Feeding the kids is can be a nightmare or an absolute joy. But when you find the right foods for your children, all seems right in the world.
Whether you have a picky eater or an insatiable one, the following recipes will not only satisfy the children in your household but keep them happy and healthy too.
If you’re stumped for dinner plans, look no further than this list of 17 easy and kid-friendly meals.
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17 Easy Kid-Friendly Recipes
Dinner does not have to be a struggle. Try some of these favorite recipes and have your children begging for seconds.
1. Pizza rolls
Pizza is always a welcome treat but if you’re looking to do something fast and kid-friendly this mealtime, try these delectable pizza rolls.
Flatten your dough and layer with pepperoni and cheese (and whatever else your diners fancy) to make your rolls. Slather them with garlic butter before baking and have a side of marinara ready to get the party started!
https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/pizza-rolls/
2. Sloppy Joe grilled cheese
Sloppy joes might remind you of school lunch but this delicious recipe is sure to have the kids coming back for more.
The combination of sauce-covered ground beef, melty cheese, and for this particular recipe, Texas toast, is mouth-wateringly scrumptious. If the kids don’t finish their food, the adults that are around will surely finish up the sloppy seconds.
https://www.5boysbaker.com/sloppy-grilled-cheese-sandwiches-2/
3. Meatball sliders
A game day appetizer or something the kids will be asking for over and over again, these little meatball sammies will fill everyone up.
With meatballs, ragu, mozzarella and a heavy sprinkle of garlic and parmesan cheese, these slider buns will satisfy the kids and your Italian food-loving friends.
https://www.homemadeinterest.com/easy-meatball-sliders/
4. Chicken noodle soup
Chicken noodle soup might not feel like a go-to meal for the kids, but this easy and hearty soup is a truly fantastic weekday meal.
Chicken naturally gives off immunity power and is great for your health. You can add whatever vegetables your diners enjoy and the noodles will do their job in keeping everyone full.
https://www.averiecooks.com/easy-30-minute-homemade-chicken-noodle-soup/
5. Beef empanadas
If you’re not familiar with what an empanada is, think of a hot pocket but a thousand times more delicious. These flaky pockets of goodness are typically filled with seasoned meat but you can really put whatever you desire into them.
Best of all, they are easy to make and kids love them. They can even be frozen if you want to stock up and have something ready for nights when you just want to kick back.
https://numstheword.com/easy-beef-empanadas/
6. Homeemade chicken tenders
Every kid likes chicken tenders. We get them at our favorite fast food establishments and devour them leaving none behind. If you ever wondered whether or not they could be made at home, wonder no more.
Packed with protein, chicken tenders are super easy to make. A simple breading and a bake in the oven is all it takes to have a quick and crave-worthy meal.
https://amindfullmom.com/homemade-chicken-tenders/
7. Sweet potato fries
You need a little side to go with those homemade chicken tenders? Fries are the perfect accompaniment. But if you’re looking for something a little healthier or just different, why not try sweet potato fries!
The crispy outside and soft inside will have your kids begging for more. Sweet potatoes have a delicate sweetness to them and are packed with vitamins and minerals.
https://cookieandkate.com/baked-sweet-potato-fries/
8. Veggie pasta
Pasta is great any day of the week. It’s delicious and easy to make and with the addition of vegetables, it’s a balanced meal for you and the kids.
There are many ways to do a veggie pasta but really all it takes is your favorite vegetables, olive oil, and your pasta of choice. Sauce it up or keep it naked with a light oil or balsamic dressing, either way, you have something everyone will love.
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/easy-balsamic-veggie-pasta/
9. Tater tot nachos
Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like and guess what? It’s finger-licking good. Tater tots nachos are easy to make and keeps all the kids’ bellies full.
To make things really simple, take a store-bought tater tot and top it with your favorite nacho ingredients. Go with taco seasoned ground beef or chicken, add some cheese, and dinner is served.
https://bellyfull.net/totchos-tater-tot-nachos/
10. Cheesy quesadillas
If your children are not exactly the type that tries new things and Mexican food sounds a little too outrageous for them, try making these easy-to-swallow quesadillas.
The most standard version of this meal is cheese melted between two tortilla wrappers. If you are looking to add a little something to the meal, throw in some chicken, onion, tomato or simply try the recipe below.
https://www.greatgrubdelicioustreats.com/cheesy-chicken-quesadillas/
11. Italian BLT’s
Do you have sophisticated eaters who are up for trying new things? Well, this is the perfect sandwich to get your little ones eating and raving about their worldly tastebuds.
While a traditional BLT uses bacon, lettuce, and tomato, this Italian version will swap out the bacon for pancetta, the cheese will be mozzarella and the greens will be a bed of spinach.
https://www.laurainthekitchen.com/recipes/italian-blt-panini/
12. Baked chicken parmesan cheese sticks
Something like a chicken tender but better, these chicken parmesan cheese sticks are savory, mouth-watering, and easy to make.
Bake your chicken instead of frying it as a healthier option. Breaded and coated with parmesan cheese, these chicken tenders are then baked before topping with mozzarella cheese and baked again for an ooey-gooey coating.
https://dashofsanity.com/baked-chicken-parmesan-sticks/
13. Mac & Cheese
This classic kid-friendly meal doesn’t need to come from a box. In fact, macaroni and cheese is easy to make without all the packaging.
Prepare your macaroni as instructed. You’ll add this to your cheese mixture in which cheddar cheese works great. Your kids will love it so much they won’t even notice when you sneak in a side of broccoli to make it a truly balanced meal.
https://joyfoodsunshine.com/homemade-mac-and-cheese/
14. Chicken fajitas
Fajitas combine the flavors of bell peppers, onions, and Mexican spice with tender, juicy skillet-fried chicken to make a wonderful filling for a warmed-up tortilla wrap.
Fajita seasoning is easy to make but even easier to purchase off the shelf, so get some today and be amazed at how quick and easy this meal is to prepare.
https://downshiftology.com/recipes/chicken-fajitas/
15. Shepard’s Pie
Shepard’s pie may not be as popular as pizza or hot dogs but you’ll be surprised at how much the family, especially the kids, love this easy-to-assemble “pie.”
Called a pie but more like a casserole, this dish is essentially a savory stew topped with mashed potatoes, and if you fancy, cheese. It’s baked to perfection and is the most delectable comfort food.
https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/shepherds-pie.html
16. Hot dog nuggets
A beach and carnival time favorite, hot dogs are a special treat for everyone. But they don’t have to be a once-in-a-year thing. You can easily make hot dog nuggets right in your kitchen any time of the year.
With just two simple ingredients, you can put together these little nuggets of goodness and serve them as an appetizer or as a meal.
https://lilluna.com/corn-dog-nuggets/
17. Watermelon pizza
We couldn’t leave you without a dessert for the dinner table. Watermelon pizza is the perfect finisher for any meal.
Get one good round piece of your watermelon ready by slicing it into 8 pieces, just like a pizza! Add your “toppings” which can range from yogurt to berries, to just about anything you can think of that goes with watermelon, and you have a serious treat on your hands.
https://choosingchia.com/watermelon-pizza/
There are plenty more where that came from so get searching or use a little creativity to spice up dinner with your family this evening.
Wrap Up
A balanced diet is important for nutrition as well as keeping everyone full and happy. Energy comes from the food we eat and what’s more important than keeping our children healthy and ready for anything.
It may not always be easy to feed your children but it’s worth the effort to try and make foods that they will like and are good for them. Don’t give up!
17 Easy Kid-Friendly Recipes
Ingredients
- Pizza rolls
- Sloppy Joe grilled cheese
- Meatball sliders
- Chicken noodle soup
- Beef empanadas
- Homeemade chicken tenders
- Sweet potato fries
- Veggie pasta
- Tater tot nachos
- Cheesy quesadillas
- Italian BLT’s
- Baked chicken parmesan cheese sticks
- Mac & Cheese
- Chicken fajitas
- Shepard’s Pie
- Hot dog nuggets
- Watermelon pizza
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prepare and enjoy in 30 minutes or less!