Ten Tasty and Healthy Kid- Friendly Recipes with Bread

Kids love bread but parents refrain from offering it often because it is considered to be unhealthy. However, by choosing the right bread and adding a few fun twists to the usual bread recipes we make bread a healthy, tasty and easy tiffin or snack option!

Let’s get straight to the point and see how you can do that! 

Benefits of bread for kids:

1. Excellent source of energy: 

Bread, especially whole wheat bread and multigrain bread, is rich in complex carbohydrates that provide a steady release of energy for active kids. This sustained energy helps children stay energized throughout the day, supporting their physical activities and mental alertness.

2. Good for digestion: 

Bread made from whole grains contains dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps children feeling full for longer periods, reducing the temptation for unhealthy snacking.

3. Provides essential nutrients: 

Many types of bread, particularly fortified bread and whole grain bread, are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B, iron, and folic acid. 

These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting healthy growth, development, and a strong immune system in children.

4. Versatile and convenient for meal preparation: 

Bread offers a wide range of options for preparing tasty and nutritious meals for kids. 

It can be used to make sandwiches, toasts, rolls, and wraps, providing a versatile base to add other nutritious ingredients. 

This convenience makes bread an ideal choice for busy Indian families who need quick and easy meal solutions.

Choosing bread for kids 

Dos when buying bread for kids:

1. Look for whole wheat or whole grain bread options.

2. Check the ingredient list and opt for bread with minimal additives or preservatives.

3. Choose bread with a higher fiber content to promote digestion.

4. Select bread that is fortified with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

5. Consider bread options that are low in added sugars and sodium.

6. Prioritize fresh bread or bread with a longer shelf life if needed.

7. Read labels and choose bread with recognizable, natural ingredients.

8. Look for bread that is suitable for any specific dietary needs or allergies your child may have.

9. Consider buying bread from reputed and trusted brands or local bakeries known for their quality.

Don’ts when buying bread for kids:

1. Avoid bread made primarily from refined flour.

2. Steer clear of bread with excessive sugar or artificial sweeteners.

3. Avoid bread with high sodium content, as it can be detrimental to a child’s health.

4. Stay away from bread that contains hydrogenated oils or trans fats.

5. Don’t choose bread that contains excessive amounts of additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors.

6. Avoid bread that has a short shelf life or shows signs of spoilage.

7. Do not disregard the ingredient list or nutrition facts label when selecting bread.

8. Don’t assume all bread marketed as “healthy” is suitable for children—always read the labels and ingredients carefully.

Remember, while bread can be a nutritious addition to a child’s diet, it is essential to consider their specific needs, preferences, and any dietary restrictions they may have.

Recipes

Besan bread Recipe

Here’s a shorter version of the recipe:

Ingredients:

– 6-8 slices of bread

– 1 cup besan (gram flour)

– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

– 1/2 tsp red chili powder

– 1/2 tsp cumin powder

– Salt to taste

– Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Mix besan, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt in a bowl.

2. Gradually add water to make a thick batter.

3. Dip bread slices into the batter, coating both sides.

4. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.

5. Drain excess oil on a paper towel.

6. Optional: Sprinkle chaat masala and garnish with coriander leaves.

7. Serve as a snack or with chutney/ketchup.

Aaloo/Potato stuffed bread Recipe

Ingredients:

– 6-8 slices of bread

– 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

– Salt to taste

– Oil for cooking

– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle.

2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

3. Add green chili (if using) and sauté for a minute.

4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

5. Add mashed potatoes and garam masala. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all spices are evenly incorporated.

6. Cook the potato mixture for a few minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend.

7. Remove the pan from heat and let the potato mixture cool down slightly.

8. Take a bread slice and place a spoonful of the potato mixture in the center. Spread it evenly, leaving some space around the edges.

9. Cover the potato mixture with another bread slice, pressing the edges firmly to seal the stuffing.

10. Repeat the process for the remaining bread slices and potato mixture.

11. Heat a griddle or a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil.

12. Place the stuffed bread on the hot griddle and cook until both sides turn golden brown and crispy.

13. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

14. Serve hot as a delicious Aloo Stuffed Bread snack or with the chutney of your choice.

Pav bhaji Sandwich Recipe

Sure! Here’s a recipe for Pav Bhaji Coated Bread:

Ingredients:

– 6-8 slices of bread

– 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed

– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, bell peppers), boiled and mashed

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 1 small tomato, finely chopped

– 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

– a 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

– 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

– 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala

– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

– Salt to taste

– Butter for toasting

For Garnish:

– Finely chopped onions

– Fresh coriander leaves

– Squeeze lemon juice

Steps:

1. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

3. Add chopped onions and green chili. Cook until the onions turn translucent.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

5. Add pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.

6. Add the mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. Mix everything and mash further to combine well.

7. Cook the mixture on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Remove from heat and let the pav bhaji mixture cool down slightly.

9. Take a bread slice and spread a generous amount of the pav bhaji mixture on one side.

10. Cover it with another bread slice, pressing gently to seal the filling.

11. Heat a griddle or a skillet over medium heat and spread some butter on it.

12. Place the stuffed bread on the hot griddle and toast until both sides turn crispy and golden brown.

13. Remove from heat and cut into halves or quarters.

14. Garnish with finely chopped onions, fresh coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

15. Serve the delicious Pav Bhaji Coated Bread as a snack or with mint chutney.

Cheese rolls Recipes

Sure! Here’s a recipe for Cheese Rolls using bread:

Ingredients:

– 6-8 slices of bread

– Butter, softened

– Grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

– Black pepper, to taste

– Optional: Chili flakes, for added spice

Steps:

1. Flatten the bread slices using a rolling pin to remove the crusts.

2. Spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly across each bread slice.

3. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the buttered side of the bread.

4. Season with black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle some chili flakes for added spice.

5. Carefully roll up each bread slice tightly, starting from one end. Ensure the filling is secure inside the roll.

6. Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat.

7. Place the cheese rolls on the hot pan, seam side down, and cook until the bottom side turns golden and crispy.

8. Flip the rolls using tongs or a spatula and cook the other side until golden and crispy as well.

9. Once both sides are cooked and the cheese has melted, remove the rolls from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

10. Allow the cheese rolls to cool slightly before serving.

11. Serve these delicious bite-sized snacks as is or with your favorite dip or sauce.

Hung curd sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

– 6-8 slices of bread

– 1 cup thick curd (yogurt)

– 1 small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

– 1 small carrot, peeled and grated

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)

– Salt to taste

– Black pepper powder to taste

– Butter or margarine, softened

Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the curd, chopped onions, grated carrot, and green chili (if using).

2. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Season the curd mixture with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Take a bread slice and spread a thin layer of softened butter or margarine on one side.

5. Place a generous amount of the curd mixture on the buttered side of the bread.

6. Arrange cucumber slices on top of the curd mixture, ensuring even coverage.

7. Cover with another bread slice and gently press it down.

8. Repeat the process for the remaining bread slices to make additional sandwiches.

9. Cut the sandwiches diagonally or into desired shapes.

10. Serve the Bread Curd Sandwiches as a refreshing and healthy snack or as a light meal option.

Steamed bread rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

– 6-8 slices of bread

– Filling of your choice (e.g., mashed potato, grated paneer, tofu, or cheese)

– Water (for steaming)

Steps:

1. Flatten the bread slices using a rolling pin to remove the crusts.

2. Place a small amount of your desired filling on one end of each bread slice.

3. Roll the bread tightly, starting from the end with the filling, to form a compact roll. Ensure the filling is securely enclosed inside the roll.

4. Grease a steamer plate or basket to prevent the bread rolls from sticking.

5. Arrange the rolled bread rolls on the greased steamer plate, leaving some space between each roll.

6. Bring water to a boil in a steamer pot or a large saucepan with a steamer attachment.

7. Once the water is boiling, place the steamer plate with the bread rolls inside the steamer pot or attachment.

8. Cover the steamer pot or saucepan with a lid to trap the steam.

9. Steam the bread rolls for 10-15 minutes, or until they become soft, fluffy, and cooked through.

10. Carefully remove the steamer plate from the pot or attachment, using oven mitts or tongs to avoid burns.

11. Allow the steamed bread rolls to cool slightly before serving.

12. Serve the delicious Steamed Bread Rolls as a delightful snack or light meal option. They can be enjoyed plain or with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Bread pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

– 8 slices of bread

– Pizza sauce or tomato ketchup

– Grated mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice)

– Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, corn, etc.), finely chopped

– Italian seasoning or dried oregano

– Red chili flakes (optional, for added spice)

– Salt and black pepper to taste

– Butter or ghee (clarified butter) for cooking

Steps:

1. Heat a non-stick pan or a tawa over medium-low heat.

2. Place the bread slices on the pan, one by one, and lightly toast them on both sides until they turn slightly crisp. This will help prevent the bread from becoming soggy when adding the toppings.

3. Remove the toasted bread slices from the pan and set them aside.

4. In the same pan, add a small amount of butter or ghee and spread it evenly.

5. Place one toasted bread slice back into the pan.

6. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce or tomato ketchup on the bread slice.

7. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

8. Add your desired assortment of finely chopped vegetables on top of the cheese.

9. Season with Italian seasoning, dried oregano, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.

10. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for a few minutes, or until the cheese melts and the vegetables are slightly cooked.

11. Once the cheese has melted, remove the bread pizza from the pan and transfer it to a plate.

12. Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices and toppings.

13. Cut the bread pizzas into smaller pieces, if desired, and serve them hot as a delicious snack or a quick meal option.

Vegetable Grilled sandwich Recipe

Sure! Here’s a recipe for an Indian household-friendly Grilled Sandwich:

Ingredients:

– 8 slices of bread

– Butter or ghee (clarified butter), softened

– Green chutney or mint-coriander chutney

– Tomato slices

– Cucumber slices

– Onion slices

– Boiled and mashed potatoes

– Chaat masala

– Salt to taste

– Black pepper powder to taste

– Grated cheese (optional)

Steps:

1. Heat a grill pan or a regular non-stick pan over medium heat.

2. Take a slice of bread and spread a layer of green chutney on one side. If desired, you can also butter the other side of the bread.

3. Place a few slices of tomato, cucumber, and onion on the chutney side of the bread.

4. In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with chaat masala, salt, and black pepper powder. Spread this potato mixture over the vegetables.

5. If using grated cheese, sprinkle a layer of cheese over the potato mixture.

6. Take another slice of bread and spread some green chutney on one side. Place this bread slice, chutney side down, on top of the filling, creating a sandwich.

7. Gently press the sandwich together.

8. Apply some butter or ghee on the outer sides of the sandwich.

9. Place the sandwich in the preheated grill pan or non-stick pan. Cook for a few minutes until the bottom side turns golden brown and crispy.

10. Carefully flip the sandwich to the other side and cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown.

11. Once both sides are grilled to your liking, remove the sandwich from the pan.

12. Cut the grilled sandwich into halves or quarters.

13. Serve the delicious Indian-style Grilled Sandwich hot with ketchup, chutney, or a cup of tea.

Coconut curd sandwich Recipe

Certainly! Here’s a recipe for Coconut Curd Sandwich:

Ingredients:

– 8 slices of bread

– 1 cup grated coconut

– 1 cup thick curd (yogurt)

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 1 small tomato, finely chopped

– 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

– A handful of fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped

– Salt to taste

– Butter for spreading

Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated coconut, thick curd, chopped onion, chopped tomato, chopped green chilies, and chopped coriander leaves.

2. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Season the coconut curd mixture with salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Take a slice of bread and spread a thin layer of butter on one side.

5. Place a generous amount of the coconut curd mixture on the buttered side of the bread.

6. Cover with another bread slice and gently press it down.

7. Repeat the process for the remaining bread slices to make additional sandwiches.

8. Cut the sandwiches diagonally or into desired shapes.

9. Serve the Coconut Curd Sandwiches as a refreshing and flavourful snack or light meal option.

Bread Poha:

Ingredients:

– 4-5 slices of bread

– 1 tablespoon oil

– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 1 small tomato, finely chopped

– 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

– Salt to taste

– A handful of curry leaves

– Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped

– Lemon wedges for serving

Optional Garnish:

– Sev (crispy fried gram flour noodles)

– Grated coconut

– Roasted peanuts

Steps:

1. Cut the bread slices into small pieces or cubes. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat.

3. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.

4. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chili. Cook until the tomatoes soften.

6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

7. Add the curry leaves and stir-fry for a minute.

8. Add the bread cubes to the pan and toss gently to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bread becomes slightly crispy.

9. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

10. Remove from heat and transfer the Bread Poha to a serving dish.

11. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

12. If desired, garnish with sev, grated coconut, or roasted peanuts for added texture and flavor.

And that’s pretty much it.

Hope you find these recipes useful.

Remember, the key is to be inventive and customize the recipes to suit your child’s preferences. You can experiment with different fillings, spreads, and toppings, to match the recipes to their liking. Involving your child in the cooking process can also make it more enjoyable and help them develop an appreciation for homemade meals.

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