Healthy Cheese Balls for Kids

We knew there was a way to make healthy cheese balls for kids by adding spinach, and they turned out amazing!

Parents seem to be split with the idea of hiding vegetables. Some think it’s a terrible idea and we should let the kids see all the veggies they are eating. Others think it’s a great idea, because it enhances the health of the dish, usually in a natural way.  We already don’t “see” everything in our food as it is.   Our cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, yet we embrace it. I am in the second camp. I think it’s great. It doesn’t mean hidden veggies need to replace eating vegetables that the kids can see.  Instead we include veggies both ways- hidden and exposed.

So, with that set up I wanted to share the veggies we added to these AMAZING CHEESE BALLS!! Potatoes and spinach! 

Why potatoes are a great ingredient for your kids

Potatoes have lots of amazing nutrients that can not be denied.

• An excellent source of vitamin C  (at 45% of the Daily Value, it’s more than a sweet potato!)
• A good source of potassium. With 620 mg, potatoes have more potassium than a banana.
• A good source of vitamin B6 : Vitamin B6 is important for carb and protein metabolism.
• Fat, sodium, and cholesterol free with 2 grams of fiber.

Why spinach is good for kids:

Spinach is actually well accepted by most kids.  The flavor is mild, and it blends well with many different types of dishes that kids are already familiar with. Green smoothies have been a key way that many parents have gotten their kids to consume spinach.  But recipes like these cheese balls are also great!  Some reasons we love spinach include:

• Spinach contains almost 92% water, 3.5% carbs (mostly from fiber) and 3% protein.  (source)
• Spinach is also a good source of many vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K1, Folic acid, Iron, and Calcium.

Other Spinach recipes we have that kids also love include:

• Spinach muffins
• Cheesy spinach bites
• Mini Spinach quiche
• Creamy tortellini with spinach

Other potato recipes that your kids will love:

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4.1 from 23 votes

Healthy Cheese Balls

We knew there was a way to make healthy cheese balls for kids by adding spinach, and they turned out amazing!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 2 cheese balls

Calories: 237kcal

Ingredients

• 3 medium russet potato
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1 ounce cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup bread crumbs, plain
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 2 tablespoon oil, avocado

Instructions

• Peel and cube potatoes. Add to a saucepan with enough water to cover. Boil for 10-15 minutes or until softened. Drain and allow to cool completely.
• Chop spinach and mix together in a large bowl with the potato. Mash together.
• Grate cheddar into the potato mixture. Add cottage cheese and lightly whisked egg. Mix until thoroughly combined.
• In a shallow dish, mix together bread crumbs, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Scoop potato mixture by the tablespoon and shape into rounds the size of a golf ball. Roll into bread crumbs and set aside.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently add each cheese ball without overlapping. Cook until golden on all sides.
• Place cheese balls onto a plate lined with paper towels.
• Cool slightly and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 408mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g

Keyword : Healthy Cheese Balls

www.superhealthykids.com

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