Cheesy Veggie Stars Fun Healthy Snacks for Kids
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some fun snacks for kids ? Are you looking for a way to sneak more veggies into your little one's diet? These Cheesy Veggie Stars are cheesy, savoury, and secretly packed with goodness.
Brief Overview
These star shaped homemade kids snacks are inspired by classic cheese straws. They're a fun twist to get even the pickiest of eaters to enjoy vegetables.
It's an easy recipe taking about an hour to make and yields around two dozen stars.
Main Benefits
One star offers a little protein, healthy fats, and is lower in sugar than processed snacks. They are perfect after school snacks kids and are a great addition for parties as a colorful party food .
What makes them special is that they offer a delicious way to boost your child's nutrition.
Okay, so what exactly are these Cheesy Veggie Stars? These aren't your average boring snacks. They are essentially small savoury biscuits with cheese and veg, shaped like stars.
I remember making something similar back in school during Easy Edible Crafts For Kids , but these are way tastier!
These vegetable snacks for children are quick and easy to make. You can even get the kids involved, making it a fun activity.
It’s also a great option for lunchbox snack ideas . Plus, you know exactly what's going into them, unlike those shop bought snacks.
Let's dive into what you'll need to make these little stars.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks and talk about what you'll need to nail these Cheesy Veggie Stars. Honestly, it’s easier than brewing a cuppa.
Ingredients & Equipment
Think of this as your "Bake Off" shopping list. We're aiming for flavour town, population: happy kids! These snacks for kids will be a hit!
Main Ingredients
Right, so for the dough, you'll need 1 1/2 cups (180g) of whole wheat flour. Get the good stuff, you know? The kind that smells like a proper bakery.
We also need 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Next up, 1/2 cup (113g) of unsalted butter, cold. It must be cold, or your dough will be a right mess.
Then, 1 cup (100g) of finely grated cheddar cheese. Mature cheddar gives the best flavour, IMO.
And finally, 1/4 cup (60ml) of cold milk to bring it all together. Fun Snacks To Make With Toddlers just got easier!
For the veggies, we're using 1/4 cup (about 30g) each of finely grated carrot and zucchini (courgette). Tiny pieces are key, nobody wants massive chunks in their stars.
A tablespoon of fresh, finely chopped parsley is optional, but it does add a nice bit of green.
Don't forget the egg wash! You will need 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of milk, for that golden, shiny finish. Easy Edible Crafts For Kids , sorted!
Seasoning Notes
Skip those boring spice blends. We're going simple! A touch of garlic powder or onion powder adds a nice depth.
Don’t overdo it, just a pinch. A tiny bit of smoked paprika can add a lovely warmth. Colorful Party Food is within reach with these flavorful treats!
If you don't have fresh parsley, dried will do in a pinch. Just use half the amount. You could even chuck in some mixed herbs for a more Mediterranean vibe.
Fun Food For Kids To Make should be easy, right?
Equipment Needed
Nothing fancy here. A food processor is helpful for cutting in the butter, but you can totally do it by hand with a pastry blender or even your fingers.
Just takes a bit more elbow grease.
You'll need a rolling pin, of course, and a star shaped cookie cutter. Essential for making them look like actual stars! Don't forget a baking sheet and some parchment paper to stop them from sticking.
Boom! Healthy snacks for picky eaters , coming right up!
A stand mixer is a bonus, but by no means required. This recipe is all about Homemade kids snacks !
Oh, and before I forget, this recipe works wonders for Lunchbox snack ideas .
Right, you’re all set. Onwards to the baking!
Vegetable snacks for children are a creative addition to the baking scene.
Why not try this easy to make After school snacks kids with this amazing recipe? Cheese snacks for toddlers will always be a hit, right?.
Cooking Method: Baking Cheesy Veggie Stars
Right then, fancy making some fun snacks to make with toddlers ? These Cheesy Veggie Stars are proper lush. Honestly, even picky eaters will gobble these down! Forget boring biscuits, we're creating homemade kids snacks that are healthy and delicious.
Think easy edible crafts for kids !
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized
First things first, mise en place , yeah? Get all your ingredients measured out. Chop those veggies super fine you don't want any big chunks turning the kids off.
Time saving tip: grate the carrot and courgette in the food processor if you have one. It's like magic! A quick safety reminder: wash your hands!
step-by-step: Star Power!
- Combine 1 1/2 cups (180g) whole wheat flour , 1/2 teaspoon baking powder , and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Cut in 1/2 cup (113g) cold, cubed butter and 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar until crumbly. A food processor helps!
- Stir in 1/4 cup grated carrot , 1/4 cup chopped courgette , and optional 1 tablespoon parsley .
- Gradually add 1/4 cup (60ml) cold milk until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial!
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Roll out dough to 1/4 inch (6mm) .
- Cut out star shapes and brush with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk).
- Bake for 12- 15 minutes , until golden brown.
Pro Tips: Snack Master Level
Want to really impress? Keep that butter ice cold . It makes the stars lovely and flaky. Don't overwork the dough it'll get tough.
Instead of cheddar, try parmesan or a mix! These Cheesy Veggie Stars can be made ahead. Just bake them and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
They are perfect lunchbox snack ideas !
These snacks for kids are winners, trust me! They're a great alternative to sugary rubbish. Plus, you get veggies in there without a fight.
So, get the kids involved and have some fun.
Maybe consider offering them with a colorful party food platter that adds a special touch to any celebration.
Recipe Notes: Making Cheesy Veggie Stars Shine!
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about these Cheesy Veggie Stars. Think of these as little nuggets of wisdom.
They'll help you bake these snacks for kids like a pro, even if you're just starting out. Honestly, even seasoned bakers find these tips handy!
Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Plate
Presentation matters, you know? Arrange the Cheesy Veggie Stars on a colourful plate. You could even make a fun pattern! I sometimes serve them with a small pot of hummus.
Easy edible crafts for kids , sorted! They also go brilliantly with a chilled glass of milk. Or, how about a colorful party food display? Perfect!
Storage Tips: Keeping the Stars Fresh
Store any leftover stars in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge and they'll keep for around 3 days.
I've never tried freezing them. But I reckon they might go a bit soggy. It's best to reheat gently in a low oven if needed.
This will keep them nice and crispy.
Variations: Adapt & Conquer!
Want to make these healthy snacks for picky eaters ? Try adding pureed sweet potato to the dough. Boom! Extra vitamins.
For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. I did that once, and honestly, you couldn't tell the difference! You can also add Vegetable snacks for children like zucchini for extra nutrients.
Nutrition Basics: Sneaky Goodness
Each Cheesy Veggie Star is packed with goodness! Each one has approximately 50 calories. They also have 2g of protein and 3g of fat.
Plus, a little fibre to keep those little tummies happy. These could be used as Lunchbox snack ideas too! I think cheese snacks for toddlers are great because they have calcium.
They are also a great alternative to normal After school snacks kids .
So there you have it! With these tips, you are totally ready. You can create some amazing Cheesy Veggie Stars.
I hope this helps you create Fun snacks to make with toddlers . Get creative and have fun in the kitchen! Enjoy your Homemade kids snacks !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Cheesy Veggie Stars ahead of time? My schedule is more "Strictly Come Dancing" than "Great British Bake Off" sometimes!
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it well in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also bake the Cheesy Veggie Stars and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
My little one is a bit of a fussy eater. Any tips for getting them to actually eat these snacks for kids?
Ah, the classic picky eater challenge! The star shape definitely helps. You can also try involving them in the making process kids are often more likely to eat something they helped create! Try serving the stars with a fun dipping sauce like hummus or a dollop of natural yogurt.
And, of course, positive reinforcement goes a long way praise them for trying even a small bite!
Can I swap out the veggies in these Cheesy Veggie Stars? My kids are currently staging a revolt against zucchini!
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different finely chopped veggies. Bell peppers, spinach, sweetcorn kernels, or even finely grated beetroot would all work well. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly and blend nicely into the dough. You want "stealth veggies", not a veggie mutiny on your hands!
Are these Cheesy Veggie Stars actually healthy snacks for kids, or are they just pretending to be?
These Cheesy Veggie Stars are a much healthier alternative to processed snacks! Using whole wheat flour adds fiber, and the veggies contribute vitamins and minerals. However, they do contain cheese and butter, so moderation is key.
You can reduce the amount of cheese slightly or use a lower fat cheese to make them even healthier. As the saying goes, a little bit of what you fancy does you good!
I'm gluten-free. Can I still enjoy these snacks for kids?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to be gluten-free! Simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with the dough's texture.
You may need to adjust the amount of milk slightly, so add it gradually until the dough comes together.
Cheesy Veggie Stars Fun Healthy Snacks For Kids
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 50 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | <1g |
