The Ultimate Snackdown: Healthy and Fun Snacks for the Super Bowl
Super Bowl is around the corners! Millions will gather to watch the game, the funny commercials, and maybe most importantly, the sweet and savory snacks. Generally speaking, wine is not usually invited to Super Bowl celebrations as it’s often overshadowed by six-packs of light beer. But I invite you to a snackdown with wine! You don’t need a fancy cellar to enjoy the game. You just need a little curiosity for great pairings and a budget-friendly mindset. Enhance the flavors of your favorite game-day treats with the perfect wine pairing. Check the recommendations below for a spread that is both savory and delicious.
Savory Starters & Healthy Alternatives
Pull Apart Mozzarella Sticks
Slice a block of mozzarella into pieces (without slicing all the way through); add to hot frying oil, then serve with marinara sauce for a savory snack. It’s gooey, stretchy, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser. (Instructions here)
Wine Pairing: Try this with a crisp, dry White Wine such as a Vermentino from Italy or an Albariño from Spain. The high acidity in these wines acts like a “palate cleanser” for the fatty cheese.
Avocado Fries
What’s better than guacamole and chips? How about frying avocado! Dredge avocado slices in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then add to hot oil to fry until golden brown. You get all those healthy fats with a satisfying crunch.. (Instructions here)
Wine pairing: Look for a dry white with strong citrus notes like a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or a Pinot Grigio delle Venezie. The citrus flavors cut through the richness of the avocado perfectly.
Zesty Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
For a “healthy-ish” swap for chicken wings, toss cauliflower florets in garlic powder and smoked paprika, bake until crispy, and coat in buffalo sauce.
Wine Pairing: Spicy food needs a friend. Go for an Off-Dry Riesling. The tiny hint of sweetness soothes the buffalo heat, giving you total shanti while you watch the halftime show.
The Sweet Side of Game Day
Easy Oreo Cake Pops
Crush a bag of Oreos and combine with cream cheese. Roll into balls and insert a toothpick; then, dip into melted white chocolate and freeze. Yum! (Instructions here)
Wine recommendation: You need bubbles! Try this with a Bubbly from California, a Cava from Spain or Champagne from France. The carbonation cuts through the heavy cream cheese and chocolate, making every bite feel light.
Elegant Chocolate Rose Cookies
Combine melted chocolate and flour, and then add to a piping bag. Create small spirals on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and then bake. These elevated cookies will add a touch of glamour to watching football at home! (Instructions here)
Wine pairing: Enjoy this sweet treat with Zinfandel from Lodi California.
Colorful Popcorn!
Add oil and popcorn kernels to a deep pot, as if you’re making stovetop popcorn. Then, add a secret ingredient…skittles! As the kernels pop, they will become bright, colorful, and the perfect combination of salty and sweet. (Instructions here)
Wine recommendation: Enjoy this with a Chardonnay. An unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay has buttery notes that mimic the popcorn while the fruitiness matches the candy glaze.
Photos courtesy of: TheSoul Publishing
Hosting Hacks for a Budget-Friendly Super Bowl
Before we get to the final whistle, let’s talk logistics. Hosting a Super Bowl party can get expensive fast. To keep your budget in check, I always recommend the “18-Dollar Rule.” You should not spend more than $18 at a local grocery store or big-box retailer on any of the wines mentioned above, Vermentino, Cava, or Sauvignon Blanc.
Another tip: Temperature matters. Even if you’re serving a budget $15 bottle of Pinot Grigio, keep it cold. Put your whites and sparklings in a bucket of ice and salt. The salt lowers the freezing point of the water, chilling your bottles in half the time. For the reds (if you choose to bring out a Malbec for chili), give them just 15 minutes in the fridge so they aren’t “room temperature” warm, which can make cheap wine taste alcoholic.
Bringing the Snackdown to the Final Whistle
The “Healthy and Fun Snacks for the Super Bowl” that we shared, like the avocado fries and buffalo cauliflower, show that you can satisfy those game-day cravings without feeling weighed down. When you pair them with the right wines, you turn a standard Sunday into a curated tasting event. It’s about balance. The acidity of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc balancing the creaminess of a fried avocado is a small culinary miracle you can achieve for under twenty bucks.
As you set out your spread during game day, don’t worry about using the “correct” glassware. If you only have plastic cups or mismatched tumblers, use them! The wine will still taste great, and the shanti of a stress-free party is worth more than a crystal flute. The Super Bowl is loud, chaotic, and exciting; your wine should be easy-going and refreshing to match that energy.
So, as the coin toss approaches, take a moment to appreciate the spread. You’ve got the crunch, the spice, the salt, and the sweet. You’ve got the bubbles and the zest. Most importantly, you’ve got a plan that didn’t break the bank. This is how we celebrate modern lifestyle, with a bit of wit, a lot of flavor, and a glass of something sparkling in hand.
I hope your team wins, but even if they don’t, I know your snack table will be the MVP of the night. From the first “Pull Apart Mozzarella Stick” to the last “Oreo Cake Pop,” may your Super Bowl Sunday be filled with laughter, great commercials, and the perfect budget-friendly pours.
This post The Ultimate Snackdown: Healthy and Fun Snacks for the Super Bowl was posted on WineDivaa.
