Healthy Game Day Recipes

Whether you’re looking for a single dish or putting together a spread, we’ve pulled together a handful of healthy game day appetizers that keeps things on the healthier side, yet still delivers big on flavor and will earn you points for creativity (we’re looking at you Pickles in a Blanket!).

Read on for a roundup of healthy game day recipes. Then, get ready to cheer on your favorite team!

Pickles in a Blanket

These wrapped pickles are a fun twist on classic game day food. Instead of wrapped hot dogs, we swap in crunchy dill pickle spears and wrap them in pan-seared Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese Slices. Not only are there fewer calories, but also you get a nice serving of protein. The recipe is quick and easy to prepare, but it only serves two to four, so gather more ingredients if you’re serving a group.

Spinach Artichoke Cheddar Dip

This dip is packed with vegetables, but don’t let it fool you into thinking it’s not divine because it’s also laced with our Vermont Sharp cheddar cheese and creamy yogurt. Serve with bread, crackers or fresh veggies and enjoy!

Air Fryer Hot Wings

Admit it—a game day spread isn’t complete without a platter of wings! Here’s even better news, though: these wings will appeal to even the healthy crowd. The air fryer gets them nice and crispy without a lot of extra oil (read: extra calories) and then makes the most of the sauce by putting it on after cooking. The recipe serves two to four so be sure to double or triple it for a crowd.

Football Cheese Board

Ready to serve 18 people, this delectable cheese board deserves a position in your starting lineup of healthy Super Bowl recipes. Guests will marvel at cubes of our Vermont Sharp Yellow Dairy Bar and Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese Dairy Bar arranged into the shape of a football in the center, and the platter gets finished off with your favorite variety of crackers. You can also add other accompaniments to incorporate more colors and flavors. Check out our guide on making a cheese board for ideas and inspiration.

Spicy Buffalo Wings

Baked rather than fried, our take on the classic buffalo wing lightens up an old favorite. Slices of our Salted Butter, Frank's Hot Sauce, apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce go together to create the spicy sauce, and our Low-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt provides a healthy dipper.

Antipasto Broccoli Salad

Yes, game day fare can be green! This broccoli salad takes a creative turn thanks to cubes of salami and cheddar and slices of pepperoncini. Your healthy game day fans will really appreciate this fresh salad—and skeptics will be enticed by the fixings tossed alongside the broccoli. In other words, this is the perfect game-day salad.

Crispy Cheese Pickle Chips

For game day, skip the potato chips and serve these spicy, crunchy pickle chips in their place. They're quick and easy to prepare and will have everyone coming back for seconds. To whip up a batch, just fill a non-stick muffin tin with our Seriously Sharp Shredded Cheddar, top off with two pickle chips and sprinkle on your favorite steak seasoning blend. The chips get baked to a crisp in the oven without the added fat of frying. And if you're looking for more crispy cheesy goodness, try the football cheddar crackers!

Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Yogurt Dip

Baked rather than fried, our take on the classic buffalo wing is much lighter and offers more vitamins, minerals, and fiber. lightens up an old favorite. Butter plus hot sauce plus apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce combine to create the spicy sauce, and our Greek yogurt provides a healthy dipper.

Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

Swapping bread for cauliflower, these lighter “breadsticks” are a great way to eat more vegetables! With a coating of grated Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar, they’re also seriously crunchy and straight up yummy. Luckily, the recipe makes 16 breadsticks, because we’re betting you won’t be able to have just one!

Baked Breaded Zucchini Sticks with Greek Yogurt Dip

These zucchini sticks are a show-stopping post half-time treat—and are packed with ample good-for-you nutrients, too. Plus, baking is always healthier than frying foods. Rolled in panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika and salt, these zucchini sticks are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender inside! And the creamy Greek yogurt dip adds protein.