Healthy Snacking with Cheese: 4 Nutritious Options and Recipes

Snacking can often be seen as an unhealthy habit, but that is only true when the snacks you’re eating are unhealthy to begin with! When you combine ingredients mindfully, then you can snack to your heart’s content knowing that you’re getting a dose of balanced nutrition in every bite.

The addition of vegetables provides vitamins and minerals, ingredients like millets introduce protein, and cheese is a great source of calcium and essential minerals that will also make your snacks taste like an indulgence.

Try out these 5 nutritious snack options all with the added goodness of cheese.

Dosas are a staple of mealtimes across India, and this version boosted with the goodness of millets and cheese is a healthy snack option.

● In a mixing bowl, combine the ragi and dosa flours. Gradually add water and whisk until the batter reaches pouring consistency, add salt to taste.

● Allow the batter to ferment by placing the bowl in a warm location for at least 2 hours.

● Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil in a skillet or wok. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. When the seeds start to pop and splutter, add the spinach. Cook on low heat, covered, until the spinach wilts and turns bright green. Remove from heat and set aside.

● Heat a dosa tawa (flat frying pan) over medium-high heat. Grease the surface with a little of the remaining ghee or coconut oil. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the centre of the pan and use the flat base of the ladle to spread it evenly in a circular pattern.

● Drizzle a bit more ghee or oil on the surface while bubbles form. Once the edges turn brown, carefully loosen and flip the dosa.

● Flip the dosa again and add a portion of cooked spinach and grated cheese. Briefly melt the cheese under a hot grill.

These crunchy snacks combine the iron rich goodness of broccoli with the creamy taste of cheese for a healthy, satisfying snack.

● Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a baking tray with olive oil.

● In a mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.

● Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls or patties.

● Place the balls or patties onto the greased baking tray, leaving some space between each.

● Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

● Serve hot as a snack or appetisers with your favourite dipping sauce.

Delight in the irresistible comfort of homemade cheesy chicken nuggets, oozing with gooey melted cheese in every bite.

● Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

● In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

● Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.

● Place the coated chicken nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet.

● Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through.

● Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy the cheesy goodness of these homemade chicken nuggets.

Pair the savoury flavours of mushrooms with the gooey deliciousness of cheese. Packed with flavour, these baked treats are a must-try.

● Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a baking dish with olive oil.

● In a bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

● Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to pack it in.

● Place the stuffed mushrooms in the greased baking dish.

● Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms.

● Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

● Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

● Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired and serve as a delicious appetiser or side dish.