Introducing Delicious Vegetable Side Dishes That Your Kids Will Love!
1. Sneaky Veggie Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic favorite among kids, but why not add some extra nutrition by sneaking in some veggies? Puree cooked cauliflower or butternut squash and add it to the cheese sauce. Your little ones won’t even notice the difference, and you’ll feel good knowing they’re getting an extra serving of vegetables.
2. Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
Swap out traditional french fries for these crispy baked zucchini fries. Cut zucchini into sticks, dip them in egg, and coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Your kids will love the crunch, and you’ll love that they’re eating a nutritious vegetable.
3. Cheesy Broccoli Tots
Broccoli may not be a favorite among kids, but when it’s transformed into cheesy tots, it becomes a whole different story. Steam or blanch broccoli florets, chop them finely, and mix with shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Form into tot shapes, bake until crispy, and watch your little ones gobble them up.
4. Veggie-Packed Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are always a hit with kids, but they can be loaded with unhealthy ingredients. Create a healthier version by making your own with whole wheat dough and packing them full of veggies. Spread tomato sauce on the dough, top with a variety of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, sprinkle with cheese, roll up, and bake until golden and bubbly.
5. Carrot and Zucchini Muffins
Muffins are a great way to sneak in some veggies without your kids even realizing it. Grate carrots and zucchini and add them to a basic muffin batter. You can also add some raisins or chocolate chips for extra sweetness. These muffins make a perfect side dish for dinner or a nutritious grab-and-go snack.
6. Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon Sugar
If your kids love sweet potato fries, try adding a twist by tossing them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Bake until crispy, and you’ll have a sweet and savory side dish that your little ones won’t be able to resist. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for the whole family.
7. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
For a healthier pizza option, replace the traditional dough with a cauliflower crust. Steam cauliflower florets, squeeze out the excess moisture, and blend until it resembles rice. Mix with cheese, egg, and seasoning, form into a crust, and bake until crispy. Top with your favorite pizza toppings, and your kids won’t even realize they’re eating a vegetable.
8. Rainbow Veggie Skewers
Make eating vegetables fun by creating colorful rainbow veggie skewers. Cut a variety of vegetables into bite-sized pieces, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Thread them onto skewers and grill or roast until tender. The vibrant colors will entice your kids to give them a try, and they’ll love eating food off a stick.
9. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms may not be a favorite among kids, but when they’re stuffed with spinach and cheese, they become a tasty treat. Remove the stems from button mushrooms, stuff them with a mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, and cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These stuffed mushrooms make a great appetizer or side dish.
10. Oven-Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
Asparagus may not be the most kid-friendly vegetable, but when it’s roasted with Parmesan cheese, it becomes irresistible. Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and roast until tender. The cheesy, crispy coating will have your kids asking for seconds.