Level Up Your Game Day Menu

It’s that time of year again! It’s time to gather the family, friends, and even strangers to partake in the celebration of life and sports. No tailgating party would be complete without an impressive spread. However, tailgating isn’t known for inspiring healthy dishes, so we thought we would round up a few to help keep the calories down, while you keep the fun up.

1. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites & Ranch Dip

With the same texture and flavor as chicken wings, these cauliflower bites are a fiber-filled alternative for health-conscious and vegetarian tailgaters. Pair them with raw celery and a cool dip like a dairy-free ranch dip. Photo and recipe: Mckel Hill / Nutrition Stripped

2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Footballs

These festive desserts are healthier than your average baked dessert, so don’t feel guilty about eating two (or three!). All you need is a microwave, berries, chocolate and the willpower to save a few for halftime! Photo and recipe: Jackie / Domestic Fits

3. Turkey Chili

A piping hot bowl of chili is a must-have for a chilly tailgate, and this recipe delivers a sweet and spicy combo of flavors that’s sure to please. Lean turkey meat has roughly half the fat of ground beef, meaning you can gobble this up relatively guilt-free! Photo and recipe: Kelly / Eat Yourself Skinny

4. Buffalo Hummus

Skip the chips and dip and snack on some spicy hummus and veggies instead! This recipe has the same buffalo wing flavor as hot wings, but none of the unhealthy fats. Just be sure to use a low-sodium buffalo wing sauce to keep salt in check. Photo and recipe: Angie / Eclectic Recipes

5. Mini Cauliflower Pizza Bites

At only 20 calories a pop, these gluten-free pizza bites won’t weigh you down. Use muffin tins to bake egg whites, cauliflower and seasonings together and you’ll have finger-friendly snacks that are easy to pack for game day gatherings. Photo and recipe: Katie / Dashing Dish

6. Honey Porter Glazed Chicken Skewers

Spicy and sweet flavors steal the show in this drool-worthy recipe for glazed chicken skewers. Marinate them overnight and grill day-of for best results. (And pair with your favorite brew, of course!) Photo and recipe: Jackie / The Beeroness

7. Loaded Sweet Potato with Peanut Sauce

Here’s a delicious and easy way to make stuffed potatoes more interesting! As a base, use either fiber-rich russet potatoes or sweet potatoes, which have additional nutrients like betacarotene and vitamin A. Wrap them in foil for easy transport and don’t forget the special peanut sauce to top those ‘taters off! Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by DailyBurn

8. Healthier Hot Chocolate

With no added sugar, this recipe puts a healthier spin on a cold weather favorite. Potassium-rich bananas boost the nutritional value of this simple and easy-to-make hot cocoa. Pack it in a thermos or reheat at your tailgate when temperatures start to dip! Photo and recipe: Bonnie / Going Home to Roost

9. Quinoa Vegetarian Chili Recipe

At just 350 calories per serving, this chili recipe is a lighter way to warm up and stave off hunger if meat is off the table for you. Garnish with avocado for healthy fat and don’t forget to bring along some cornbread. Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by DailyBurn

10. Zesty Black Bean Hummus

Can’t quit when it comes to chips and dip? Thanks to black beans, cottage cheese and almond butter, this hummus delivers a whopping 16 grams of protein per serving. It’s so zesty you’ll want to devour all the celery in sight! Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by DailyBurn

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