6 Healthy Party Food Options for Kids
Throwing a children’s party is an occasion filled with excitement and joy, but finding the right balance between tasty and nutritious treats can often become a puzzle. In today’s world, where processed and sugary foods are a common go-to, providing options that cater to health without sacrificing flavor is more important than ever. To help you, this blog post presents creative and wholesome solutions that will delight the young ones and align with mindful eating. These recipes are thoughtfully crafted with essential nutrients, removing artificial additives and embracing natural flavors.
1. Whole Grain Mini Pizzas
Mini pizzas made on whole wheat English muffins or pita bread are a fun twist on a kid-favorite food. They provide a portable pizza option using healthier whole-grain crusts.
Start by having the children choose their preferred mini “pizza crusts,” like whole wheat English muffins or pita bread. Then, spread a thin marinara or pizza sauce layer on the crusts. Let kids customize their mini pizzas with low-fat cheese and favorite pizza toppings. Turkey pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, pineapple, and diced bell peppers make nutritious, kid-approved options. Have the children place the toppings on their mini pizzas for maximum involvement. Once the pizzas are assembled, bake them in a 350-degree F oven until the cheese is melted and the edges of the crusts are crisp, about 10-12 minutes. The mini pizzas can then be cut into wedges for easy grabbing.
The portability, customization, and familiar pizza flavor profile make these mini pizzas a healthy party food option kids will love. Using whole-grain crusts also provides more fiber and nutrients than traditional pizza dough.
2. Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe
The rice stuffed peppers recipe offers a nutritious and colorful option for children’s parties. It combines bell pepper sweetness with savory rice and meat filling.
First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a baking dish to make this dish. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds. Set the pepper tops aside. Over medium heat, cook ground turkey or vegetarian “meat” crumbles in a skillet until no longer pink. Remove from heat and stir in cooked brown rice, diced carrots, chopped parsley, tomatoes, salt, and pepper—stuff the bell pepper halves with the rice and meat mixture. Bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated. Remove from the oven and stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
The rice stuffed peppers offer a balanced mix of protein from turkey or meat, complex carbs from brown rice, and vitamins and minerals from vegetables. Children will be drawn to the colorful peppers and flavorful filling. Parents can make the recipe beforehand and reheat the stuffed peppers in the oven during the party for an easy, nutritious dish that kids and adults will enjoy.
3. Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast
While popcorn is a classic kid-friendly snack, regular popcorn can be high in calories and salt. Adding nutritional yeast to the mix creates a healthier version that kids will still love.
Making nutritional yeast popcorn is easy. First, pop plain popcorn on the stove or in an air popper. Place the hot popcorn in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine 2 to 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and garlic powder. Mix well and pour over hot popcorn, tossing to coat evenly.
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that provides a nutty, cheesy flavor to popcorn without saturated fat and cholesterol in butter or cheese. It’s also high in B vitamins, fiber, and protein sources. Kids will enjoy popcorn’s familiar flavor and crunchy texture while getting nutrients from nutritional yeast.
4. Baked Chicken Fingers with Homemade Dips
Kids will still enjoy homemade baked chicken fingers as a healthier alternative to deep-fried tenders. Serving them with dips made from natural foods gives them flavor.
Cut slices of chicken breast to use as baked chicken fingers. Breadcrumbs, egg wash, and flour should coat the strips. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 375°F, flipping once or until the inside is no longer pink. For dips, blend plain Greek yogurt with chopped fresh parsley, chives, dill, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Kids’ parties are healthier when chicken fingers are baked rather than fried. Homemade dips allow you to control the ingredients and limit added sugar, salt, and fat compared to store-bought varieties.
5. Nut Butter & Banana Sandwich Bites
Nut butter and banana sandwich bites are a simple yet nutritious snack for kids of all ages. They’re easy to make ahead and serve at children’s parties.
For sandwich bites, start by slicing bananas into 1/2-inch rounds. Spread nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew work well) on one side of each banana round. Top with the second banana round to form “sandwiches.” Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut the banana sandwiches into fun shapes like stars, circles, or triangles. Place the cut sandwich bites on a plate and cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The bananas will brown quickly, so make these just before serving.
The nut butter and banana combination provides sustained energy from the carbohydrates in the banana, along with healthy fats and protein in the nut butter. Kids will enjoy the familiar sandwich format and the ability to customize their creations by choosing their favorite nut butter and shape.
6. Healthy Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Chocolate avocado pudding is a sneaky way to get kids to eat their veggies while satisfying their sweet tooth. The recipe uses avocado to make a rich, creamy chocolate mousse that children will love.
To make the pudding, combine two ripe avocados, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup honey or agave nectar, and one teaspoon vanilla extract in a food processor or high-speed blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk or almond milk a little at a time until the mixture reaches a pudding-like consistency. Continue to blend until fully combined. Pour the chocolate avocado pudding into individual serving cups and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Avocados provide healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamin E in every serving of this decadent-tasting dessert. Moreover, it allows kids to decorate their servings, making this a fun and interactive party food option that kids of all ages will love.
Conclusion
The recipes outlined above provide various healthy and kid-friendly party food options. From fruit skewers and veggie dippers to homemade chicken fingers and chocolate avocado pudding, these recipes balance nutritious ingredients and kid appeal.
Involving children in the preparation by letting them choose their favorite fruits, toppings, and shapes will increase the fun factor and encourage them to try new foods. With careful planning and creativity, you can provide nourishing fuel to power your children through their next party. In addition, you can set them up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
