16 Healthy Game Day Recipes

Heather Dessinger

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Collage of game day recipes

I don’t normally share my google search history, but this one pretty much sums up everything I know about sports:

“When does the Super Bowl start?”
“Who is playing in the Super Bowl?
“Is Super Bowl one word or two?”

I do know a thing or two about food, though, so when game day rolls around I “participate” by making a few snacks. Okay, a lot of snacks.

These finger foods, dips, pretzels and desserts are favorites for both true fans and those of us who aren’t paying attention to the game at all. If you’re gearing up for game day and want to make healthier, real food versions of your tried-and-true favorites, give these recipes a try!

game day snacks recipes

Finger Foods

1. Jalapeno Poppers – Stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar, sprinkled with smoked paprika, and rolled up in bacon, these jalapeno poppers are simple to make and so delicious!

2. Buffalo Chicken Wings – Spicy and smokey and perfect for dipping in homemade ranch dressing,  these buffalo wings are one of my husbands favorite movie night/big game indulgences. We also love crispy baked chicken wings with teriyaki dipping sauce.

3. Easy Cauliflower Crust Pizza – This simplified pizza crust doesn’t require any pre-cooking, steaming, squeezing, or double back-handsprings. It takes only a few minutes of hands-on time and holds together beautifully! Top with melty mozzarella, pepperoni, pineapple, or whatever you like!

Pretzels, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Nachos

4. Soft Pretzels – This paleo recipe from Jennifer of Predominantly Paleo isn’t just “good enough” – it’s the real deal.

5. Easy Bacon Wrapped Dates – I know, bacon wrapped dates aren’t sporty enough for the Super Bowl, but I promise if you put them on the table they’ll be one of the first things to disappear. This 3-ingredient recipe has got it all – sweet, chewy dates, crispy bacon and creamy goat cheese tucked into each little morsel. (Or you can use blue cheese instead for a sharper flavor.)

6. Nachos (With Dairy-Free Cheese Option) – Dairy or no, corn or grain-free . . . there are so many delicious options for making nachos. If you tolerate dairy well, this Mexican cheese dip from Kristen of Food Renegade is pure awesomeness. If not, this dairy-free nacho cheese sauce from Danielle of Against All Grain is ridiculously good, too. Either can be served with organic corn chips, grain-free tortilla chips or gluten-free tortillas. If you want to skip the canned diced tomatoes and green chilies, make it from scratch using this recipe.

game day recipes healthy

BBQ & More

7. Slow Cooker or Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork – This super easy chipotle BBQ pulled pork can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot . . . there are instructions for both in the post! Also, I’ve linked to a paleo bread that you can use to make yummy sliders.

8. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes –  these buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes are peacemakers in my house. My husband loves rich, creamy foods, and I’m all about the spicy.

healthy game day food recipes

Creamy Dips & Salsa

9. Mexican 8 Layer Dip – Hearty and flavorful, this dip is a favorite in my house. I recommend making an extra batch of meat/beans and freezing them for an easy meal later on.

10. Restaurant-Style Salsa – This recipe is easy to make and hard to resist. It’s bright, fresh flavor reminds me of my favorite childhood Tex-Mex restaurant. I serve it with these paleo tortilla chips.

More dips to consider:

game day dessert recipes

Desserts

11. Chocolate Chip Cookies – These easy cookies are grain-free and super chewy even without the addition of an egg, so if you run out of time in the kitchen just toss the dough on the living room table and let them dive in.

12. Fudgy Brownies – Rich and chewy, these fudgy brownies are one of my favorite recipes from Danielle of Against All Grain’s cookbook, Meals Made Simple.

13. Peanut Butter Fudge – This creamy, dreamy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery fudge is simple to make and full of nourishing fats.

14. Peanut Butter Balls – These satisfying peanut butter bites are made with wholesome ingredients and take just a few minutes of hands-on time to make.

15. Salted Chocolate Almond Butter Cups – Love Reese’s peanut butter cups but not the corn syrup solids, nonfat milk and tertiary butylhydroquinone? You’ll love this healthy homemade version.

16. “Super Bowl Sundae” with homemade ice cream – May I suggest coffee ice cream with homemade “Magic Shell”?

What are your tried-and-true game day recipes?

Recipes for game day

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

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10 thoughts on “16 Healthy Game Day Recipes”

  1. I am just curious if you have a source regarding the possibility of GMO’s in Tabasco? This was a nightmare for me to read as I am a Tabasco lover. I wrote to the company and their response was that “to the best of their knowledge their products are made from materials that are not gentically modified and not derived from genetically modified foods.” I don’t like the to the best of their knowledge part but my love for Tabasco wants me to believe, lol.

    Reply
    • Hi Kellie! All I can say is that vinegar is often derived from GMO-corn. Sometimes it is derived from grains and sometimes from petroleum, but if the manufacturer doesn’t disclose which it is there is no way of knowing.

      Reply
  2. I, too have a husband that must be won over by delicious food…thankfully, a traditional foods diet is nothing, if not very tasty! I love these holiday food round ups you do….I absolutely look forward to them. Thanks, heather!

    Reply
  3. Gummy stars, cookie dough, and sourdough pretzel bites….all sound delish! This would be the most perfect Superbowl spread!

    — Katie

    Reply
  4. I discovered a home made from scratch onion dip on New Year’s Day- super easy and SO good. Remaking it for tomorrow so I can double check my measurements and share it with friends. 🙂

    Reply