Baking Directions for Homemade Whole Wheat Crackers
Whole Wheat Crackers Recipe for Toddlers
Preparing a healthy and easy-to-make snack for your toddler has never been simpler with this whole wheat cracker recipe. This recipe, suitable for toddlers aged 2 years and above, uses simple ingredients like whole wheat flour, a healthy fat source, and optional flavor enhancers like cheese.
Ingredients: - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 2.5 tbsp refined oil (e.g., olive oil) or melted butter - ¼ cup finely shredded mild cheese (optional, such as cheddar) - 3 tbsp water (adjust to form dough) - A pinch of salt (optional and minimal for toddlers)
Cooking Method:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with the shredded cheese (if using) and a pinch of salt.
- Add softened butter or oil and mix until the mixture looks crumbly.
- Slowly add water, mixing until a soft but not sticky dough ball forms. You may need to adjust the water quantity slightly to achieve this consistency.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the dough thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) on a floured surface.
- Cut into small, toddler-friendly squares or shapes. Use a fork or skewer to make small holes in each cracker to help them bake evenly.
- Place the crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush them with a bit of oil if desired.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they turn lightly golden and crisp around edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Let them cool completely on a rack. The crackers will crisp up more as they cool.
Nutrition Information:
- Whole wheat flour provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and some protein, which support digestive health and sustained energy.
- Adding cheese increases protein and calcium content, which is beneficial for toddlers’ bone growth.
- Using a healthy fat source like butter or olive oil supplies essential fats important for brain development.
- Minimizing salt ensures suitability for toddlers, whose kidneys are sensitive to excess sodium.
This homemade cracker recipe is quick to prepare, with a total time of 35 minutes (15 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking). The crackers are a finger-food and are delectable, lighter on a child's gut compared to ready-made ones.
For serving ideas, pair the crackers with toddler-friendly dips like avocado mash or mild hummus to add more nutrients and flavor variety.
This recipe is suitable for toddlers older than 14 months of age and is classified as a Side Dish, Snack, or Appetizer. You can omit cheese if dairy is a concern and still have tasty whole wheat crackers.
For more guidance, you can refer to the video titled "How to Make Whole Wheat Crackers for Toddlers". The crackers can be served as a breakfast, mid-morning snack, or evening snack. Enjoy!
Parenting a toddler can be enriched with homemade food-and-drink recipes, such as whole wheat crackers, which offer a healthier lifestyle option. Cooking this simple recipe using whole wheat flour, a healthy fat source, and optional cheese can be a fun bonding activity between parent and child. The homemade crackers can be enjoyed as part of the home-and-garden setting during mealtimes or as a snack while gardening together. With various serving ideas like avocado mash or hummus, these whole wheat crackers can introduce toddlers to diverse food-and-drink flavors and textures.
