Healthy Living

With the big game coming up, this collection of our best watch party foods can help make your get-together a success. From small bites like dips and hors d'oeuvres to hearty mains like chili and wings, these dishes are sure to be a hit at the coffee table or tailgate. With four- and five-star ratings across the board, fans of both teams will love recipes like our Loaded Baked Potato Skins and Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings. 

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Loaded Baked Potato Skins

Cheesy and oh-so-delicious, these baked potato skins deserve a place on your table. Serve these crispy baked potato skins as a side or cut them into 1-inch pieces and serve as an appetizer. Refrigerate or freeze the potato flesh to make mashed potatoes another night.

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02 of 28

Goat Cheese–Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

These bacon-wrapped dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese for the perfect salty-sweet appetizer bite. Deglet Noor dates are smaller than Medjool dates and work best for this recipe. Center-cut bacon has had fat removed from either side of the strip, making it a leaner choice. If you’re having trouble keeping the bacon in place, secure it with a wooden pick before baking.

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03 of 28

Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

These are the best baked chicken wings around. Cooking the wings in the oven, not the fryer, reduces fat and calories. Just like the original Buffalo wings, these baked Buffalo wings are coated in a tangy, spicy sauce and served with carrots, celery and your favorite creamy dipping sauce.

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04 of 28

Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

This skillet sun-dried tomato dip is creamy, but also gets a hit of sweetness from roasted bell peppers to complement the sun-dried tomatoes. It's cooked and served all in the same skillet, cutting down on dishes. Serve it with crackers, toasted bread or fresh-cut veggies.

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05 of 28

Jalapeño Popper Casserole

In this jalapeño popper casserole, tender, juicy bites of chicken are slathered in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce with a crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs and crispy bacon. Enjoy this casserole over rice for dinner or serve it with chips as a game-day appetizer.

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06 of 28

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Mounding a classic Philly cheesesteak mixture in a colorful bell pepper and melting cheese on top is an easy way to skip the bread and cut the carbs.

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07 of 28

Chicken Nachos

In these chicken nachos, crunchy chips are topped with hot spiced shredded chicken, beans and melted cheese plus cooling chunks of avocado, red onion and cilantro. If you like the heat, add jalapeño slices at the end. These quick nachos work well with shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken if you have leftovers around.

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08 of 28

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

Make a double batch of this quick vegetarian chili, full of black beans and sweet potatoes, and eat it for lunch the next day or freeze the extras for another night.

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09 of 28

Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

This recipe for spicy Buffalo cauliflower bites is a great vegetarian alternative to Buffalo wings. Roasted cauliflower stands in for chicken and provides more fiber and fewer calories.

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10 of 28

High-Protein Spinach Dip

This spinach dip recipe gives the classic appetizer a high-protein twist. In addition to contributing plenty of protein, using cottage cheese and feta instead of cream cheese and Cheddar cuts back on saturated fat and calories. Serve this easy dip as a side dish, appetizer or snack with whole-grain bread and veggies for dipping.

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11 of 28

Crispy Air-Fryer Pickle Chips

Use your air fryer to make these crispy, salty pickle chips for game day! The air fryer gives you a crispy crust, using much less oil than a traditional fryer. Enjoy these little gems on their own or with our Southern smoky, creamy dipping sauce.

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Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This healthy Buffalo chicken dip is one quick appetizer to remember for your next game day party (or any party). A simple mixture of reduced-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cream cheese is baked with shredded chicken breast and the classic spicy-tangy hot sauce with a crumble of blue cheese on top. It's perfect for heaping onto celery and carrot sticks or any other crispy vegetable.

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Baked Feta & Olive Dip

This baked feta and olive dip hits all the marks: creamy, rich and a perfect complement to bread, crackers or crudités. The tomatoes burst as they roast and release their juices, which combine with the softened feta, cream cheese and briny mixed olives. Red pepper flakes add a little heat, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder dip.

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EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan

Our breaded eggplant recipe is baked for crispy results with fewer calories. This healthy eggplant Parmesan was originally developed by our Test Kitchen in 1995 and updated for our 30th anniversary.

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Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

These cheesy baked pizza rolls with marinara dipping sauce would be fun for a casual party for kids or adults—or just for dinner! Classic pizza fillings are tucked into egg roll wrappers, which are baked—no frying required—until they're nice and crispy on the outside. Feel free to mix up the fillings; for example, you could drop the pepperoni to make these vegetarian, or nix the mushrooms if you're not a fan.

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Butternut Squash Queso Fundido

This cheesy dip recipe is lightened up by subbing mashed butternut squash for some of the melted cheese. We also loaded it with chili-spiced caramelized onions. Serve this healthy makeover with tortilla chips or sliced jicama for dipping.

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Avocado Fries with Sriracha Aioli

Creamy avocados are a delicious foil to crunchy breading in this healthy oven-fried avocado fries recipe. Dip into spicy Sriracha dipping sauce for a flavor explosion. Save your ripe avocados for guacamole or toast—only firm ones will do when making these fries.

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Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings

Forget the fryer—these baked garlic-Parmesan chicken wings get a crispy coating (without tons of oil) from panko breadcrumbs combined with grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze gives this healthy appetizer a sweet and tangy finishing note.

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Zucchini Pizza Bites

Think of these zucchini pizza bites as a fun gluten-free alternative to bagel bites. Be sure not to overcook the zucchini or the bites may become soggy. We like the classic pepperoni topping, but feel free to experiment with your own favorites.

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Spinach Puffs

These bite-sized spinach puffs are reminiscent of artichoke dip, with a slight hint of spice from ground pepper and za'atar seasoning. Puff pastry surrounds the savory filling, adding a crispy golden crust on the outside.

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Crispy Oven-Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings

These crispy oven-baked chicken wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Baking powder helps to crisp up the skin in the oven—making them taste like they've been fried, but with less fat and calories. Tangy lemon and zesty pepper work together to add a balanced flavor profile to these easy wings.

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Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

This crab-stuffed mushroom recipe is perfect for Christmas, New Year's Eve and other holiday parties or any other time you need a quick and easy appetizer. The filling is light and fresh thanks to hearts of palm, a tender vegetable with a mild flavor (similar to artichokes) that doesn't mask the rich, sweet flavor of fresh crabmeat.

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Copycat Trader Joe's Caramelized Onion Dip

This savory caramelized onion dip features fresh sweet onion, cooked until sweet and golden and combined with Greek-style yogurt, sour cream and cream cheese for added body. Serve this copycat dip with fresh, crispy veggies, pretzel chips or classic potato chips to please a crowd.

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Buffalo-Blue Cheese Cauliflower Fritters

These Buffalo-blue cheese cauliflower fritters have bits of blue cheese throughout, and a good amount of heat that's tamed by a little sour cream for dipping.

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Air-Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

The perfect football-party food, classic jalapeño poppers get a crispy upgrade in an air fryer. Cream cheese tempers the just-right hint of heat from the pepper and Buffalo sauce. To save time, you can stuff the peppers ahead of the party and fry them just before serving.

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Chili-Cheese Nachos

Make nachos a healthy dinner when you top them with an easy 30-minute chili. Serve this healthy recipe with sliced scallions, avocado, fresh tomatoes and sour cream, if desired.

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Garlic Hummus

This garlic hummus recipe couldn't be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away!

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Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

This healthy stuffed mushroom appetizer is a nice balance of soft mushrooms, creamy filling and crunchy topping. This combination tastes downright delicious, but these easy stuffed mushrooms are also good for you.

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The big game deserves big, bold flavors. But you don’t need to rely on meat for your game day spread. Instead, put together a menu featuring these delicious vegetarian game-day treats. From veggie-packed nachos and Buffalo cauliflower bites to chili and even burgers, there is something here for everyone. With recipes like Avocado Fries with Sriracha Aioli and Greek Salad Nachos, your game-day spread may get more attention than the actual football game.

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Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

For this vegetarian alternative to Buffalo wings, roasted cauliflower takes the place of chicken. And bonus, it packs in the fiber. The flavor here is everything we love about Buffalo wings, made with hot sauce and Sriracha, melted butter and lemon juice. Watch these disappear fast at the big game.

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02 of 22

Vegetarian Antipasto Sliders

These pull-apart sliders have the classic flavor of antipasto, with artichokes, roasted red pepper, pepperoncini and provolone cheese. You can swap in whole-wheat burger buns if you can’t find pull-apart dinner rolls.

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03 of 22

Carrot Dog Pigs in a Blanket

This unique vegetarian twist on pigs in a blanket puts a vegetable in the starring role. Sub out the cocktail wieners for carrots, which are soaked in a marinade to give them a meaty bite. Roll them in crescent roll dough then bake until golden brown. You can even assemble them ahead of time and bake before kickoff.

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04 of 22

Avocado Fries with Sriracha Aioli

Avocados make delicious fries. Sliced creamy avocados are dredged in flour, dipped in egg, then placed in bread crumbs before baking until golden brown. Pair them with Sriracha mayo for a perfect game day snack.

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05 of 22

Crispy Air-Fryer Pickle Chips

These salty pickle chips are air-fried until golden brown and crispy. This recipe uses a lot less oil than traditional frying, and it pairs with a smoky, creamy dipping sauce. These little crispy bites will make your mouth water, and the whole plate may disappear before the first commercial break.

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06 of 22

Chunky Black Bean Salsa with Corn & Bell Pepper

While this recipe is inspired by a TikTok trend, it’s really based on classic Texas caviar, which dates back to before social media (and cell phones, for that matter) was even a thing. Make a zesty sauce with lime, cumin and honey and toss with black beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes and onions. Add in fresh cilantro, scallions and a hot pepper for a tasty dip.

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07 of 22

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Nothing beats the crunch of a chip on game day. We swap out regular potatoes for a nutritious sweet potato; plus, we ditch the deep fryer and use an air fryer to create thin, crunchy chips. We finish the chips with some sea salt and ground pepper, making them a perfect vessel to scoop up creamy dips and guacamole.

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08 of 22

Roasted Buffalo Chickpea Wraps

Chickpeas are roasted until crunchy and paired with veggies like carrots and celery. This is a veggie twist on a classic Buffalo chicken wrap, complete with crumbled blue cheese and hot sauce.

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09 of 22

Crispy Oven-Baked Fries

Russet potatoes are cut into thick sticks, then briefly boiled with salty, acidulated water. This helps break down the exterior of the potatoes. Next they get drizzled with oil, then roasted in a hot oven until super crispy. They taste like they are fresh out of the deep fryer, yet they were cooked in the oven. Pair with your favorite dip for a satisfying game day snack.

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10 of 22

Greek Salad Nachos

Nachos are an essential game day treat, and this unique vegetarian version captures the flavors of a Greek salad in a fun snacking platter. Pita chips are topped with hummus, chopped romaine lettuce and lots of fresh vegetables and cheese. This is a unique take on a classic football dish.

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Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Serve a big pot of vegetarian chili at your next game day party and you are sure to please a crowd. This one takes only 20 minutes of active time and features beans, sweet potatoes, veggies and warm spices like cumin and chili powder. Serve with all your favorite toppings like shredded cheese and cilantro.

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Vegan Beet Burgers with Sweet Chili Slaw

This veggie burger recipe “bleeds,” thanks to shredded beets. Sure, that may sound like a shtick, but this is a hearty homemade bean burger that is topped with sweet chili slaw. They may look like beef burgers, but these patties are actually packed with beets, brown rice and kidney beans.

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13 of 22

Black Bean Fajita Skillet

You can use presliced vegetables to make this recipe extra fast. Simply cook the sliced peppers and onions along with black beans, Southwest-style seasoning blend and a pinch of salt before topping with shredded cheese. It is everything we love about fajitas but with a simple vegetarian twist, perfect for all your game-day guests.

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Easy Vegan Pizza

There isn’t much better than a hot slice of pizza while you cheer for your favorite team. For this vegan-friendly version, we spread whole-wheat dough on a baking sheet and top it with a vibrant fresh tomato sauce. Sprinkle on veggies like baby spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers and red onions. Finally, finish with some vegan cheese and nutritional yeast and you have a satisfyingly tasty pizza.

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Nacho Cauliflower Casserole

This casserole-meets-scoopable-dip has the flavors of nachos packed with cauliflower, red peppers and brown rice. It is cheesy and delicious, topped with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy bite, and it’s perfect to garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream and cilantro.

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Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip

Sweet corn serves as the base of this cheesy dip, but it gets a kick of heat from a fresh jalapeño. It’s inspired by street corn, with mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), lime juice and chili powder. Add some crumbled queso fresco and this game day snack won’t make it to halftime.

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Slow-Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip

The slow cooker is the ideal vessel for keeping homemade spinach artichoke dip warm. You can actually use kale instead of spinach, if you’d like. Whatever you choose, this warm dip is perfect served alongside some slices of toasted whole-wheat baguette or vegetables.

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Roasted Buffalo Chickpeas

Buffalo flavor is essential for game day. But you don’t just have to serve it on crispy wings. Instead, marinate canned chickpeas with a splash of vinegar and cayenne pepper, then roast in a hot oven until crispy. It’s a simple recipe that packs the flavor of Buffalo wings in a crunchy vegetarian bite, perfect to snack on throughout the big game.

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Black Bean Quesadillas

These easy black bean quesadillas are so fast you can practically make them during a commercial break. Stuff whole-wheat tortillas with black beans, shredded cheese and salsa and pan-fry until crispy. Cut into wedges and serve with more salsa or guac.

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Mushroom-Quinoa Veggie Burgers with Special Sauce

Making your own veggie burgers is surprisingly easy and a worthwhile alternative to frozen burgers. This version features quinoa and fresh mushrooms, which are held together with rolled oats before getting pan-fried until golden brown and juicy. The special sauce has ketchup, mustard, mayo and garlic powder and gets spread on whole-wheat hamburger buns along with some lettuce, tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions.

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Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries

Oven-roasted eggplant fries are a fun, veggie-packed football snack that can please a crowd. Make sure to use a vegetarian Parmesan cheese (avoid animal rennet). Roll the eggplant fries in flour and lightly beaten egg whites. Then add them to a mix of panko, Italian seasoning and garlic powder before roasting on a wire rack. You can serve them alongside marinara sauce or even hummus.

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Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

These cauliflower bites are first tossed with seasonings, along with a bit of almond milk and flour to make a loose batter. Panko breadcrumbs add crunch. Serve alongside a tasty dill dip and Buffalo-style hot sauce for a vegetarian spin on a classic football snack.

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No game day party is complete without a delicious creamy dip. Whether you’re inclined to try a new and vibrant combo like our Artichoke and White Bean Dip or stick with a tried-and-true classic like our Buffalo Chicken Dip, these apps are bound to please your guests, regardless of the final score of the game. Serve with chips, vegetables or whole-grain pita for a delicious, healthy spin on signature party favorites.

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Artichoke & White Bean Dip

This creamy white bean and artichoke dip brings all the cheesy comfort of a classic baked appetizer, with a plant protein–packed twist! Cannellini beans and Greek yogurt blend with artichoke hearts to create the velvety base. A mix of Parmesan and Gruyère gives it that irresistible pull of melted cheese and a golden, bubbly top. Served warm with crisp veggies or pita chips, it’s equally at home at a game-day spread or elegant dinner party.

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02 of 16

High-Protein Caesar Dip

This versatile high-protein dip is the perfect companion for your favorite veggies. Made with Greek-style yogurt and sour cream and blended with Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce, it’s reminiscent of the flavors in Caesar salad dressing. Whether served as an appetizer or a quick snack, this protein-packed Caesar dip makes eating more veggies effortless.

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03 of 16

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This healthy Buffalo chicken dip is one quick appetizer to remember for your next game day party (or any party). A simple mixture of reduced-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cream cheese is baked with shredded chicken breast and the classic spicy-tangy hot sauce with a crumble of blue cheese on top. It's perfect for heaping onto celery and carrot sticks or any other crispy vegetable.

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04 of 16

Chopped Waldorf Salad Dip

This easy dip takes all the flavors of a Waldorf salad and transforms them into a scoopable bite. From the crunchy celery and tart apple to the sweet grapes, this dip pairs well with your favorite crackers or cut veggies. Swap the walnuts for another toasted nut like pecans or almonds.

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05 of 16

Whipped Feta with Beets, Pistachios & Honey

Red beets and green pistachios add some color, while a drizzle of honey adds a sweet note to this savory whipped feta spread. A pinch of Aleppo pepper adds a touch of heat and mild fruitiness that enhances the dish.

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06 of 16

High-Protein Spinach Dip

This spinach dip gives the classic appetizer a high-protein twist. In addition to adding plenty of protein, using cottage cheese and feta instead of cream cheese and Cheddar cuts back on saturated fat and calories.

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07 of 16

Crispy Chickpeas over Whipped Feta

Crispy chickpeas star in this easy appetizer. The complex blend of spices brings a smoky finish to the dish, accented by fresh oregano and an extra drizzle of olive oil to carry the flavors. We love pita bread for serving, but it also pairs well with fresh vegetables.

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08 of 16

High-Protein Dip Formula

These high-protein cottage cheese dips are easy to whip up and pair perfectly with your favorite fruits and veggies. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these recipes will keep you full and energized while squeezing in an extra serving of veggies.

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09 of 16

Baked Feta & Olive Dip

This baked feta and olive dip hits all the marks: creamy, rich and a perfect complement to bread, crackers or crudités. The tomatoes burst as they roast and release their juices, which combine with the softened feta, cream cheese and briny mixed olives. Red pepper flakes add a little heat.

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10 of 16

Whipped Cottage Cheese French Onion Dip

We swap out sour cream for whipped cottage cheese in this light and airy French onion dip. We call for vegan Worcestershire sauce to keep the dip vegetarian; you can use regular Worcestershire (which usually contains anchovies) if you like. Serve with chips, fresh veggies or as a sandwich spread.

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Creamy Chicken Poblano Dip

Scoop up this creamy chicken poblano cheese dip with tortilla chips or your favorite fresh veggies, or use it as a filling for halved baby peppers for a game-day appetizer.

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Whipped Hummus

To make this hummus light and airy, we boil canned chickpeas in water with a little baking soda to make them extra soft. To jazz up the hummus for serving, sprinkle the top with cumin or ground sumac, or drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

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13 of 16

Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

This skillet sun-dried tomato dip is creamy, but also gets a hit of sweetness from roasted bell peppers to complement the sun-dried tomatoes. It's cooked and served all in the same skillet, cutting down on dishes. Serve it with crackers, toasted bread or fresh-cut veggies.

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14 of 16

Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip

Creamy melted cheese brings sweet corn and spicy jalapeño together with a nice pop of brightness from lime juice and cilantro in this tasty dip inspired by Mexican elote and esquites. This creamy and satisfying dish can be served with tortilla chips and veggies for dipping.

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Rich & Creamy Crab Dip

We love the light tang that the goat cheese adds to this version of a creamy crab dip. Serve with slices of warm beer bread or crunchy vegetables.

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Cauliflower-Jalapeño Dip

This creamy cauliflower-jalapeño dip combines cheese, cooked cauliflower and broiled jalapeños that together deliver a zesty lightened-up dip perfect for a gathering or game day. Serve with crackers, crostini, pita chips or a side of crisp raw veggies for dipping.

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