Low-Carb Game Day Recipes: 15 Healthy Snacks

1. Parmesan Cauliflower Wings

Guests are sure to look for wings at any big sports gathering. If you're looking for a healthy low-carb alternative, look no further than Parmesan Cauliflower Bites.

They hold their own next to traditional chicken wings. They're not spicy. But they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Not that there's anything wrong with cauliflower tossed in hot buffalo wings sauce. This vegetarian wing is amazing too.

Make-ahead tips: Prepare the breading and cauliflower in advance. Use our shake-and-bake process to quickly prepare and cook the cauliflower bites on game day.

2. Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf

Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf Cups is the first recipe that comes to mind when I think of low-carb game day snacks. I guess it's the flavor profile and fun shape.

Make them in a regular or mini-sized muffin tin (or even shaped like a meatball!)

If you're a fan of meatloaf, check out cheesy chicken meatloaf and gourmet beef meatloaf, which can be cooked in a muffin tin. Salsa turkey meatloaf muffins are perfect for a sporting event too.

Why I love them: Besides being delicious, these recipes can be prepped in advance and frozen before or after cooking.

3. Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

If your budget can handle it, these bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cream cheese are fantastic and very low-carb.

And, you know they're perfect for a game day spread because they're a copycat of the Voodoo Shrimp at Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux.

Make-ahead: This shrimp appetizer can be prepped a day ahead of time and cooked when you're ready to enjoy it.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms have a savory, umami flavor and are naturally low-carb. They are so satisfying that they disappear quickly at any party.

Plus, they don't require a fork and sneak vegetables onto the menu.

Two easy recipes that we use all the time:

• Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms can be as simple as pizza sauce, spinach, and cheese. Or, you can make them supreme with your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni and bacon.
• Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese is simplified with only five ingredients and only 5 minutes of prep time. These are amazing!

Make-ahead tips: Prepare up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until serving time.

5. Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

You wouldn't serve Chicken Parmesan as an entree in a game-day setting where finger appetizers rule the day. But you definitely should let your guests try these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs!

Serve with toothpicks and marinara on the side for dipping!

Make-Ahead: Make these little meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

6. Guacamole

It's not a party without a delicious bowl of the best guacamole! Keeping with the low-carb snack theme, we suggest making your own low-carb tortilla chips (using low-carb flour tortillas.)

You can also stuff mushrooms or deviled eggs with guacamole. And, these are just 2 of the many creative, low-carb ways to use guacamole.

Serving ideas: Spread guacamole out on a platter in the shape of a football or a field. Use sour cream or Greek yogurt to pipe the lines!

7. Caramelized Onion Dip

Onion dip is another low-carb staple for game-day celebrations. Let me tell you about the recipe we look forward to devouring.

Caramelized Onion Dip with Greek Yogurt is just as delicious and healthy as it sounds. The sweetness of caramelized onions is offset by creamy Greek yogurt.

The key is to pair this dip with healthy chips, crackers, or vegetables, which we discuss in more detail below.

Make-Ahead Tips: The recipe below can be made a couple of days ahead of time. If you caramelize onions in a slow cooker, the recipe is a breeze.

8. Healthy Chips

When it comes to a party, chips or "dippers" can make or break a healthy eating plan. Luckily, there are lots of low-carb, plant-based chips and crackers at the grocery these days!

But, you don't have to spend all that money on pre-packaged chips. Even better choices: sliced cucumbers, carrots, pepper slices, or one of these healthy alternatives to chips. Two of my favorites are:

• Zucchini Chips - Make them in the oven or use the microwave for a small batch. You can use them to make delicious zucchini nachos which are pictured below.
• Sweet Potato Chips - These are perfect for just about any dip, including guacamole and onion dip.

10. Shrimp Guacamole Bites

Shrimp guacamole bites are another fancy, low-carb appetizer that uses guacamole in a fun way. Slather it on a cool cucumber slice and top it with spicy shrimp!

Make-ahead strategy: Prepare the shrimp and cucumbers a day ahead of time and assemble the appetizer before serving.

11. Veggie Tots

You'll be very thankful to have some of these mostly veggie bite-sized muffins or "tots" to snack on at a party! They're so appetizing it's hard to resist popping one into your mouth.

Luckily, they're healthy and very low in carbs. The basic formula is vegetables, cheese, egg, and seasoning. So you can enjoy plenty!

This is one of my favorite stealthy tricks for sneaking more vegetables into the menu. Which one is your favorite?

• Cauliflower Muffins are pictured below!
• Spinach and Feta Cheese have the flavor profile of Greek Spanakopita.
• Broccoli and Cheddar Muffins are delish!
• Zucchini Egg Bites are like a tasty little quiche.

13. Chaffles

No low-carb game day recipe round-up is complete without chaffles! They're perfect for sandwiches and for cutting into pieces for dips. If there are low-carb dieters in your midst, they will be greatly appreciated.

You may also want to check out cauliflower waffles, which use riced cauliflower in place of almond flour. This switch makes them lower in calories too!

14. Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas roasted in the oven or an air fryer until crispy are a fantastic alternative to higher-calorie nuts and are very filling!

Even if you leave the spices and sauce off, they are amazing. But, we highly suggest trying one of our favorites:

• Sweet and spicy chickpeas are pictured below.
• Roasted buffalo chickpeas are spicy and perfect for game days.
• Crispy curried chickpeas are very flavorful.

15. Chicken Nuggets

Kids and adults alike love chicken nuggets, so they're perfect for a game-day menu. Whether you buy them at the store or make low-carb Parmesan chicken nuggets, you'll want to have dipping sauces that are healthy and low-carb too.

Marinara, ranch dressing, and low-sugar BBQ sauces are all good choices.

Make-ahead tips: If using your own recipes, make the nuggets and sauces up ahead of time. Also, check out tips to make perfectly crispy chicken nuggets in an air fryer from frozen!