11 Party Food Ideas for Kids This School Year

11 Party Food Ideas for Kids This School Year

by KellySmith

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Mini Pigs in a Blanket

Mini Pigs in a Blanket are a fun and delicious appetizer that kids love, making them perfect for a back-to-school party. These bite-sized treats consist of mini hot dogs wrapped in flaky pastry dough, giving every bite a savory and satisfying crunch. They’re easy to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them an ideal finger food for any gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Mini hot dogs 1 package (11-12 count)
Crescent roll dough 1 can (8 oz)
Mustard or ketchup (for dipping) as needed

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
  3. Cut each triangle into smaller strips if desired for easier wrapping, then wrap each mini hot dog in a piece of dough.
  4. Place the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Serve warm with mustard or ketchup for dipping. Enjoy your party!

Colorful Veggie Cups

Colorful Veggie Cups are a delightful and healthy snack option that kids will love! These individual servings of fresh vegetables are not only visually appealing but also promote healthy eating habits among children. The vibrant colors and variety of textures make these veggie cups an exciting addition to any back-to-school party.

Ingredients Quantity
Carrot sticks 1 cup
Cucumber sticks 1 cup
Bell pepper strips 1 cup (mixed colors)
Cherry tomatoes 1 cup
Hummus or ranch dip 1 cup
Small cups or jars 6-8

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare all vegetables by washing and cutting them into sticks or halves.
  2. Fill each cup or jar with a few tablespoons of hummus or ranch dip at the bottom.
  3. Arrange carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes in each cup, standing them upright for an appealing presentation.
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve for your party. Enjoy!

DIY Pizza Station

DIY Pizza Station is a fun and interactive food idea that allows kids to create their very own personalized pizzas. This engaging activity not only makes for a delicious meal but also encourages creativity as children choose their favorite toppings and add their own unique twist to their pizzas. Perfect for a back-to-school party, the DIY Pizza Station is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients Quantity
Pizza dough 1-2 pounds
Pizza sauce 1-2 cups
Shredded mozzarella cheese 2-3 cups
Pepperoni slices 1 cup
Cooked sausage crumbles 1 cup
Bell pepper (sliced) 1 cup
Mushrooms (sliced) 1 cup
Black olives (sliced) 1 cup
Fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup
Olive oil For brushing
Baking sheets 2-3

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven according to the pizza dough package instructions or to 475°F (245°C) if making homemade dough.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and transfer it to a baking sheet.
  3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough.
  4. Let the kids add their favorite toppings, including cheeses, meats, vegetables, and herbs.
  5. Brush the crust edges with a little olive oil for added flavor and crispiness.
  6. Bake in the oven for the recommended time or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven, slice, and serve the pizzas warm for everyone to enjoy!

Fruit Kabobs

Fruit Kabobs are a vibrant and healthy snack option that will bring a burst of color and flavor to any back-to-school party. These fun skewers are perfect for kids, allowing them to enjoy a variety of fresh fruits while engaging in a cool and interactive treat. With minimal prep time and endless combinations, Fruit Kabobs are sure to be a hit among the little ones!

Ingredients Quantity
Strawberries 1 pound
Pineapple chunks 2 cups
Grapes 2 cups
Melon (cubed) 2 cups
Banana (sliced) 2 medium
Raspberries 1 cup
Skewers 10-15

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Wash all fruits thoroughly and prepare them by cutting them into bite-sized pieces as needed (e.g., hull strawberries, slice bananas).
  2. Take a skewer and start threading the fruit pieces onto it, alternating between different types of fruit for a colorful presentation.
  3. Fill each skewer with a variety of fruits, leaving space at the ends for easy handling.
  4. Arrange the completed fruit kabobs on a platter for serving, and enjoy them fresh!

Cheesy Snack Mix

Cheesy Snack Mix is a delightful and savory treat that’s perfect for kids heading back to school. This crunchy mix combines a variety of cheesy snacks and crunchy elements to create a fun and addictive finger food that kids will love. Easy to make and even easier to munch on, this snack mix offers a flavorful burst in every handful!

Ingredients Quantity
Cheddar cheese crackers 2 cups
Cheese puffs 2 cups
Mini pretzels 2 cups
Corn chips 2 cups
Popcorn (popped) 2 cups
Parmesan cheese (grated) ½ cup
Garlic powder 1 tsp
Onion powder 1 tsp
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Salt To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cheddar cheese crackers, cheese puffs, mini pretzels, corn chips, and popcorn.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and salt. Drizzle this mixture over the snack mix.
  4. Toss the snack mix until evenly coated with the seasoning.
  5. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through until crispy and golden.
  6. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve in bowls for the kids to enjoy!

Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-Ups

Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-Ups are a simple and delicious back-to-school snack that kids can enjoy before heading out for the day. This fun and nutritious treat combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with sweet banana, all wrapped up in a tortilla for easy handling. It’s a fantastic option for busy mornings or as an after-school pick-me-up!

Ingredients Quantity
Whole wheat tortillas 4 large
Peanut butter ½ cup
Bananas 2 ripe
Honey (optional) 2 tbsp
Cinnamon (optional) 1 tsp

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter over each tortilla.
  2. Place a banana at one edge of the tortilla and drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
  3. Roll the tortilla tightly around the banana.
  4. Slice the roll-up into bite-sized pieces or serve whole for kids to enjoy.
  5. Serve immediately or wrap in foil and refrigerate for later!

Cupcake Decorating Station

A Cupcake Decorating Station is a fun and interactive way to let kids express their creativity while enjoying delicious treats. This setup allows each child to decorate their own cupcakes using various toppings, icings, and sprinkles, making it a perfect addition to any back-to-school party. Not only will they get to enjoy their cupcake creation, but they also get a chance to engage in a fun activity that encourages creativity and personal expression.

Ingredients Quantity
Cupcakes (store-bought or homemade) 12 cupcakes
Buttercream icing 2 cups
Fondant 1 package (various colors)
Chocolate chips 1 cup
Sprinkles 1 cup (mixed)
Fruit (e.g. berries, mini marshmallows) 1 cup (various)
Food coloring As needed
Edible glitter Optional, ½ cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare your cupcakes in advance and allow them to cool completely before decorating.
  2. Set up a decorating station with all the ingredients laid out in separate bowls.
  3. Provide each child with a cupcake and let them use the buttercream icing to create a base on top.
  4. Allow children to decorate their cupcakes using fondant shapes, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and fresh fruit.
  5. Encourage them to mix colors using food coloring to create unique icing designs.
  6. Once decorated, let the cupcakes set for a few minutes, then enjoy!

Popcorn Bar

A Popcorn Bar is a delightful and customizable snack option for kids at a back-to-school party. This interactive treat station allows children to mix and match different popcorn flavors and toppings, ensuring everyone can create their perfect combination. It’s not only a fun activity but also a delicious way to celebrate the start of the school year!

Ingredients Quantity
Popcorn (popped) 8 cups
Butter ½ cup
Salt 1 teaspoon
Caramel sauce 1 cup
Cheese powder ½ cup
Chocolate drizzle ½ cup
Mini marshmallows 1 cup
M&Ms 1 cup
Nuts (e.g., peanuts or almonds) 1 cup
Rainbow sprinkles ½ cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Pop the popcorn using an air popper or stovetop method, then place it in a large serving bowl.
  2. Melt the butter and pour it over the popcorn, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt.
  3. Prepare a table with all toppings and flavors in separate bowls for self-serving.
  4. Encourage kids to create their own popcorn mix by adding their choice of toppings from the table.
  5. Allow the kids to enjoy their customized popcorn creations while mingling and having fun!

Rice Cake Treats

Rice Cake Treats are a fun and nutritious snack option that can be easily customized to suit kids’ tastes at a back-to-school party. These treats utilize crispy rice cakes as a base and can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as nut butters, fruits, and candies, ensuring that each child can create their own unique snack creation.

Ingredients Quantity
Plain rice cakes 8 cakes
Peanut butter or almond butter ½ cup
Mini chocolate chips ½ cup
Sliced bananas 1 cup
Jelly or fruit spread ½ cup
Granola ½ cup
Honey (optional) ¼ cup
Sliced strawberries 1 cup
Mini marshmallows 1 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Set up a station with rice cakes and a selection of toppings in bowls for kids to choose from.
  2. Spread peanut butter or jelly on each rice cake as the base layer.
  3. Allow kids to add their choice of toppings, such as bananas, strawberries, mini chocolate chips, granola, and mini marshmallows.
  4. Drizzle with honey if desired for extra sweetness.
  5. Serve the finished rice cake treats and enjoy a delicious, customized snack!

Themed Sandwiches

Themed Sandwiches are a creative and interactive way to fuel kids during a back-to-school party. These sandwiches can be shaped and decorated to match various themes, such as school supplies, animals, or favorite characters, making lunchtime fun and exciting for the little ones.

Ingredients Quantity
Bread (whole grain or white) 12 slices
Deli meats (turkey, ham, or chicken) 8 oz
Cheese slices (cheddar or Swiss) 6 slices
Lettuce leaves 1 cup
Tomato slices 1 cup
Cucumber slices 1 cup
Hummus or cream cheese ½ cup
Cookie cutters (various shapes) 4-5 cutters

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes from the bread slices.
  2. Spread hummus or cream cheese on half of the shaped bread pieces as a base.
  3. Layer deli meats, cheese, lettuce, and vegetables on top of the spread.
  4. Cover with the remaining shaped bread pieces to create a sandwich.
  5. Arrange the themed sandwiches on a platter and serve as a whimsical and tasty treat at the party!

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

An Ice Cream Sundae Bar is a fun and customizable dessert option that allows kids to create their own delicious sundaes at a back-to-school party. With a variety of toppings, sauces, and ice cream flavors, kids can express their creativity while enjoying a sweet treat with friends.

Ingredients Quantity
Ice cream (variety of flavors) 2-3 quarts
Hot fudge sauce 1 cup
Caramel sauce 1 cup
Whipped cream 2 cups
Sprinkles 1 cup
Chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts) 1 cup
Fresh fruit (bananas, strawberries, etc.) 2 cups
Maraschino cherries 1 jar
Cookie crumbles or brownies 1 cup
Waffle cones or bowls 12 cones/bowls

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Set up a table with all the ice cream flavors in bowls or containers and keep them chilled.
  2. Arrange toppings and sauces in separate bowls for easy access.
  3. Allow kids to scoop their desired ice cream into a waffle cone or bowl.
  4. Let them top their sundaes with hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, and a selection of sprinkles, fruits, nuts, and other toppings.
  5. Add a maraschino cherry on top and serve immediately for a fun and delicious treat!

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