Whip up these last-minute healthier (& not so healthy but great in moderation) snacks for the game day with ingredients you probably already have on hand!
The key to not overdoing it on these snacks is to use a plate and take a portion. Also, don't sit directly in front of the snacks if you can help it. Stay hydrated and remember you can make these foods at ANY time. They're great for football Sundays, movie nights, or parties.
I personally like to make one healthier option like buffalo cauliflower and one not so healthy like the Neiman Marcus dip so that I can have a bit of both. A fresh veggie tray or cut up fruits like apples make great dippers and are a fresh alternative to potato chips, tortilla chips or crackers
Buffalo Cauliflower
1 head of cauliflower cut into large florets OR 1 bag frozen cauliflower
salt & pepper
Olive oil or other cooking oil
Buffalo Sauce (see below for a simple homemade version)
Ranch or Blue Cheese for dipping
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add cauliflower, salt & pepper and a drizzle or two of olive oil. Toss to combine.
Bake for 15-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cauliflower begins to brown. I like mine a little burnt so I go the full 25 minutes or a little more. This also works with broccoli or brussel sprouts if you're feeling adventurous or don't have cauliflower on hand!
Remove from oven and toss with buffalo sauce. Serve with ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
Buffalo Sauce Recipe
1 cup hot sauce
1/2 cup butter or vegan butter (coconut oil works too, I'd start with 1/4 cup)
2-3 tbsp vinegar
salt & pepper to taste if desired.
Pinch garlic
Melt butter and whisk in hot sauce & vinegar. Season to taste with salt, pepper & garlic.
Deviled Eggs
6 eggs
1/4 cup greek yogurt or mashed avocado/guacamole
1-2 tsp mustard
salt & pepper to taste
paprika for garnish
green or black olive slices for garnish (optional)
Place eggs in a sauce pan, cover with water, heat on high, until water begins to boil.
Turn heat to low, cover and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and leave covered for 15 minutes.
Rinse under cold water. Crack shells and remove while running under cold water. Pat dry.
Slice in half, removing yolks to a small bowl. Place whites on a platter.
Mash yolk with greek yogurt or avocado, mustard, salt & pepper to taste. Spoon mixture into egg white halves and garnish with paprika and olives if using. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Neiman Marcus Dip
Ok there's literally NOTHING healthy about this dip, but it is a crowd-pleaser and it's keto friendly if you're into that kind of thing.
1/4 cup sliced almonds or cashews
4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and roughly chopped
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Swiss or gruyere cheese
2 green onions, sliced green part only
1/2 cup low-fat greek yogurt or sour cream
pinch of chili powder or paprika
salt & pepper to taste.
Crackers or sliced apples for serving.
Toast almonds or cashews in a frying pan or on a cookie sheet in the oven for a few minutes. Let cool. Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well mixed. Serve with crackers or apples.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
2 10 oz cans chicken breast drained or 2 large chicken breasts cooked and shredded
2 8 oz packages cream cheese
1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
3/4 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
celery sticks, crackers or tortilla chips for dipping.
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker or sauce pan, and heat on low until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery sticks, crackers or tortilla chips.
Sweet Potato Nacho Fries
1 bag sweet potato fries or
1-2 large sweet potatoes washed and sliced into fries
2 tbsp egg whites
salt & pepper to taste
olive oil
Toppings
Cheddar or Mexican Blend shredded cheese
cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken (optional)
Salsa
Greek Yogurt or Guacamole
Guacamole or sliced Avocado
Packaged Fries: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, add sweet potato fries and cook according to package directions.
Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F or Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Add sweet potato slices, drizzle egg white over, season with salt & pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss to combine. Cook for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
BOTH: Remove from oven. Top with cooked ground turkey or chicken if using, cheese and return to the oven to bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and top as desired. Serve warm
What's your favorite thing to munch on during the big game?
xoxo,
Briana