat cheese instead of American.
8. Skinny Smoked Salmon Dip
Smoked salmon dip? Count us in! Whether you want to use this dip for dipping potato skins, cucumbers, or something else, the bright, lemony undertones in this dip will impress you. Some of the best ingredients that keep it nutritious are fat-free cream cheese, fat-free Greek yogurt, and fresh horseradish. Of course, the flaked smoked salmon is the star ingredient, and the lemon juice and red pepper accentuate the flavor.
9. Skinny Stuffed Mushrooms
The Skinny Fork posted this unique recipe for stuffed mushrooms that would be a perfect game day recipe! Since the recipe uses bite-sized mushrooms, they act as the perfect appetizer or snack. Aside from that, you could use low-sodium center-cut bacon, dried basil, and two types of cheese. Specifically, Italian cheese and cream cheese are recommended, but you can always switch The Italian for something else. Bake until the cream cheese starts to brown!
10. Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here is another recipe that will satisfy your buffalo chicken cravings when you want to find a healthier alternative to wings. This dip is packed with shredded chicken, cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, and more. Garlic and onion act as the main seasonings, while green onion adds liveliness to the dish. Of course, you can’t forget the hot sauce and mozzarella, which give the dip its distinct buffalo flavor. Serve this with carrots, celery, and pretzels for a yummy snack!
11. 3-Ingredient Mini Stuffed Peppers
It’s always such a relief when you find a good recipe that only requires a few ingredients. This specific dish is unique since you use many colorful peppers that catch the eye. Essentially, you stuff the peppers with a bit of garlic and herb-seasoned goat cheese and honey, which are all-natural ingredients but so delicious. Bake the Peppers until they turn more tender, and load them up onto a serving tray.
12. Keto Big Mac Bites
Here is a low-carb recipe you won’t want to miss out on! These Big Mac bites will impress all of your guests not only for their looks but for their divine taste and texture. With ground beef, onion, dill pickle, lettuce, and cheese, it brings the flavor of a Big Mac without all of the carbs. Use a reduced-fat cheese if you are able to! To keep all of the ingredients intact, use toothpicks or skewers.
13. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese
Eat The Gains shared a recipe we think is perfect for snacking on while watching your team play. It includes Brussels sprouts, avocado oil, blue cheese, and bacon. To keep it Weight Watchers-friendly, you can use low-point bacon! Once you assemble these with a toothpick, they don’t fall apart, which is nice. The recipe makes approximately 28 appetizer bites!
14. Philly Style Roast Beef Squares
Our recipe for Philly-style roast beef squares is sure to keep everyone’s hunger satisfied. Plus, it makes a whopping 20 servings! With reduced-fat Crescent roll dough, deli-sliced roast beef, light provolone cheese, and more, it has a variety of flavors and textures. Additionally, the homemade aioli sauce contains light mayonnaise, garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, giving the ultimate zesty yet creamy kick to the sandwiches.
15. Oven Baked Potato Skins
These baked potato skins are much healthier than if you make deep-fried potatoes like French fries. The recipe requires russet potatoes, center-cut bacon, Colby jack cheese, and more. To keep it healthy, you can dip them in Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Additionally, sprinkle on scallions, which brighten the snack’s presentation. We love that this recipe includes the Weight Watchers points for easier tracking!
16. Low Carb Air Fried Cheese Sticks
Who knew that cheese sticks could be so healthy? Since you make these in the air fryer, you don’t have to worry about consuming oil. The recipe is easy to follow, and you only need mozzarella cheese, keto breadcrumbs, seasonings, and one egg. Once done, the center is gooey, and the outside is browned and crisp! This will surely be a hit during game day for both kids and adults alike.
17. Skinny Taco Dip
Rather than taking the time to assemble individual tacos for a group, make this skinny taco dip instead. This way, you have less cleanup up, and it’s easier to serve too. With fat-free refried beans, light sour cream, ranch dressing mix, and more, you won’t believe how delicious it is. Not to mention, it also has tons of fresh and creative ingredients, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and olives. You can even top it with chopped avocado if you wish!
18. Keto Cucumber Caprese Appetizers
These tiny cucumber bites have a stunning presentation, and they taste so fresh. The cucumber is perfectly crisp, and the basil makes it taste so light. For the recipe, you just need cucumber, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar. The balsamic adds the right amount of tanginess that keeps you coming back for more. Impress your partygoers with these easy-to-make appetizers while being confident in the fact that it’s just as healthy as it is yummy.
19. Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
If you are a fan of Corn Nuts, these crispy roasted chickpeas might remind you of them. They have the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Most of the ingredients needed are just spices, aside from the olive oil and low-sodium garbanzo beans. Some of the best seasonings include cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried dill, and garlic. However, there is a tiny amount of pure maple syrup to balance the fiery flavors.
20. Crispy Air Fried Artichoke Hearts
Taste of the Frontier provided this incredible recipe for air-fried artichoke hearts. There’s no need for a deep fryer when you can accomplish a crisp appetizer with your favorite appliance! It has a simple ingredient list, too. The recipe only calls for artichokes, mayonnaise, Italian-style bread crumbs, parmesan, and salt and pepper. Dip the fried artichoke in your favorite healthy sauce or dressing!
21. BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups
We couldn’t make a game day round-up without at least one BBQ-flavored snack! Our recipe for BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups is just what you need for your next game day party. It’s low in Weight Watchers points and so effortless to make. Use wonton wrappers, shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and light shredded cheese. Of course, the light ranch dressing and light BBQ sauce make the recipe so special. Drizzle them with ranch after baking!
21 Health Game Day Snacks
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless
- 1 tablespoon semi-melted butter light
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon stevia, or preferred sweetener
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Seasoned Butter Blend: In a bowl, combine the semi-melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, stevia, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth, flavorful blend.
- Coat and Marinate: Rub the seasoned butter mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating. Allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for an even more intense flavor, marinate for up to two hours.
- Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (or 200°C if desired) for a few minutes. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded.
- Cooking Time: Cook the chicken thighs at 180°C (or 200°C) for about 30 minutes, flipping them over at the 20-minute mark for even cooking. If using larger chicken thighs, extend the cooking time by an additional 10 minutes to ensure they're thoroughly cooked.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, transfer the air-fried chicken thighs to a serving platter. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.