DIY Yogurt Parfait Recipe Ideas with Protein for Kids They’ll Love

If there’s one thing I know as a parent, it’s that we all want the best for our kids, even and especially when it comes to health and mealtimes. That desire doesn’t always translate into real-life though once our busy schedules start to fill and all the little taste and texture preferences come into play. One of our favorites for busy mornings or even crammed weekends are simple Greek yogurt parfait recipe ideas because everyone gets to choose exactly what they like, fill their bellies AND get plenty of that yogurt protein as well!

A Simple DIY Yogurt Parfait Recipe Bar With Protein for Kids They’ll Love

He looked at me with those big brown eyes as I sipped my coffee, after it’s second warming, I might add. “Why can’t we all be together as a family for early dinner too?”

“Do you mean for breakfast?” I asked in reply.

“Yeah, I like it when we all eat at the same time, together.”

We’ve been making it a point to have dinner around the table (our farmhouse table) for a while now, and at least a few times a week, but with summer schedules already revving to high gear and kids waking at different times, we struggled with a steady morning rhythm. A cadence that allowed for mornings together was replaced with a more freestyle flow, and while that definitely works out great when needed as well, my kiddo was obviously craving more intentional family time. 

When these moments happen, I know it’s time to hit reset, and even if it’s something simple, it can make just as much of an impact as a more time-consuming option. An easy breakfast that doesn’t require a huge mess and lots of heat in the kitchen is my preference right now, and still, my kids eat it up – both the spread and the family time together.

How to Create a Family-Friendly Yogurt Parfait Bar Full of Protein

Start with the best base. To create a wholesome yogurt parfait bar that the whole family will enjoy, while still keeping it full of protein and something you’re proud to serve, start with a yogurt base that is free of sugar and boasts plenty of yogurt protein as well. 

FAGE Total Plain Greek yogurt has been a staple in our fridge lately. It actually has been for years. I remember it being the only thing I could stomach in the morning, along with a glass of grapefruit juice, when I was pregnant with Aria. Just trying to get past the morning sickness. Thankfully now I can just enjoy along with my family, and this twin pregnancy, even without the morning sickness!

Many times we might worry about how much protein our kids are, but the more important question is the quality of the protein for kids, and really for all of us. 

Not only is FAGE Greek yogurt protein-rich, but it is also made with only milk and live active cultures… zero added sugar. Plus, it’s Non-GMO Project Verified so I feel good about serving it to my family.

Note about FAGE Total Plain Greek yogurt – it comes in three fat varieties; FAGE Total 5% Whole Milk, FAGE Total 2% Low-Fat, and FAGE Total 0% Nonfat. We like the extra creaminess and typically go with the 5% or the 2% variety, but choose whatever works best for your family and diet.

Every Breakfast Bar Needs Toppings.

Since you already have your simple base ready, it’s time to dress it up. I like to grab a tray (or even a cookie sheet!) and load it up with lots of fruit. Little hands love digging in; and whenever we set food out in a way that is also decorative like this, it seems like more healthy choices get devoured.  Just try it with dinner vegetables too and see what happens!

Another plus of this setup is that you’re using only one tray. Resulting in a quick clean up. Plus, if there do happen to be leftovers, it can all slide into one container for the fridge. 

I also find that creating a decorative table-scape out of food allows for minds to be easily distracted. Forming for more open conversations, because there’s isn’t as much pressure; since the focus is one the table and everyone is having fun creating their own dish! Perfect for family-time don’t you think?

We like to add lots of berries, and even sometimes banana, apple, kiwi and peach slices. For me, you know I already shared my love of grapefruit and it makes a top-choice as a topping in my book. Then we add in some crunch. Granola, nuts, coconut and other cereals work great for this. We already keep ours in jars in the pantry so it’s easy to set on the table or just sprinkle onto the tray.

Mix Up Your DIY Yogurt Parfait Table!

Especially on those days when I have a little more time (or if we’ve batch cooked ahead of time and have some saved); my kids love it when I add waffles to the spread. They still top it with all of the yogurt parfait goodness. But it’s a fun new twist on the DIY parfait. 

For that added Greek yogurt protein, I also whip in a bit of honey and vanilla extract. This makes it taste like that creamy whipped topping on your favorite Starbucks drink; but without the added sugar or empty calories. And it’s still… full of protein for kids, and myself too!

Bringing the Family Together

We’ve found that creating options and an opportunity for everyone to get involved with their meals  has been such a great way to bring the family together. The kids talk, create, eat, and talk some more. Note even realizing that we might have been intentionally planned it this way. Even if it was something as simple as washing and chopping some fruit and opening up a container of yogurt. 

You can find FAGE Total Plain Greek yogurt at your local grocery or market. For a list of locations near you click here, and to find other great recipes with FAGE here.

How do you create an environment to bring the family together? AND what favorite topping of yours did I miss in our DIY Yogurt Parfait platter? Tell me in the comments.