18 Kid-Friendly Snacks For Dinner Parties
Kid-friendly snacks are a must-have at any dinner party with young guests. They keep the little ones satisfied and happy and can be a great way to introduce new and exciting flavors and textures to their developing palates.
When it comes to food that is appealing to kids, it's essential to keep things simple and familiar. Snacks that are easy to hold and eat, like finger foods or small bites, are always a hit. Bright colors and fun shapes can also be a big draw, as are familiar flavors like cheese, fruit, and crackers. Regarding textures, it's important to offer various options that cater to different preferences. Some kids prefer crunchy snacks like chips or popcorn, while others enjoy chewy treats like dried fruit. It's preferable to choose options low in sugar and high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients that can help ensure that kids get the fuel they need to stay healthy and energized.
So, the next time you're planning a dinner party with young guests, make sure to put some thought into your snack selection. Try putting together a kids' corner, where all the snacks designed for kids are on display. And if you're having trouble choosing your snacks, here are some ideas.
Bagel pizza
Bagel pizza is the perfect kid-friendly snack because it's easy to make and fun to get your kids excited about eating something healthy. And last but not least, it's absolutely delicious.
When it comes to ingredients, you can get as creative as you like with bagel pizzas. All you need is a bagel, some tomato sauce, cheese, and any toppings your little ones like. Some popular toppings include pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives. The taste and texture of bagel pizzas really set them apart from other snacks. The bagel provides a chewy, doughy base that's just the right amount of crispy when toasted. The tomato sauce adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the salty, melted cheese. And let's not forget about the toppings, which add a delicious crunch and burst of flavor with every bite.
Veggie sticks with hummus
Veggie sticks with hummus are healthy, tasty snacks that won't make a huge mess. This delightful duo is not only easy to make, but it's also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Making hummus at home is a breeze, and it's a great way to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. For a simple creamy hummus recipe, you only need a can of chickpeas, some tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Throw it all in a food processor, and voilà. You've got a creamy, dreamy dip that will make the kids beg for more.
Now, onto the veggies. While classic carrot sticks and cucumber slices are always a hit, don't be afraid to mix them up with some unexpected choices. Bell pepper strips, sugar snap peas, and even jicama slices make for tasty dipping options. Plus, the variety of colors will make the snack table look festive and fun.
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are crispy, cheesy delights representing a classic comfort food that will please everyone. You'll need bread, butter, and cheese to make a grilled cheese sandwich (duh). Butter one side of each slice of bread, place cheese between the slices, and grill in a pan until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. Or you can go fancy and make the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar and Gruyère.
Choose a mild cheese that children like, such as cheddar or American cheese if you want a simpler alternative that is more appealing to kids. You can add ham or turkey to make a classic ham and cheese sandwich for a more sophisticated taste. You can also add tomato for a burst of freshness. Use cookie cutters to cut the sandwiches into fun shapes, like hearts or stars. Or, have a make-your-own grilled cheese station where kids can choose their ingredients.
Mini sliders
Mini sliders are the perfect kid-friendly snack for a dinner party because, let's face it, kids love the food they can hold in their little hands. These bite-sized burgers are fun and great for kids to try new things.
Making mini sliders is easy and quick. All you need is ground beef, mini burger buns, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and condiments of your choice. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper and form it into small patties. Cook the patties in a skillet until they are well done, then assemble the sliders with the toppings and condiments. If you want mini sliders better suited for kids, try using chicken or turkey instead of beef. You can cut the buns into smaller sizes or use mini bagels or English muffins. You can also add fun toppings like pickles, bacon, or avocado to make the sliders more interesting for kids.
Popcorn chicken
Popcorn chicken can be the perfect bite-sized snack for kids (and adults too). It's crispy and crunchy and is the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy cravings. Making popcorn chicken is surprisingly easy. First, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Dip them in an egg wash, then coat them in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and spices. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
When it comes to making this recipe for kids, you can do a few things. First, consider using a mild spice blend so it's not too aromatic. You can also make it more fun by using cookie cutters to cut the chicken into visually appealing shapes, like stars or hearts. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even try using different coatings, like crushed-up cornflakes or potato chips, for added crunch.
Mini corn dogs
Mini corn dogs are the pint-sized version of the classic carnival treat, and they're a great kid-friendly snack for a dinner party. These bite-sized delicacies are easy to make, deliciously crispy, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pretentious eater.
To make mini corn dogs, you'll need hot dogs, cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, salt, and oil for frying. First, cut the hot dogs into small pieces and dip each piece of hot dog into the egg mixture and into the dry ingredients, making sure to coat them evenly. One of the best things about mini corn dogs is how well they suit most kids' preferences. For example, you can use chicken or turkey hot dogs instead of beef, or add some cheese to the batter to make them extra cheesy. You can also swap out the toothpicks for pretzel sticks, making them more fun and easier to handle for little hands.
Taco cups
Taco cups are like mini piñatas filled with deliciousness. They are a super kid-friendly snack for any occasion, whether it's a playdate, dinner party, or midday snack. Plus, they're extra easy to make. To make taco cups, cut the tortillas into circles and place them in the muffin cups, pressing them down to form a cup shape. Then, brown some ground turkey in a skillet and add your favorite taco seasoning. Next, spoon the meat mixture into the tortilla cups and top with tomato salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream.
If your little ones are picky eaters, you can customize the taco cups to their liking. For example, you can swap ground turkey for ground beef, chicken, or even tofu if you have vegetarians in the house. You can also offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or black beans, so your kids can choose their favorites.
Mini meatballs
Mini meatballs are fun to eat, flavorful, and easy to make. Plus, who doesn't love a bite-sized treat? For a delicious BBQ mini meatballs recipe combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, ketchup, and a few other ingredients to get a finger-licking good snack. The BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese give the meatballs a wonderfully savory, sweet, umami, and smoky flavor.
You can make these mini meatballs more suitable for kids and play around with the seasonings to give them a milder flavor. For example, you could use Italian seasoning instead of onion and garlic powder or swap out the BBQ sauce for tomato sauce. Another way to go is to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You could even add some finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Pita chips with tzatziki
Pita chips with tzatziki are a traditional Greek combination, which works as a fantastic kid-friendly snack for any dinner party. Not only are they delicious, but they're also healthy and easy to prepare. Plus, kids love dipping things, and what could be better for dipping than these crunchy chips and creamy dip?
Tzatziki, a classic Greek sauce, is made with thick and creamy Greek yogurt, refreshing cucumber, zesty garlic, and tangy lemon juice. This classic tzatziki recipe has the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it's a healthier alternative to traditional dips like ranch or French onion. This snack is great for kids because it's fun and encourages them to try new things. The combination of crunchy pita chips and tangy tzatziki will surely be a hit with almost everyone. Additionally, pita chips with tzatziki are a healthier alternative to many other snacks.
Muffin-shaped savory pound cake
Muffin-shaped savory pound cakes are ideal for any dinner party that involves kids. Not only are they a delicious and satisfying snack, but they're also super easy to make, even for those who are not very experienced in the kitchen.
These savory little delights can be made with a variety of ingredients, including diced ham, eggs, shredded cheese, olives, and bell peppers. All the ingredients are mixed in a fluffy batter made with egg whites, egg yolks, and flour. Not only do these ingredients add flavor and texture, but they also provide some much-needed nutrition for growing bodies. Plus, the muffin shape makes them perfect to grab and eat on the go. You won't need to worry about sticky fingers or messy spills when you have these small snacks. These savory pound cakes take muffins to the next level by adding the heartiness of a pound cake and some delicious and cheesy layers of aroma.
Fruit kebabs
Looking for a kid-friendly snack option that is both healthy and fun? Look no further than fruit kebabs. These tasty treats are great for kids at any dinner party and are sure to please. One of the best things about fruit kebabs is that they can be made with various ingredients. Some popular options include strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, grapes, and mango. In addition, you can dip the fruit in melted chocolate or drizzle some honey for an extra special treat.
To make fruit kebabs, start by cutting your fruit into bite-sized pieces. Then, thread the fruit onto skewers in any pattern you like. You can arrange the fruit into fun shapes or designs if you're feeling creative. You can also place them on a platter or stick them into a pineapple for a fun, tropical vibe. Finally, if you're feeling fancy, you can serve them in a martini glass with a side of whipped cream.
Yogurt parfaits
Yogurt parfaits are great to serve at any kid-friendly dinner party because they are delicious and easy to eat. What's not to love about creamy yogurt, sweet fruit, and crunchy granola? In addition, they're easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste buds.
An excellent yogurt parfait idea is making an almond yogurt parfait with cinnamon apple compote. It's a mouthwatering combination of creamy yogurt, cinnamon-spiced apples, and crunchy granola. The almond yogurt adds a nutty flavor and creaminess to the dish, while the cinnamon apple compote provides a sweet and tangy burst of flavor. And who can resist the satisfying crunch of granola? Not only are these parfaits delicious, but they're also a healthy option for kids. Yogurt is packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are essential for growing bodies. And the cinnamon apple compote adds a serving of fruit to the mix, providing important vitamins and fiber.
Banana bread
Banana bread is an absolute winner when it comes to kid-friendly snacks for dinner parties. Not only is it delicious and satisfying, but it is also packed with nutrients and goodness. Plus, this brown butter banana bread recipe adds a touch of sophistication to the classic snack.
The real magic of banana bread is in its versatility. You can add in all kinds of tasty extras to suit any palate. For example, you can use chopped pecans and shredded coconut, which bring a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness. You can also throw in some chocolate chips or dried fruit for an extra pop of flavor. Banana bread is easy to make and easy to eat, making it perfect for kids who might be running around and playing during a dinner party. It's also a great way to use overripe bananas, which might otherwise go to waste.
Red velvet cupcakes
Red velvet cupcakes are a great kid-friendly snack because they are delicious and visually appealing. These cupcakes stand out from the crowd with their fluffy and moist texture. They are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a hint of cocoa that is just enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, they are easy to make and can be adapted to suit the taste preferences of any child. For example, add some chocolate chips or top them with a cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
You can reduce the amount of cocoa powder or sugar to make them less sweet and adapt them to kids' preferences. You can also experiment with different food coloring options, such as pink or purple, to add extra fun to the baking process.
Rice Krispies treats
Rice Krispies treats are a classic childhood snack that never goes out of style. Not only are they delicious, but they're also incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This jazzed-up rice Krispies recipe includes some fancy additions like dark chocolate and decorative sprinkles, which take the treats to a whole new level of sophistication (while maintaining their kid-friendly appeal, of course).
Rice Krispies treats are incredibly versatile. You can give them fun and creative shapes, cut them into bite-sized pieces, or even decorate them with sprinkles and candy to match the theme of your dinner party. There's just something about the gooey, chewy, and crunchy texture of Rice Krispies treats that appeals to kids (and adults!) of all ages. They're a comforting and familiar snack that will make any kid feel right at home, and they're also a great way to satisfy any sweet cravings without going overboard on sugar.
Flavored popcorn
Popcorn is a very popular snack option for kids, and when you add some flavorful seasoning to the mix, you have a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it's a movie night, dinner party, or just a casual gathering, flavored popcorn is an excellent choice for a kid-friendly snack for dinner parties.
There are so many different flavorings to choose from, and the options are endless. There's something for everyone, from classic flavors like butter and salt to more adventurous ones like chili lime or garlic parmesan. But if you want to make a statement and take your flavored popcorn game to the next level, peanut butter-flavored popcorn is the way to go. It may sound a bit unusual, but it's an irresistible sweet and salty combination that will blow your mind. It is also a great way to add some protein to your snack.
Chocolate-dipped fruit
If you want to satisfy the sweet tooth of little partygoers while also sneaking in a bit of healthy fruit, chocolate-dipped fruit is the solution. Not only is it a delicious treat, but it's also a fun and interactive activity that can keep kids entertained during dinner parties.
The great thing about chocolate-dipped fruit is that you can mix and match different varieties of fruit and chocolate to create endless flavor combinations. Of course, strawberries are always a classic choice, but you can also try dipping bananas, pineapple, or even apples for a little crunch. And when it comes to chocolate, the possibilities are endless: milk, dark, white, or even flavored chocolate like mint or caramel. Plus, there's no denying the visual appeal of a platter of colorful chocolate-dipped fruit. It's a surefire way to make your party table look Instagram-worthy without having to do any complicated decorating.
S'mores
S'mores, the iconic campfire treat consisting of toasted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, are a delectable dessert and make for a fantastic kid-friendly snack for dinner parties. S'mores are super easy to make, even for the most novice chefs. Kids can take charge of toasting the marshmallows, while adults can oversee the chocolate and graham cracker assembly. It's a fun and interactive activity that lets children get creative and involved in cooking.
S'mores are also highly customizable, making them perfect for pretentious eaters. If you want, you can simply swap milk chocolate out for dark chocolate or even Nutella. If your kids don't like graham crackers, try using Oreo cookies or pretzels instead. Finally, s'mores are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves them, young or old, making them excellent conversation starters. Plus, who doesn't love the gooey, chocolatey mess that inevitably ensues?
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