Though summer brings a sense of freedom from the daily grind, the lack of structure can be somewhat stressful as you rework your vegan meal plan. That’s why we came up with a handful of vegan snacks your kids will love. From sweet to savory and everything in between, these munchies will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Mini Pizzas by Well Vegan
We love these mini pizzas because you can sneak some veggies in without the kids complaining. Tip: these little guys are just as delicious sans “cheese.”
Ingredients
1 refrigerated pizza dough
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup vegan mozzarella
1 small bunch fresh basil
1 medium tomato
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F. And line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil so they won't stick.
- Place pizza dough on a well-floured surface and stretch gently into about a 12″ x 8″ rectangle.
- With a round cutter or a cup of some sort, cut dough into 18-20 rounds; place rounds 1 inch apart on baking sheet. Top each with pizza sauce, cheese, basil and tomatoes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. But know that some vegan cheese just won't melt the way to want, so make sure the crust doesn't burn.
Apple Cookies by Rachel Schultz
It’s hard to go wrong with the classic peanut butter/chocolate combination. If your little ones have allergies, almond butter works just as well.
Ingredients
1 apple
2 tablespoon peanut butter
Pecans
Coconut shreds
Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Slice apple into thin rings and remove core.
- Spread peanut butter over one side of ring.
- Top with pecans, coconut shreds, and chocolate chips.
Kale, Potato, and Sweet Potato Chips by Well Vegan
Sure, you could buy kale chips at the grocery store, but there’s something special about making them at home. Plus, it’s way more affordable!
Ingredients
3 large kale leaves
1 (8 oz.) medium white potatoes, unpeeled
1 (8 oz.) medium sweet potatoes, unpeeled
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- For the chips, arrange the oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Remove the thick stem from the kale and toss them out. Cut the leaves into 2 to 3-inch pieces. Put them in a bowl and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Using a pair of freshly washed hands, toss well and arrange in a single layer on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until crispy and slightly dark on the edges. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- With your trusty a mandoline and a steel mesh glove (just kidding about the glove, but be careful) or a sharp knife, slice the white potatoes and the sweet potatoes into about ⅛-inch thick slices. Then drop them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Again, use your hands to toss. Arrange in a single layer (without overlapping) on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 12 minutes. Turn the slices over (I think a fork works best) and continue to bake, checking every few minutes until just brown and crispy, about another 8 minutes or so. Sprinkle the chips with salt and pepper, to taste.
Fully Raw Fruit Pizza by Sweet Simple Vegan
You won’t find any meat or cheese on this pizza! All you need is a watermelon and the toppings of your choice. Get creative with fresh herbs and sliced fruit.
Ingredients
⅛ round of a medium watermelon
1 banana
1 handful of blueberries
1-2 tablespoon unsweetened coconut
1 tablespoon goji berries
1 tablespoon fresh mint
Instructions
- Slice a large round from a watermelon.
- Place onto a cutting board and add toppings of choice.
- Using a large knife, slice as your would a pizza or cake.
Crispy Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce by Chef In You
These tofu squares are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. You can dip them in regular ketchup as an alternative to the chili sauce.
Ingredients
For the Tofu
1 (14-oz) block Mori Nu "Extra Firm" Silken Tofu
¾ cup cornstarch
¼ cup cornmeal
Salt and ground pepper to taste
Chili flakes to taste (optional)
For the Sweet Chili Sauce
3 tablespoon sugar
¼ cup water
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon chili paste
Instructions
- Drain tofu and pat it dry completely. Slice the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Mix the remaining ingredients in the "Tofu" section in a bowl.
- Add the tofu cubes to the mixture and toss to coat completely.
- Heat vegetable oil in a shallow pan over med-high heat. Carefully add the tofu to the oil, turning it until it is crisp and golden on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Gently lift the tofu and drain it on paper towels. You can transfer the cubes to a 200F oven to keep them warm.
- Meanwhile, for the sauce, whisk all the ingredients mentioned in a small saucepan and cook over med-high heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce is hot and thickened.
John
The mini pizzas are awesome. The kale chips are pretty good too, but cooking them is a delicate balance because kale is thin. Look forward to trying the others.