Category: Finger Foods

Easy Cold Appetizer Recipes

In my life I am always the one that hosts the parties. With the pool in the backyard, we are the go-to place for the sports teams, cheerleading events, birthday parties and of course, all the fall holidays. And I’d be lying to you if I didn&#8217…

In my life I am always the one that hosts the parties. With the pool in the backyard, we are the go-to place for the sports teams, cheerleading events, birthday parties and of course, all the fall holidays. And I’d be lying to you if I didn’t admit that I often cater the big portion...

The post Easy Cold Appetizer Recipes appeared first on Salty Side Dish.

Kid Friendly “Sushi” Sandwiches

This fun sandwich recipe transforms simple ingredients into adorable “sushi” rolls, perfect for tiny hands and big appetites. These Kid-Friendly “Sushi” Sandwiches are a playful twist on the traditional sandwich and the answer to your school lunch rut. Add these sushi sandwiches to school lunches, or arrange on a platter with your favorite fruits and…

The post Kid Friendly “Sushi” Sandwiches appeared first on Weelicious.

This fun sandwich recipe transforms simple ingredients into adorable “sushi” rolls, perfect for tiny hands and big appetites. These Kid-Friendly “Sushi” Sandwiches are a playful twist on the traditional sandwich and the answer to your school lunch rut. Add these sushi sandwiches to school lunches, or arrange on a platter with your favorite fruits and veggies for a fun after school snack!

Sushi Sandwiches from weelicious.com

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Kid-Approved: When it comes to getting kids excited about their meals, presentation can make all the difference. Fun shapes and a hands-on eating experience make these “sushi” sandwiches a hit with kids.
  • Easy to Make: If you can make a “regular” sandwich, you can make these sushi sandwiches. They’re super simple and 100% fun!
  • Customizable: There are endless variations for sushi sandwiches. Whether your kid prefers a classic turkey sandwich, cream cheese and olive tapenade, or hummus and veggies, you can easily make it sushi-style to blow their mind!
  • Good for Small Hands: The sushi sandwich pieces are so easy to pick up, they turn a sandwich into the ideal finger food.

The Ingredients

  • Favorite sandwich bread: Any soft whole wheat or white bread will work for sushi sandwiches.
  • Spread: Whatever your little one is in the mood for! Hummus, peanut butter, olive tapenade, mayonnaise, whipped cream cheese are some ideas.
  • Filling: Tuna salad (ingredients in recipe card below), thinly sliced or grated vegetables, deli meat, cheese or any favorite sandwich fillings.

“Sushi” Sandwich Filling Ideas

With the exact same ingredients you normally use to make a sandwich and the aid of a simple rolling pin, you can turn a sandwich your kids already love into visually enticing “sushi”. Here are some filling and spread combinations we love:

How to Make Kid-Friendly “Sushi” Sandwiches

Flattened piece of sandwich bread.

Step 1: Cut the crusts off the slice of bread and roll out as thin as possible with a rolling pin.

Piece of sandwich bread with hummus and grated carrots on top.

Step 2: Spread the piece of bread with your chosen spread and fillings. Don’t overfill!

Rolled "sushi" sandwich.

Step 3: Starting at the side closest to you (the filled end) tightly roll the mixture and press to seal into a roll. I dab a bit of spread across the end of the roll to act as a glue sealing the roll.

Lunch box filled with sushi sandwiches, berries, green beans, chips and sweet treat.

Step 4: Cut the roll into even pieces and add to lunch box or snack platter.

Tips and Tricks

  • For the bread: You’ll want to use fresh, soft sandwich bread to make this recipe. Using dried out bread can lead to cracks and breaks making it difficult to roll your sandwich up.
  • Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overfill the sandwiches to ensure easy rolling.
  • Get Creative: Experiment with different spreads and fillings to keep things interesting. Hummus, Nutella, or even guacamole can add a fun twist!
  • Make it Fun: Let your kids help with rolling out the bread and assembling the “sushi.” They’ll love being part of the process.
  • Layer Mindfully: Use the thicker or stickier filling first and then top with the thinner filling. It’s easier to layer this way!
Platter of sushi sandwiches.

More Kid-Friendly Sandwich Ideas

Kids are naturally drawn to colorful and fun foods. By turning an ordinary sandwich into something special, you’re more likely to encourage healthy eating habits. Plus, the bite-sized portions are perfect for small hands and make eating more manageable and enjoyable. Sushi Sandwiches are just as fun to make as they are to eat. Let me know what you think of this recipe by leaving a comment and rating below!

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Tuna Salad sushi sandwiches on platter and in lunch box.
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Kid-Friendly “Sushi” Sandwiches

When you want the simplicity of making a sandwich but with a more exciting look, Sushi Sandwiches are the ticket.
Course Lunch
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 180kcal
Author Catherine McCord

Equipment

  • Rolling Pin

Ingredients

  • 3 pieces soft sandwich bread
  • spread of choice (hummus, whipped cream cheese, olive tapenade, mayonnaise, mustard, etc)
  • filling of choice (tuna salad, deli slices, thinly sliced or grated vegetables, cheese, etc.)

Tuna Salad

  • 1 can tuna (I use albacore in water)
  • 1 teaspoon capers, drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (plus more for spreading on the bread)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 small cucumber, cut into long, thin sticks
  • 1 small carrot, grated

Instructions

  • Cut the crusts off of each slice of bread and roll out as thin as possible with a rolling pin.
  • Place the long side of the rolled out bread closest to you.
  • Spread a thin layer of spread on each slice of rolled out bread.
  • Add fillings onto half of the bread lengthwise making sure not to over stuff the roll (a little goes a long way)
  • Starting at the side closest to you (the filled end) tightly roll the mixture up and press to seal into a roll (I dab a bit of additional spread across the end of the roll to act as a glue sealing the roll).
  • Cut the roll into even pieces and repeat with remaining pieces of bread and fillings of choice.
  • *If making tuna salad: Place the tuna, capers, mayonnaise and dijon mustard in a bowl and stir to combine.

Notes

For the Bread: You’ll want to use fresh, soft sandwich bread to make this recipe. Using dried out bread can lead to cracks and breaks making it difficult to roll your sandwich up.
Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overfill the sandwiches to ensure easy rolling.
Get Kids Involved: Let your kids help with rolling out the bread and assembling the “sushi.” They’ll love being part of the process.
Layer Mindfully: Use the thicker or stickier filling first and then top with the thinner filling. It’s easier to layer this way!
Filling and Spread Combination Ideas:

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 470mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g

The post Kid Friendly “Sushi” Sandwiches appeared first on Weelicious.

Air Fryer French Fries

Are you craving crispy air fryer fries that are easy to make and healthier than traditional deep-fried ones? This homemade Air Fryer French Fries recipe is super simple, and the fries turn out just as crispy and delicious as any fast food fries – without the guilt! Why I Love French Fries in the Air Fryer For…

The post Air Fryer French Fries appeared first on Weelicious.

Are you craving crispy air fryer fries that are easy to make and healthier than traditional deep-fried ones? This homemade Air Fryer French Fries recipe is super simple, and the fries turn out just as crispy and delicious as any fast food fries – without the guilt!

Air fryer french fries served with ketchup and honey mustard.

Why I Love French Fries in the Air Fryer

For years I’ve made oven baked fries, but using an air fryer to make fries is a game-changer. Here are a few reasons why you should try this healthy air fryer fries method:

  • Less oil: Unlike deep frying, air frying requires minimal oil, making it a healthier option.
  • Quick and easy: With a cook time of just 18-20 minutes, you can have quick air fryer fries ready in no time.
  • Consistent results: The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, ensuring your fries are evenly cooked and perfectly crispy every time.
  • Classic Side Dish: Air fried fries are the ultimate side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from Easy Cheeseburger Sliders and Turkey Burgers to other mains like Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin and Southern Style Pork Tenderloin.

The Ingredients

  • Russet Potato: The best potatoes for fries are russet potatoes (aka Idaho potatoes) because they’re starchier and get super crispy. However, you could also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which will give you a still crispy exterior but a creamier inside.
  • Oil: Any oil you prefer works! Olive oil or avocado oil are our go-to’s. This ingredient is crucial for achieving that delicious, crispy air fryer fries texture.
  • Salt: Of course no fry is complete without salt, but feel free to add any seasonings you love to make these fries your own.

How to Make Air Fryer French Fries

Potatoes cut into fries on wooden cutting board.

Step 1: Scrub the potatoes and peel if desired (I leave the skins on!). Cut potatoes into even sticks about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 2: Place the fries in a bowl and drizzle with your chosen oil and the kosher salt. Toss them well to ensure each fry is coated. Alternatively, this step can be done directly in the air fryer basket using spray oil.

Air fried french fries in air fryer basket.

Step 3: Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer french fries on tea towel.

Step 4: Serve fries with favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, homemade ranch or BBQ sauce.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the best air fryer fries, make sure to cook them with very little overlap (in a single layer preferably). If you have a lot of fries, cook them in batches. When you’ve finished all the batches, toss them all in together for 1-2 minutes (don’t worry about a single layer this time!) to warm/crisp them up.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. A sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika can elevate your homemade air fryer fries to a new level. You could even top with some parmesan cheese and parsley! YUM!
  • Each Air Fryer is Different: Keep in mind the cook time for crispy fries can vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer. Start checking them around the 12-15 minute mark until they’re cooked to your desired doneness. P.S. this is the air fryer I use!
  • Uniform Slices: For evenly cooked fries, make sure you cut your potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures every fry gets perfectly crisp!

FAQs

How do I store and reheat leftover air fryer fries?

To store leftover air fryer fries, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fries back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy again.

Air fryer fries

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you’re a fry lover, these air fryer fries will be your newest obsession! They’re perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and absolutely delicious. Let me know what you think of this recipe by leaving a rating and comment below!

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Air Fryer French Fries

Homemade french fries are super easy to make, and are just as crispy and delicious as any fast food fries.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 362kcal
Author Catherine McCord

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 large russet potato
  • 2 teaspoons olive, vegetable, avocado or canola oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Scrub the potatoes and peel (if desired). Cut potatoes into even sticks about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Place the fries in a bowl and drizzle with your chosen oil and the kosher salt. Toss them well to ensure each fry is coated. Alternatively, this step can be done directly in the air fryer basket using spray oil.
  • Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • Serve fries with favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the best air fryer fries, make sure to cook them with very little overlap (in a single layer preferably). If you have a lot of fries, cook them in batches. When you’ve finished all the batches, toss them all in together for 1-2 minutes (don’t worry about a single layer this time!) and warm/crisp them up.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. A sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika can elevate your homemade air fryer fries to a new level. You could even top with some parmesan cheese and parsley! YUM!
  • Each Air Fryer is Different: Keep in mind the cook time for crispy fries can vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer. Start checking them around the 12-15 minute mark until they’re cooked to your desired doneness. P.S. this is the air fryer I use!
  • Uniform Slices: For evenly cooked fries, make sure you cut your potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures every fry gets perfectly crisp!

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 1181mg | Potassium: 1539mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Air Fryer French Fries appeared first on Weelicious.

Baked Zucchini Slices

Do you know a zucchini naysayer? Well, make them these crunchy, light, and delicious Baked Zucchini Slices and watch them change their tune in an instant! Breading and baking zucchini coins creates the perfect side dish or appetizer that the whole family will love. Why I Love This Recipe The Ingredients *For a full list…

The post Baked Zucchini Slices appeared first on Weelicious.

Do you know a zucchini naysayer? Well, make them these crunchy, light, and delicious Baked Zucchini Slices and watch them change their tune in an instant! Breading and baking zucchini coins creates the perfect side dish or appetizer that the whole family will love.

Baked zucchini coins on serving platter with marinara sauce in a bowl on the side.

Table of Contents

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Kid-Friendly Zucchini Recipe: Many people steam zucchini, but it often turns out limp and soggy, which kids don’t usually like. This baked zucchini slices recipe is the perfect way to get kids to enjoy this vegetable. They come out crispy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious.
  • Tasty and Healthy: Since this recipe is baked, it’s a healthy way to enjoy crispy breaded zucchini without the hassle of having to deep fry the zucchini slices in tons of oil.
  • Versatile: Serve these baked zucchini coins as an appetizer with some marinara sauce or ranch for dipping or as a side with any of your favorite mains dishes like Chicken Meatballs with Mini Wheel Pasta, Perfect Roast Chicken or Southern Style Pork Tenderloin to name a few.

The Ingredients

Baked zucchini slices ingredients.
  • Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are the star of this recipe. Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis with shiny skin for the best texture and flavor. Zucchinis are packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
  • Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Breadcrumbs provide the perfect crunchy coating for the zucchini slices. Panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and flakier, give an extra crispy texture (my preference), while regular breadcrumbs offer a more traditional crunch. Either type will be perfect!
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds flavor and richness to the breading making these baked zucchini slices even more delicious.
  • Flour: Flour is the secret ingredient in the breading process that helps create an extra-crispy coating for the zucchini coins.
  • Egg: The egg acts as the binding agent, helping the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the zucchini slices.

*For a full list of ingredients with measurements see the recipe card below*

Baked Zucchini Recipe Tips

  • Evenly Slice Zucchini: For consistent cooking, try to slice the zucchini into even 1/4-inch rounds. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer can help you with achieving uniform slices. This ensures that the zucchini coins cook evenly and crisp up uniformly in the oven.
  • Have a wet hand and a dry hand: If you’ve made Crispy Chicken Parmesan or Eggplant Parmesan Sticks you know breading can get a little messy at times. To help, use one hand for dunking zucchini slices in egg wash and transferring to the panko mixture (your wet hand), then switch to a dry hand for coating and placing them on the baking sheet.
  • Don’t forget the oil: Drizzle or spray your breaded zucchini slices with oil before baking them. The oil is what creates that beautiful golden color when they bake.
  • Don’t crowd the baking sheet: Cook the zucchini coins in and even layer with a little space between each one. If you overcrowd the baking sheet they’ll steam in the oven and won’t get nice and crispy.

How to Make Baked Zucchini Slices

Three bowls. One with flour, another with beaten egg and the third with panko breading. A hand is dipping a zucchini coin in the flour bowl.

Step 1: Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder and salt in a shallow bowl. Whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Place the flour in a third bowl.

Hand holding a breaded zucchini coin with the breading station bowls.

Step 2: Make an assembly line with the bowls, and first dip the zucchini coins into the flour, then the egg and finally into the bread crumb mixture, coating evenly and repeating with all the zucchini coins.

Breaded zucchini coins on baking sheet.

Step 3: Place all of the coins on the baking sheet. Arrange so they’re not touching and spray with cooking oil.

Baked zucchini coins on baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden. Serve as a side dish or on their own with favorite dipping sauces.

FAQs

Can I air fry zucchini slices?

Yes! You know I love my air fryer. To air fry these breaded zucchini coins, simply heat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to arrange them in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece of zucchini for even cooking

Can I freeze leftover baked zucchini slices?

Yes! I would recommend freezing after the zucchini coins are baked. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the zucchini coins to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen zucchini coins in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Baked zucchini coins on serving platter.

More Easy Zucchini Recipes

These Baked Zucchini Coins are a delicious, healthy, and kid-friendly recipe that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, they make the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking to introduce more vegetables into your family’s diet or just want a tasty new way to enjoy zucchini, this recipe is a must-try. Let me know what you think of this recipe by leaving a rating and comment below!

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Baked zucchini coins on serving platter with marinara sauce in a bowl on the side.
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Baked Zucchini Slices

These Baked Zucchini Slices are a delicious, healthy, and kid-friendly recipe that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, they make the perfect addition to any meal.
Course Appetizer, Side
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 120kcal
Author Catherine McCord

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Chef's Knife or Mandoline

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F and coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
  • Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder and salt in a shallow bowl.
  • Whisk the egg in a separate bowl.
  • Place the flour in a third bowl.
  • Make an assembly line with the bowls, and first dip the zucchini coins into the flour, then the egg and finally into the bread crumb mixture, coating evenly and repeating with all the zucchini coins.
  • Place all of the zucchini coins on the baking sheet. Arrange so they’re not touching, spray with cooking oil and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden.
  • Serve as a side dish or on their own with favorite dipping sauces.

Video

Notes

Evenly Slice Zucchini: For consistent cooking, try to slice the zucchini into even 1/4-inch rounds. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer can help you with achieving uniform slices. This ensures that the zucchini coins cook evenly and crisp up uniformly in the oven.
Have a wet hand and a dry hand: Use one hand for dunking zucchini slices in egg wash and transferring to the panko mixture (your wet hand), then switch to a dry hand for coating and placing them on the baking sheet.
Don’t forget the oil: Drizzle or spray your breaded zucchini slices with oil before baking them. The oil is what creates that beautiful golden color when they bake.
Don’t crowd the baking sheet: Cook the zucchini coins in and even layer with a little space between each one. If you overcrowd the baking sheet they’ll steam in the oven and won’t get nice and crispy.
To Air Fry: heat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to arrange them in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece of zucchini for even cooking
To Freeze: Allow zucchini slices to cool completely, then transfer them to a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the zucchini coins to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen zucchini coins in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 481mg | Potassium: 312mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 318IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg

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