Need a quick dinner that your kids will enjoy, yet still get enough vegetables? Try out these mini pizza ideas. They are easy to make with all ages of children.
Pizza can be made any way you wish. For mini pizzas, as dough you can use whole wheat english muffins, whole wheat pita, whole wheat flat bread, or whole wheat bagels (thin). They can be prepared hot, or if you are really in a hurry, try out one of my cold “pizza” ideas. Kids who are proficient with their knife skills can help chop the veggies very small. Younger children can help organize the bread on the pan, or sprinkle the cheese/other toppings. The whole family can help, and everyone gets their own personalized pizza(s).
Below I have listed a few ideas I’ve tried while teaching school programs with kids:
1. The Original Pizza: Use whole wheat flat bread (found in the bread aisle, it is the size of sandwich bread.) Choose your favorite pizza sauce, or easily create your own with your home canned tomatoes. Pick 3 to four different colored vegetables/fruit, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, tomato, or onion. Have them diced small. Use a part-skim mozzarella cheese for topping. Bake until cheese begins to brown and/or bread gets crispy.
2. The Mediterranean Pizza: Use whole wheat pita and hummus for the base in this recipe. This pizza should be served cold. Dice up celery, cucumbers, and red bell peppers as toppings. Instead of cheese you can use shredded carrots. To add a little flavor, sprinkle feta cheese (some kids may not like the strong taste.)
3. The Veggie Pizza: Whole wheat bagels and cream cheese are the base of this cold pizza. Finely chop broccoli florets, cauliflower, tomato, and any other vegetable your family enjoys. There is no need for cheese with this one, since the cream cheese is already on the bottom. For added protein sprinkle chopped sunflower seeds or garbanzo beans on top.
4. The Breakfast Pizza: Use whole wheat english muffins as bread, and a mixture of sour cream and salsa for sauce (use sparingly.) Top with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and green bell peppers. Cook in oven on 350 or so, until cheese is fully melted and english muffins are toasty. It like and un-lette.
Image Credit to creative commons user Edsel L
