Surround yourself with these Healthy Game Day Recipes and you'll wake up happy even if your team doesn't win!
You can easily make a fantastic party menu from these chips, dips, finger food appetizers, sides, and hearty entrees. Most are naturally low-carb, low-cal, and ALL call for wholesome ingredients.
These ideas are perfect for football and basketball watch parties as well as the end-of-the-year soccer celebration for your local team.
Be sure to check out the make-ahead tips and tricks with each recipe idea!
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Chips and Dippers
When it comes to a party, chips, scoops, or "dippers" can make or break a healthy eating plan. Luckily, there are lots of low-carb, high protein, and plant-based chips and crackers at the grocery these days!
But, you don't have to spend all that money. Even better choices: sliced cucumbers, scoops made from peppers, or one of these healthy alternatives to chips. See a few of the options below.
Dips
Dips are a staple of any game day celebration and they can be healthy too!
Guacamole
It's just not a party without a delicious bowl of 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 like Crayons and Cravings did in this Guacamole Football Recipe.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Onion dip is something else guests will reach for and they're sure to love this version made healthier with Greek yogurt.
The recipe below can be made a couple of days ahead of time. If you caramelize onions in a slow cooker, then the entire recipe is a breeze to make.
Greek Layer Dip
Vegetarian Greek Layer Dip is so substantial it's almost a meal!
Serving idea: Assemble this recipe in single-serving containers, like small mason jars or cups, in a deep bowl or on a platter.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Use fresh or frozen corn, depending upon availability. If you go the fresh route, microwave corn on the cob IN THE HUSK in minutes!
Mexican Street Corn in a Cup
Serving idea: This recipe can be served in cups, which has the side benefit of limiting the portions. In my experience, this dip is a HUGE hit. Of course, you can just make a big bowl of it too!
Finger Foods
These healthy game day appetizer recipes don't require a fork and sneak vegetables into the menu in creative ways!
Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
These are a nice alternative to Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (which are amazing.) However, not everyone enjoys a spicy dish. These are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the "breading" and cauliflower in advance and use our no-mess process to quickly prepare and cook them on game day.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are naturally low-carb and will disappear quickly at any party.
Make ahead tips: Prepare up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until serving day.
Shrimp Appetizers
If your budget can handle it, then these handhelds with shrimp are sure to be a hit.
Vegetables for the Base
Roasted potatoes and zucchini can stand-in for bread in many recipes. Get creative and top them with things like cheese and tomato.
Vegetable Muffins
You'll be very thankful that you have some of these mostly vegetable muffins or tots to snack on at a party! They're packed with vegetables, cheese, egg, and not much else. So you can enjoy plenty!
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.
Dinner Entrees
If your party is centered around the main meal, then heartier game day recipes are a must!
Salsa Chicken
It does not get any easier than this recipe. Toss everything in the slow cooker until game time. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve it right out of the slow cooker, so it stays at the proper temperature.
Create a buffet with various fixings such as flour tortillas, rice, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, and such. You can also stir in some of the ingredients before serving, such as beans or rice.
Buffalo Chicken Cups
This recipe immediately comes to mind when I think of healthy game day recipes. I guess it's the flavor profile and fun shape. Make these in a regular or mini-sized muffin tin (or even shaped liked a meatball!)
We have lots of meatloaf muffins to choose from including ones that are gourmet, meatless, and made with turkey or chicken.
Why I love them: Besides the fact that they are delicious, these recipes can be prepped in advance and frozen before or after cooking.
Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Janes can be served on healthier buns, chaffles or open-faced and even in a large lettuce leaf. Keep this recipe warm in a slow cooker!
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
You probably wouldn't serve Chicken Parmesan in a party setting...but you definitely can when it's in the shape of a meatball! Serve marinara on the side for dipping!
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
Even carnivores will love this vegan chili! It's fantastic topped with sour cream, and cheese.
Chicken Nuggets and Strips
Kids and adults alike love tasty chicken nuggets.
Pizza
There's a place for pizza on a healthy game day spread, especially if the base is made of a vegetable. These can be topped with pepperoni, sausage, or your favorites. Or not. They are delicious without anything added.
Salads
I promise these popular party salads will get rave reviews. They're made with heartier greens like cabbage and kale so they hold up well and can be made in advance.
Munchies
Round out your celebration with these crowd-pleasing munchies.
Pretzel Bites
Use whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour to make these!
Savory Popcorn
No butter is needed when you coat the popcorn with olive oil and toss it with fresh herbs.
Healthy Desserts
Protein Balls
I'm not saying you shouldn't have a decadent dessert at your gathering. But, I AM suggesting that these healthy little balls will disappear quickly and they have absolutely NO SUGAR!
Make them up in advance!
Brownie Batter Dessert Hummus
A little fruit and a little healthy dessert hummus will definitely warm some hearts.
Planning and Meal Prep Tips
- Make sure food stays at the proper temperature. Check out guidelines for Holiday or Party Buffets by the USDA.
- Manage various diets by making a toppings bar for things like shredded cheese and salad dressings.
- Prep as much as possible ahead of time and keep it simple!
Did your favorite healthy game day recipe make the list?! Leave a comment to add one!
Linda Brewer
I didn't see the recipe for Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili. I saw the recipe for Sloppy Joes twice. The chili sounded good and I would like to try it.
Marjory Pilley
OMG! Thanks for your note. I updated it with the correct link. I hope you get to try it. It is one of my personal favorites!