Hosting a game night is the perfect excuse to catch up with friends and family, enjoy some friendly competition, and munch on a cornucopia of tasty treats. Offering healthy game night snacks is a thoughtful gesture for dieting guests, and wholesome hors’ d’oeuvres can be a welcome change of pace from the usual junk food fare.
Good-for-you food doesn’t have to be a chore to eat! There are plenty of delectable snacks that allow for (relatively) guilt-free indulgence. In fact, you might even convert some junk food aficionados to the cleaner side of dining.
As the host of the event, you probably have a lot on your plate already. That’s why we didn’t just create a list of healthy game night snack ideas—we also curated our munchies with easy preparation in mind. Add these nosh-worthy appetizers to the menu!
1. Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
A heaping pile of buffalo wings is a classic game night snack, but it’s no secret that they tend to be high in calories and saturated fat. Roasted buffalo cauliflower bites are a fantastic alternative, giving health-conscious folks a similar flavor profile. They’re vegan-friendly, too!
Recipe
- Chop a head of cauliflower into medium to large florets.
- Coat in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven at high heat until golden-brown.
- Coat in your preferred hot sauce (Frank’s is standard for buffalo wings).
- Roast for 5-10 minutes or until perfectly crispy.
2. Veggies and Hummus
Looking for universally loved game night snack ideas? Chopped veggies and hummus (or dip) is one of the most classic healthy game night snacks, as even those who are munching on wings and nachos appreciate having something fresh as a palate cleanser!
Recipe
- Chop carrots, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower celery, radishes, and any other vegetables into dippable pieces.
- Serve with store-bought hummus.
Better Recipe
There’s nothing wrong with using store-bought hummus, but you can really make your spread pop with a bowl of homemade hummus. It’s super easy, and guests are always impressed.
Blend the following ingredients together in a food processor:
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
3. Caviar
As far as classy game night snack ideas go, it doesn’t get much swankier than caviar! While caviar is famous for being expensive—and many high-end varieties are—there are plenty of affordable caviar options that still deliver a taste bud-tantalizing oceanic experience.
Such a ritzy food deserves to be served properly! While any of our serving bowl sets would elevate the occasion, our Beluga server set is the perfect vehicle for presenting caviar in style.
You can serve your caviar on its own or alongside other healthy game night snacks, such as unsalted crackers, baguettes, or lightly buttered toast. We recommend mild accompaniments that won’t overpower the unique, complex flavors of the fish roe.
4. Shrimp Cocktail
While we’re on the topic of seafood game night snack ideas, we simply must mention the iconic shrimp cocktail! It’s a beloved party staple that’s surprisingly good for you (as long as you’re able to resist eating the whole platter!).
Preparing a proper shrimp cocktail is as easy as thawing and chilling pre-cooked shrimp and serving them with cocktail sauce. We recommend making your own cocktail sauce to really elevate this classic.
Recipe
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp horseradish
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
5. Maple Baked Fruit
Here’s one of the best game night snack ideas for guests with a sweet tooth. We recommend using a variety of fruits, such as peaches, pears, apples, and plums.
Recipe
- Slice fruits in half and remove pits if necessary.
- Glaze with real maple syrup (or honey).
- Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon.
- Bake until soft with golden-brown caramelization.
6. Charcuterie
Charcuterie is one of those healthy game night snacks that can quickly go from wholesome to decadent, depending on the ingredients.
If you want to keep the whole thing as healthy as possible, choose leaner, less processed lunch meats, such as turkey or chicken.
Fill the empty spaces with a medley of accompaniments, such as pickles, olives, fresh or dried fruits, and nuts.
7. Stovetop Popcorn
Popcorn is another one of those game night snack ideas that even the non-dieters will enjoy. Start with plain popcorn, and then let guests dress it up however they like it—butter is optional!
This recipe makes around four servings.
Ingredients
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
- Salt to taste
Recipe
- Pour the oil into a pot.
- Put the pot on the burner at medium heat.
- Place one or two test kernels in the pot.
- When the kernel(s) pop, remove the pot from the heat.
- Remove the test kernels and carefully add the other kernels.
- With the lid off, gently shimmy the pot to coat kernels in oil.
- Put the lid on, leaving a crack so air can escape.
- Cook over medium heat until all kernels have popped.
8. Fruit Salad
If you’re on the hunt for game night snack ideas that aren’t salty and savory, a fruit salad will bring freshness and color to your tablescape.
This is one of those healthy game night snacks that everyone knows how to make, but the ingredients can make a big difference in the overall quality.
While there’s nothing wrong with a classic fruit salad, a tropical-inspired medley can really add that extra special touch to the dish. Mangos, pineapples, kiwis, star fruit, papaya, and guava are all amazing in fruit salads.
Balled melons, berries, and mandarin orange slices are all great choices, too. Tie the whole thing together with a splash of lime juice.
Shop Handcrafted Serveware for the Party
We hope these game night snack ideas give you some food for thought as you plan for the festivities. Don’t forget to provide pitchers of non-alcoholic party drinks to keep that healthy theme going!
Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or a formal dinner party, using high-quality stainless steel serveware will enhance the experience. Our handcrafted party essentials will provide a lifetime of enjoyment, ensuring you’re always ready to entertain friends and family.
Regardless of who claims the most victories during closing ceremonies, these healthy game night snacks will make you the party’s MVP! Check out our hosting blog for more expert tips and ideas for your next gathering. Shop our modern serveware to present all your game night snack ideas in style!
