These Snack Board Ideas for Dinner are allergy-friendly and super easy to put together for a fun dinner that requires virtually no cooking. Add your favorite chips, dips, and more for a finger-food meal your whole family will love!
What better way to segway out of a month dedicated to spring produce than a snack board filled with fresh, healthy foods kids will love? We all know kids are grazers and find joy in making decisions for themselves. With a snack board, adults can take a break and kids can enjoy some independence.
This grazing board is made with crisp crackers, healthy dips, and fresh produce for nutrient-dense foods your kids will love eating with their fingers. Even better, all you have to do is gather the ingredients and assemble them on a board or platter. Dinner doesn’t get any easier than that.
A Graze Board (Snacky) Dinner for Anyone & Everyone
Plus, these snack board ideas can change with the season and based on your child’s preference, or what you have in the refrigerator at home. Building a snack board that includes some of your child’s favorite recipes and snacks is also a great way to slowly introduce your kids to new flavors, textures, and ingredients. Of course, full meals like Air Fryer Chicken Tenders always great options for dinner. However, for those times when you want to switch it up and have a little fun, keep reading to learn how to make the perfect kid-friendly snack board!
What is a Snack Board?
If you’re wondering what exactly a snack board is, you’re not alone! It’s a great question and one I get a lot. Have you heard of charcuterie boards, grazing boards, or smorgasbords? If so, they’re all basically the same thing and consist of a wide variety of bite-sized foods that can be eaten with your fingers or with a toothpick. Most commonly snack boards are slightly less fancy than charcuterie boards and smaller than smorgasbords. All are typically served as appetizers at big gatherings or holidays and consist of various meats, cheeses, and add-ins. However, there’s really no wrong way to create a snack board. In fact, I’ve even made them using breakfast foods with these 4 Healthy Charcuterie Board Ideas for Brunch!
How Can I Make A Snack Board Kid-Friendly?
The trick to creating the perfect snack board is to include foods that everyone eating will enjoy, like heart-healthy raisins, with a few new foods that encourage kids to be adventurous. For this board, in particular, the challenge is even more difficult. How do you provide nutritious foods to satisfy moms that are also super tasty for the kids? No worries, we’ve got you covered with chips, dips, salsas, and more listed below.
Chips and Crackers for the Board
Instead of using store bought potato chips and packaged crackers, choose a few of these homemade versions to add to your snack board for all the crunch with none of the guilt.
Multiseed Homemade Healthy Crackers – These Multiseed Homemade Healthy Crackers are grain-free, vegan, and paleo.
Salt and Vinegar AIr Fryer Kale Chips – These Kale Chips have the flavor of salt and vinegar potato chips with the added nutritional benefits of kale.
Stone Baked Tortilla Chips – Made with corn tortilla chips, these Stone Baked Tortilla Chips are a gluten-free version of everyone’s favorite restaurant appetizer.
Homemade Snap Pea Chips – Just like the store bought version but way cheaper. Homemade Snap Pea Chips add the perfect salty flavor and crunchy texture to any snack board.
BBQ Baked Rutabaga Chips – Naturally gluten free and paleo, BBQ Rutabaga Chips add tons of flavor to a snack board while also introducing kids to a new veggie.
Dips, Spreads, and Salsas ideas
Full of flavor, these recipes make dinnertime fun for kids letting them dip, dunk, and pour!
Vegan Edamame Pesto Dip – Nut-free and rich in plant protein, Vegan Edamame Pesto Dip is a great way to add protein to a snack board for a vegetarian alternative to meat.
Chickpea Cookie Dough Dessert Hummus – This Chickpea Cookie Dough Dessert Hummus is made with chickpeas and almond butter for a fiber-filled snack board addition that tastes like dessert.
Honey Chipotle Peach Salsa – Honey Chipotle Peach Salsa is the perfect combination of spicy and sweet and pairs well with chips, crackers, and more.
Sunflower Seed Butter – This Sunflower Seed Butter is made with just 3-ingredients for a delicious, allergy-friendly alternative to peanut butter.
Chimichurri White Bean Hummus {Vegan}– This Chimichurri White Bean Hummus is a fun twist on the classic recipe and is loaded with fiber and flavor.
Extra Snack Board Ideas & Add-Ins
Want to know the best thing about snack boards? There’s no rules! Stray away from traditional versions and add some excitement to your dinner with these fun snack board ideas.
Coconut Apricot Fig Bliss Bites – These Coconut Apricot Fig Bliss Bites are a unique way to include fruit in a snack board and add a touch of sweetness to any snack board.
Curry Spiced Slow Cooker Snack Mix – For easy munching and healthy fats, don’t forget to include Curry Spiced Slow Cooker Snack Mix.
Coconut Peanut Butter Protein Bites – Grain-free and low in carbs, these Coconut Peanut Butter Protein Bites are the perfect poppable, kid-friendly snack!
Dried Orange Slices – A step up from traditional dried fruits, these orange slices are sprinkled with spices and coconut sugar.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – Not found on traditional snack boards, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are a healthy finger food all kids love.
How do you Make a Snack Board?
Making a snack board is simple, and depending on the ingredients you choose to include, only takes a few minutes. To start, first make a list of all the foods you want to include on your board. If they’re packaged, make sure to gather them together. If your snack board items of choice need to be prepared, start with that. Then, follow the steps below to create an incredibly easy, kid-friendly board!
Create Organization and Structure. Before you begin just tossing items on the board, gather a few small bowls and dishes to hold dips or spreads. Not only does this prevent a huge mess from occurring, it also adds a sense of structure and organization to the board. As a result, it becomes easier to include the rest of the ingredients without creating chaos.
Add the Large Items to the Snack Board. Add the largest items such as crackers and chips to the board first making sure they are easily accessible.
Fill in Any Gaps. Once all of the major foods have been added, feel free to go back in for the “fun” stuff. Cover any holes or gaps with fruits, protein balls, or even pretty garnishes.
Once your snacks are made and your board is assembled, you’re ready to eat! Whether you’re using plates or eating with hands, this easy dinner is one your kids will request over and over again.
PrintSnack Board Ideas for Dinner (Allergy Friendly Options)
- Total Time: 47 minute
- Yield: 5 + 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The ultimate in kid-friendly no-cook meals is an allergy-friendly snack board! Fully customizable to your family’s needs and guaranteed to be a winner for even the pickiest of eaters. Also a perfect go-to dinner for unexpected company.
Ingredients
Kid-Friendly + Gluten Free
- ¼ c + nut or seed butter
- apple slices
- dried apricots
- celery sticks
- an assortment of gluten free Multi-seed Crackers
- sweet pickles
- sliced hard cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- cream cheese mixed with honey (feel free to use dairy-free cream cheese here)
Dairy-Free and/or Vegetarian
- ¼ c + hummus
- cucumber
- sliced radish
- olives
- mini bell peppers
- roasted nuts
- kale chips
Cheese & Meat
- grapes
- wedge of Gouda cheese
- assortment of gluten free multiseed crackers
- prosciutto slices
- Mozzarella sticks wrapped in salami
- rutabaga chips
- fresh basil
Dip options
- vegan edamame pesto dip
- roasted cauliflower dip
- traditional hummus
- almond butter
- Nightshade Free Vegan Ranch dip
- Parmesan and roasted garlic hummus
- chickpea cookie dough dessert hummus
Instructions
- Gather a large platter or cutting board and multiple small dishes. Add the dips and spreads to the small bowls.
- Next, gather all of the ingredients and add the largest items first to the cutting board or platter.
- Next, nestle in the dip bowls.
- Finally, fill in the remaining space with smaller foods and cover any holes or gaps with fruit, garnishes, or any extras.
Notes
Make the snack board with items found at your local grocer for a truly no-cook alternative to dinner, or use some of the recipe links provided to add a homemade touch to a few pieces.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: n/a
- Category: main dish
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: snack board, graze board, dinner board, no cook dinner, no bake, side dish, main dish
If you make it or any of my other recipes, I would love it if you let me know in the comments below!
Cheers,
LC
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WOW! This is incredible. All greta choices, thank you!
★★★★★