10+ Kids Recipes for Fun and Easy Family Cooking

Finding fun and tasty recipes for kids can make mealtime enjoyable for the whole family. Kid-friendly recipes can help create delicious dishes that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these recipes can turn cooking into a fun family activity.

Cooking with kids is also a great opportunity to teach them basic skills and encourage healthy eating habits. Engaging your children in the kitchen not only makes meals more enjoyable, but it also helps them develop a love for cooking. Enjoy exploring a variety of quick and easy recipes that can bring excitement to your dining table.

1) Homemade Pizza with Sauce

Making pizza at home is fun and easy! You can create your own tasty sauce and personalize your pizza with your favorite toppings. Gather your kids and let them help with the fun parts.

For the pizza dough, you will need a 14 to 16-ounce ball of dough. Next, prepare your sauce with 1½ cups of marinara. You can also add cheese like mozzarella, Jack, Colby, or cheddar for extra flavor.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

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

2) Lemon & Yogurt Chicken Flatbreads

Lemon and yogurt chicken flatbreads are a fun and tasty choice for kids. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. The marinade includes lemon, garlic, and yogurt, which keeps the chicken juicy and delicious.

To prepare, simply grill or cook the chicken strips until they’re golden. Once cooked, place them in soft flatbreads. You can add your favorite toppings like cucumber or tomato for extra crunch.

These wraps are perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Kids can even help assemble their own flatbreads, making it a great family activity.

Ingredients

• 2 skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Flatbreads
• Optional toppings (cucumber, tomato, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, yogurt, garlic, and oregano.
2. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook the chicken strips for about 6-8 minutes until golden.
5. Serve in flatbreads with optional toppings.

3) Easy Rice Paper Rolls

Making rice paper rolls is fun and simple. You can fill them with your favorite veggies and proteins. They are great for kids to help with too!

Start by boiling some water. Dip the rice paper sheets into the warm water for a few seconds until soft.

Then, place the wrappers on a flat surface. Add your chosen fillings like sliced cucumber, carrots, and even chicken.

Carefully roll them up like a burrito. Serve with hoisin or peanut sauce for a tasty dip!

Ingredients

• 16 rice paper sheets
• 1 cucumber, cut into ribbons
• 1 carrot, cut into strips
• 1/2 barbecue chicken (optional, finely diced)
• 5 tbsp hoisin sauce
• Fresh herbs (like mint or cilantro)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot and let it cool slightly.
2. Soak a rice paper sheet in water for a few seconds.
3. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
4. Add your fillings.
5. Roll the wrapper tightly.
6. Repeat with remaining sheets and fillings.

4) Quick Pizza Bread Sticks

Making quick pizza bread sticks is an easy and fun activity for you and your kids. They can help in the kitchen and enjoy a tasty treat afterward.

To get started, use your favorite pizza dough. You can choose homemade or premade for convenience. Roll it out flat and cut it into strips.

Next, place the strips on a baking sheet. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic and your choice of cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Once done, let them cool slightly. They’re great served with marinara sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (homemade or premade)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Shredded cheese (like mozzarella)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into strips.
3. Place the strips on a baking sheet.
4. Brush olive oil on top and sprinkle with garlic powder and cheese.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
6. Cool slightly and serve with marinara sauce.

5) Chicken Rice Bowls

Chicken rice bowls are a delicious and healthy meal for kids. They are easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and sauces.

Start with a base of rice. You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Then, add cooked chicken pieces.

For toppings, include veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add some beans for extra protein. Drizzle homemade sauce for flavor.

These bowls are great for mixing and matching ingredients, making dinner fun. Kids will love personalizing their own bowl!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice (white or brown)
• 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup black beans (optional)
• Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, sauté bell peppers and broccoli until tender.
3. Add the cooked chicken and stir to combine.
4. Serve the chicken and veggies over the rice.
5. Drizzle with sauce before serving. Enjoy!

6) Frozen Yogurt Bites

Frozen yogurt bites are a fun and healthy treat for kids. They are simple to make and delightful to eat. You can customize them with flavors and toppings your kids love.

To make these bites, you’ll need yogurt, sweetener, and any favorite fruits or toppings. Try adding a little honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness if needed.

These bites can be frozen for a refreshing snack on a hot day. They are also high in protein and can be made dairy-free if you choose.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek-style plain yogurt (whole-milk preferred)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit or toppings (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
2. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Add fruit or toppings on top if desired.
4. Freeze for about 2-3 hours, until solid.
5. Pop out the bites and enjoy!

7) Tuna Rice Balls/Onigiri

Tuna rice balls, or onigiri, are fun and easy to make. They are great for kids and can be a quick lunch or snack. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients.

To start, you’ll need cooked rice as the base. Mixing in canned tuna, mayonnaise, or seasonings adds flavor. You can also add vegetables like chopped chives or carrots.

Once mixed, simply shape the rice into balls or triangles. Wrap them in seaweed for extra taste and easy eating.

These rice balls are not just tasty; they are also portable, making them perfect for picnics or lunches.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can tuna (drained)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Nori (seaweed) sheets

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix rice, tuna, mayonnaise, and chives.
2. Wet your hands and shape the mixture into balls or triangles.
3. Wrap each rice ball in a strip of nori.
4. Serve immediately or pack for later.

8) Peanut Butter & Jelly Puffs

Peanut Butter & Jelly Puffs are a fun and tasty treat you can make with your kids. These puffs are easy to prepare and perfect for snack time or dessert.

To start, you just need a few simple ingredients that most kitchens already have. Kids love to help with making these puffs, especially when it comes to adding the peanut butter and jelly.

These puffs have a delightful crispy texture outside, with the soft, sweet filling inside. They are sure to be a hit with your family, young and old!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup jelly or jam
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares.
3. Add a dollop of peanut butter and jelly to the center of each square.
4. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle and seal the edges.
5. Brush with beaten egg for a golden color.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden.

9) Crumb-Topped Banana Muffins

These crumb-topped banana muffins are a delightful treat for kids. They are moist, fluffy, and full of banana flavor. Plus, the crumb topping adds a nice crunch.

To start, you’ll mix the ripe bananas with sugar, eggs, and melted butter. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Then, gently stir the wet and dry ingredients together.

Next, prepare the crumb topping by mixing brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon with butter. Sprinkle it over the muffin batter before baking.

Bake your muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup melted butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, egg, and melted butter.
4. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. For the crumb topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon with butter.
6. Fill muffin cups with batter and sprinkle crumb topping on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

10) Chicken in a Sleeping Bag

Chicken in a Sleeping Bag is a fun and yummy recipe for kids. This dish offers a cute twist on the classic pigs in a blanket. You use crescent roll dough to wrap up tasty fillings.

To make it, layer some delicious ham, cheese, and chicken patties inside the dough. Then, bake them until they are golden brown. Kids will love both making and eating these tasty sandwiches.

This recipe is great for parties, lunches, or family dinners. It’s easy to customize, so you can add in other favorite ingredients too.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough
• Chicken patties
• Sliced ham
• Shredded cheese
• Mustard or other sauces (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the crescent dough on a baking sheet.
3. Lay down chicken patties, ham, and cheese on the dough.
4. Fold the dough over the fillings and seal the edges.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.