One of my kids went to a party last week, and the food was, well … I’m not sure I’d call it food. Highly processed crap is what I’d call it.
When we have kids parties, we tend to self cater. A BBQ in the local park; run themselves ragged at indoor play centre then home for eats; or even just party games at home. I’m not exactly well known for my imaginative parties and fancy cakes, but we do serve real food and there’s never anything left over!
So this week, I thought I’d round up some ideas for easy, healthy kids party food.
I don’t know a kid that won’t eat at least some veggies when they’re served up with a yummy dip. And who could possibly resist mini carrots from Mr McGregor’s Garden Patch? Certainly not me!
Hummus is super easy to make, and I love adding extras to give it even more of a veggie boost. If kale isn’t your thing, try it with baby spinach. Or even avocado. Delish!
Another super easy dip to make, and it works just as well as an after school snack as it does for party food. There’s something about this minty yoghurt dip that kids just love. Serve with veggies chopped into fingers, and watch them disappear!
Sweet, super cute and delicious – these fun Fruit Salads with Citrus Dressing are really easy to make and look fantastic. It doesn’t matter what kind of fruit you use, so choose your favourites and start chopping!
I’m not usually your fruit shapes kind of parent. Don’t have the time, don’t have the patience, and it seems kind of wasteful – what do you do with the fruit that doesn’t fit the shape? But these Butterflies on a Stick are so pretty, and you could easily just freeze the rest of the fruit for smoothies.
Salted caramel popcorn is a perfect sweet treat for a party, and I love that they’re dairy free, gluten free and vegan. Ideal to take as a treat if you’re visiting, too.
How gorgeous is this fruit sushi! I’m dying to make this, even if my kids won’t eat it. (Both my kids loathe bananas – of all the fruits to dislike!). All the more for me, then. Oh, go on then, and the other kids at the party!
Veggie fritters see a lot of action at my place. They’re perfect to make ahead, freeze and then warm up when you need them. Dollop on some yoghurt, add some chilli sauce and Bob’s your uncle. Great for lunch boxes as well as parties.
So easy that kids can make them, and they’ll freeze well, too. Mini Muffin Chicken Pot Pies can be warmed in the oven just before you serve. And let me tell you, they beat party pies hands down!
These Chicken Dippers use potato chips to give them that extra crunch. Not something I’d make every day, but absolutely perfect for a party.
I had a larger version of these a few months back, and they were so good that I stuffed myself unashamedly. I’ve been looking for a recipe ever since! How good do these Hawaiian Pizza Pops look?
I make flavoured fruit waters whenever we have friends over. My kids’ favourites are strawberry and mint, and lemon and basil. They’re so good, and so refreshing. Just infuse the fruit for a couple of hours beforehand, and top up with water and ice as guests arrive.
The last time I made homemade lemonade like this, I got distracted and burnt the lemons to a blackened pile. Yes, lemonade is easy to make. No, don’t wander off and get started on a load of washing. Or if you do, set yourself a timer! And then you’ll have deliciously tangy lemonade for your party.
Tell us – what’s your favourite healthy kids party food?