Get ready for tomorrow's big game (or match or race) with these high-carb dinners that'll power you up without slowing you down. P.S. We threw in a few desserts to keep you motivated.
33 High-Carb Dinner Ideas to Serve the Night Before a Game
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
1/33
Pizza Potato Toppers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it's an economical treat as well. I don't know of a more satisfying way to stretch a half-pound of meat! —Sheila Friedrich, Antelope, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 486 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 26g protein.
2/33
Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 527 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
3/33
Ribbon Pudding Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cool, smooth and creamy, this pretty pie is a slice of heaven for people with diabetes and anyone who likes an easy yet impressive dessert. The lovely pudding layers feature a yummy combination of vanilla, chocolate and butterscotch. —Doris Morgan, Verona, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 183 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 511mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/33
Italian Snack Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've served this snack bread alongside spaghetti, as an appetizer and as a main dish. Because it stays so tender, I often bake it a day before. —Joan Nowacki, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 254 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
5/33
Baked Ziti
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6-8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes, I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 630 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.
6/33
Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Pork
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chinese food is a big temptation for us, so I lightened up a favorite takeout dish. As the pork cooks, the aroma is beyond mouthwatering. —Elyse Ellis, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without rice): 531 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
7/33
Soft Dinner Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The dough for these rolls has a nice texture and is simple to shape. The recipe came from an old church cookbook. —Norma Harder, Weyakwin, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 187 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
8/33
Rice Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 197 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
9/33
Summer Carbonara
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Basil and bacon make best summer buds in this smoky-sweet pasta. I pair it with a simple spring mix salad with balsamic dressing and a glass of good Chardonnay or cold iced tea. —Cathy Dudderar, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 508 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
10/33
Broccoli-Pasta Side Dish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to fix new recipes for my husband, Robert, and our children. With garlic and cheese, this broccoli pasta is a tasty way to get kids to eat their veggies. —Judi Lacourse, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 313 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein.
11/33
Southwest Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this colorful side dish after eating something similar at a restaurant. It complements any Tex-Mex meal wonderfully. Sometimes I add cubes of grilled chicken breast to the rice to make it a meal in itself. —Michelle Dennis, Clarks Hill, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 198 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
12/33
Garlic-Chive Baked Fries
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Yes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
13/33
Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to find a way to use pineapple salsa in a recipe. I came up with this super simple, delicious and quick dish! —Erin Schillo, Northfield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
14/33
Bernie’s Pork Chop Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My aunt worked in Butte, Montana, and whenever we visited we had pork chop sandwiches. This recipe is a take on that old favorite. —Jeanette Kotecki, Billings, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 476 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
15/33
Sesame Chicken Noodle Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to recipe when I have no time. It’s quick, easy and you can use almost anything from the fridge. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 519 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 10g fiber), 35g protein.
16/33
No-Knead Casserole Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 loaf (16 slices)
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love this cheddar bread made in a casserole dish. It is one of the easiest yeast breads to make. And since it calls for rapid-rise yeast, you don't have to wait long to enjoy it! —Peggy Key, Grant, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 204 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 272mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
17/33
Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 151 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
18/33
Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side dish is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 298 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
19/33
Mashed Red Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are so good, you can serve them plain—no butter or gravy is needed. This is the only way I make my mashed potatoes. —Valerie Mitchell, Olathe, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 190 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
20/33
Quinoa & Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're thinking about a meatless meal, give these no-fuss peppers a try. They come together with just a few ingredients and put a tasty spin on a low-fat dinner! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 393 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 18g protein.
21/33
Sweet Potato Stuffing
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom likes to make sure there will be enough stuffing to satisfy our large family. For our holiday gatherings, she slow-cooks this tasty sweet potato dressing in addition to the traditional stuffing cooked inside the turkey. —Kelly Pollock, London, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 212 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
22/33
Roasted Tater Rounds with Green Onions & Tarragon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am crazy for potatoes, especially when they're roasted and toasted. Toss them with fresh herbs and green onions for a bold finish. —Ally Phillips, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
23/33
Southern Barbecue Spaghetti Sauce
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I revamped our favorite sloppy joe recipe into this thick spaghetti sauce that simmers in the slow cooker. The flavor is jazzy enough to be interesting to adults, yet mild enough for the kids to enjoy. —Rhonda Melanson, Sarnia, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup sauce: 336 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
24/33
Vermicelli Rice Pilaf
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At the holidays, I use butter and white rice in this recipe, just like my mom and generations of Armenian women did. But most days I saute the vermicelli in olive oil and substitute brown rice for white. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 240 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
25/33
Spring Green Risotto
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Once a week I create a new recipe for my blog, An Officer and a Vegan. I first made this risotto when I needed something cheerful and comforting. It would be fantastic with asparagus, zucchini or summer squash, but use whatever veggies are in season. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 198 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
26/33
Caribbean Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It's a promising go-to option when time's tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup stir-fry with 1 cup rice: 419 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
27/33
Reese’s Chocolate Snack Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family constantly requests this cake is constantly. I don't mind making it because it's surprisingly low-cal. And its yellow and orange toppings make it the perfect dessert for a Halloween party. —Eileen Travis, Ukiah, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 240 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
28/33
Lemon Couscous with Broccoli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 115 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/33
Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups pasta mixture with 2 ounces cooked beef: 456 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 8g fiber), 30g protein.
30/33
Ham and Beans
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never made or eaten this dish before meeting my husband here in Kentucky. Now I make it at least once a week. I serve it with some homemade sweet cornbread. Delicious! —Christine Duffy, Sturgis, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 195 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 10g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
31/33
Scalloped Corn
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comforting casserole features sunny corn kernels tucked into a creamy custard. My mom got this recipe and many other excellent ones from her mother. By the time this crowd-pleasing corn dish left the table, my father, sister, brothers and I would have almost scraped it clean. —Sandy Jenkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 236 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
32/33
Lemon Mushroom Orzo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes I serve this side dish chilled, and other times we enjoy it hot.
It has a pleasant tinge of lemon and a nice crunch from the pecans.
—Shelly Nelson, Akeley, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 225 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
33/33
Apple-Walnut Cake with Orange Glaze
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tinkered with a plain apple cake recipe to create this moist, delicious winner. The result: old-fashioned goodness with a heavenly aroma! This cake is the perfect fall treat or holiday dessert, but it’s also great as a special breakfast or brunch item. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 316 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
