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If your kids are all about cheese and love to dip, then you need to give these cheesy farro snack bites for kids a try!
Not only can you make them in the oven or the air fryer, but they’re an easy way to offer more whole grains, protein, and other important nutrients for your kids.
These cheesy farro snack bites for kids are perfect as an after-school snack, or a no-pressure side dish they can dip in whatever strange combination they’d like – plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover farro.
Table of Contents
Why Farro?
Farro is an ancient whole grain that’s loaded with valuable nutrients for your kids, such as fiber, plant-based protein, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Farro is a great option for picky eaters due to its similarities to rice and even small types of pasta. When trying to expose your kids to new foods, especially if they’re skeptical, it can be helpful to offer a food that resembles one they already enjoy.
Ingredients for Cheesy Farro Snack Bites for Kids
Farro
Cooked similarly to rice or pasta, simply boil water and add your farro. Like other grains, it’s helpful to rinse your farro prior to cooking it. I recommend using a pearled farro so it takes less time to cook.
Egg
The egg in this recipe helps to bind all the ingredients together, ensuring it doesn’t crumble once you pick it up.
Shredded Cheese
I used pre-shredded Colby Jack cheese for this recipe, but you can use any shredded cheese you have on hand. You can even shred cheese yourself for this recipe. My kids love using this cheese grater to shred our own when we have time.
Breadcrumbs
Along with the eggs, the breadcrumbs work as a binder to help hold their shape. You can also use crushed crackers, oats, or panko if you don’t have breadcrumbs.
Seasonings
Optional, but it definitely helps add more flavor to these cheesy farro bites for kids. I used an Italian seasoning with a little garlic powder.
How to Make Cheesy Farro Snack Bites
You can bake these cheesy farro snack bites in the oven, or for a crispier option, an air fryer works great.
Oven Method
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, in a bowl, you can mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be slightly wet and easily stick together. Using a scooper, form small balls and slightly flatten them to make a disc-like shape. If you don’t have a scooper, you can just make sure all the cheesy farro bites are similar size so they cook evenly.
Once you have all your snack bites formed on your baking sheet, you’ll bake them for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Each snack bite should be slightly golden brown. Once they’re cooled slightly, serve them to your kids with their favorite dip – and don’t forget to enjoy some yourself too!
Air Fryer Method
When making these snack bites, you’ll want to follow all the steps for the oven method, but you’ll fry them in the air fryer for half the time, only 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to arrange the snack bites in a single layer to ensure they get evenly cooked.
When using the air fryer, it’s best to preheat the air fryer to 375°F before putting them in.
Variations
If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily substitute rice, quinoa, or barley, too. Heck, you can even add in shredded or finely diced veggies too. Feel free to use whatever cheese your child prefers or what you have on hand.
Storing Your Snack Bites
You can easily store your cheesy farro bites in an air-tight container or bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. These cheesy farro bites for kids also work well to freeze for later. Simply freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Cheesy Farro Snack Bites
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
- Scooper optional
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Air fryer optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked farro
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese Colby jack, Cheddar, or mozzarella
- 1 egg whisked
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs crushed crackers, quick oats, or panko
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning and/or garlic powder optional
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl, stirring until well combined.
- Scoop small balls or patties, anywhere from one table spoon to 1/4 cup of mixture. All "bites" should be the same size so they cook evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cheesy farro bites are golden brown and crispy
- Allow the cheesy farro snack bites to cool slightly and serve with your child's favorite dip.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and follow steps 2-3 above.
- Air fry your cheesy farro snack bites for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
