My favorite part of football season: the appetizers! Today I’m sharing my favorite easy and healthy game day appetizers, perfect for football viewing parties and tailgating.
Or, you know, just for snacking on when you feel like it… while not actually watching football (my approach). 😉
From avocado crema drizzled veggie nachos to simple charcuterie boards and healthier dip recipes, you’re sure to find a delicious appetizer (or two) to try! Read on for some mouth watering inspiration.
Healthy Game Day Snacks & Tailgating Appetizers
I love a good appetizer. And while I can definitely get down with some heavier tailgating appetizers, it’s nice to have some more nutrient dense options in the mix, too.
I promise that healthier appetizers can be just as delicious! I love a good dip with crunchy veggies and crackers, or a fabulous charcuterie spread.
Whether you’re hosting the party or going to a friend’s place to watch (or again, maybe not actually watching football and just hanging out with friends), any of the appetizers below would make a tasty addition to the snack spread!
Avocado White Bean Hummus
You can’t have a true appetizer spread without some sort of dip, and this avocado white bean hummus is one of my absolute favorites! It has a bright flavor (thanks to a squeeze of lemon juice), and all you need is a food processor to make it.
Serve with crackers, pita chips, carrot sticks, and/or other crunchy veggies!
Loaded Sheet Pan Vegetarian Nachos
These sheet pan veggie nachos are perfect for feeding a crowd! They’re topped with tons of vegetables, jalapeños, and black beans, then drizzled with an easy avocado lime crema.
It’s easy to make a big batch of these, and they don’t have to bake for long, either – just long enough to get the cheese nice and melty!
Mediterranean Sweet Potato Bites with Hummus
Baked sweet potato rounds make a great base for delicious toppings, like hummus Mediterranean bruschetta with feta cheese! The combination is super flavorful and really simple to make.
Plus, this appetizer is gluten free, so everyone can enjoy it!
Healthy Seven Layer Taco Dip
I LOVE taco dip – it’s one of my absolute favorite snacks! And in my experience I’m not the only one who loves taco dip. It’s a classic appetizer for any event and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This lightened up version uses Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, but tastes just as delicious.
Serve with tortilla chips and bell pepper slices!
Simple Small Charcuterie Appetizer Board
Nothing wrong with getting a little fancy for a game day party – especially when it’s this easy! To make a simple charcuterie board, just toss your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies on a platter, add a spread (like hummus or jam), and serve with crackers.
It’s fun to give your charcuterie board a seasonal flair, too. Apple slices, pecans, and autumn/winter veggies would all work great!
Check out the blog post for tips on organizing your charcuterie board, how to decide which cheese and other items to get, how to prep it ahead of time, and more!
Crispy Baked Salmon Bites
Salmon nuggets are a delicious and flavorful appetizer for any occasion! They’re seasoned and crispy, but baked in the oven (not fried), so they’re better for you.
Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce – like this creamy honey mustard yogurt sauce!
Savory Pumpkin Dip
Creamy, savory pumpkin hummus dip is a perfect fall appetizer that also happens to be super nutritious! Did I mention it’s also super easy to make?
Just toss the ingredients into a food processor and whirl away. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, and crunchy veggies like carrot sticks, raw broccoli florets, and/or bell pepper strips!
Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot)
Meatballs are a classic when it comes to game day appetizers, and these turkey meatballs in particular are a healthier, super flavorful version everyone will love!
They feature a delicious, sweet and spicy honey sriracha sauce and are made mostly in the slow cooker.
Goat Cheese Crostini with Ham & Pear
Looking for something a little fancy and holiday-inspired? This goat cheese crostini features the fabulous fall/winter flavors of ham and pear for a delicious (and easy) game day appetizer.
The creamy goat cheese pairs so well with the salty ham and sweet pear!
Vegan Artichoke Dip with Kale
Whether you’re vegan or not, this flavorful kale and artichoke dip will be a hit at any party. It’s rich and creamy, but without any cheese or mayo – it features blended avocado and white beans instead!
Spices (like garlic powder, parsley flakes, and ground thyme) amp up the flavor even more. It’s delicious paired with crusty bread and veggies!
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Easy homemade barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, slider buns, and tangy, crunchy coleslaw come together for an easy, yet delicious appetizer everyone will love! These chicken sliders are super flavorful and comforting.
You can cook the chicken yourself (you can even cook frozen chicken breasts in an Instant Pot!), or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even quicker.
Healthy Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a popular appetizer for a reason. They’re totally delicious!
And this version of healthy deviled eggs includes a special ingredient that eliminates the need for any mayo at all – but they’re just as flavorful.
Mexican-Style Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These baked sweet potato fries are surprisingly easy to make, nutritious, and have a Mexican-style flair (they’re seasoned with cumin). Just toss them on a baking sheet, season, and roast until crispy!
They pair perfectly with salsa as a dipping sauce, but would also be delicious with this avocado lime crema (or any of your favorite sauces!).
Spicy Queso Dip with Hummus
Super creamy, cheesy queso dip is always a party favorite, but this recipe has a secret ingredient that adds nutrients (and flavor): spicy hummus! It’s unexpected and so delicious.
Serve with tortilla chips, baby carrots, and/or bell pepper slices for a fabulous addition to any party spread.
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However you choose to celebrate game day (or not), I hope these tasty appetizers make it extra special!
What’s your favorite appetizer to make (and/or enjoy) for game day? Let me know in the comments!
