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Chris Cooks

Super Bowl Snacks (Julia's Version)

January 31, 2025

Jules has a few dietary restrictions (mostly gluten- and dairy-free), but that's never stopped our family from indulging in our favorite foods. With a little creativity and a lot of taste-testing, I've found lots of great substitutes that are crowd-pleasers. No need to make any disclaimers on these Game Day snacks — your party people won't be able to tell the difference between my nachos and the "real thing."

Chris holding a sheet pan of nachos with radishes, cilantro and dairy-free toppings

Gluten-Free, Dairy-free Nachos

These are a weeknight staple in our house (because they're so easy), but you can dress 'em up for the big game with all of the toppings.

A cast iron skillet filled with hot chipotle chicken dip topped with cilantro

Chipotle Chicken Dip

Better than Buffalo Chicken Dip, this snack-a-tizer has a subtle heat and a ton of flavor. It's the kind of dip that's so good that everyone stands around it until it's gone. (No one believes it's gluten-free and dairy-free.)

A plate of grilled chicken wings with a mango coconut glaze

Mango Coconut-Glazed Chicken Wings

Sweet and tangy, these are the wings of my dreams. Pro tip: Grill (or bake) or wings before smothering them in this awesome sauce. The sugar won't burn off, and you'll be left with a killer (finger-licking) flavor.

A dark blue plate with lime & cilantro chicken wings made in the air fryer

Lime & Cilantro Air Fryer Chicken Wings

An Air Fryer is an awesome method for crisping up some chicken wings, and lime + cilantro is a glaze everyone goes for. This one is slightly unexpected, so if you're bringing something to the party — surprise them with these.

A wooden platter with ribeye tacos topped with red onions and cilantro with lime wedges in the middle

Chicharron de Ribeye Tacos 

Crispy beef, creamy guac, simple toppings. Best of all, this handheld snack can be downed in two or three bites, so you're free for celebratory high fives.

An oval blue bowl of glazed BBQ pork belly bites topped with cilantro

BBQ Pork Belly Bites

These are tender and tangy and easily speared with a toothpick. This is a great hot app to pass around when the chips are getting low.

A charcuterie board filled with olives, figs, cheeses, salami, crackers, breads and spreads

The Perfect Charcuterie Board

There's a formula to this. A playbook, if you will. Make sure all of the key players are present and accounted for. (There are plenty of gluten-free crackers and dairy-free cheeses to populate a board, but a sampler like this can have something for everyone.)

A bowl of hummus next to dippable veggies including asparagus, cucumbers, colorful carroets, radishes, and bell peppers.

Five-Minute Hummus

This hummus is better than anything you can buy at the store, and you can put it together on a commercial break.

Two hands holding up a delicious, juicy Smashburger on a bun with a tomato slice

Smash Burgers 

If you have a flat-top grill or a griddle, you have to burger this way. It's just crispier and juicier than a regular burger — and therefore, far superior. Don't skimp on the seasoning, the sauce, or the pickles, please. (Swap in vegan cheddar for the win.)

A black plate with coconut shrimp and a dipping sauce.

(Keto) Coconut Shrimp

These shrimp bites double-down (actually triple-down) on the coconut flavor for an unmistakable treat that just tastes like a party. Don't skip the creole cocktail sauce—it's essential.

A hammered copper plate with cucumber slices topped with bacon and dairy-free cheese.

Cucumber & Bacon Bites

These look as delicious as they are fun to eat. Dairy-free cheese makes these perfect for people with allergies or lactose intolerance.

A bowl of peanut butter caramel popcorn with chex mix.

Gluten-free Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

This is a hard-to-stop kind of snack that satisfies the sweet tooths in the crowd.

A platter of smoked salmon deviled eggs on top of iceberg lettuce leaves

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

These are great to make ahead and easy to bring along, so you're not rushing at the last minute. One of my favorites!

A bowl of smoky meatballs topped with basil slivers

Grilled Turkey & Beef Meatballs With Smoked Marinara

The grill adds an unexpected and entirely welcome smokiness to these tasty grain-free, dairy-free meatballs.

A charcuterie board of three dips, including guacamole and crab dip

Gluten-free, Dairy-free Crab Dip

This cold crab dip is so fresh and tasty. Great for the seafood-lovers at your get-together.

Platter of classic deviled eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs

I love a variation on the theme, but nothing beats these classic deviled eggs. Your friends will be asking for the recipe.

Chris holding a bowl of Cucumber Crunch Salad

Cucumber Crunch Salad

This recipe was one of my most popular recipes last year. It's perfect for when you want to lighten up a potluck menu.

Steel skewers of grilled shrimp on a platter drizzled with a spicy green sauce

Easy Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp

This tasty appetizer takes 15 minutes to put together, so you won't miss much of the action (or the entertaining commercials).

Two hands dipping pork rinds into a spicy bean dip with sausage on top

Skillet White Bean Dip with Spicy Italian Sausage

Trust me, this is one of the best dairy-free dips you'll have on the menu this year.

Chris Cooks Candied Ham Skewers

Candied Ham Skewers

Start this one in the oven a few hours before the big game, and you'll be ready to serve them once your friends arrive! This recipe makes a ton—you can just leave the skewers by the dish if you want to skip the extra prep.

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