I’m here for the food. That’s my motto when I am at any kind of party that revolves around a sporting event. Sure, I’ll get into the game too, but if I’m being totally honest, it’s really the nibbles that get my attention. Wings, sliders, poppers, dips, chips, pizza, chili….it’s all so good!
Over the years, I’ve discovered that most of these crowd-pleasing favorites can be made better-for-you without compromising their flavor. These three recipes are proof that you can have it both ways—Buffalo wings, potato chips and jalapeno poppers that totally hit the spot, more healthfully. In part, that’s because they are baked to crispy perfection rather than deep fried. I tested these recipes using a regular oven, but I am confident they will also work well in an air-fryer, if you prefer to use one. Either way, I hope you try these fan favorites next time you have people over to watch the game. They are a sure win.
Broiled Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
Photo by Quentin Bacon for Comfort Food Fix
I knew I was on to something when my husband, one of the world’s most critical and perhaps most experienced Buffalo wing eaters reviewed these as “Excellent wings!” That’s just the response I was going for, and it was especially meaningful since they are so much better-for-you than the ones he’s used to eating. The blue cheese dip that goes with them is also a favorite, and one I whip up regularly to serve with cut vegetables.
Smoked Paprika Potato Chips
Photo by Quentin Bacon for Comfort Food Fix
If you don’t already have a mandoline slicer, it is worth getting one just to be able to make these chips. Their deep potato flavor is a revelation and they make for a crunchy munchy you can feel good about. The smoked paprika gives them a depth of flavor that brings them to another level, but they are also delicious simply salted.
Baked Jalapeño Poppers
Photo by Goran Kosanovic for The Washington Post
With a crispy baked coating and light creamy filling, this recipe delivers all the fun and flavor of the typical fried bar food staple in a more healthful way. Inside their golden crisp coating there's the thrill of the pepper and eating it is a little like accepting a playful dare, because you never know exactly how much heat it will pack. No worries though, because the center is packed with a creamy, cheesy filling to immediately quench any heat.