Whatever team you cheer for, we can all agree that stadium foods are one of the highlights of going to a game. Good news: you can recreate part of the IRL stadium experience by making healthier versions of your favorite concession-stand foods at home.
Smart ingredient swaps and cooking hacks (such as oven-frying instead of deep-frying, adding vegetables into burger patties, and using fruit—not sugar—to sweeten frozen desserts) help transform ballpark menu items into lighter recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
Here are some of our best stadium-inspired snacks, entrees, and desserts to make the next time your favorite team is playing.
Burgers & Cheesesteaks
To keep these burgers and cheesesteaks Budget-friendly, we swapped in chicken or fish for beef, or replaced some of the meat or bread with veggies.
Tenders & Nuggets
Ditch the deep fryer. With these recipes, a hot-oven and parchment-lined pan is all you need to get crispy chicken strips and bites. WeightWatchers® nacho and sea salt tortilla chips make fab breadcrumb replacements.
Hot Dogs & Sausages
These mouthwatering meals lean on light hot dogs (dressed up with bean and veggie toppings) and chicken sausages instead of fattier pork sausages.
Buffalo & BBQ
These recipes have all of the flavor but less fat thanks to lean pork and chicken breast, plus sauces made with nonfat and reduced-fat dairy.
Pizza
Make pizza Budget-friendly by changing up its base, like with yogurt-based two-ingredient dough, cauliflower crust, or chickpea crust recipes.
Nachos
The cheese-topped classic gets a healthier upgrade thanks to some savvy swaps for tortilla chips, and by piling regular chips high with veggies and lean protein.
Fries & Rings
An air fryer deliciously crisps up some of these traditional sides so you can get the crunch you crave without hitting the deep fryer.
Popcorn & Pretzels
These recipes skip the butter and instead use seasoning mixes, a touch of highly-flavored grated cheese, or fresh herbs for plenty of flavor. You can easily make popcorn for one with this WW mini microwave popcorn popper.
Ice Cream-Inspired Recipes & Fried Dough
Fruit-based "nice" cream and air-fried two-ingredient dough helps make desserts that won’t blow your Budget.
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Leslie Fink, MS, RD, has worked on the WW editorial team for more than 20 years. She plays a key role in food, recipe, and program content, as well as product partnerships and experiences.