Finding the perfect cheese for your child can be a daunting task. With so many varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for your little one. Fortunately, there are certain cheeses that are ideal for children under the age of 12. Not only are they tasty and easy for them to digest, but they also provide many important nutrients that are essential for their development.
With so many delicious cheeses, it can be hard to decide which to serve at parties and family gatherings. Five are ideal for kids under 12, including mozzarella, Swiss, cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack. Not only are these cheeses delicious, but they can also be enjoyed in various ways. Mozzarella can be grilled in a panini press with some fresh tomatoes and basil for a tasty snack, Swiss can be melted over steamed broccoli for a creamy side dish, cheddar, and Colby can be cubed and served with fresh fruit for a light lunch, and Monterey Jack can be grated over tacos for a cheesy twist.
Here are our top 5 picks for delicious cheese you must try with your next recipe:
Ricotta
This cheese spreads easily over toast and is a fantastic alternative for babies because it frequently contains less than 50 mg of salt per serving (and the serving size is double that of most other cheeses!).
Fresh Mozzarella
Instead of shredded or ordinary string cheese, this is the variety that is found in brine. When melted on top of pizzas, fresh mozzarella frequently has a softer flavor and is excellent for finger meals, baby finger foods, and finger-size strips.
Swiss cheese
If you want milder cheese that is sliceable or pre-sliced, this is a perfect choice. While many slices of Swiss are closer to just 35 mg of salt, the typical piece of cheddar cheese often contains close to 200 mg.
Goat Cheese
It’s another spreadable choice and is fantastic with pasta. In all the brands I looked at for this type of cheese, the sodium content per ounce typically runs about 80mg. That is a little bit higher than some of the other ones I’ve discussed, but it still has a low salt content, making it a healthy choice!
Spreadable Cheeses
These cheese varieties are numerous! Consider Farmer’s Cheese, Mascarpone, Quark, or Creme Fraiche. These spreadable cheeses are an excellent alternative because the majority of them don’t have any salt added. You might notice several ones depending on where you are in the nation (and the world). I’ve included a few, but make sure to look into any spreadable or tub-style products you come across. All of them typically taste mild and are extremely adaptable for your infant. Since cream cheese often contains less protein and calcium and more sodium, it is typically not included in this. It doesn’t hurt, though, to look!
3 Recipes to try with a cheese of your choice:
Mac and Cheese
Macaroni with cheese. Mac and cheese is a traditional comfort food that both adults and children may enjoy together. It is the classic cheese recipe that requires the fewest ingredients and can be made quickly. Cheddar cheese, macaroni, milk, and water are the only necessary ingredients for this delicious treat. Microwave everything for about five minutes, and presto! You have a delicious serving of mac and cheese at the ready.
Chilli Cheese Dosa
Stuffed with a scrumptious filling of cheese and chili flakes, this south Indian treat comes with a twist. Dosa batter is made with ground rice, urad, and chana dal cooked on a pan and stuffed with grated cheddar cheese and flavourful chili flakes. Serve with traditional coconut chutney for a whole meal.
Cheese Pull Pizza
I’ll stop eating cheese the moment I meet a child who doesn’t enjoy cheesy pizza. Oh, I’m kidding! But who doesn’t enjoy a cheese-topped pizza with flavorful sauces, oregano, crunchy vegetables, and more? When we think about cheese, we immediately picture a steaming hot pizza, correct? Here is a recipe for the traditional Margherita pizza that you can make at home without much difficulty. It is filled with the goodness of basil, mozzarella, pepper, and pasta sauce, so the next time the kids want a cheese pizza, you can simply prepare one in your kitchen.
Cheese is a great snack option for children under 12 years of age because it is high in calcium, a nutrient important for bone growth and development, and is a good source of protein and other vitamins and minerals. It is also easy to pack and eat on the go, making it a convenient snack option.
