Okay, so I wanted to throw a party for my kid and their friends, but I was totally over the usual sugary spread. I mean, cake and candy are great, but I wanted something a bit more, you know, substantial. Something savory. So I started brainstorming, and here’s what I came up with and how I did it.
Mini Pizzas on Whole Wheat English Muffins
First, I grabbed a pack of whole wheat English muffins. Healthier base, right? Then, I prepped my toppings. I wanted variety, so I went with:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (because, pizza)
- Some simple tomato sauce that i make it simple.
- Chopped veggies: bell peppers, onions, some mushrooms (finely chopped so the kids wouldn’t riot)
- Mini pepperonis (a must-have)
I split the muffins and laid them out on a baking sheet. Then, I let the kids go wild! It was like a mini pizza assembly line. They spread on the sauce, sprinkled cheese, and added their toppings. It was actually pretty fun, and they got to customize their own little pizzas.
Once they were all decorated, I popped them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, just until the cheese was melted and bubbly. They smelled amazing!
Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Gotta have some veggies, even at a party. I chopped up some carrots, celery, and cucumber into sticks. Super easy. I found pre-cut packs will save my time . Then, I put out a big bowl of hummus. I thought about making my own, but honestly, the store-bought stuff is just as good and saves a ton of time.
Popcorn Chicken Bites
I wanted something a little more “treat-like” but still on the healthier side. So, I got some boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Then, I made a simple breading:
- All-purpose flour,seasoned with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- A bowl with the whisked eggs.
- Breadcrumbs.
I dipped each chicken piece in the flour, then the egg, and finally coated it in the breadcrumbs. I laid them out on a baking sheet and baked them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until they were golden brown and cooked through. You could totally air fry these too, if you have one.
Fruit Skewers
I want some sweet and colorful *,I prepared some fruits like grapes, strawberries, and pineapples.
I cut them into bite-sized,then,put them on the sticks.
The Result
The kids absolutely loved it! They devoured the mini pizzas, surprisingly went for the veggie sticks, and the popcorn chicken was a huge hit. The fruit skewers were a great way to end the meal on a slightly sweet note, without being a sugar overload.
Honestly, it was way easier than I thought it would be. And it felt good to give them something a bit more nutritious than the usual party fare. Plus, getting them involved in making the pizzas was a total win-win. They had fun, and I had less work! I’d definitely do this again.