There’s an Usher show on TV next Sunday! And some people will be playing football before and after! And, perhaps coincidentally, there will be lots of great commercials airing for the first time! (Non-related: did you know that the name “Super Bowl” is actually trademarked by the NFL??)

Whatever you’re excited about next weekend, chances are a big part of your celebration will be SNACKS. While classic game day snacks tend to lean towards the indulgent side, incorporating healthy and high-protein options into your menu can make your party a hit without sidelining your wellness goals. 

Here are six healthy snack ideas that you can incorporate into your planning whether you are hosting or looking for something to take along with you to someone else’s party.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: A Spicy and Healthy Kickoff

Give a healthy alternative to game day wings with Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. This veggie-forward alternative delivers all the spicy kick of traditional Buffalo wings but in a lighter package. 

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2/3 cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a bowl, mix the flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the cauliflower florets and toss to coat.
• Spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
• While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter together.
• Remove the cauliflower from the oven, toss with the buffalo sauce mixture, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy.
• Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing.

If you’re in New York City and don’t want to cook for yourself, NYC Cooking Club has two great swaps for Buffalo wings! Check out our Buffalo Chicken Meatballs or Buffalo Chicken Salad, which are both available this week in Party Packs perfect for your serving needs. Order by Tuesday at noon for delivery on Friday and you’ll be ready to serve on Sunday!

Veggie Platter with Hummus: Fresh and Flavorful

A colorful Veggie Platter with creamy Hummus is a staple for those seeking healthy eating choices that don't compromise on taste. It’s an easy way to ensure your party spread includes a variety of nutrient-rich options, making it both eye-catching and good for your guests.

Making your own hummus is super easy! Just blend the following in a food processor until smooth:

• 1 can (15oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of one lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt, to taste

Turkey and Avocado Roll-Ups: Protein-Packed Bites

For a satisfying, high-protein snack, Turkey and Avocado Roll-Ups are a go-to. They combine lean turkey with the healthy fat of avocado, offering a delicious and nutritious option that aligns with your goals. 

Ingredients:

• Sliced turkey breast
• 1 ripe avocado
• Lime juice
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: cheese slices, spinach, or other preferred fillings

Instructions:

Mash the avocado in a bowl and season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

• Lay out a slice of turkey breast. Spread a layer of the mashed avocado onto the turkey.
• Add any additional fillings you like.
• Roll the turkey slice tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Sweet Potato Chips with Greek Yogurt Dip: A Sweet and Savory Crunch

Offering a homemade alternative to store-bought chips, Sweet Potato Chips served with a Greek Yogurt Dip can be a game-changer. This snack not only satisfies the crunch factor but also provides a healthier option.

Ingredients for Chips:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredients for Dip:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lime zest
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F . Thinly slice sweet potatoes using a mandoline slicer.
• Toss sweet potato slices with olive oil and salt, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
• For the dip, mix Greek yogurt, honey, lime zest, and salt in a bowl.
• Serve chips alongside the dip.

Fruit Skewers with Honey-Yogurt Dip: A Sweet Touchdown

Fruit Skewers with Honey-Yogurt Dip bring a sweet, refreshing element to your game day menu. They’re a testament to the simple joy of combining fresh fruits with a light, protein-rich dip, offering a guilt-free option for guests to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• A selection of fruit (grapes, strawberries, pineapple)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
• Thread the fruit onto skewers, alternating types for variety.
• For the dip, mix Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract in a bowl until well combined.
• Serve the fruit skewers with the honey-yogurt dip.

Homemade Popcorn: The MVP of Snacks

Homemade Popcorn is a whole-grain, fiber-rich snack that’s incredibly versatile. Lightly seasoned with nutritional yeast and a dash of salt, it’s a healthy eating tip that’s both easy to make and universally loved, proving that simple ingredients can make for the most satisfying snacks.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
• Nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt for seasoning

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add a few popcorn kernels and cover.

• When the kernels pop, add the rest of the popcorn kernels in an even layer. Cover and remove from heat for 30 seconds (this helps the kernels pop at the same time).
• Return the pot to the heat. Once the popping starts in earnest, gently shake the pot back and forth over the burner.
• Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove from heat, and transfer popcorn to a large bowl.
• Season with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt to taste.

Ready-to-Serve Options for an Effortless Celebration

Looking to enjoy the game without spending hours in the kitchen? If you’re in NYC, we can help! NYC Cooking Club has you covered with various appetizer-sized meatballs and our flavorful chicken salads and lightly sauced shredded chicken. Pair them with Hawaiian Rolls (also available on our site) for a perfect platter of sliders! 

This is your chance to show that healthy snacks can be just as tasty and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. And by choosing high-protein, nutrient-rich options, you can provide a selection of foods that will keep your guests feeling great long after the game is over.

Want us to provide food that you can pass off as homemade? Just order by Tuesday at noon for delivery on Friday from 9-2 and you’ll be all set for kickoff on Sunday!