Grilled Skewers Won't Stop You From Cheering on Your Team
The game night tradition is to throw on your home team's jersey, invite some friends over, and then serve a bunch of greasy and fried food. While these types of food are always welcome, you can replace them with healthy versions that your guests will love. Here are 20 tips for making game night healthier.
1. Air-Fried Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a game night staple, so you don't need to cross them off the menu. By air-frying wings, you can get the desired crispy texture with less oil and fat. Toss them in a light sauce with a hint of heat and pair with a Greek yogurt-based ranch dipping sauce for an indulgent and guilt-free treat.
2. Veggie Nachos
Traditional nachos can be heavy thanks to their layers of cheese and a side of sour cream. Make a healthier version by using whole-grain tortilla chips and top with black beans, grilled chicken, and lots of vegetables like bell peppers, jalapenos, and tomatoes.
3. Fresh Vegetable Platter with Hummus
A fresh vegetable platter with hummus is a great replacement for chips and dips. Offer a variety of vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Hummus is a great dip because it's flavorful and packed with fiber and protein.
4. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
A basket of sweet potato fries will go just as fast as traditional fries. By substituting potatoes with sweet potatoes in this classic sports snack, you can make a healthier version that is just as satisfying and addictive. All you have to do is cut the sweet potatoes, season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then bake them until they are cooked through and crisp.
5. Grilled Skewers
Replace mozzarella sticks or jalapeno poppers with grilled skewers, and your guests will thank you around the second quarter. Go with lean proteins like chicken or shrimp and pair with vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
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6. Cauliflower Pizza
Instead of serving carb-heavy pizza, try one made with a cauliflower crust. Top with marinara sauce, part-skim mozzarella, and lean proteins like chicken, and whatever vegetables you like.
7. Sparkling Water Mocktails
Replace sugary sodas with sparkling water mocktails flavored with citrus slices or berries. You can even muddle some fresh herbs for extra freshness and flavor.
8. Greek Yogurt Creamy Dips
Spinach artichoke dip and onion dips are game night essentials, but they are packed with calories because they use sour cream or mayo. Replace the sour cream or mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier dip that tastes even better.
9. DIY Taco Bar
Tacos are always a hit with sports fans. Control the calorie level of tacos by setting up a taco bar with fresh and healthy ingredients and toppings, like lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and avocado.
10. Lettuce Wraps
Ditch buns in favor of lettuce and you'll make a fun snack that's healthier. Crisp lettuce creates a lighter and fresher vessel for beef patties or sliced grilled meat.
11. Skinny Seven-Layer Dip
Seven-layer dip is a classic, but it has layers of unhealthy and fatty ingredients like sour cream and cheese. Make it lighter by using Greek yogurt, reduced-fat cheese, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers.
12. Grilled Veggie Chips
Potato chips are irresistible, but they are greasy and only offer empty calories. Try grilled veggie chips made from beets, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. They will have no problem providing the crunch your guests want.
13. Frozen Yogurt Sundaes
When dessert time rolls around, consider serving frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. You can even create a sundae bar with fruit, dark chocolate chips, and nuts.
14. Fruit Kabobs
Fruit kabobs are a great substitute for candy bowls. Skewer chunks of strawberries, pineapples, grapes, and melon to create a refreshing and colorful treat that your guests will adore. You can even lightly drizzle each kabob with dark chocolate or butterscotch for some extra sweetness.
15. Cauliflower Buffalo Bites
Cauliflower is always a healthy alternative to greasy food because it bakes well and can maintain its structure. Cauliflower buffalo bites are another replacement for buffalo wings. Serve with celery and carrot sticks and a side of Greek yogurt ranch dip. These bites are fun, delicious, and utterly satisfying.
16. Turkey Burgers
Greasy beef burgers are tempting, but no one will miss them if you serve juicy turkey burgers instead. Season the turkey with herbs and spices and use fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. You can serve on a whole-grain bun or lettuce wraps.
17. DIY Salad Bar
If you insist on serving heavier snacks, then try to pair them with a salad bar with lighter and healthier items. Include bowls of various greens, chopped veggies, and grilled chicken or another lean protein. A DIY salad bar is interactive, fun, and lets your guests try different foods and combinations.
18. Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are beloved, but frying them makes them unnecessarily heavy. To make a healthier version, bread string cheese with whole-wheat breadcrumbs and bake until the exterior is golden and the cheese is nice and melted.
19. Yogurt Parfaits
For a lighter dessert that will still hit the spot, serve your guests a yogurt parfait with granola and fresh chunks of fruit. A parfait is healthy, creamy, sweet, and delicious. You can also include toppings like nuts and chocolate shavings.
20. Roasted Chickpeas
Instead of nuts, roast some chickpeas for your game night guests. They have a super satisfying crunch, and you only need to season them with olive oil and spices like cumin and chili powder.
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