15 Game Day Recipes for Your Football Party

by | Updated: February 7th, 2025

It starts with a coin toss—not to determine who gets the ball first, but whether you stick with healthy eating while watching the big game or indulge in those not-so-healthy party snacks and treats. Heads, it’s a green salad with vinaigrette dressing. Tails, you get juicy, drool-worthy buffalo wings. This time, you don’t have to leave it up to chance! You just need a spread that can do both: satisfy your healthy diet and your cravings! Not sure how to make it happen? We’ve got your back whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, paleo or flexitarian. Here’s your guide to better-for-you game-day eating.

Appetizers & Snacks

Baked Barbecue Cauliflower Wings

Score big on game day with these Baked Barbecue Cauliflower Wings—the perfect crispy, saucy and flavorful alternative to traditional wings! Coated in a smoky-sweet barbecue glaze and baked to perfection, they’re a guilt-free snack that still brings the bold game day flavor.

Twice-Baked Potatoes with Hemp Sour Cream

There’s never a bad time to eat potatoes. Whether your team is winning big or struggling to keep up, you’re going to want these twice-baked potatoes on your plate. Top them with hemp sour cream, coconut bacon bits and green onions for a dish that’s sure to score.

Prefer sweet potatoes? This Sweet Potato Fries Recipe offers perfectly sliced fries, crispy but not overcooked, and thick, creamy roasted onion dip. No forks necessary!

Roasted Chickpeas with turmeric & cumin in bowl | Vitacost.com/blog

Zesty Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas are not just for grinding into hummus; they make a great snack on their own. Simply roast them with turmeric, cumin, garlic powder and onion powder, and you’ve got a snack made for munching.

Vegan-Friendly Deviled Potatoes

Vegan-Friendly Deviled Potatoes

These bite-sized, dairy-free delights swap out traditional eggs for creamy seasoned mashed potatoes, delivering all the tangy, savory goodness of classic deviled eggs—without the eggs! A touch of Dijon, smoked paprika, and a hint of turmeric bring the flavor, while a sprinkle of fresh chives seals the deal.

Healthy rainbow carrot chips #healthysnacks www.vitacost.com/blog

Spicy Carrot Chips

When it comes to snacks, it’s hard to top crisp, salty potato chips. But you know better than to indulge. For a healthy-foodie-approved alternative that won’t fumble, go with carrot chips! Don’t be fooled by their crunchiness or zesty, finger-licking flavor—these richly seasoned bites come without excess fat and calories.

Gluten-Free Bacon Meatballs Recipe

Gluten-Free Beef & Bacon Meatballs

Bacon is not just for breakfast, of course. Combined with beef and bulked up with breadcrumbs, these bite-sized balls will fill you up if you’re not careful!

Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Turn up the heat on your game day spread with these Buffalo Chicken Nachos! Crispy tortilla chips piled high with tender buffalo-spiced chicken, creamy dairy-free toppings and all the crave-worthy flavors you love—without the dairy.

Dips

Healthier Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Healthier Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Level up your game day snacking with this Healthier Spinach & Artichoke Dip—all the creamy, cheesy goodness you love, with a better-for-you twist! Made with lighter ingredients but still packed with bold flavor, it’s the perfect dip for chips, crackers, or veggies.

Pineapple & Black Bean Guacamole Party Dip

This easy-to-make dish is a culinary win! It’s the hearty mixture of pineapples, beans, salsa and jalapenos that will get your guests in a huddle.

Buffalo Hummus

If you’re drooling over the thought of hot wings, this buffalo hummus will get you in the game. Add more hot sauce if you dare! Serve this dip along with crunchy Everything Flaxseed Crackers.

Main Courses

Thai Chicken Pizza

Thai Chicken Pizza

Upgrade your game day spread with Thai Chicken Pizza—a bold, flavor-packed twist that’s sure to be a crowd favorite! With tender chicken, creamy peanut sauce, melty cheese and crisp veggies, every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy.

Sweet & Smoky Slow Cooker Wings

Game day just isn’t complete without a plate of saucy, finger-licking wings—and these Sweet & Smoky Slow Cooker Wings deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to perfection, they’re infused with a rich blend of sweet honey, smoky spices and tangy goodness, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Oven-Baked Smoky Black Bean Sliders

Bring bold flavor to your game day spread with these Oven-Baked Smoky Black Bean Sliders—a hearty, plant-based twist on a classic! Packed with protein-rich black beans, smoky spices and baked to perfection, these sliders are just as satisfying as they are delicious.

Sweet Stuff

Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s face it, chocolate chip cookies are a must for any party or get-together. While there’s nothing wrong with coveting traditional versions, we think it’s time to branch out. Start with a few healthy swaps, such as using coconut oil in place of butter, and you might end up with a new favorite you’ll use for football parties and tailgates to come!

Salted Black Bean Brownies

Salted Black Bean Brownies

Here’s a game you can play with your guests: ask them to guess the “secret ingredient” in these brownies, and see what they come up with. We bet no one will suggest black beans!

Salted Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Get ready to score big with these Salted Peanut Butter Cup Bars—the ultimate game-day treat! These no-fuss, sweet-and-salty bars bring together rich peanut butter, smooth chocolate, and a touch of sea salt for the perfect bite every time.