15+ Kids Recipes for Fun and Healthy Cooking Together

Cooking with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can find recipes that kids love while also being healthy. With a variety of easy and tasty options available, you can keep mealtime exciting for the entire family.

Whether you’re looking for quick snacks or hearty dinners, there are plenty of kid-friendly recipes to explore. These meals are designed to please picky eaters and make the cooking process enjoyable for you and your little ones.

1) Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake

This Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake is a tasty and easy recipe for kids. You’ll use canned white beans and mix them with a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for a family dinner.

Start by gathering the ingredients. This dish is packed with flavors that kids will love. Plus, the gooey cheese on top makes it even better!

Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 fat garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 (15-ounce) cans of white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Enjoy your meal!

2) Pizza with Homemade Sauce

Making pizza at home is fun and tasty! You can get creative with your toppings while enjoying the satisfaction of a homemade sauce.

For the sauce, you will need a simple recipe. Start with canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a few spices. Mix these ingredients together for a fresh, flavorful base.

Now for the pizza dough, you can either make your own or buy pre-made. Roll it out, spread your sauce, and add cheese and your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 (14- to 16-ounce) ball pizza dough
• 1½ cups marinara sauce
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface.
3. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Add any additional toppings of your choice.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden.

3) Frozen Yogurt Bites

Frozen yogurt bites make for a tasty and healthy snack your kids will love. They are easy to prepare and can be customized with different flavors. You can use yogurt, pureed fruit, or even add in some honey for sweetness.

To make them, simply spoon yogurt into small cups or an ice cube tray. Add fruit or toppings like granola for extra crunch. Then, freeze for a couple of hours until solid.

These bites are perfect for hot days or when you need a quick treat. Your kids can even help choose their favorite ingredients!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek-style plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fruit or granola (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spoon yogurt into a cup or ice cube tray.
2. Add honey and vanilla extract if desired.
3. Top with fruit or granola.
4. Freeze for 2-3 hours or until solid.
5. Remove from the tray and enjoy!

4) Lemon & Yogurt Chicken Flatbreads

Lemon & yogurt chicken flatbreads are a fun and tasty meal for kids. They are both simple to make and delicious to eat. Your kids will enjoy helping out in the kitchen as you prepare this dish.

To begin, marinate skinless chicken breasts in a blend of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and spices. This will give the chicken a lot of flavor. Cook the chicken on a grill or in a pan until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve the chicken wrapped in flatbreads with lettuce, cucumbers, and extra yogurt on top for a refreshing touch.

Ingredients

• 2 skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flatbreads
• Lettuce and cucumbers (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat chicken breasts in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook the chicken in a grill or pan until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Slice the chicken and wrap it in flatbreads with your choice of veggies.

5) Rice Paper Rolls

Rice paper rolls are a fun and healthy recipe you can make with your kids. They are easy to customize with different vegetables and proteins, making them perfect for any taste.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need rice paper wrappers, fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and cucumbers, as well as herbs like mint and cilantro. You can even add some protein, like shrimp or chicken, if you like.

Ingredients

• Rice paper wrappers
• 2 zucchini or zucchini noodles
• 1 carrot
• 1 cucumber
• ¼ head red cabbage
• Fresh herbs (like mint and cilantro)
• Optional: shrimp or chicken

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a shallow dish with warm water.
2. Soak a rice paper wrapper in the water for about 10 seconds until soft.
3. Remove the wrapper and lay it flat.
4. Place a small amount of each filling in the center.
5. Roll it tightly, like a burrito.
6. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Enjoy!

6) Sheet-Pan Bibimbap

Sheet-Pan Bibimbap is a fun and easy dish to make with kids. You can use a variety of colorful vegetables to create a beautiful meal.

Start by arranging mushrooms, sweet potatoes, red onion, and kale on a large sheet pan. Drizzle them with some oil and seasonings. This dish is great because it all cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

You can customize this recipe based on what your kids like. Add beef or keep it vegetarian for a lighter option. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: 1 cup cooked beef or tofu

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Arrange the vegetables on a large sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for 20 minutes.
5. If using, add cooked beef or tofu and roast for an additional 5 minutes.

7) Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Homemade chicken nuggets are a fun and tasty dish that kids often enjoy. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients. Plus, they can be healthier than store-bought options.

To get started, you need chicken breast, egg, flour, and breadcrumbs. You can even add some veggies for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken breast
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken breast into small pieces.
3. In one bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
4. Dip each chicken piece in flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs.
5. Place the nuggets on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy your homemade nuggets!

8) Easy Veggie Stir-Fry

Making an easy veggie stir-fry is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking. You can use a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.

Start by heating some oil in a large pan. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for just a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

For flavor, drizzle in some soy sauce or a sweet honey garlic sauce. This makes the dish taste even better.

Feel free to add their favorite veggies or even some cooked chicken or tofu for protein.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
3. Drizzle in soy sauce and honey, then stir.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

9) Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Mini meatloaf muffins are a fun twist on the classic meatloaf. They are perfect for lunch or gatherings with kids. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and packed with flavor.

You can use ground turkey or ground beef for a delicious base. Mixing in ingredients like breadcrumbs or oats adds texture. Kids love these muffins because they are small and easy to eat.

These meatloaf muffins can be made ahead and frozen, making them great for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey or ground beef
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs or oats
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients.
3. Fill a muffin tin with the mixture.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

10) Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes

Pancakes are not just for breakfast; they make a delightful dinner too! You can easily create fluffy pancakes that your kids will love. They are simple to make and can be customized with fun flavors.

Start by mixing flour, milk, and eggs in a bowl. Add a little baking powder for fluffiness. You can improve the taste by adding vanilla or a hint of cinnamon.

Once your batter is ready, pour it onto a hot skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip to cook the other side. Serve with syrup, fruit, or yogurt for extra fun.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine flour, milk, egg, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Pour batter onto the skillet.
4. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with toppings of your choice.

11) Salmon and Veggie Frittata

A salmon and veggie frittata is a great dish for kids. It’s packed with protein and colorful vegetables. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what your kids like.

You’ll need fresh salmon, eggs, and chopped veggies like spinach and bell peppers. This dish is perfect for any meal, whether breakfast or lunch.

Prepare to bake it in the oven. It’s a fun way to get kids involved in cooking.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 can (6 oz) wild salmon, drained
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
3. Stir in the salmon, spinach, bell pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set. Enjoy!

12) Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a simple and tasty dish that kids love. It’s filled with vegetables and gooey cheese, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.

To prepare, you’ll need just a few ingredients. This dish cooks together quickly but fills you up nicely. It works well as a main dish or a side.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked rice
• 1 ½ cups of broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the cooked rice, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the cheese in a bowl.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
5. Top with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!

13) Kid-Friendly Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are fun to make and perfect for kids. You can set up a taco bar with all their favorite toppings. This makes it easy for them to build their own tacos.

For a simple recipe, start with ground beef, seasoning, and your choice of tortillas. You can use hard taco shells or soft tortillas based on what your kids like.

Let your children add toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa. They can even try adding avocado for some creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8 taco shells or tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Lettuce, chopped
• Salsa
• Avocado, diced

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) until browned.
2. Drain the fat and add taco seasoning, mixing well.
3. Warm taco shells or tortillas in the oven.
4. Fill each shell with beef and top with cheese, lettuce, salsa, and avocado. Enjoy!

14) Spaghetti with Hidden Veggie Sauce

Spaghetti with Hidden Veggie Sauce is a great way to sneak extra vegetables into your child’s meal. This sauce is smooth and flavorful, making it perfect for picky eaters.

You’ll blend various veggies, making them nearly undetectable in the sauce. This recipe often includes tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, all packed with nutrients.

Your kids will enjoy a tasty dish while getting their daily servings of vegetables. Serve it with your favorite pasta and sprinkle some cheese on top if you like.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Italian herbs (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add diced carrots and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Blend sauce until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mix sauce with spaghetti and serve warm.

15) Loaded Sweet Potato Skins

Loaded sweet potato skins are a fun and healthy treat for kids. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Start by baking sweet potatoes until they are soft. Once they cool, cut them in half and scoop out the inside, leaving some flesh in the skin for support.

Fill each skin with mashed sweet potato and top with ingredients like cheese, black beans, or veggies. Bake them again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

These tasty bites can be served as a snack or a meal. Kids will love helping to assemble and enjoy these delicious sweet potato skins.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 cup black beans (cooked)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked veggies (like peppers or spinach)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Bake sweet potatoes for about 25 minutes, or until they are fork tender.

3. Cut the sweet potatoes in half and scoop out the insides.

4. Mix the scooped potato with beans, cheese, and veggies.

5. Fill the skins with the mixture and top with more cheese.

6. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.