In the world of parenting, few tasks are as daunting — yet important — as satisfying the discerning palates of children. Finding nutritious, delicious and kid-friendly food options can be a daily challenge, which means families often default to bland frozen fish sticks or garish stovetop mac and cheese. Fortunately, kid-friendly meals have evolved from these staples, and with the right ingredients on hand, you can serve up quick, almost-homemade options that don’t take much longer than ordering takeout or thawing a frozen dinner.
Whether your child is a Picky Parker or Adventurous Aisha, these upgraded kids’ classics will delight the whole family. (Yes, that means you, too).
1. HAM AND CHEESE EGG CUPS
Whether you’re engaging in the daily out-the-door dash or enjoying a leisurely weekend morning, these egg cups offer a protein-packed start. You can even mix in your kiddo’s favorite breakfast toppings, or sneak in hidden veggies, like finely chopped broccoli or spinach.
2. STRAWBERRY COCONUT MILK SMOOTHIE
Smoothies and juices let you pack an orchard full of healthy nutrients into an irresistible sip. This strawberry-centered smoothie recipe is gluten- and dairy-free, with vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost. It’s a perfect way to start the day off right with a full serving of fruit.
3. MONKEY BREAD RECIPE
If you can’t get your little monkeys to stop swinging, climbing and chasing, we have an ideal way to bring them running — with pull-apart bread that’s as much fun to eat as it is easy to make. The secret? Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, that you spice up by shaking with McCormick Ground Cinnamon combined with sugar for a delicious coating.
4. KIDS' TURKEY QUESADILLAS
Quesadillas are a crowd pleaser and this is a super-easy version that comes together in a snap with lunch meat and sliced American cheese and popped in the microwave. If your child is a bit more adventurous, you can dress up the filling with multicolored sliced peppers and/or fresh tomatoes.
5. PIZZA PINWHEELS
What’s the lunchbox food your kid is least likely to trade away? If you said pizza, you nailed it. But just foiling up a triangular piece of leftover pie is so…unimaginative. With just a few extra minutes of prep time, you can have these adorable pinwheels that are perfect for a cool bento box presentation, as a portable afterschool snack, or for creative party fare. A few shakes of McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning will bring that pizza parlor flavor to every bite.
6. PULL APART SANDWICHES
Pull-part sandwiches add a playful twist to meal or snack time. This savory take also uses store-bought staples as the foundation, allowing you to put these “quasi-homemade” bites together in a flash. Once again you’ll use a spice drawer star, McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, along with McCormick Garlic Powder, for a zesty zing, while two kinds of cheese lend a gooey deliciousness.
7. CRESCENT-WRAPPED AIR FRYER HOT DOGS
This version elevates a kid favorite by swapping an uninspired doughy hot dog bun with tasty crescent dough. (And yes, if you’re thinking the “bandage” look makes them a yummy mummy Halloween treat, we saw it, too!) Cooking them in an air fryer yields the ideal crunchy texture. Dunk them in tangy French's Honey Mustard and don’t be surprised if you’re mentally transported to a summer afternoon at the ballpark.
8. TACO MAC 'N CHEESE
Can’t decide between tacos or mac-and-cheese? Why choose just one kid chart topper when you can serve this zesty mashup sure to satisfy all taste buds. You’ll stir McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix into both the ground beef mixture and the bubbly cheese sauce topping for a fun spin on two beloved classics.
More Kid-Friendly Recipes The Whole Family Can Enjoy
Are you loving these recipes for kids and family? Find more kid-friendly recipes that even a picky eater will enjoy:
