Back-to-school season means getting back into the rhythm of packed lunches, busy afternoons and hungry kids coming home from school! Having a few simple, healthy snack ideas on hand can make the transition a little easier, especially when they make good use of fresh, local produce. These 5 Healthy Kids’ Snacks Made from Orchard Produce provide the perfect recipes to have on hand.
At Weaver’s Orchard, late summer and early fall bring plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from. Depending on the season, you can pick your own produce right here in the orchard or stop by our Farm Market to see what’s available. Our new CSA box program is another convenient way to bring a variety of locally grown produce home to your family.
If you’re looking for a savory way to turn fresh broccoli into a kid-friendly snack, these Broccoli Cheddar Snack Pancakes are a great place to start!
PrintCheddar Broccoli Pancakes
Crispy on the outside and filled with broccoli and plenty of cheesy flavor, these little pancakes make a simple after-school snack. They’re also easy to eat by hand, making them a good option for busy afternoons when kids need something filling before heading off to sports, homework or other activities.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pancakes 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the broccoli, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese and salt to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop rounded tablespoons of the broccoli mixture into the hot skillet.
- Cook until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp. Flip each pancake, then gently press it with a spatula to flatten it slightly. Continue cooking until the second side is golden and the pancakes are cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese, if desired. Serve warm.
More Healthy Snacks for Back-to-School Season
Broccoli pancakes are just one way to turn fresh produce into an easy snack kids can enjoy after a long day at school. Here are four more recipes to add to your back-to-school rotation:
Kids Fruit Leather
This homemade fruit leather combines Weaver’s Apple Sauce with fresh strawberries and beet juice for a naturally sweet, colorful snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes or after school.
Maple Cinnamon Sugar Apples
Fresh apple slices get an easy upgrade with a sprinkle of cinnamon and maple sugar for a quick, kid-friendly snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes or after school.
Helicopter Fruit Tray
Turn fresh fruit into a fun helicopter-shaped snack that makes eating a colorful variety of fruit a little more exciting for kids.
Apple & Peanut Butter Stacks
Layer crisp apple slices with creamy peanut butter and crunchy granola for a simple, filling snack that kids can help assemble themselves.
Whether you’re picking your own, visiting the Farm Market or receiving a CSA box, keep an eye out for fresh fruits and vegetables that can make after-school snacking a little healthier and a lot more local this school year.