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Healthy Tailgating Recipes

Healthy Tailgating Recipes

Updated September 11, 2013

Credit: Mark Thomas; Styling: Gerri Williams

Score big points for your waistline with these lightened versions of classic tailgating recipes and hearty football fare.

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Tailgating Gone Light

Credit: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Zapalowski

Tailgating Gone Light Tout

There's no need to sacrifice your favorite tailgating recipes just because you're trying to eat healthy. Enjoy the bold flavors of chicken wings, deviled eggs, potato salad, chili, and cupcakes without any guilt. These recipes have the same great flavor as their traditional counterparts but with a fraction of the fat and calories.

First up, we have Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites. These bite-sized appetizers are steeped in a mixture of garlic, soy sauce, ginger, citrus, and honey for the perfect punch of protein on game day!

Recipe: Honey-Ginger Chicken Bites

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Cheesy Potato Casserole

Credit: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Paige Hicks

Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Rather than using sodium-loaded canned soup, we made our own creamy sauce to update this dish.

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Microwave Sweet Potato Chips

Credit: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Paige Hicks

Microwave Sweet Potato Chips Recipe

Simple, easy, and at less than 50 calories per serving, what’s not to love about these Microwave Sweet Potato Chips? You’ll want to go ahead and make two or three batches because they’ll disappear before you even know it.

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White Chocolate, Strawberry, and Oatmeal Cookies

Credit: Oxmoor House

White Chocolate, Strawberry, and Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Stud these cookies with white chocolate morsels and dried strawberries for a flavorful twist on the traditional oatmeal cookie. Pack the cookies tins to keep them fresh and prevent them from crumbling on the drive to the game.

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Lemon-Caper Parmesan Potato Salad Bites

Credit: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

Lemon-Caper Parmesan Potato Salad Bites Recipe

Turn "jacket potatoes" into irresistible potato salad bites. Capers offer a twist on traditional relish; they're actually pickled flower buds and add bright, briny flavor to this appetizer.

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Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Catherine Crowell Steele; Prop Styling: Thom Driver

Glazed Cocktail Meatballs Recipe

These mini meatballs are perfect for holiday parties and tailgating. We made them healthier by forgoing sodium-heavy ingredients like the usual ketchup and chili sauce and including whole-grain bulgur in place of breadcrumbs. You can also serve a larger portion of these meatballs for weeknight dinner. To up the kid-friendly factor, omit the ground red pepper in the glaze and serve with mashed potatoes (à la Swedish meatballs).

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Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

Credit: Raymond Hom; Styling: Pamela Duncan Silver

Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe

The rich and creamy combination of bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar nicely contrasts the muted spice of grilled jalapeño peppers. This appetizer recipe is a healthy, fresh alternative to the popular breaded and fried version.

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Salt-and-Vinegar Boneless "Wings"

Credit: Greg DuPree

Salt-and-Vinegar Boneless "Wings" Recipe

The popular potato chip flavor translates fantastically to boneless "wings." OK, admittedly, they're basically chicken fingers, but for game day, we're calling them boneless wings. Be sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper, as the chicken tends to stick to aluminum foil, even if it's coated with cooking spray.

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Smoky Carrot Dogs with Nacho Sauce

Smoky Carrot Dogs with Nacho Sauce Recipe

We've embellished the humble carrot to mimic the smoky taste and snappy texture of a hot dog. To lend a dairy-free cheesy flavor to plant-based nacho sauce, we use nutritional yeast; look for it in health food stores or well-stocked specialty grocers. Our recipe saves 8g saturated fat over standard cheese dogs without losing any of the flavor.

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Loaded Chorizo Nachos

Credit: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lindsey Lower

Loaded Chorizo Nachos Recipe

When we say loaded, we mean it. These nachos require a fork for scooping up all the tasty fillings. Building on a foil-lined pan means instant cleanup: Bring the pan right to the table after broiling, and discard the foil after dinner.

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Jalapeño Popper Bean Dip

Credit: Greg DuPree

Jalapeño Popper Bean Dip Recipe

Think beyond tortilla chips for this crowd-pleasing dip. You don't want to deny guests the deliciousness of chips, but those can get a little heavy; supplement with veggie dippers to keep things lighter overall. We suggest mini sweet peppers because their sweetness helps offset the heat of the jalapeños.

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Chunky Muhammara

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Chunky Muhammara Recipe

Build a healthy "snack dinner" platter with this flavor-packed dip at the center--surround it with crunchy vegetables and whole-wheat flatbread for dipping, and add a tin of oil-packed sardines, olives, nuts, feta cheese, marinated artichokes, and some dried and fresh fruit for a colorful, well-rounded meal.

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Smoky Caramelized Onion Burgers

Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Smoky Caramelized Onion Burgers Recipe

Sometimes we want our grilled beef patties to have just a little more oomph. These burgers deliver exactly that and more. Caramelized onions and garlic go into the ground sirloin mixture to keep the burgers moist, followed by a bold hit of ground cumin and smoked paprika for a jolt of flavor.

This recipe goes with: Thai Beef-and-Cabbage Salad, Skillet Nacho Dip

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Creamy Artichoke Dip

Credit: Victor Protasio

Creamy Artichoke Dip Recipe

This is a creamy, rich, yet healthier riff on the classic—and is great for entertaining. We process half of the artichokes to sneak more veggies into the dip, plus a little tofu to help cut back on cheese and boost protein. Using frozen artichokes instead of canned helps keep sodium in check. Serve each ramekin with different sides—we like a medley of vegetables, crackers, or bread. Or keep it super simple and bake in one larger baking dish.

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Open-Faced Meatball Subs

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Open-Faced Meatball Subs Recipe

Grab a knife and fork for these mile-high Italian subs.

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Goat Cheese Queso Dip with Vegetable Chips

Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick; Prop Styling: Thom Driver

Goat Cheese Queso Dip with Vegetable Chips Recipe

This warm, tangy twist on fundido is perfect with sparkling wine; the bubbles help cut through the richness. We pair with veggie chips, but you can also serve with crudités for a fresher take.

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Sheet Pan Beef and Black Bean Nachos

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Sheet Pan Beef and Black Bean Nachos Recipe

Load up the nachos on a baking sheet, then bring straight to the table for easy serving and a great presentation. While we love melted shredded cheese, we found that it makes the nachos a bit unwieldy. Instead, a creamy cheese sauce coats each chip and makes it easier to separate from the pack. Topping potential is endless, but we like sliced avocado and jalapeño.

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Family-Style Meatball "Fondue"

Credit: Photography: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen.

Family-Style Meatball "Fondue" Recipe

We're using the term "fondue" loosely; the idea is that everyone scoops into a skillet of cheesy meatballs with hearty bread slices. The meatballs are more tender than traditional versions because they don't include breadcrumbs; we like the softer texture for this type of dish, where you want them to give way easily on the bread.

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Smashed Double Cheeseburger Sliders

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Smashed Double Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

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Shredded Chicken and Avocado Nacho Salad

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Shredded Chicken and Avocado Nacho Salad Recipe

Dinner doesn't get any easier than this five-ingredient salad. And it's bursting with Super Bowl Sunday potential.

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Five-Layer Dip

Credit: Oxmoor House

Five-Layer Dip Recipe

This popular party dip gets a face-lift with a few simple changes. Keep fat and calories to a minimum by swapping whole-kernel corn for the customary layer of ground beef.

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Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs

Credit: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Robyn Valarik

Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs Recipe

When Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard are exchanged for mayo, this party favorite becomes instantly healthier.

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Deviled Eggs

Credit: Oxmoor House

Deviled Eggs Recipe

To keep these portable snacks from turning on their sides when serving, use a deviled egg tray.

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Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini Fries

Credit: Oxmoor House

Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini Fries Recipe

These savory Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini Fries are less than 100 calories, so go ahead and splurge on their cheesy, garlicky goodness.

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Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

Credit: Oxmoor House

Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips Recipe

By making your own potato chips, you can greatly reduce the amount of calories, fat content and sodium. Use Russet or Idaho baking potatoes for these chips.

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Tex-Mex Beef and Bean Dip

Credit: Oxmoor House

Tex-Mex Beef and Bean Dip Recipe

You can make this party dip ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. Chipotle chile powder is spicy, so adjust the amount to suit your taste.

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Creamy Ranch-Style Dip

Credit: Johnny Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Creamy Ranch-Style Dip Recipe

What’s a tailgate without ranch dressing? Make your own and save on calories, fat, and sodium. Serve this dip with baby carrots, broccoli florets, or other fresh vegetables.

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Peanut Butter Hummus with Cucumber Dippers

Credit: Johnny Autry; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Peanut Butter Hummus with Cucumber Dippers Recipe

Packed with protein and full of flavor, this Peanut Butter Hummus is the perfect alternative to unhealthy store-bought dips this tailgating season.

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Caramel-Toffee Dip

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

Caramel-Toffee Dip Recipe

Store bought goodies are often laden with sugar and fat. For a healthy option, serve this slightly sweet Caramel-Toffee Dip with apples slices or graham crackers.

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Sour Cream and Onion Dip

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Cindy Barr

Sour Cream and Onion Dip Recipe

Looking for a healthier chip dip? Give this Sour Cream and Onion Dip a try and swap out greasy chips for oven-baked pita Looking for a healthier chip dip? Give this Sour Cream and Onion Dip a try and swap out greasy chips for oven-baked pita chips or crunchy veggies, like celery, bell peppers, and carrots. chips or crunchy veggies, like celery, bell peppers, and carrots.

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Double-Chocolate Cupcakes

Credit: Randy Mayor; Cindy Barr

Double-Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

For a fourth quarter treat, give these rich, chocolatey cupcakes a try. Not only are they packed with antioxidants, they are lower in fat and calories than their store–bought counterparts.

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Zesty Green Goddess Dip

Credit: John Autry

Zesty Green Goddess Dip Recipe

Good news! Because fresh herbs are increasingly available, you can make this tangy, peppery dip year-round.

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Tzatziki

Tzatziki Recipe

This is a traditional Greek dish that combines cucumber and yogurt. The ingredient piment d'Espelette is a French variety of mild ground chile.

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Ham and Cheddar Potato Skins

Ham and Cheddar Potato Skins Recipe

This traditionally high-fat nibble got a lighter makeover to make it much healthier and using smaller potatoes keeps these bites portion-controlled.

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Pico de Gallo

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Katherine Eckert

Pico de Gallo Recipe

Pico de Gallo is best when made the day you plan to serve it. Prepare it early the morning of the tailgate enjoy with chips that day.

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Healthy Tailgating Recipes

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Tailgating Gone Light

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Cheesy Potato Casserole

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Microwave Sweet Potato Chips

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White Chocolate, Strawberry, and Oatmeal Cookies

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Lemon-Caper Parmesan Potato Salad Bites

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Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

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Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

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Salt-and-Vinegar Boneless "Wings"

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Smoky Carrot Dogs with Nacho Sauce

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Loaded Chorizo Nachos

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Jalapeño Popper Bean Dip

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Chunky Muhammara

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Smoky Caramelized Onion Burgers

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Creamy Artichoke Dip

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Open-Faced Meatball Subs

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Goat Cheese Queso Dip with Vegetable Chips

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Sheet Pan Beef and Black Bean Nachos

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Family-Style Meatball "Fondue"

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Smashed Double Cheeseburger Sliders

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Shredded Chicken and Avocado Nacho Salad

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Five-Layer Dip

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Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs

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Deviled Eggs

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Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini Fries

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Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

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Tex-Mex Beef and Bean Dip

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