It’s no secret that kids can be picky eaters. Yes, even ours! They often want the same things over and over again and are resistant to trying new foods. Butternut squash is one food that many kids are hesitant to try. It has a strange name and an unfamiliar color, so it’s not surprising that some children are intimidated by it.
If we’re being honest, we were adults before we ventured into trying butternut squash. But now that we’ve had it, we can’t get enough! This recipe for butternut squash chips is a great way to introduce this healthy veggie to kids in a way that’s comfortable and familiar for them. The chips are roasted in olive oil and sea salt, which makes them both tasty and nutritious.
Why this butternut squash recipe is awesome for kids
Butternut squash is a great food for kids because it’s loaded with nutrients like potassium, vitamin A, and fiber. It also has a sweet flavor that makes it one of the more taste-friendly veggies.
As an added bonus, this recipe is the perfect activity to do with kids on a fall day. My kids love helping in the kitchen, so I’m always looking for recipes that they can make themselves. This recipe for butternut squash chips is a great one because it’s simple and fun to make. As you’ll see, it’s a pretty straightforward recipe and not very messy, making it *the* ideal type of recipe to cook with your kids if you want my honest opinion.
And the best part? My kids genuinely love eating them! They always get excited when they see me prepping the butternut squash for the chips. And they’re always eager to help roast them in the oven. As a mom, it’s a great feeling knowing that they’re not only getting a healthy snack, but they’re also learning how to cook.
This recipe is perfect for fall days when the weather is cool and crisp. It’s a great way to get in some extra vegetables and enjoy a tasty snack at the same time. They’re definitely one of our family favorites.
Pro tips for making our butternut squash chips
There are a couple of pro tips we have for making butternut squash chips. First, be sure to slice the butternut squash thin so that they cook evenly. You can use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife for this. Second, be sure to roast the chips in a single layer on a baking sheet so that they cook evenly. If you overcrowd them, they’ll end up getting soggy.
With these tips in mind, you’re guaranteed to make some delicious and nutritious butternut squash chips!
How to get your kids interested in butternut squash while cooking
Cooking is a great way to introduce kids to new foods. Not only do they get to see and smell the food, but they also get to taste it! And what better way to get kids interested in trying new foods than by cooking with them?
Kids are curious by nature, so invite them to use their five senses to explore the food you’re cooking. Have them look at the food, smell it, and feel it. Ask them questions about what they think the food might taste like. And of course, let them try a bite!
Another great way to get kids interested in trying new foods is by talking about them. Cookbooks for kids are a great way to start. They not only provide recipes, but also information about the ingredients used in the recipe. My kids love looking through cookbooks for inspiration, and then we usually end up making something from the book together.
How kids can help prepare this recipe
Little people and big kids can help with:
⭐️ Cleaning the butternut squash
⭐️ Peeling, scooping, and slicing it (with a kid-safe knife!)
⭐️ Drizzling the oil or sprinkling the salt
⭐️ Eating!
Butternut Squash Chips
Equipment
- knife
- baking sheet
- parchment paper (optional)
- mandolin (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Clean, peel, de-seed, and slice butternut squash.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Line the slices of squash in a single layer on a non-stick surface baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 15-40 minutes depending on the thickness of slices. Keep your eye on these in the oven to ensure they don’t burn. Once they reach a golden brown, they should be done! Note: if you use a mandolin for thin even slices, these will crisp up very quickly!
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before eating to continue crisping up!
Tell me, what kid of veggie “chips” do you and your kids like to make? Share in the comments!
0 Comments