Looking for some tasty and healthy eats for the wildcard playoffs this weekend? We’ve got you covered so you can start the New Year off right. Onions can add a delicious and flavorful twist to your weekend football snacks and dips, while also infusing some nutrition into your meals. Here are seven creative ways to incorporate onions into your game-day treats. For more recipes with onions, check out our recipes pages.
Try these healthy and yummy football snacks
Caramelized Onion Dip:
Our Caramelized Sweet Onion Hummus is super easy to make and makes a tasty hummus to add to your vegetable tray – without the fat content of traditional sour cream dips. Better yet, each 1/3 cup serving is only 126 calories and only 7 grams of fat. A traditional sour cream dip of the same size is 180 calories and 13.5 grams of fat.
If you are really intent on a good sour cream dip, try our Creamy Onion Dip, which calls for light sour cream and 2 cups of chopped onions. This makes 10 servings; 70 calories per serving and 6 grams of fat.
Grilled Onion Guacamole:
Grill sliced onions until they are charred and smoky. This can take a while on a grill, but we’ve got a quick onion hack in this YouTube Video to get you in and out of this recipe quicker. Add these grilled onions to your guacamole for a unique flavor profile. The combination of creamy avocado and smoky grilled onions will be a hit at your football gathering.
Onion Rings with Dipping Sauce:
Coat onion rings in a seasoned batter and deep-fry until golden brown. Serve these crispy onion rings with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a spicy aioli or a zesty barbecue sauce. Here are some of our favorite onion ring dips. We also have some great off-the-beaten-path onion ring recipes that you and yours may enjoy.
Try Wine and Brine Pickled Onion Rings or Zing Rings – Beer Battered Pickled Onion Rings.
Your kids – even your whole family — may love these Root Beer Onion Rings, too.
Sweet Onion and Bacon Jam:
Cook diced sweet onions with bacon, brown sugar, and a touch of balsamic vinegar until it forms a thick jam-like consistency. Spread this delicious onion and bacon jam on crackers or use it as a topping for sliders or grilled meats. You can also win big with these jams (or what we call chutneys):
Onion-Studded Cheese Ball:
Mix finely chopped green onions or caramelized onions into a cream cheese base. Form the mixture into a ball and roll it in chopped nuts or herbs for added texture. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Spicy Onion Salsa:
Combine diced red onions with tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. This spicy onion salsa can be a refreshing and zesty addition to your game-day snacks, especially when paired with tortilla chips.
These salsas also aim to please:
- Charred Red Onion Salsa
. Made with red onions for a sweet take on your chips. This makes 12 servings at just 74 calories per serving and only 5.6 grams of fat. - Charred Tomato and Onion Salsa
tastes just like your favorite restaurant’s salsa and it makes enough for a crowd at 4 cups. Just cook and serve at room temperature.
Onion and Chive Deviled Eggs:
Mix finely chopped green onions or chives into the egg yolk filling for deviled eggs. Adding onions will bring extra flavor and a subtle crunch to the classic party favorite. Feel free to get creative and tailor these ideas to your taste preferences. Enjoy your football weekend with these delicious onion-infused snacks!
10 reasons why you need healthy football snacks
Eating healthy while watching the football playoffs is a great way to support your overall well-being and enjoy the game without compromising your health. Here are 10 reasons to make nutritious choices during the football playoffs:
- Sustained Energy Levels: Healthy snacks provide a steady release of energy. This way, you stay alert and engaged throughout the game without the energy crashes associated with sugary or fatty foods.
- Better Focus on the Game: Nutrient-rich foods support cognitive function, allowing you to stay focused on the plays, strategies, and overall excitement of the game.
- Weight Management: Opting for healthier snacks can help you manage your weight.
- Heart Health: Heart-healthy options, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, supports cardiovascular health.
- Improved Digestion: Fiber-rich snacks, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, help digestion. This contributes to a comfortable viewing experience, preventing discomfort often associated with heavy or greasy foods.
- Nutrient Intake: When you eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods, your body receives essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being.
- Reduced Guilt: Enjoying healthier snacks allows you to indulge in the game-day experience without the guilt of overindulging.
- Hydration Support: Water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can contribute to your hydration levels.
- Boosted Immune System: A well-balanced diet with a variety of nutrients supports a robust immune system. This helps you stay healthy and enjoy the playoffs without worrying about spreading a cold.
- Setting a Positive Example: Making healthier food choices during the football playoffs sets a positive example and encourages a culture of wellness and mindful eating.
By making conscious choices about healthy football snacks to eat during the playoffs, you can enhance your viewing experience and contribute to your long-term health. Incorporate a mix of colorful fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to create a satisfying and healthy game-day menu.