10 Classic Super Bowl Recipes Made a Little Healthier

By Text: Holley Grainger, M.S., R.D.
January 27, 2010
Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree
The traditional game day foods are crowd pleasers, but they can also be some of the worst foods for you health-wise. The good news is that with these simple makeovers, you don’t have to find new foods to serve on Super Bowl Sunday.
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Smoky Beef and Poblano Chili

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Amy Stone
View Recipe: Smoky Beef and Poblano Chili

This version cuts calories, fat, and saturated fat from traditional chili recipes without eliminating any of your favorite flavors. Cook the beef in batches to ensure quick, even browning. No need to chop or blend the tomatoes; simply squeeze them right over the pan to gently break them apart. Topped with fresh avocado, cilantro and chiles, this is the perfect one-pot meal to feed a hungry crowd on game day.

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Homemade Chicken Fingers

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Homemade Chicken Fingers

Sorry drive-through: This version of the kid favorite is better than yours. 

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Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Mole Nachos

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Mole Nachos

Everyone's favorite snack dinner just got a smoky upgrade with the addition of warm, chocolaty mole sauce. The chicken gets a rich braise in the Instant Pot, making for an extra-tender topping for chips. Serve with all the fixins—fresh avocado, salty Cotija cheese, and spicy-sweet candied jalapeños—to finish this feast-worthy favorite out. You can make the chicken mole ahead of time and add to the nachos just before serving.

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Beer Cheese Soup

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Butternut squash brilliantly mimics the color and creaminess of cheddar, plus boosts fiber and adds key nutrients such as beta carotene. Rich in energizing B-vitamins and plant protein, nutritional yeast boosts cheesy flavor, yet contain no added sodium. A sharp cheese packs bigger, more complex flavor, allowing us to use less without sacrificing the quintessential cheddar taste.

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Jalapeño Popper Bean Dip

Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree
View Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Bean Dip

Love jalapeño poppers or bean dip? We've combined the flavors of both in a recipe that's perfect for game day. The silky texture of pureed pinto beans enhances creaminess, while broiler-charred jalapeños offer earthy, toasty flavor. Canola mayo helps stretch the cream cheese, providing similar richness with no saturated fat. 

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Pesto Yogurt Dip

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Pesto Yogurt Dip

Use this herby dip to anchor a tray of what we call Snack Dinner. Surround it with lots of fresh vegetable dippers, seasonal fruit, sliced cheese, olives, nuts, and a little meat.

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Salt-and-Vinegar Boneless "Wings"

Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree
View Recipe: Salt-and-Vinegar Boneless "Wings"

Cornflake breading cooks up crispy. Malt vinegar lends complex savoriness that you won't find in most other vinegars. The chicken soaks in buttermilk to boost the tang of the vinegar.

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Pizza with Olives, Aleppo Pepper, and Fresh Mozzarella

Credit: Greg DuPree
View Recipe: Pizza with Olives, Aleppo Pepper, and Fresh Mozzarella

Less assertive and more nuanced than red pepper flakes, Aleppo pepper makes a terrific pizza seasoning—a little spicy and a little fruity to complement the tangy sauce and rich cheese. Find it at spice stores, gourmet grocers, or Middle Eastern markets. A sprinkle of briny kalamata olives adds a touch of umami. 

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Salted Caramel Brownies

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Salted Caramel Brownies
Every celebration calls for a decadent brownie, and whether you’re gluten-free or not, this show-stopping recipe should be in your arsenal. Two layers of bittersweet chocolate and a luscious caramel sauce and make this the ultimate salty-sweet indulgence.
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Grapefruit Beergaritas

Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree
View Recipe: Grapefruit Beergaritas

Fresh juice and a little simple syrup replace margarita mix to cut 4 teaspoons (16g) added sugars per serving. Diluting tequila with juice and beer makes for a gentler cocktail that'll keep guests free from personal fouls.

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By Text: Holley Grainger, M.S., R.D.