These 4 Super Bowl Recipes Will Shock You - One Ingredient Could Ruin Your Party!

The Super Bowl is not just a championship game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings friends and families together for a day filled with excitement—both on the field and at the snack table. This year, the game will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, just a stone's throw from Blue Shield of California's headquarters. As millions prepare to indulge, Angie Kalousek Ebrahimi, the senior director of lifestyle medicine at Blue Shield, shares insights on how to enjoy this festive day without sacrificing health.

“Super Bowl food doesn’t have to mean overindulgence in junk food,” Kalousek Ebrahimi explains. “You can keep all the fun without quarterbacking poor eating choices on Monday morning.” With that in mind, here are some game-day strategies that combine culinary creativity, good health, and local pride.

Create Healthy Competition

The heart of any Super Bowl gathering is the camaraderie shared among family and friends. Even if you’re not invested in the game or your favorite teams aren’t playing, you can still enjoy the spirit of competition. Kalousek Ebrahimi suggests incorporating physical challenges throughout the day, like push-up or squat contests. “It’s fun to try and outdo each other,” she says, adding with a laugh, “But my favorite prize? Make the losing team do the dishes.”

Have a Game Plan

Hosting a Super Bowl party requires strategy, much like the teams competing on the field. Kalousek Ebrahimi emphasizes the importance of preparation, especially for guests who may find themselves facing an overwhelming spread of food. “Showing up hungry with no plan is the quickest way to blow past your best intentions,” she warns. Instead, she recommends these steps:

• Scan the food options upon arrival and select what you genuinely want to enjoy.
• Plan when to eat — a small snack at kickoff and a larger meal at halftime can help avoid mindless grazing.
• Prioritize portions wisely, aiming for a balanced plate that includes protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to keep you satiated throughout the day.

Make the Food Fun

If you’re hosting or contributing a dish, this is your moment to shine. Kalousek Ebrahimi recommends a playful twist on a classic dish with her “Sourdough Sam Power Bowl,” inspired by the beloved San Francisco 49ers mascot. To make it, start with a small sourdough bread bowl, carve out the middle, and fill it with a nutrient-dense chili. The process is not just about taste; it adds an element of fun to the meal.

Recipe Inspiration

For even more ideas, Kalousek Ebrahimi turns to the Thrive Global Cookbook, a collaboration between Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and Thrive Global, founded by Arianna Huffington. Her top picks include:

• Guacamole — Loaded with nutrients and perfect for dipping.
• Edamame Hummus — A unique and flavorful alternative to traditional dips.
• Raspberry Chocolate Chip Popsicles — A dessert that skips processed sugars in favor of fiber-rich fruits.

Don’t Forget to Reset

If the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods becomes overwhelming, Kalousek Ebrahimi emphasizes the importance of not spiraling. “Super Bowl food tends to stay out all day,” she notes. “But you can check in with yourself at the end of each quarter and reset. Just like in football, one bad play doesn’t have to spoil the game.” This mindset applies to healthy eating in general—it's about how you eat over time. “You can reset at the next snack, the next meal, or the next day,” she advises.

For more information on Blue Shield of California’s health and nutrition programs, available at no additional cost to most members, visit Wellvolution. To explore more healthy recipes, consider downloading the Thrive Global Cookbook, which is available in 11 languages.

Bonus Play Recipe: Angie’s Sourdough Sam Power Bowl with Chili

Ingredients:

• 4 small loaves of sourdough bread (for the bowls)
• 2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 bell peppers (diced)
• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt (+ more to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 14 oz diced or crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 14 oz tomato sauce (1 can, or use another can of diced/crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cans kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, Greek yogurt, cilantro, hot sauce, tortilla chips

Instructions to Make Chili:

1. Slice onion and bell pepper, and mince garlic.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to a pot with oil.
3. Sauté for a few minutes over medium heat until they start to soften.
4. Add in ground meat and seasoning, mixing well.
5. Add in tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and broth. Bring to a boil.
6. Once boiling, lower heat (optional to cover), and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Instructions for Bread Bowl/Assembly:

1. Slice off the top third of the loaf (save it for dipping or croutons).
2. Hollow out the center, leaving 1/2 to 3/4 inch of bread all around and on the bottom.
3. Brush the inside only with a light coating of olive oil.
4. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly toasted.
5. Let the bowls cool for 5 minutes to prevent steaming.
6. Fill with hot, but not boiling, chili.
7. Add toppings and enjoy!

This Super Bowl, take a moment to revel in the joy of the game while also making mindful choices about what you eat. With the right planning and a touch of creativity, you can enjoy the festivities without feeling guilty the next day.