Making dinnertime enjoyable for kids can be a challenge, but with the right recipes, it can turn into a fun and bonding experience. Here are 12 kid-approved dinners that are not only delicious but also interactive, encouraging children to participate in the cooking process and make mealtime a joyful event.
Dinnertime can often feel like a battlefield, especially when it comes to getting kids to eat their vegetables or try new foods. However, it doesn’t have to be that way! By introducing fun and engaging meals that kids can help prepare, you can make dinnertime a delightful experience for the whole family. From colorful wraps to playful pizzas, these 12 kid-approved dinners are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into some exciting recipes that will not only satisfy their taste buds but also spark their creativity in the kitchen!
1. DIY Mini Pizzas
Let’s kick things off with a classic favorite—mini pizzas! Kids love personalizing their own pizzas, and this activity is perfect for letting them explore their culinary creativity.
- Ingredients: English muffins, tomato sauce, shredded cheese, pepperoni, and assorted toppings like bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms.
- Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Split the English muffins in half and place them on a baking sheet. Spread tomato sauce on each muffin half, sprinkle cheese, and let your kids add their favorite toppings. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
2. Colorful Veggie Wraps
These veggie wraps are not only healthy but also a feast for the eyes! Kids can choose their favorite colors and make their wraps as vibrant as they like.
- Ingredients: Tortilla wraps, hummus or cream cheese, shredded carrots, spinach, bell peppers, and cucumber.
- Instructions: Spread a layer of hummus or cream cheese on the tortilla. Let kids pile on their favorite veggies, roll it up tightly, and slice it into pinwheels or halves for easy eating.
3. Taco Night Extravaganza
Taco night is a fun way to bring everyone together. Kids love the build-your-own aspect, which allows them to customize their tacos just the way they like.
- Ingredients: Taco shells, ground beef or turkey (or beans for a vegetarian option), shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa.
- Instructions: Cook the meat or beans with taco seasoning. Set up a taco bar with all the fixings and let the kids assemble their own tacos with their favorite toppings.
4. Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
Pasta is a staple in many households, but you can make it more appealing with a cheesy twist and added veggies!
- Ingredients: Pasta of choice, broccoli florets, cheese sauce, and optional grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Instructions: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In the last few minutes of cooking, add the broccoli. Drain and mix in cheese sauce and any additional proteins. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
5. Fun Shaped Sandwiches
Sandwiches can be made fun and exciting by using cookie cutters to create interesting shapes. This is a great way to make lunchtime (or dinnertime) more playful!
- Ingredients: Bread, deli meats, cheese, lettuce, and condiments of choice.
- Instructions: Make sandwiches using the kids’ favorite fillings. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes from the sandwiches, and serve with colorful fruit or veggie sticks on the side.
6. Breakfast for Dinner
Who says breakfast foods are only for the morning? Kids will love the novelty of having pancakes, eggs, or waffles at dinnertime.
- Ingredients: Pancake mix, eggs, bacon or sausage, and fresh fruit.
- Instructions: Prepare pancakes or waffles according to package directions. Cook eggs and bacon or sausage on the side. Serve with fresh fruit for a balanced and enjoyable meal.
7. Build-Your-Own Salad Bowls
Salad doesn’t have to be boring! By creating a salad bar, kids can choose their ingredients, making them more likely to enjoy every bite.
- Ingredients: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, croutons, and various dressings.
- Instructions: Set up a buffet-style salad bar with different toppings and dressings. Let the kids build their own salads with their favorite ingredients.
8. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries and are easy to prepare. Kids will love their natural sweetness!
- Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, and seasoning (like salt or paprika).
- Instructions: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut sweet potatoes into fries, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
Incorporating fun into dinnertime by allowing kids to participate in the cooking process not only makes meals more enjoyable but also encourages them to try new foods. Stay tuned for more creative dinner ideas in the next section!
9. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
For a delightful and nutritious dinner option, consider fruit and yogurt parfaits! This meal is not only visually appealing but also allows kids to explore different flavor combinations. They can layer their choices and even get creative with toppings.
- Ingredients: Yogurt (Greek or regular), granola, assorted fruits (like berries, bananas, and mango), and honey for drizzling.
- Instructions: In clear cups or bowls, layer yogurt, followed by a layer of granola and then fruits. Repeat the layers until the cups are full. Drizzle honey on top for added sweetness. This fun dessert-like dinner is sure to be a hit!
10. Homemade Sushi Rolls
Making sushi at home can be a fun and interactive experience for kids. They can choose their favorite fillings and roll them up, creating a delicious meal that’s also a little bit of an adventure.
- Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori (seaweed sheets), cucumber, avocado, crab meat or cooked shrimp, and soy sauce.
- Instructions: Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions. Once cooled, lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving a small border. Let kids add their favorite fillings in a line across the rice. Roll tightly using the mat, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.
11. Veggie and Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a great way to sneak in some veggies while still keeping things fun and tasty. Kids can help by adding their favorite ingredients to the mix.
- Ingredients: Flour tortillas, shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and salsa for dipping.
- Instructions: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle cheese evenly, and add the desired veggies. Top with another tortilla and cook until golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.
12. Rainbow Pasta Salad
This colorful pasta salad is a fun way to incorporate various veggies while making a visually appealing dish. Kids will be excited to eat their rainbows!
- Ingredients: Tri-color pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and Italian dressing.
- Instructions: Cook the tri-color pasta according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with chopped veggies and feta cheese. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to combine. This dish can be served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for summer nights!
13. Sloppy Joes with a Twist
Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic classic, but you can add a twist by using turkey or lentils for a healthier version. Kids will love the messy, hands-on nature of this dish!
- Ingredients: Ground turkey or cooked lentils, sloppy joe sauce (store-bought or homemade), hamburger buns, and pickles.
- Instructions: In a skillet, cook the ground turkey until browned, or heat the lentils. Add the sloppy joe sauce and let simmer for a few minutes. Serve the mixture on hamburger buns with pickles on the side for some added crunch.
14. Pizza-Stuffed Peppers
For a healthier take on pizza, try pizza-stuffed peppers. This meal is colorful and allows kids to get creative with their favorite pizza toppings!
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any other favorite pizza toppings.
- Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Halve the bell peppers and remove the seeds. In a bowl, mix marinara sauce with cheese and toppings. Stuff the mixture into the halved peppers and place in a baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
These kid-approved dinners not only make mealtime enjoyable but also provide opportunities for kids to engage with their food. By involving them in the cooking process, you’re likely to see their willingness to try new ingredients and flavors increase. Keep exploring these fun recipes and enjoy the laughter and creativity that comes with each meal!
15. Chicken and Veggie Skewers
Skewers are a fantastic way to make dinner interactive and fun! Kids can help assemble their own skewers with their favorite proteins and vegetables. This meal is not only visually appealing but also encourages them to eat a variety of foods.
- Ingredients: Chicken breast, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and skewers (wooden or metal).
- Instructions: Cut the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Allow the kids to help thread the chicken and veggies onto the skewers in any order they like. Marinate the skewers in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for added flavor. Grill or bake in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or tzatziki.
16. Homemade Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, and making it from scratch can be a fun project for kids. Plus, you can sneak in some extra nutrients with added veggies!
- Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and optional veggies like peas or broccoli.
- Instructions: Cook the macaroni according to package directions. In a separate pot, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Mix in shredded cheese until melted. Combine with pasta and add any cooked veggies. Bake in a dish for 15 minutes at 350°F for a bubbly finish.
17. DIY Sushi Bowls
If rolling sushi seems too daunting, why not create sushi bowls? This deconstructed version allows kids to pile their favorite sushi ingredients into a bowl, making it easier and less messy.
- Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori strips, avocado, cucumber, crab meat or tofu, and soy sauce.
- Instructions: Cook sushi rice according to package directions. In bowls, let kids layer sushi rice, followed by their chosen toppings like sliced avocado, cucumber, and crab meat or tofu. Serve with nori strips on the side for added crunch and soy sauce for dipping.
18. Pita Bread Pizzas
Pita bread makes for a quick and easy pizza base! Kids can spread sauce and sprinkle toppings on their pita breads, creating individual pizzas in no time.
- Ingredients: Pita bread, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and assorted toppings like pepperoni, olives, and mushrooms.
- Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread pizza sauce over each pita bread, sprinkle with cheese, and let the kids add their favorite toppings. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Slice and serve warm.
19. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Kids love chicken nuggets, and making them from scratch is a great way to get them involved in the kitchen! They can help with the breading process, making it a hands-on cooking experience.
- Ingredients: Chicken breast, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and optional seasonings like garlic powder and paprika.
- Instructions: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls. Kids can dip each piece of chicken into flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve with their favorite dipping sauces.
20. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Stuffed zucchini boats are not only nutritious but also an exciting way to incorporate vegetables into dinner. Kids can help scoop out the insides and fill them with their favorite ingredients.
- Ingredients: Zucchini, ground beef or turkey (or a vegetarian substitute), marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create “boats.” Cook the ground meat in a skillet, adding marinara sauce and seasonings. Fill the zucchini halves with the mixture, top with cheese, and bake for about 25 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted.
21. Rainbow Fruit Skewers
For a healthy dessert option, make rainbow fruit skewers! Kids can choose their favorite fruits and assemble them on skewers, creating a colorful and nutritious treat.
- Ingredients: A variety of fruits such as strawberries, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, and blueberries.
- Instructions: Prepare the fruits by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Let the kids assemble the fruit on skewers, alternating colors to create a rainbow effect. Serve with yogurt or chocolate dip for a fun twist.
22. Veggie Pancakes
Turn classic pancakes into a savory meal by adding grated vegetables! This is a fantastic way to sneak in some nutrition while still offering a fun and interactive meal.
- Ingredients: Pancake mix, grated zucchini or carrots, egg, and milk.
- Instructions: Prepare pancake mix according to package instructions, adding in the grated veggies. Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour batter to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.