Ultimate Plant-Based Super Bowl Football Party Chili Recipes

When football season starts, so does the time for throwing parties. Rather than filling the snack bowl with chips and cheese dips, you can enjoy healthy, delicious foods. From hearty savory chili to sweet vegan desserts, this is the menu for you. These are the ultimate recipes for your plant-based football party!

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Awesome Plant-Based Chili Recipes

Chili is a great dish to serve for a big football party. It’s easy to make a big pot, and keep it on the stove for everyone to help themselves. Or, if you have a Crockpot or Slow Cooker, let it hang out there during the game.

Besides great for a crowd, chili is also easy to make plant-based. Instead of traditional meat, substitute with hearty plant-based vegan ingredients. Lentils, bulgur, or crumbled tempeh can replace the texture of ground meat. Beans and sweet potatoes add hearty, satisfying flavor.

Have fun with spices and seasonings. You can use a standard store-bought chili powder. Or, spice it up a bit by adding your own touch. Add dried chipotle peppers or ancho peppers. Try a dash of Mexican oregano or cocoa powder. Or, simply add an extra smoky note with smoked paprika.

Here are some of my favorite Plant-Based Vegan Chili Recipes:

Sweet Potato Chipotle Plant-Based Chili

Spicy, smoky chipotle peppers balance the flavor of sweet potatoes in this satisfying plant-based chili. With a fire-roasted tomato base, this chili is packed with flavor. This will become one of your favorite winter recipes.

White Lentil Vegan Poblano Chili

This hearty vegetarian chili uses white Ivory lentils for a twist on traditional chili. However, you can also use white navy beans or pinto beans. Smoky Poblano peppers add a subtle heat. Make a big batch of this recipe and keep it in the Slow Cooker.

Hearty Beluga Lentil Vegan Chili

This hearty vegan chili uses black Beluga lentils, which resemble the texture and size of ground meat. You can also use brown lentils or crumbled tempeh. Make a big batch of this easy recipe in the Slow Cooker. Serve it with Gluten-Free Cornbread and Guacamole for a satisfying, healthy game-day entertaining meal.

Mega Veggie Chili with Bulgur (from FatFree Vegan)

This awesome recipe from Susan at FatFree Vegan is loaded with veggies. Carrots, onion, celery, and bell pepper build flavor. Plus, hearty texture comes from bulgur, which replicates the texture of ground meat. With frozen corn and beans – this is a winner! She also has directions on how to make it in an Instapot.

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The Ultimate Chili Toppings

You’re going to need something to put on that incredible bowl of chili. How about some awesome plant-based toppings? This is where you can really get creative and have fun!

Bake crumbly cornbread, make creamy gucamole, or slather on some “Geez!” sauce. Even something as simple as diced sweet onion and tomatoes can really add a lot of flavor. These are some of my Ultimate Chili Toppings for your delicious plant-based game day party.

5 Minute Guacamole

Nothing cools off that spicy bowl of chili quite as well as creamy avocado. This easy guacamole recipe comes together in just 5 minutes. With authentic flavor, this is a plant-based essential for your party.

5 Minute Pico de Gallo

Refreshing and light, this quick Pico de Gallo recipe makes a fun topping for your plant-based chili. Simple ingredients like tomatoes, lime, and onions come together for bright, fresh flavor.

Spicy-Sweet Raw Pineapple Salsa

Who says salsa is only for tomatoes?  Swap out the tomatoes for golden pineapple.  The natural sweetness of the fruit works well with the Mexican trinity of cilantro, lime, and spicy jalapeno in this refreshing, easy recipe. This makes a fun, interesting twist on your classic chili toppings. 

Vegan Pumpkin Nacho “Geez!” Sauce

This ain’t your typical cheese…this is Nacho “Geez!”  For a fun interactive party, fill a small crockpot or fondue pot with this vegan cheese sauce. Guests can drizzle over their chili. Or, serve with veggies and baked tortilla chips. Then, guests can assemble their own Nacho Chili bowls.

Southern Style Vegan Cornbread – Oil-Free, Gluten-Free, Whole Grain

This Southern cornbread starts with a vegan “buttermilk”, giving subtle tang to the finished loaf. It’s based on a traditional recipe from Chef Cat Cora. Yet, this plant-based version skips the oil, eggs, and dairy. Whole corn kernels are baked into the bread for authentic flavor. You can bake this as a loaf or make small cornbread muffins.

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Incredible Sides and Fresh Salads

5-Minute Mango Black Bean Salad

Sweet mango, healthy black beans, and spicy flavor come together in this easy, 5-minute salad. This is easy to throw together and makes a delicious, fresh side dish. For even quicker prep, opt for frozen, diced mango.

Smoky Broccoli Pecan Crunch Salad

Smoky-sweet flavor and crunchy texture come together for this Broccoli Pecan Crunch Salad. The cool, creamy dressing is a great balance to the spicy heat of chili. Plus, this is an easy recipe to make ahead of time. The flavors get better the longer it sits.

5-Ingredient Southern Style Sweet Vegan Corn Pudding

Sweet corn pudding is a classic Southern side dish that goes great with chili. Spoon a serving into the bottom of your bowl. Then, ladle on the chili. By the time you get to the bottom of the bowl, the corn pudding has soaked up all of that delicious flavor. It’s pure Southern heaven.

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Incredible Plant-Based Game Day Desserts

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana “Monkey’ Bars

Chocolate, bananas, peanut butter…what more could you want? How about something plant-based and guilt-free? This kid-friendly recipe plays with the irresistible “Monkey Bar” flavor combination.  No one will know these plant-based treats are full of healthy ingredients like black beans, whole wheat flour, and dates. Serve this dessert at your party and watch everyone “Go Ape!”

Vegan Pumpkin Cranberry Walnut Muffins from The Full Helping

I’ve been making these pumpkin muffins for my personal chef clients, and they are awesome. Chunks of cranberries and walnuts are folded into a pumpkin batter. You get all of your favorite Fall ingredients in one muffin! You can swap out the oil for applesauce. Plus, you can use Stevia instead of brown sugar. Serve these as a dessert for your game-day crowd. And enjoy leftovers for breakfast.

Black Forest Brownies with Cherries and Coconut

Chocolate, cherries, and coconut come together in these plant-based Black Forest Brownies. Oil-free and free of any refined sugar or syrups, these plant-based vegan treats are naturally sweetened with dates and banana.  Make a batch of this dessert for a fudgy, sweet finish to your Game Day celebration.

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Make These?  Let me Know!

If you give any of these bean recipes a try, let me know!  Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag it @chefkatiesimmons or #plantsule on Instagram.

Peace and chickpeas, Chef Katie