Super Bowl party foods

From appetizers to main dishes to desserts, Super Bowl parties usually include a wide variety of foods. People may consume as much as 2,400 calories during the four-hour game. So offer your guests choices, traditional “Super Bowl” foods and some healthier options.

If you have a favorite recipe that you want to “lighten” up, there are easy substitutions to make without sacrificing the flavor.

When making dips, substitute low fat sour cream or plain yogurt for regular sour cream to reduce saturated fat and calories. Try reduced-fat cheese in recipes or choose a sharp cheese so you can use a smaller amount but still get the flavor. For those Buffalo Chicken Dip fans, there are easy ways to cut the calories and saturated fat in these recipes. Use low fat cream cheese and lite ranch dressing (or plain yogurt with a ranch dip seasoning packet) and serve with veggies as a healthy option. Another healthier version of Buffalo chicken dip includes no cheese but uses low-sodium chicken broth, chicken, cauliflower, Buffalo sauce and cream cheese.

People like to snack during the game, so have some healthy choices like a vegetable tray with light dip or hummus. Make burgers, meatballs and chili healthier using extra lean ground beef or low fat ground turkey in place of regular ground beef. Another great option is white chicken chili. Consider making a meatless chili so vegetarian guests have options as well. Many of these foods are easy foods to make the day before the game and serve in a slow cooker so hosts can enjoy the game as well.

A party is not complete without desserts. Fruit trays are always a popular choice. If you are more creative, try carving a small watermelon to look like a football helmet and fill it with a mixed fruit salad. Another football-themed treat is chocolate-dipped strawberries decorated with white chocolate “strings” to resemble footballs. A unique low-fat “football” dessert is a version of the traditional Rice Krispies treats. Make them with Rice Krispies or Cocoa Krispies (for a more intense chocolate flavor), add unsweetened cocoa powder to the melted margarine and marshmallow mixture and shape them to look like one big football or small footballs. Decorate with melted white chocolate for the strings and stripes on the football.

Enjoy the Super Bowl without feeling super stuffed by offering healthy options along with some of your traditional foods.