It's no secret that tailgating is all about the food. But if you and your crew are big into football, that can mean weekend after weekend of indulging in rich, comforting fare. Even though you won't actually be as big as that linebacker by the end of the season, you might feel like you're pretty darn close.
Of course, bringing your own personal kale salad to game day gatherings would feel a little sad. Instead, just find ways to make your tailgating favorites a little less terrible. Like these—which are big on flavor and stuff that's actually good for you. (Snack AND lose weight with this box of Prevention-approved treats from Bestowed.)
Buffalo Roasted Chickpeas
Why snack on Two Bite Club's toasty chickpeas instead of chips? They're tossed in eye-rollingly good spicy, buttery buffalo sauce—so they're way more delicious than a bag of store-bought crisps (which probably contain trans fat). And even though they're addictive, you don't have to feel bad about going back for seconds (or thirds).
Taco Stuffed Avocados with Chipotle Cream
Like regular tacos, FoodieCrush's beef-, veggie-, and cheese-stuffed avocados are easy to eat. (The avocado shell is basically a built-in bowl.) But unlike regular tacos, you're trading a zero-nutrition taco shell for the avocado's healthy fat and fiber. Plus, they're easy to assemble and pack up at home, before you head out to the game. (Here are 10 more stuffed avocado recipes you're going to start craving.)
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Skewers
It's always good to have a little something green with your meal—even when you're tailgating. Don't worry though, The Typical Mom's sprouts don't skew into "health food" territory, since they're threaded onto skewers in between thick bites of rich, salty bacon. Toss them on your grill, and watch as even the self-professed veggie haters come wandering over for a taste. (Here are 7 more ways to make Brussels sprouts super tasty.)
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Paleo Ranch Dressing and Dip
The Real Food RDs call this dressing Paleo, but you'll just call it delicious. It's ultracreamy, thanks to a mix of mayo and coconut milk. And the combo of dried parsley, dill, chives, and garlic powder delivers full-on ranch flavor in every bite. Use it as a dip for veggies, or as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Healthy Turkey Chili
Because it's not truly a pregame party without a hot, bubbly pot of chili. Ambitious Kitchen's mouthwatering version is made with lean ground turkey, peppers and tomatoes, creamy kidney beans, crunchy corn, and loads of smoky spices. Make a double batch, 'cause the people camped out next to you will want some, too.
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Pulled Pork Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs
2Teaspoon's combo of tender pulled pork, creamy sweet potatoes, and runny eggs is that rare recipe that's loaded with nutrition and stick-to-your-ribs satisfying. For easier prep, cook the pulled pork and the sweet potatoes at home. Then, combine everything in your cast-iron skillet and cook over the grill until the flavors are melded and the eggs are set. (When buying eggs, make sure your carton says these 3 things.)
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Smoky Bacon Avocado Deviled Eggs
Here's how to make these ubiquitous snacks way better for you—and more fun. Trade the usual mayo for creamy, mashed avocado. Then, amp up the flavor with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chopped fresh cilantro, and the tiniest amount of crumbled bacon. Thanks, Lovely Little Kitchen!
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Dark Chocolate and Almond Butter Brownies with Sea Salt
Forget the dry football-shaped cake with the saccharine sweet icing. Foolproof Living's intensely fudgy, chocolate brownies are sure to win out with your crowd. And since they're made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat spelt flour, almond butter, coconut oil (we like this one), and Medjool dates, everyone will be food-coma-free come kickoff.
Marygrace Taylor
Marygrace Taylor is a health and wellness writer for Prevention, Parade, Women’s Health, Redbook, and others. She’s also the co-author of Prevention’s Eat Clean, Stay Lean: The Diet and Prevention’s Mediterranean Kitchen. Visit her at marygracetaylor.com.
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