Eat Like An Elephant is ready to tackle Super Bowl snacking!

Over the years, eating and cooking a gluten-free, dairy-free diet has gotten easier.  One thing that hasn’t?  Food jealousy!  That’s right, I said it.  I’m jealous of all the restriction-free eaters out there. There’s something about not being physically able to eat that mozzarella stick on the table at a party that just stinks!  And the day this all feels worse? Super Bowl Sunday.

Of course, when I go to a party, I always come baring the essentials for someone on a restricted diet: veggies, hummus, and if I feel like living life on the wild side, some chips and guacamole.

But this year, instead of begrudgingly munching away on a carrot stick, we need to take back Super Bowl Sunday by whipping up some easy, allergen-friendly Super Bowl treats. What do you say: Are you ready for some snack swaps?!

The Snack Swaps:

Mozzarella Sticks:

They look good, don’t they? These cheesy, crispy TGI Friday’s-brand mozzarella sticks are a staple of Super Bowl parties around the country. But they also come with the double whammy for gluten-free, dairy-free eaters: breading AND cheese.

Replace these greasy numbers by cubing up some dairy-free mozzarella cheese, like this one.  Cover the cubes with gluten-free bread crumbs, like Aleia’s (pictured below), and pop them in the oven!  You’ll be surprised how well they supplement your favorite restaurant fried cheese (and baking it give your arteries a nice break). Serve with your favorite marinara sauce and dig in!

Use these to get that golden crispiness you miss.

Boneless Buffalo Wings:

Oh, man…wings. Remember wings? Those were good times. Soaking up napkins galore with messy fingers you got from devouring these bad boys.  But once that gluten allergy reared its head, those days faded into the distance.

Fear not! This is probably the easiest work-around. Instead of those spicy numbers battered in who-knows-what, try cooking up some of your favorite gluten-free chicken nuggets. In our house that means Bell & Evans brand. Cook for 30 minutes in the oven at around 375, then toss them with your favorite gluten free hot wing sauce.  Done! Start these with about 5 minutes left in the first half of the game and you should be munching on some boneless beauties by the time Beyonce hits her first high note.

Add these two together for a spicy treat!

Nachos:

Full disclosure: There is really no way to make nachos healthy. At the heart of them are carbs and cheese. But this is our one time to indulge a little, right? Instead of drowning them in cheese and sour cream, do ‘em your own way!  Get your favorite corn chips, and top them with black beans, salsa, and dairy-free cheddar cheese.  Heat until the cheese melts, then garnish with some dairy-free sour cream!

Pizza:

It’s one of the most tried and true football meals all time. One phone call is usually all it takes, but whether it’s delivery or DiGornio, it doesn’t matter: when you’re gluten-free, you can’t eat it.

So what’s the fix? Top a gluten-free pizza crust, like Udi’s (pictured below), with your favorite sauce, dairy-free cheese, and whatever toppings you like! In my house, we like chicken sausage, red and green peppers, and onions. Now when the door bell rings and the pizza man is on the other side with a steaming hot pie of deliciousness, you don’t have to be bummed out. Just 15 minutes in the oven and this:

Becomes this:

And the best part? Once you make these mouth-watering treats, sharing with your gluten-and-dairy tolerant friends is optional.

What are your favorite Super Bowl foods?  How do you make them gluten or dairy free?