A Delicious No-Bake Toddler Avocado Snack For All Occasions
Somewhere between dumbing down and cheffing up lands this lil’ nugget of a toddler avocado snack, which takes that classic creamy-fruity-crispy flavor profile found in appetizers/canapés passed around at holiday parties and translates it for little palates. Where a restaurant or a seasoned party host may use brie (or ricotta, burrata, et al.) and puff pastry, though, we turn to what’s waiting for you in your pantry and/or refrigerator: cream cheese, avocado, crackers. It’s a little sweet; it’s a little savory. It’s a treat for all occasions.
Indeed, this one is versatile. Dinner delayed and you need to hold the wolves at bay? Strawberries, avocado and cream cheese on a cracker (or toast). Play date at your house and you suddenly need to feed parent and child alike? Strawberries, avocado and cream cheese. Child uninterested in or resistant towards avocado toast? Start here. It’ll take you anywhere you need to go.
- 3 Strawberries
- 1 large Avocado
- Dried Chives
- Dried Basil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Crackers (use thicker, sturdier crackers that will not break or crumble when spreading/topping)
- Cream Cheese
- Dice the strawberry and avocado into small pieces; toss into a bowl.
- Add several shakes each of dried chives and basil, two generous pinches of salt, and a small pinch of pepper; drizzle balsamic vinegar all around, and then put in just a small drizzle of olive oil. Toss the strawberry and avocado pieces to coat. If you can, allow the mixture to marinate for a few minutes.
- Spread cream cheese on the top of crackers; spoon a bit of the avocado-strawberry mixture on top of each cracker, making sure to have a few pieces of each on every cracker. Add an additional pinch of salt or dusting of basil as needed.
We usually make the first two or three crackers, then have our kiddo spread and spoon the rest. If your child prefers things a bit sweeter, sprinkle a bit of sugar or drizzle a bit of honey on the strawberries before mixing to really bring out their natural sweetness.
The template here is crunchy + creamy + fruity, so the options/variations are endless. Sub out the cream cheese for another soft and spreadable cheese–say, burrata–or use a different berry (or jam/jelly) instead of strawberry; you could add a bit of ham or turkey to the top, too, and no one would complain. Feel free to also use toasted bread instead of crackers--just cut bread into small squares so your kid can hold it on his/her own.