Life with sonja

Ensuring that little ones get a healthy and delicious lunch at daycare is crucial for their growth and development. Coming up with creative and nutritious meal ideas for daycare providers can sometimes be a challenge, but fear not! In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of daycare meal ideas along with easy-to-follow recipes. These meals are not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients to keep your child energized throughout the day.

1. Mini Veggie Quesadillas:
   • Ingredients:
     • Whole wheat tortillas
     • Shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
     • Diced bell peppers
     • Diced tomatoes
     • Spinach leaves
   • Instructions:
     1. Place a tortilla on a flat surface.
     2. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly.
     3. Add diced bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach.
     4. Top with another layer of cheese and place another tortilla on top.
     5. Cook on a griddle or in a pan until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden brown.
     6. Cut into wedges for easy handling.
2. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups:
   • Ingredients:
     • Whole grain wraps
     • Sliced turkey breast
     • Cheese slices
     • Hummus or cream cheese
     • Spinach leaves
   • Instructions:
     1. Spread a thin layer of hummus or cream cheese on a whole grain wrap.
     2. Layer with turkey slices, cheese, and spinach leaves.
     3. Roll tightly and cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: (breakfast)
   • Ingredients:
     • Greek yogurt
     • Granola
     • Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
     • Honey (optional)
   • Instructions:
     1. In a small container, layer Greek yogurt with granola and mixed berries.
     2. Drizzle with honey for added sweetness if desired.
4. Pasta Salad with Veggies:
   • Ingredients:
     • Whole wheat pasta
     • Cherry tomatoes, halved
     • Cucumber, diced
     • Black olives, sliced
     • Feta cheese, crumbled
     • Olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing
   • Instructions:
     1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions.
     2. Mix with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and feta cheese.
     3. Toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.
5. Homemade Pizza Bagels:
   • Ingredients:
     • Whole wheat bagels
     • Tomato sauce
     • Mozzarella cheese
     • Mini pepperoni slices
     • Bell peppers, diced
   • Instructions:
     1. Slice the whole wheat bagels in half.
     2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on each half.
     3. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add mini pepperoni slices and diced bell peppers.
     4. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Crockpot Tomato Soup:
   • Ingredients:
     • 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
     • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
     • 1 onion, finely chopped
     • 3 cloves garlic, minced
     • 4 cups vegetable broth
     • 1 teaspoon dried basil
     • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
     • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
     • Salt and pepper to taste
     • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
     • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
     • 2 cups whole milk
     • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
     • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
     • Croutons (optional, for serving)
   • Instructions:
     • Prepare the Crockpot:
       • Grease the inside of your Crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
     • Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
       • In the Crockpot, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
     • Cook on Low:
       • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the flavors meld together.
     • Prepare the Roux:
       • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is golden brown.
     • Add Roux to Crockpot:
       • Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens.
     • Combine Roux with Tomato Mixture:
       • Slowly add the milk mixture to the Crockpot, stirring continuously to combine.
     • Blend (Optional):
       • For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the Crockpot. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
     • Adjust Seasoning:
       • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
     • Serve:
       • Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with croutons on the side.
     • Enjoy!
       • Your easy and flavorful Crockpot Tomato Soup is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a side of whole-grain crackers for a complete and comforting meal.

You can check out some of my meal planning tips here:

With these daycare lunch ideas and recipes, you can ensure that your child enjoys a variety of delicious and nutritious meals. Feel free to customize these recipes based on your child’s preferences and dietary needs. A well-balanced lunch not only supports their physical well-being but also contributes to a happy and energetic day at daycare.

Happy cooking

Sonja