Food Faceoff: 10 Classic vs. Healthy Recipes for the Big Game

Sometimes the best part about the Big Game is the food. Nachos. Wings. Chili. Beer. Sure, you might be consuming a day’s worth of calories in one sitting — but the gluttony is worth it, right? In honor of Sunday’s Big Game between the Eagles and the Patriots, we decided to offer up a competitive food faceoff. Five classic takes vs. five healthier versions of our favorite game day foods. Which one wins?  You decide.

1. NACHOS 

We’ve devoted entire blog posts to our love of nachos — so the appearance of this famous game day dish should be no surprise.

Traditional Version: Fancy Game Day Nachos 

Photo courtesy of Bubby’s

We love them simple; we love them complicated, and any which way, quite frankly. This chic version of nachos from Chef Ron Silver of Bubby’s in New York City elevates the Gam Day staple with black beans, white cheddar, quesa fresca, guacamole and pickled veggies.

Source: Vogue

Healthy Version: Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos 

2. SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP 

Sunday will be all about the dips. Look no further than this classic American appetizer popular since the 50s — the Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Traditional Version: Spinach Artichoke Dip

This Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe from Bon Appetit comes from the magazine’s collection of essential recipes — and it’s a bonafide winner. Pro tip: to create the perfect creamy harmony, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the spinach.

Source: Bon Appetit

Healthy Version: Creamy Artichoke Spinach Greek Yogurt Dip 

Skip the heavy cream or mayo — in this healthier version of Spinach Artichoke Dip, opt for Greek yogurt instead. Greek yogurt is much lower in fat, plus it’s chock full of protein.

Source: Food Heaven Made Easy

3. WINGS 

Since Americans are expected to eat a record-breaking 1.35 billion wings this weekend, according to the National Chicken Council, we could not resist offering up two great options.

Traditional Version: Sticky Spicy Chinese Chicken Wings

Photo by Meghan Kotz

Andrew Zimmern’s easy homemade Sticky Spicy Chinese Chicken Wings for the win!  These wings combine everything from cinnamon and anise to ginger and oyster sauce for “sticky, fatty, salty and sweet” goodness.

Source: Fox News

Healthy Version: Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers 

Ok, ok. We know that deep-fried chicken is what makes a wing a “wing.” But bear with us. In nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner’s version, she swaps the chicken for whole grains and veggies. Only 12 calories per popper!

Source: Dawn Jackson Blatner 

4. CHILI 

A bowl of chili is all about warmth and comfort. If your team loses this Sunday, it could be the only thing that soothes you.

Traditional Version: Pat’s Famous Beef and Pork Chili

Photo courtesy of Food Network

This Dutch oven recipe from Pat Neely of the Food Network’s “Down Home with the Neelys” has all you could ever want from a chili: bacon, ground beef, ground pork, black beans, kidney beans seasoned with garlic, onions, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, chipotle chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika and more.
Source: Food Network

Healthy Version: Three Bean Chili 

This meatless, Latin American twist on chili is a crowd (and tummy) pleaser.

Source: Forks Over Knives

5. SLIDERS 

A good slider is hard to beat — plus it’s about as American as… well… you know.

Traditional Version: Waffle Fry Sliders 

This adorable and modern take on the classic burger-and-fries delivers a juicy ground beef patty between two waffle fries, and we think it’s brilliant.

Source: Delish

Healthy Version: Zucchini Turkey Burger 

This veggie powerhouse from Food Wine Thyme (a.k.a. Olive & Garlic) is loaded with zucchini and herbs, and served with great toppings like heirloom tomatoes and tzatziki sauce.  Amazing flavor without tons of calories? What’s not to love?

Source: Olive & Garlic