Are you looking for new ways to provide nutritious meals for your picky eaters?
Look no further! We have compiled a selection of four delicious meals that not only provide essential nutrients but also satisfy those picky taste buds. From zucchini fritters to veggie stuffed pita pockets, our recipes are sure to please every child.
And don’t forget to check in with the best pediatricians in Savannah for advice on how to provide balanced nutrition for your children! Pediatricians in Savannah can help you create a meal plan that will keep your children healthy and happy.
Zucchini Fritters
These delicious zucchini fritters make the perfect snack for picky eaters! They are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a healthy option your picky eater won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis grated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, flour, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined. The mixture should be slightly wet but should hold its shape when formed into patties.
- Scoop the mixture into small mounds (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Use your hands or a spoon to flatten and form fritters about 3 inches wide by ½ inch thick.
- Bake fritters until golden brown on the bottom side (about 10 minutes).
- Flip over then bake an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown on the other side too.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite dipping sauce or extra toppings like cheese or sour cream if desired!
Spinach and Ricotta Calzones Baked Instead of Fried
Spinach and ricotta calzones are a delicious way to get your kids to eat their vegetables! These tasty treats are loved by pediatricians in Savannah since they are baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups spinach, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces of fresh pizza dough
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Set aside.
- Cut the pizza dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece into an oval shape about ¼ inch thick.
- Place about ¼ cup of the spinach mixture in the center of each oval and fold over one side to meet the other side to form a calzone-like shape/
- Press edges firmly together with a fork before transferring each calzone onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and sides. Enjoy!
Chicken Nuggets Baked in Oven, Served with Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
Is your child craving chicken nuggets but you don’t want them to have another unhealthy meal? This recipe is a healthier alternative that you can make at home! Served with roasted sweet potato fries, it makes for a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
For the nuggets:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sweet potato fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the roasted sweet potato fries first by spreading them onto a foil-lined baking sheet
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- In a medium bowl combine chicken cubes, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Toss to coat the chicken well.
- Place coated chicken pieces on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Try to time it where after 10 minutes of the sweet potatoes in the oven you can add in the chicken nuggets so everything finishes at the same time.
- Serve the chicken nuggets with the roasted sweet potatoes and enjoy!
Veggie Stuffed Pita Pockets
These veggie-stuffed pita pockets are an easy, healthy meal that the whole family is sure to love (even the picky eaters)! They’re packed with nutritious veggies and herbs and make a great lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 2 large pitas
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or any grain of choice)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each pita in half so that you have 4 halves
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes until lightly toasted
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before handling.
- In a medium bowl combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint leaves until fully combined
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Divide the mixture among the 4 pita pockets
- Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Whatever meal you’re making for picky eaters, it’s important to keep it simple and flavorful. Introducing new flavors can be hard for children. These four easy recipes help make feeding picky eaters easier, while still giving them the nutrition they need.
If you or someone in your life is in need of a pediatrician in Savannah, The Pediatric Associates of Savannah are here to help. Our team of experts specializes in providing comprehensive pediatric care to children at all stages of life.
Give us a call at (912) 355-2462. We have three different locations in Georgia – two are in Savannah and one is in Pooler. We are here for your family!
