Lunchbox Grape Crostini

Goat cheese crostini with grapes is a great alternative to sandwiches for your lunchbox. Finish it off with a drizzle of yogurt based dressing to add more protein. When's lunch?

I'm honored to partner with Produce For Kids to bring you this recipe. All opinions are my own.

Who makes the lunches at your house? At our house, the kids (kindergarten and up) make their own lunches.

My kids LOVE to be in the kitchen, and quick and easy lunches is a win all the way around.

• It gives them experience in the kitchen
• It teaches them responsibility-- yes, they have to clean up too.
• It teaches them about nutrition- I provide the healthy options and balance, they choose.
• They have ownership of what they made and are more likely to eat it.
• Takes the pressure off of me! (can I get and "AMEN"??)

I've heard many mom's and kids complain about "the same boring lunches" day in and day out. Well, not anymore! You can add Goat Cheese Crostini to your list of ideas! Right along with Avocado BLT wraps, and Peanut Butter Protein bars.

You'll find lots of variations for grape crostini a little further into the post.

Goat Cheese Crostini with Grapes

This is a very simple variation of a traditional crostini. Usually, baguettes are toasted in the oven and then topped with your choice of toppings.

Because I had school lunches in mind, I skipped the toasting. You still could, it would just be an extra step. But I know for packing the lunch boxes, most of us are going for simple and quick.

Instructions

Step One: Slice the bread

I like to buy a nice whole grain baguette, then slice it on the diagonal at about ½ inch thick. If you're kids have some knife skills, you can teach them how to make it look 'fancy' by slicing diagonal. Slicing it straight on is just fine too.

Step Two: Add toppings

For this recipe I chose honey goat cheese which added a touch of sweetness to the tangy goat cheese. Not a fan of goat cheese? No problem, try cream cheese.

After spreading on the cheese, add sliced grapes. By slicing the grapes in half, they will lay nicely on the bread and not roll off.

Lastly, drizzle the dressing on top.

Can crostini be made ahead of time?

I'm big into planning ahead (and sometimes I'm even successful with it ????). So, my kids make their lunches for school the night before. The short answer is "yes".

Typically crostini is served warm or at room temp. But, we are skipping the toasting, remember, just in this instance.

It's really going to depend on how you top it. But for our grape crostini, you shouldn't have any issues.

Sometimes, sauces and condiments can soak into the bread and make it soggy. Our tip for that is this:

• spread a VERY thin layer of butter (you don't want to taste it) over the bread, that will act as a barrier to keep things from soaking in and becoming soggy.

If my kids take PB&J to school, we use peanut butter as that barrier and put it on both sides of the bread.

How many crostini per person?

Well, that's going to depend on your eaters. I swear my kids eat like adults! Mine would eat 2-3 crostini a piece. Smaller eaters would probably have 1-2 and be plenty satisfied.

Variations for grape crostini

• go ahead and toast it! drizzle olive oil on the bread, bake in a 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes or until golden and crisp.
• use plain goat cheese or even an herbed goat cheese
• use cream cheese instead of goat cheese. Sweet or savory works nicely!
• try green grapes, black grapes or a combination of all 3 colors.
• try balsamic reduction on top (this may be a little more mature taste buds but my kids love it)

Goat Cheese Crostini makes a great appetizer too! So keep it in mind for your next gathering.

And if you need more lunchbox inspirations, check out these recipes!

More kid-friendly recipes

• Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
• Melon Strawberry Bruschetta
• Coconut Granola Fruit Cups
• DIY Dried Cherries

Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe