The Super Bowl is a time-honored tradition of great food, great friends, and — yes — watching a big game. But if you follow the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), the typical chips, dips, and wings drenched in dairy, gluten, and nightshades might not be an option. The good news? With some creativity and planning, you can have an AIP-friendly spread that’s delicious, satisfying, and totally worthy of kickoff.
Savory AIP Game Day Staples
1. AIP Wings & Chicken Bites
No game day is complete without wings. AIP-compliant glazed chicken wings — using fruit-based marinades like mango or a compliant balsamic reduction — keep the flavor high without inflammatory ingredients. You can also make chicken “nuggets” or ranch bites by using compliant coatings like tigernut flour or plantain chips. (Heal Me Delicious)
2. Sweet Potato “Nachos” and Fries
Swap traditional tortilla chips for baked sweet potato rounds or crisp plantain chips and top them with AIP friendly toppings like seasoned pulled pork, guacamole, or mango salsa. Sweet potato fries with a compliant curry mayo or dip are a hearty, crunchy alternative. (asquirrelinthekitchen.com)
3. Loaded Crudité & Guacamole Bar
A vegetable platter with assorted dipping options is always a hit — think guacamole with plantain chips, cucumber “chips,” or roasted cauliflower bites. AIP versions of dips provide that snacking vibe without the dairy or legumes. (Unbound Wellness)
4. AIP “Nacho” Bar or Sliders
For a build-your-own setup, set out compliant proteins (seasoned shredded chicken, ground beef), greens, guacamole, and compliant sauces so guests can assemble their own eats. A Super Bowl nacho bar with plantain chips and nomato or no-tomato sauce keeps things fun and flexible. (Unbound Wellness)
Fresh, Fun, and Fitness-Friendly Bites
5. Veggie-Forward Favorites
Items like roasted or air-fried cauliflower bites, parsnip chips, or cucumber “sushi” rolls make great finger foods, especially when paired with an AIP ranch or compliant salsa. (Unbound Wellness)
6. Bacon-Wrapped Goodness
From bacon-wrapped asparagus to pears or dates, these handheld bites deliver savory satisfaction without the usual inflammatory ingredients. (Tiger nuts products for AIP diet)
7. Helpful Charcuterie
A charcuterie board can absolutely be AIP-friendly. Choose compliant cured meats, crisp veggies, olives, fruit slices, and AIP dips like compliant artichoke hummus or salsa verde. (Food Courage)
Sweet Treats Without the Guilt
Game day deserves a sweet note, and you can still indulge:
- AIP Vanilla Marshmallows or Desserts — make them from simple staples like tapioca and coconut if your AIP plan allows those ingredients. (Heal Me Delicious)
- Fruit-Forward Snacks — cinnamon apple bites, stuffed dates, or banana slices with cinnamon make simple, crowd-friendly sweets. (Thriving Autoimmune)
Tips for AIP Success on Game Day
- Prep Ahead: Many AIP recipes freeze well or can be cooked in advance so you’re not in the kitchen while the game starts. (Food Courage)
- Customize Toppings: Build-your-own bars let everyone adapt foods to their preferences — great if you have mixed dietary guests. (Unbound Wellness)
- Balance the Spread: Pair richer options (wings or meatballs) with lighter ones (crudité, fruit platters) to provide texture, color, and AIP compliance. (Heal Me Delicious)
Final Play: Watch, Chew, Repeat
Game day food doesn’t have to sabotage your healing goals. By leaning into creative AIP recipes and snacks — from sweet potato nachos to crispy veggie bites and compliant wings — you can throw a spread that’s as healthy as it is tasty. So set the board, warm up the oven, and get ready to enjoy the Super Bowl without the inflammation. (Heal Me Delicious)
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ #1: What Super Bowl foods are allowed on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)?
Answer:
On the Autoimmune Protocol, Super Bowl foods should avoid gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, nightshades, nuts, and seeds. AIP-friendly options include baked sweet potato fries, plantain chips with guacamole, slow-cooked meats, compliant chicken wings, roasted vegetables, and fruit-based sauces. These foods allow you to enjoy game day while supporting healing and reducing inflammation.
FAQ #2: Can you enjoy game-day snacks while staying AIP-compliant?
Answer:
Yes, you can absolutely enjoy game day snacks while staying AIP compliant with a little planning. By swapping traditional chips, dips, and sauces for AIP-approved alternatives like sweet potatoes, plantains, fresh vegetables, and compliant proteins, you can create a satisfying Super Bowl spread that fits your dietary needs without feeling restricted.