With winter sports wrapping up and spring sports just around the corner, fans across the country are gearing up for parties to support their favorite teams. And if you’re among the millions of viewers looking to spice things up for your next sports shindig, then consider going vegan.
“Vegan” and “game day party” might not sound like a natural pairing. But believe it or not, you can still indulge in tummy-pleasing comfort food without animal products. At the very least, it’ll add some variety to the table.
Hosting a watch party and want to invite your vegan friends in on the action? No problem. Check out these vegan-friendly snacks for the next big game.
Vegan Appetizers
Stuffed mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a tasty twist on a vegan app for the next game. Using portobello mushroom caps as a vessel, fill the mushrooms with ingredients such as sautéed vegetables, quinoa, vegan cheese, bread crumbs and spices. Stuffed mushrooms are a crowd-pleasing hit, vegan or not.
Recipe: The Best Stuffed Mushrooms
Bruschetta
This classic Italian recipe consists of simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic and fresh basil atop grilled bread slices. The bread can be made from wheat or gluten-free flour, along with the other toppings. All have vegan versions available in stores or online. You can whip up this delicious snack in no time while still being able to cheer on your team.
Recipe: Easy Vegan Bruschetta
Tomato chutney
This spice-laden condiment is usually served as a side dish but can be transformed into a delectable vegan sweet snack. It’s easy to make, using common household staples like tomatoes, onions and brown sugar, and more adventurous spices like cumin and turmeric. To top it off, serve with a scoop of homemade coconut ice cream for an indulgent treat sure to score big points with any crowd.
Recipe: Sweet Tomato Chutney
Hummus
Vegan hummus is a delicious and versatile dip or spread. It’s made from cooked mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice, creating a creamy dip that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Hummus can be served warm or cold, making it a flexible dish for different events. Plus, it’s easy to make. All you need is a high-powered blender or food processor. And since the base of chickpeas works well with a variety of flavors, you can customize hummus to your liking.
Recipe: Favorite Homemade Hummus
Loaded avocado quesadillas
Loaded avocado quesadillas combine two classic dishes into one taste and nutritious treat. The mixture of melted dairy-free cheese and creamy avocado are a match made in heaven, while fresh tomatoes and chili peppers take them to the next level. This tasty snack can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a meal.
Recipe: Loaded Avocado Vegan Quesadillas
Vegan Main Dishes
Gobi Manchurian
Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that originated in India. It consists of crispy deep-fried cauliflower florets coated in a spicy sauce, making it a sought-after vegetarian delicacy. Gobi Manchurian’s crunchiness and tangy flavor combine to create an irresistible snack that can be enjoyed as a starter or as part of a larger meal. It’s also versatile and can be served dry, semi-gravy or gravy, depending on your personal tastes.
Recipe: Gobi Manchurian
Vegan nachos
This delicious dish is full of cheesy, flavorful goodness and made with plant-based ingredients ranging from cashew cheese nacho sauce to savory black beans. Even better, the recipe is simple to throw together using basic ingredients. Vegan or not, your guests will enjoy this fresh take on a classic game day party food.
Recipe: Ultimate Fully Loaded Vegan Nachos
Veggie burgers
Classic cheeseburgers might be a game day staple, but burgers don’t have to be made with meat. Veggie burgers can be made with black beans, lentils and even quinoa, and the range of spices available make these even easier to customize. Pack all the flavor of a traditional burger in a yummy vegan package.
Recipe: Best Veggie Burger Recipe
Vegan cornbread chili pie
This hearty dish provides more than just great taste. It’s also a wholesome treat packed with plant-based protein and nutrients. By combining cozy comfort food flavors, a crispy cornbread topping and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to be a hit among vegan and non-vegan guests alike.
Recipe: Vegan Cornbread Chili Pie Recipe
BBQ jackfruit sliders
Jackfruit makes a decent stand-in for pulled pork thanks to its meat-like texture when cooked. That’s especially true when it’s topped with your favorite barbecue sauce. Try it out yourself with some BBQ jackfruit sliders. Packed with flavor, they make the perfect finger food dish and can be served open-faced or as mini sandwiches.
Recipe: BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
Vegan Desserts
Chocolate chip cookie pie
Who doesn’t love a classic chocolate chip cookie? Make it into a pie, and you have yourself an irresistible dessert. This recipe is simple to follow and includes only plant-based ingredients, including chickpeas, nut butter and applesauce. Serve with non-dairy ice cream for an extra special treat.
Recipe: Deep Dish Cookie Pie
Vegan raspberry cheesecake
This treat is refreshing and flavorful, the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Not only are vegan raspberry cheesecake bars a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, but they make a great snack day addition thanks to being single-serve.
Recipe: Vegan Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Vegan yogurt parfaits
A combo of vegan-friendly ingredients and fresh fruit makes a tasty game day dessert for any occasion. There are lots of options for vegan yogurt, so choose one that looks good and layer it with your favorite fruits and vegan-safe granola. Top with a dash of cinnamon to spice things up nicely.
Recipe: Vegan Yogurt Parfaits
Strawberry crumble
Strawberry crumble features a flavorful, juicy strawberry filling and crunchy, sweet crumble topping. This crowd pleaser takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can be served warm or cold. Plus, with minimal ingredients to make it, impressing your family and friends for the big game will be a breeze.
Recipe: Strawberry Crumble
Vegan Drinks
Chickoo banana milkshake
The combo of two sweet fruits makes this creamy vegan milkshake a universal hit. And the simplicity of the ingredients and ability to adjust it with additional flavors make it an easy recipe to customize. Whether you want it in slush form or more like a frappe, this milkshake offers the perfect amount of sweetness without taking away from your savory snacks. If you can’t find chickoo (also called sapodilla) at your local grocery store, check an Asian or Indian market.
Recipe: Chickoo Banana Milkshake
Kiwi smoothie
This energizing and nutrient-filled treat is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal beverage to quench your thirst on game day. It’s relatively simple to make, and the fresh taste will pair perfectly with the classic indulgences you’d expect for a big match. This quick and refreshing smoothie will transport you to an exotic green paradise.
Recipe: Apple Kiwi Green Smoothies
Watermelon juice
Looking for something a bit different to add to your drink menu for game day? Watermelon juice is a delicious and refreshing drink that can easily be made at home. This fun and fruity beverage is simple to prepare and requires only a few ingredients and a blender. The balance of sweet and tart makes this recipe perfect for any occasion. Plus, it doesn’t contain any added sugar thanks to watermelon’s natural sweetness.
Recipe: Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend
Cucumber-flavored vegan buttermilk
This classic Indian beverage (called “Chaas”) will add interest to your game day menu. It’s a refreshing drink that combines comfort flavors and Indian spices, and it can be made for a crowd. Give it a try to liven things up at your next watch party.
Recipe: Cucumber Flavored Vegan Buttermilk | Chaas
Peach raspberry vegan smoothie
This peach raspberry smoothie is a tasty mix of plant-based milk, natural sweeteners and ripe fruit. It’s perfect as a dose of energy once the game starts or to get you through each quarter. You can thank this vegan blender bliss for seeing you through the exciting day.
Recipe: Peach And Raspberry Smoothie
Health Benefits of Vegan-Friendly Food
Health might not rank on a list of what’s important when it comes to game day snacks, but it doesn’t hurt to throw a few healthy options in the mix. Here are some potential health benefits of going vegan, even just occasionally.
Lower risk of heart disease
Research suggests that a plant-based diet could help lower your risk of heart disease. You don’t have to go full vegan – or even full vegetarian – to reap the benefits, though. Including plant-based foods and meals into what you already eat, or replacing some meat-heavy meals with plants from time to time, may also offer benefits. It’s really about balance.
Going vegetarian could also help reduce your blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors for stroke and heart attack.
Weight loss
Adopting a vegan diet has been increasingly linked to healthy weight loss. Research suggests that people who follow a vegan lifestyle tend to have a lower BMI than those who don’t. This is likely due to improved nutrient balance, fewer calories and more abundant intake of leafy greens and fruits.
A vegan diet is considered the most successful at providing sustainable, long-term results when it comes to healthy weight loss, compared to other dietary plans. Additionally, plant-based diets promote healthy eating behaviors, which in turn help people stick with their diet for longer.
Better blood sugar control
Eating a vegan diet has also been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. This is likely because vegan diets tend to be lower in sugar and refined carbohydrates than omnivorous diets. Vegan diets are also often rich in fiber, which can help to slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
Whether you follow a vegan diet or not, these tasty snacks can please any crowd. They bring together all the classic flavors of traditional game day goodies without relying on animal products. Plus, they’re simple enough to throw together quickly, so you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for trying new things.
