6 Easy Super Bowl Recipes That Are Just as Exciting as the Big Game
The big game is almost here! We can't wait to see the Patriots take on the Falcons, but there's only one thing we love more than those titillating touchdowns (and the must-see million-dollar ads): the food. What's not to love? From nachos with the fixings to Crock-Pot chili bowls and delicious dips to snack on all day, the Super Bowl takes comfort food to a whole other level, and it's good.
In honor of the biggest game of the year, we rounded up some of our favorite and slightly healthier versions of the traditional meals and snacks we all love so you can prepare a Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady–worthy spread too. And the best part of all is how easy they are. Because you want to be in front of the television, not all day in the kitchen, right? May the best dish (er, team) win.
Sheet-Pan Nachos
The Hero Ingredient: The mango salsa adds a seriously fresh twist on this Mexican classic.
The Recipe: This is such a simple recipe to prepare and cook. It's literally a layer of chips and cheese with that mango salsa for flavor on top. It takes 10 or so minutes to prepare (more if you make the salsa recipe from scratch) and five minutes to bake. Then it feeds at least six to eight people. Genius.
The Clincher: Drizzle some mango chipotle yogurt dressing on top for a little spice.
Crock-Pot Beef Chili
The Hero Ingredient: The spices really make this meal with chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and cumin.
The Recipe: We're a sucker for a Crock-Pot, but this chili is just what we all need come game day. Serve it with cheddar on top and extra servings of bread for scooping. So good.
The Clincher: It's a slow-cooker dish, so you literally set it and forget it.
Sriracha Popcorn
The Hero Ingredient: Butter infused with sriracha sauce—need we say more?
The Recipe: Instead of using oil to pop your corn kernels, this recipe has you adding them to the pot with butter and sriracha so they pop open with the flavor already infused and ready to eat. It's amazing.
The Clincher: Remove the lid, and pour the excess liquid over the top!
Buffalo White Bean Chili With Vegetarian Sausage
The Hero Ingredient: Vegetarian sausage adds a unique chorizo texture and flavor to this chili.
The Recipe: If you loved the Crock-Pot version above but prefer a meatless version, then this veggie-fueled stew will satisfy your taste buds and your stomach. It's the epitome of healthy indulgence.
The Clincher: Make this chili in less than an hour, leave it on the stovetop to keep warm, and have everyone scoop bowl after bowl throughout the game. The flavor just keeps getting better.
Pomegranate Guacamole With Fried Plantain Chips
The Hero Ingredient: The plantain chips are a refreshing, healthy swap that taste so delicious you'll question ever going back to corn.
The Recipe: You only need six ingredients to make the guacamole, and this recipe does give you the option to make the plantain chips, too (although they're just as readily available on Amazon if you're strapped for time).
The Clincher: The pomegranate on top is just as pretty on your taste buds as it is on the eyes.
Caramelized Pork Tacos
The Hero Ingredient: The caramelized pork adds a salty-sweet flavor that truly elevates the overall taste.
The Recipe: Even though the recipe only serves four, you can make big batches of this if you have more people or want some for the next day. Just make sure you have a big enough pot.
The Clincher: The pineapple salsa. Double that recipe too, because we guarantee everyone will want to snack on it with chips.
What's your favorite game-day snack? Do you go healthy or indulgent with your food choices?