It’s witching hour and you’re still stuck on dinner ideas? Grab whatever you can find and pop it on a plate for a kid-friendly charcuterie board.
By Mama Disrupt®
‘Girl dinner’ is all over socials at the moment, but guess what … it’s pretty much just eating like a toddler. So in keeping with this tasty trend, here are few ideas for a kid-friendly charcuterie board.
1. Proteins
Sliced deli meats: turkey, ham, roast beef. Consider using nitrate-free selections if you have health concerns.
Cheese: Mild cheddars, mozzarella sticks, string cheese, babybel cheese, or cheese cubes. Avoid strong cheeses as kids might not favour their flavours.
Yoghurt dip: A small bowl of plain or flavoured yoghurt can serve as a protein-packed dip.
2. Crackers & Breads
Mini toasts: They’re bite-sized and perfect for topping.
Pretzel sticks: Add some crunch to the board.
Animal biscuits: For a fun touch.
Mini pita breads: Kids can make mini sandwiches.
3. Fruits
Fresh fruits: Think about including strawberries, blueberries, grapes (cut in half for younger children to avoid choking), apple slices (sprinkle with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning), and banana slices.
Dried fruits: Such as apricots, raisins, or cranberries.
4. Veggies
Baby carrots, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes (cut in half), capsicum strips, and snap peas. Including a fun dip, like hummus or ranch dressing, can make veggies more appealing.
5. Sweets & Treats
Chocolate chips: Add a small pile for a sweet touch.
Marshmallows: Mini-sized for easy grabbing.
Digestive biscuits: They pair nicely with the chocolates and marshmallows.
6. Dips & Spreads
Hummus: A healthy and tasty dip option.
Peanut butter or almond butter: For spreading on crackers or dipping fruits.
Ranch dressing or yoghurt dip: For the veggies.
7. Decorative Elements & Fun Additions
Mini skewers: Kids love anything they can pick up, so consider threading some of the fruits, cheeses, or meats onto skewers.
Themed biscuit cutters: You can use these to cut cheese or deli meats into fun shapes.
Edible flowers: For a pop of colour and to introduce kids to new food experiences.
Assembly Instructions
- Start with a large wooden board or a serving platter.
- Place the dips and spreads in small bowls first, spacing them out across the board.
- Add the larger items, like the sliced meats, cheeses, and breads.
- Fill in the gaps with fruits, veggies, and smaller items.
- Intermingle colours and textures for a visually appealing board.
Remember, the key to a kid-friendly charcuterie board is variety and fun. The more colours, shapes, and textures you can introduce, the more appealing it will be for kids. Adjust quantities and selections based on the number of children and their preferences. Enjoy building and serving your board!
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