Somewhere between dumbing down and cheffing up lands this lil’ nugget of a toddler snack idea, 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, strawberries, avocado, tomatoes, crackers. It’s a little sweet; it’s a little savory. It’s a treat for all occasions.
Indeed, this toddler snack idea is versatile. Dinner delayed and you need to hold the wolves at bay? Strawberries, avocado, tomato, 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, tomato, and cream cheese. Child uninterested in or resistant towards avocado toast? Start here. It’ll take you anywhere you need to go.
Check out our no-bake snack ideas and other great toddler snack ideas! Looking for more salad ideas? We've got plenty of salad for toddlers recipes!
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? You know what to do. Start here. It’ll take you anywhere you need to go.
Dice the strawberry and avocado vertically into long and thin pieces. Cut the tomatoes horizontally into 2-3 pieces
Add the strawberry, avocado, and tomato pieces to a bowl, then drizzle in a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil; toss to coat. If you can, allow the mixture to marinate for a few minutes.
Spread cream cheese on the top of crackers, then add a layer each of strawberry, avocado, and tomato. If using, add a shaving or shard of cheese on top.
Add a bit of cracked pepper, salt, and basil over the top of each cracker.
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.
Servings 8
Serving Size 3 crackers
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
