Making healthy snacks, like these apple nachos, are not only an activity to keep little hands busy and feed hungry mouths, but cooking builds math and reading skills and encourages kids to try new foods because they first become more comfortable by seeing, touching, smelling, and interacting with the food before working their way up to tasting it!
When we think about what to snack on we want to consider three things: snacks should be nutritious, filling, and fun.
1. Snacks should be NUTRITIOUS
This doesn’t mean that snacks can’t be enjoyable, but like meals, snacks should be planned and used to fill in nutritional gaps when possible. They can be a great time to add some fruits, vegetables, nuts, or fiber-rich whole grains to boost your overall nutrient intake. For example, serving up frozen squeezable yogurt sticks or using yogurt in our apple nacho dip helps supply a serving of calcium-rich dairy.
2. Snacks should be FILLING
Managing in-between-meal hunger can be difficult, as we don’t always have time to think ahead or pack ahead before the little ones (our we ourselves) get hangry. Snacks are more filling when they include 2 or more food groups. For example, apple nachos contain fruit, healthy fats, dairy and whole-grains.
3. Finally, Snacks Should Be FUN
Just like us, kids eat with their eyes, present food in a fun way and you will improve the odds that healthy snacks get eaten! Kids love to be playful with their food. Offering dips beside fruits and vegetables increases the odds your kids will eat them.
Whether you’re in the kitchen with kids, packing school lunches, or looking for smarter options for yourself, think of snack time as an opportunity. With the right balance of nutrition, satisfaction, and fun, you can turn simple snacks—like apple nachos—into healthy habits that last.
💡 Want more kid-friendly recipe ideas? Check out our Sunshine Stew recipe + post!
Print
Apple Nachos
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. greek vanilla yogurt
- 2–3 T. nut butter*
- 1 t. honey (optional)
- Apples, sliced horizontally (de-seeded)
- Granola
Instructions
- Combine yogurt, nut butter and honey.
- Spread ~1 T. yogurt dip on each apple slice.
- Sprinkle granola on top of apples.
Notes
*Use sunflower seed butter in lieu of peanut butter for nut allergies.
Find it online: https://mcdanielnutrition.com/apple-nachos/