Healthy Snacking: String Cheese Combos Your Kids Will Love

String cheese is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various foods to create tasty combinations. For kids, especially, string cheese is a fun and convenient snack that can be jazzed up in multiple ways. From simple roll-ups with deli meats like ham, salami, or prosciutto to more creative recipes like mozzarella sticks or even stuffed meatballs, the possibilities are endless.

Mozzarella sticks

Ingredients:

• 12 sticks part-skim mozzarella string cheese
• 1/4 cup whole wheat or plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Easy marinara sauce, for serving

Method:

• Cut the cheese sticks in half and freeze until hard, for about 30 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
• In a separate small bowl, add the flour.
• In a third small bowl, add the egg and whisk well.
• Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
• Dip the frozen cheese sticks into the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Next, dip them into the egg and then coat them with the breadcrumbs mixture. Make sure to coat the cheese sticks well, including the ends.
• Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
• Freeze the coated sticks on the sheet for at least 15 minutes, or until you are ready to bake them. This step is important to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Bake the cheese sticks for 4-5 minutes, then turn them over and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and soft. Be careful not to overbake, as you don't want the cheese to ooze out.
• Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• You can make the marinara sauce in advance and heat it up when you are ready to serve the mozzarella sticks.
• These mozzarella sticks can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to one month. Simply transfer them to a freezer bag or container after they are frozen solid.
• If you prefer to fry your mozzarella sticks, heat oil to 350°F and fry the sticks for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown.

String cheese roll-ups

Ingredients

• String cheese
• Tortilla wraps or deli meat (chicken ham, salami, or pepperoni)
• Fresh herbs and vegetables (optional)

Instructions

• If you want to add some extra nutrition, start by laying out your tortilla wrap or deli meat and placing some fresh herbs and vegetables on top.
• Place a string cheese stick at one end of the tortilla wrap or deli meat.
• Roll the tortilla wrap or deli meat around the string cheese.
• Cut the roll-up into smaller pieces.
• Enjoy!

Variations

If you want to make this snack even more fun and creative, you can try these variations:

• Use different types of deli meat, such as chicken ham, salami, or pepperoni.
• Add some fresh herbs and vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or sliced cucumbers, for extra nutrition and colour.
• For a more substantial snack, serve the roll-ups with some crackers, fruits, or vegetables on the side.

String cheese skewers

Ingredients:

• String cheese
• Deli meat (such as chicken ham, salami, or prosciutto)
• Grape tomatoes
• Green olives
• Any other desired ingredients (such as fresh herbs, vegetables, or crackers)

Instructions:

• Cut up the string cheese into bite-sized pieces.
• Gather any other desired ingredients and cut them into similar-sized pieces.
• Thread the cheese and other ingredients onto skewers, alternating items for a colourful and tasty treat.
• Enjoy as is, or serve with a side of marinara sauce or another favourite dip.

You can also try different variations of this snack by adding different ingredients to the skewers, such as fresh herbs, vegetables, or crackers. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles!

String cheese and crackers

Creative Presentation:

Make snack time more fun by presenting the string cheese and crackers in creative ways. You can create string cheese "pencils" for a back-to-school theme or cut the string cheese into cute ghost faces for a Halloween-themed snack. Get inspired by characters like Olaf from Frozen or Dora the Explorer and turn snack time into a playful activity.

Dippers and Roll-ups:

String cheese can be easily dipped or rolled in various ingredients to add flavour and texture. Try coating string cheese sticks with breadcrumbs and frying them for a crispy treat. You can also wrap string cheese in tortilla wraps, deli meat, or salami and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add some herbs and vegetables to the wraps for a nutritious boost.

Pairings and Combinations:

Create a well-rounded snack by pairing string cheese with crackers and other complementary foods. Include dried fruit, such as grapes or berries, to add a touch of sweetness. You can also make skewers by threading string cheese, deli meat, grape tomatoes, and green olives onto a stick. For a heartier option, serve string cheese with pepperoni or prosciutto slices and crackers.

Interactive Snacking:

Incorporate interactive elements to make snack time more engaging. Lay out cherry tomatoes, string cheese chunks, and crackers and let kids create their own combinations. You can also provide different dips, such as marinara sauce or dressing, for them to experiment with. This encourages kids to explore different flavours and develop their palates.

String cheese and bread

Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a popular choice for kids and adults alike. To make them even more enjoyable, try this simple recipe: gather some Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, flour, an egg, and of course, string cheese. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In one bowl, beat the egg with a little water, and in another, mix the breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Now, take your string cheese and roll it in flour to coat it evenly. Next, dip the floured cheese into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Place these on a baking sheet, giving them a quick spray with cooking spray, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and melted. Serve these with marinara sauce, dressing, or your favourite dip!

String Cheese Roll-Ups

For a simple yet satisfying snack, grab some tortilla wraps or deli meat like ham, salami, or chicken ham. Wrap your chosen filling around the string cheese, and cut into pieces. You can even add some fresh herbs and vegetables to boost the flavour and nutrition.

Breaded Cheese Sticks

Take your string cheese sticks and coat them with breadcrumbs. You can then fry them the traditional way or use an air fryer for a healthier option. These are best served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Stuffed Crust Pizza

When making your pizza dough, simply add some string cheese along the edge before rolling the crust on top. This creates a delicious, oozy, cheesy surprise with every bite!

So, there you have it! String cheese and bread can be transformed into a variety of tasty treats that are sure to satisfy those cheese cravings.

Frequently asked questions