Mini Veggie Pizzas for Kids

Introduction

Small pizza bases — or slices of toast, in a pinch — stand in for a traditional large pizza crust. Spread with tomato sauce and piled with diced bell pepper, corn kernels, and shredded cheese, then baked until the cheese melts, they become a batch of bite-sized mini pizzas that kids can happily eat with their hands. Bright and cute, this dish also lets children help arrange the diced vegetables, which builds fine motor skills while sparking their interest in vegetables.

Nutrition Highlights

• Bell pepper and corn kernels provide vitamin C and fiber, and their bright colors easily catch a child's eye
• Cheese adds calcium and protein, which support healthy bone development in children
• The small size makes it easy for kids to self-regulate portions, avoiding too much fat and salt in one sitting
• A whole wheat base or toast adds a bit more fiber, rounding out the nutrition

Tips

• The smaller the vegetables are diced, the easier they are for kids to chew and swallow, and the less likely to fall off the base
• Go easy on the cheese — a moderate amount is enough to avoid exceeding a child's recommended daily sodium and fat intake
• Keep an eye on the oven the whole time it's baking, and let the pizzas cool to warm, not hot, before serving to avoid burns