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The game. The food. The socializing. It’s all part of the fun of Super Bowl Sunday parties. But there’s something that may surprise you. Football isn’t the main attraction of the parties! And it’s not the ads or half-time show either. It’s actually what’s being served up on the table. And this year, you may want to try one of the best plant-based Super Bowl recipes to switch it up.
In a recent survey of 2,000 Americans, 56 percent of respondents revealed they attend Super Bowl parties because of the food. Classic options include chicken wings, dips of all kinds, chili and loaded nachos. Research shows that vegans may have the right idea about diet though. A new review from food scientists at the University of Bath suggests plant-based meat products are healthier and better for the environment than animal-based meats.
Overall, America is beginning to change to a flexitarian culture, with people reducing meat consumption and choosing vegetarian options. This shift toward more plant-based foods and meat alternatives isn’t just a trend for younger crowds either. A survey of 2,000 Americans found 43 percent believe being a flexitarian is a permanent lifestyle change. And 58 percent feel like all their nutritional needs can be met solely with plant-based foods. Another poll revealed 20 percent of Americans have radically changed their diet in the last five years, opting for more plants.
And more and more evidence is emerging about the benefits of this. Research tells us an environmentally sustainable approach to eating also benefits the brain in a big way. Scientists from Aarhus University report a connection between plant-based diets and a lower risk of blood clots in the brain. And that’s not all. Eating a nutritious plant-based diet could slash the risk of heart disease by more than half, according to a pair of new studies. The team also discovered that changing your diet at any stage in life can have a beneficial impact on your heart.
This February, whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just showing up for the commercials, check out the list below of the best plant-based Super Bowl recipes. These game-winning dishes are sure to be new favorites in no time. Check out the best of the best below, as recommended by 15 foodies. Don't see your favorite plant-based platter being served up on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Plant-Based Super Bowl Recipes, According To Foodies
1. Cauliflower ‘Wings’
Spice up game day with Minimalist Baker’s suggestion: “Amazing, spicy red curry cauliflower wings are baked, not fried, gluten-free, and plant-based. They require just 9 ingredients!”
ChooseVeg says, “Americans will consume well over 1 billion chicken wings for this year’s Super Bowl. But there are tons of tasty vegan versions that have all of the taste. Check out one of the mouthwatering vegan chicken alternatives on the market, and go wild!”
According to Nutriciously, “Cauliflower chicken wings have to be one of the most beloved vegan Super Bowl recipes! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and so flavorful, they are fun to make and secretly healthy.”
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2. Chili
Use the crockpot for Country Living’s recommendation: “You can make this grain-packed chili ahead of time in your slow cooker, and then serve it in the same pot so it stays warm throughout the party. Use dairy-free toppings — such as nutritional yeast or cashew sour cream — to keep it plant-based.”
Forks Over Knives recommends chili as a key player: “Consider a big pot of chili your Super Bowl MVP. Add one to your Super Bowl menu to ensure your guests can replenish their energy in between plays with a heaping bowl of tasty chili.”
Shane & Simple keeps it simple with making beans the star of the show. “This meatless chili recipe is a freaking masterpiece…if I do say so myself. And, it’s also super simple. So, if you’ve been looking for a recipe for vegetarian chili that will satisfy a lot of people you can finally rest easy. You found it.”
3. Vegan Queso Dip
Just how important is queso? According to The Edgy Veg, “Queso is one of the most important parts of Super Bowl Sunday. Include this dairy-free queso dip and no one will know this velvety, gooey dip is actually vegan.”
Ela Vegan suggests a quick, yet delicious, recipe: “Queso is a popular, must-have addition to many Super Bowl parties, and there’s no need to miss on that just because you don’t eat dairy! This vegan cheese sauce is gooey, velvety, cheesy, and is ready in less than 5 minutes! Even better, it’s nut-free, oil-free, gluten-free, and paleo!”
For a queso everyone will love, Serious Eats recommends: “This vegan dupe for queso gets its creamy, gooey base from cashews, potatoes, and almond milk, and it’s seasoned with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder to give it that queso-like kick. After including add-ins like black beans, soy chorizo, tomatoes, and chiles, the omnivores won’t even know the difference.”
4. Vegan Nachos
This Healthy Kitchen says these are a game day must-have: “It’s not a Super Bowl party without nachos and these [Jackfruit Nachos] will not disappoint! With smoky, BBQ jackfruit, hearty black beans, sweet corn and spicy jalapenos!”
Rainbow Plant Life writes, “When you need a guaranteed crowd-pleasing appetizer, make these fully loaded vegan nachos! Tortilla chips get layered with vegan queso, taco meat, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, vegan sour cream, and pickled onions for the ultimate nacho experience.”
Parade says, “Vegan game day nachos are a snacking dream come true. Three layers of crispy tortilla chips are layered each with spicy tofu crumbles, simple 5-minute homemade cashew cheddar sauce, black beans, and pico de gallo.”
5. Spinach Dip
Running On Real Food runs to this dip option, writing, “This vegan spinach artichoke dip recipe is so easy and delicious. I don’t know about you guys but I don’t need the Super Bowl to eat this, any day of the week will do just fine!”
Food Revolution recommends a fake out: “Want to run the ultimate fake play on your guests? Serve them this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. They won’t believe it’s dairy-free!”
For a twist on the classic spinach-artichoke combo, throw in avocado. It might even be a greatest-of-all-time duo. According to Nutrition Studies, “This delicious and simple recipe can be whipped up for Super Bowl Sunday or any party! ‘The Limber GOAT’ recipe is inspired by ‘The GOAT’ Tom Brady’s TB12 diet.”
We look forward to hearing if you make any of these spins on game-day classics. Let us know in the comments!
Sources:
- Minimalist Baker
- ChooseVeg
- Nutriciously
- Country Living
- Forks Over Knives
- Shane & Simple
- The Edgy Veg
- Ela Vegan
- Serious Eats
- This Healthy Kitchen
- Rainbow Plant Life
- Parade
- Running On Real Food
- Food Revolution
- Nutrition Studies
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. ED News is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
