The Delicious Power of Yogurt

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Yogurt: A Delicious and Nutritious Ingredient

Yogurt is perhaps one of the most popular kitchen staples among families with children, and for good reason! Modern packaging makes it a convenient and quick snack item, and tasty, kid-friendly flavors makes it a great way to fit dairy into your child's diet.

But yogurt has much more to offer than simple convenience. It's a nutritional powerhouse that boasts plenty of calcium and phosphorus, two nutrients vital to bone growth and strength.

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Denise Crew

Yogurt can also improve digestive health. Many types contain live active cultures, which are beneficial bacteria that are believed to improve nutrient absorption, beef up immune systems, and enhance digestion. These bacteria can also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

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Blaine Moats

Aside from its impressive health benefits, yogurt is also a smart ingredient to use for its other qualities. Swapping low-fat or fat-free yogurt in for higher calorie items such as cream or mayonnaise creates a healthier dish without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Here are some creative ways to incorporate the creamy goodness of yogurt into your family's next meal. Their tummies (and taste buds) will thank you.

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Sneak it in a Cake Recipe

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Tina Rupp

Sneak it in a Cake Recipe

Adding yogurt to a cake recipe, such as this one for Moist Lemon Cake, makes for a velvety smooth dessert.

Prep: 25 mins

Bake: 35 mins at 350°F

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Use it as a Sandwich Condiment

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Paula Hible

Use it as a Sandwich Condiment

Replacing high-calorie mayo with yogurt on a sandwich, such as Eamonns R.L.T., allows you to cut the fat and keep the tangy flavor.

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Make a Sauce for Shrimp

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Yunhee Kim

Make a Sauce for Shrimp

Yogurt can be used as a base for a cool, creamy sauce to complement the freshness and and saltiness of lemony shrimp.

Prep: 15 mins

Cool: 1 hr

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Layer it in a Parfait

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Layer it in a Parfait

Layering yogurt between tasty granola and fruit, as in this Sunrise Parfait, makes for a sweet breakfast treat.

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Puree it into Baby Food

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Alexandra Grablewski

Puree it into Baby Food

This yummy Curry Pea Baby Food gets its richness from the addition of yogurt. Introducing new flavors early on may help your baby to develop good eating habits. Check with your pediatrician, but most babies can digest yogurt by 6 months.

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Blend it into a Smoothie

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Blend it into a Smoothie

Mixing fresh fruit with yogurt in a smoothie is a clever way to add natural sweet flavor without adding excess sugar.

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Top a Soup or Chili

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Rita Maas

Top a Soup or Chili

Warm soup or chili, such as this Easy Black Bean Soup, gets a refreshing twist when topped with yogurt instead of sour cream.

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 25 mins

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Freeze it into a Healthy and Fun Dessert

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Freeze it into a Healthy and Fun Dessert

Putting yogurt in the freezer does not affect its nutritional wallop. It's a fun and delectable alternative to packaged ice-cream pops!

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Make a Delicious Dipping Sauce

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Make a Delicious Dipping Sauce

Yogurt's tang makes it a zippy dip for a variety of items, such as these Black Bean Risotto Cakes.

Prep: 15 mins

Chill: overnight in refrigerator

Bake: 25 mins at 450°F

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Lemon-Poppyseed Muffins

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Lemon-Poppyseed Muffins

You can't beat the classic flavor combination of lemon and poppyseed. This treat will stay extra moist because of the addition of yogurt to the batter.

Prep: 15 mins

Bake: 22 mins at 400°F

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Have it at Breakfast (And Not The Way You Think!)

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Tina Rupp

Have it at Breakfast (And Not The Way You Think!)

These flapjacks have a secret: There's yogurt right in the batter! This makes for super nutritious pancakes with a moist yet fluffy texture.

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 4 mins at 250°F

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Sub it for Whipped Cream

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Paula Hible

Sub it for Whipped Cream

You won't miss the calories when you use yogurt as a topping instead of whipped cream. You get lots of flavor with a fraction of the fat.

Start to Finish: 10 mins

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Try a Tart

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Tina Rupp

Try a Tart

A bright dessert that's good for you, too! Fresh berries and yogurt are a wholesome way to please your sweet tooth.

Bake: 12 mins at 400°F

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Mix Up a Marinade

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Mix Up a Marinade

Marinating proteins in yogurt is an amazing way to tenderize and lock in moisture. We promise you this Tandoori Chicken will be extra juicy. Serving with a yogurt-based sauce known as raita is an appetizing way to add even more of the goodness of yogurt into your family's diet.

Prep: 10 mins

Chill: 30 mins

Grill: 25 mins

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Make a Cheesecake

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Tina Rupp

Make a Cheesecake

Break from tradition, and add a bit of nutrition to a dessert classic.

Prep: 30 mins

Chill: 3 hrs or overnight

Bake: 1 hr at 350°F

Microwave: 15 seconds

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Whip up a Creative Snack

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Whip up a Creative Snack

Here's a simple yet creative way to get your kids excited about snack time. Adding yogurt and fruit to their favorite packaged Teddies will create a wholesome and balanced treat.

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Make a Pasta Sauce

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Monica Buck

Make a Pasta Sauce

Who doesn't love pasta with cream sauce? Your family will get a probiotic punch of flavor with this 'Shroom Spaghetti.

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Use It in a Dressing

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Peter Ardito

Use It in a Dressing

Yogurt is a lifesaver to those who love creamy salad dressings. The one in this Grilled Moroccan Style Salad complements the healthy veggie ingredients without pouring on the fat.

Start to Finish: 30 mins