By: Lauren McRae

If you are planning a Super Bowl party, make sure you watch the big game virtually or only with the people you live with, said NorthShore Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lakshmi Halasyamani.

The number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline, but this is not the time to let your guard down. After all, why risk an infection after doing all that hard work of masking up, washing up, and backing up for the past year?

This doesn’t mean your party has to be lame. One way to up the fun is to make great food!

Here is a healthy twist on some favorite Super Bowl snacks from Marisa Spiegel, RDN, CSG, LDN, Outpatient Dietitian at NorthShore. These three recipes are packed with protein and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Blazing Buffalo Dip (Makes Approximately 6 Servings)

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces of ⅓ less fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• ½ cup Buffalo sauce
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• 1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese, divided in half
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350⁰ F and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. In a large bowl mix together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, Buffalo sauce, garlic and onion powder.
3. Fold in the green onions, chicken and ½ cup shredded mozzarella.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining shredded mozzarella.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with carrots, celery, sliced bell peppers or crackers.
7. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 168
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrate: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 16g

Spinach Turkey Meatballs (Makes 28 Mini Meatballs)

Ingredients:

• 20 ounces 93/7 lean ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1 10-ounce package frozen spinach
• ⅓ cup bread crumbs
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions:

1. Thaw the spinach, drain it by ringing it out with a few paper towels or in colander.
2. Mix all the ingredients together with your hands or with a large fork.
3. Form into balls about the size of a bouncy ball and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
4. Bake at 400⁰ F for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve plain or with your favorite marinara sauce.

Nutrition Information (per meatball):
Calories: 32
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrate: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g

Zesty Taco Dip (Makes Approximately 10 Servings)

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt
• 8 ounces ⅓ less fat cream cheese
• ¼ packet of taco seasoning (or to taste)
• 16 ounces of salsa
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• ¼ cup of onion, chopped
• 1½ cups light Mexican shredded cheese
• 16 ounces of shredded lettuce

Directions:

1. Blend the cream cheese, sour cream, salsa and taco seasoning with a hand mixer or wooden spoon in a large bowl.
2. Top with tomatoes, cheese, lettuce and onions.
3. Let chill for 30 minutes in the fridge.
4. Serve with baked tortilla chips or bell pepper slices and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 161
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrate: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g

Recipes adapted from Recipe Runner, The Crazy Craft Lady and Wander Dust