Back to School Time! Meal Ideas and Tips for Preschool and Nursery

This year we’ve been focusing on recipes for children and toddlers, sharing ideas for introducing them to the taste of mushrooms and setting them up for a lifetime of healthy and nutritious eating habits.

As the new school year is about to begin, now is a great time to introduce healthy recipes and establish a new routine. Mushrooms contribute to a healthy, balanced diet and support childrens’ development. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to a toddler’s diet as they head back into busy nursery rooms and pre schools. They’re also super quick to cook, which is perfect for busy families! Anything that helps keep children energised and fight off the many bugs and viruses they’ll be exposed to can only be a good thing.    

Here are some fun and toddler-friendly mushroom recipes and ideas that you can easily incorporate into lunch boxes, or serve as an after school snack.

Mushroom and Cheese Pinwheels

  • Ingredients: Puff pastry, sautéed mushrooms, shredded cheese, and a beaten egg (for brushing).
  • Instructions: Roll out the puff pastry and spread sautéed mushrooms and cheese on top. Roll up the pastry and slice into pinwheels. Place on a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. These pinwheels are a fun, flaky treat that kids will love.

Mushroom and Cheese Quesadillas

  • Ingredients: Whole wheat tortillas, sliced mushrooms, shredded cheese, a little butter or olive oil.
  • Instructions: Sauté the mushrooms in a little butter or oil until soft. Place the mushrooms and shredded cheese on one half of a tortilla, fold over, and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown. Slice into wedges for an easy-to-eat lunch.

Mini Mushroom Pizzas

  • Ingredients: English muffins or mini pita bread, tomato sauce, sliced mushrooms, shredded mozzarella cheese, and any other favourite toppings.
  • Instructions: Spread tomato sauce on each English muffin or pita, top with mushrooms, cheese, and other desired toppings. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. These mini pizzas are fun, customisable, and perfect for little hands.

 

Mushroom and Veggie Mini Muffins

  • Ingredients: Finely chopped mushrooms, grated cucumber, carrots, eggs, whole wheat flour, cheese, and baking powder.
  • Instructions: Combine the chopped mushrooms, grated vegetables, eggs, flour, cheese, and baking powder in a bowl. Spoon the mixture into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. These savoury muffins are great for lunch or snack time.

Mushroom and Cheese Sandwiches

  • Ingredients: Whole grain bread, sautéed mushrooms, and cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella).
  • Instructions: Sauté mushrooms until soft. Layer mushrooms and cheese between slices of bread. Grill or toast until the cheese is melted. Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters to make them more appealing to young children.

Tips for introducing mushrooms to kids

  • Keep It Simple: Use familiar flavours and textures to make mushrooms more appealing to young children.
  • Pair with Favourites: Combine mushrooms with foods your child already loves, like cheese, pasta, or bread.
  • Portion Control: Pack small, easy-to-eat portions that are perfect for little hands and mouths.
  • Introduce Gradually: If mushrooms are new to your child, introduce them in small amounts and gradually increase as they become more familiar with the taste.

 

These mushroom-based meals are nutritious, delicious, and easy to prepare, helping to make back-to-school lunches both healthy and enjoyable for toddlers and young children.