As a parent, cooking with your kids can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to spend quality time together, but it’s also a great way to teach them important skills like measuring, following instructions, and trying new foods. But where do you start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll share 20 simple and easy recipes that kids will love, from classic comfort foods to healthy snacks and sweet treats. Whether your child is a picky eater or an adventurous foodie, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Stay tuned for our first set of recipes, featuring yummy options like Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-Ups, Mini Pizza Bagels, and Cheesy Quesadillas…
Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-Ups
A classic combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet bananas, wrapped up in a convenient and easy-to-eat roll.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
– 1 whole wheat tortilla (6-8 inches)
– Optional: honey or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions:
1. Lay the tortilla flat on a surface.
2. Spread one half of the tortilla with the peanut butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Slice the bananas into 1-inch pieces and place them along the peanut butter side of the tortilla.
4. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to form a roll.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make additional roll-ups.
6. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: None needed! These are ready-to-eat treats.
Mini Pizza Bagels
These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer for your next gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious mini pizzas wrapped in soft bagel dough.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup of pizza sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Toppings of your choice (e.g. pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, olives)
– Sesame seeds and poppy seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut into small squares or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes.
4. Place a spoonful of pizza sauce on each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and add your desired toppings.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or a pinwheel shape.
7. Place mini pizzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cheesy Quesadillas
Satisfy your cravings with these easy-to-make, gooey and deliciously cheesy quesadillas that are perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken or beans (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
3. Add chopped cooked chicken or beans, if using.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese starts to melt.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also lightly browned.
7. Repeat with remaining tortillas and cheese.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (4 quesadillas)
Enjoy your delicious cheesy quesadillas!
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Create a colorful and healthy snack with this easy recipe! Perfect for parties or as a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed fruit (grapes, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi)
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
2. Thread 2-3 pieces of each color onto a skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Repeat until all the fruit is used up.
4. Drizzle with honey if desired for extra sweetness.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready when you are.
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Skip store-bought nuggets and make your own delicious chicken nuggets at home! This recipe is easy to follow and yields tender, juicy bites that are perfect for snacking or as a meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the coated chicken pieces for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: About 12-15 minutes total
Yogurt Parfait with Granola
Start your day or rev up your afternoon with a simple yet satisfying yogurt parfait layered with crunchy granola, sweet fruit, and creamy yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup granola
– 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, layer the yogurt, granola, and mixed berries in equal parts.
2. Drizzle with honey, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness.
3. Repeat the layers one more time to create a parfait.
4. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy yogurt parfait with granola!
Apple Sandwiches with Almond Butter
This sweet and satisfying sandwich is a perfect combination of crunchy apples, creamy almond butter, and soft bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe apples, sliced
– 2 tbsp almond butter
– 4 slices whole wheat bread
– 1 tsp honey (optional)
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Spread 1-2 tsp of almond butter on each slice of bread.
2. Arrange apple slices on top of the almond butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Drizzle with honey, if using, and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for added flavor and texture.
4. Place another slice of bread on top to create a sandwich.
5. Cut into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-bake recipe, perfect for a quick snack or lunch.
Enjoy your delicious Apple Sandwiches with Almond Butter!
Pasta with Butter and Cheese
Pasta with Butter and Cheese: A Classic Comfort Dish
This simple yet satisfying recipe combines the richness of butter and cheese with the comfort of al dente pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or other melting cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the grated cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Veggie Stuffed Tortilla Pinwheels
Satisfy your snack attack with these flavorful pinwheels packed with a colorful mix of vegetables and creamy hummus. Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or on-the-go munching.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 tortilla wraps
– 1/2 cup hummus
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Spread about 2 tablespoons of hummus on each tortilla wrap, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
2. Arrange the shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, and chopped cucumber in the center of each wrap.
3. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the vegetables.
4. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly to form a pinwheel shape.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Banana Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and healthy twist on classic pancakes using ripe bananas.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter if necessary.
5. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes for 4-6 pancakes.
Trail Mix with Pretzels and Raisins
Get ready for a snack that’s both satisfying and delicious! This trail mix recipe combines crunchy pretzels, sweet raisins, and savory nuts for the perfect pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews)
– 1 cup pretzel rods, broken into pieces
– 1/2 cup golden raisins
– 1/4 cup honey-roasted peanuts
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed nuts and pretzel pieces.
2. Add raisins, honey-roasted peanuts, and brown sugar to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
3. Sprinkle salt over the mixture and stir again.
4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! This snack is ready when you are!
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Trail Mix with Pretzels and Raisins!
Cheese and Crackers Snack Plate
A classic snack plate that’s perfect for any occasion, this cheese and crackers combination is a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying snack in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of cheddar or mozzarella cheese (sliced)
– 1 package of assorted crackers (e.g., wheat thins, saltines, or club crackers)
– 1/2 cup of grapes, halved
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Arrange the sliced cheese on a serving plate.
2. Place the assortment of crackers nearby.
3. Add the halved grapes to one side of the plate.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
5. Serve and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in an instant!)
Scrambled Egg Muffins
Start your day off right with these fluffy, flavorful scrambled egg muffins. Perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 6 muffin cups (greased)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cheese, parsley, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and centers are slightly jiggly.
5. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Carrot and Celery Sticks with Hummus
A simple and healthy snack that’s perfect for any time of day. This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in a delicious and satisfying way.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 carrot sticks
– 2-3 celery stalks
– 1/2 cup hummus
– Salt, to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Wash the carrots and celery thoroughly, then dry with a clean towel.
2. Cut the carrots into bite-sized sticks and slice the celery into thin strips.
3. Serve the carrot and celery sticks with store-bought or homemade hummus for dipping.
4. Sprinkle with salt to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Enjoy your crunchy and delicious snack!
Mini Corn Dogs
These mini corn dogs are the perfect snack for parties or game days. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re a tasty twist on the classic fair favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 dozen mini hot dogs
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each mini hot dog into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in cornmeal mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry corn dogs for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Frozen Yogurt Bites
Cool down with these bite-sized treats that combine the creamy goodness of yogurt and the crunch of cookies.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen yogurt (any flavor)
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1 cup crushed wafers or cookie crumbs (such as chocolate sandwich cookies)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the frozen yogurt, oats, butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
4. Sprinkle the crushed wafers or cookie crumbs evenly over the yogurt balls.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly toasted.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Get ready for a comforting classic with this simple recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich and creamy macaroni dish that will satisfy any pasta lover.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
8. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Savor the sweet and tangy combination of fresh strawberries and cream cheese on soft bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 4 slices white bread (or your preferred type)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juice and mingle with the sugar.
2. Spread one side of each bread slice with softened cream cheese.
3. Spoon the sweetened strawberry mixture onto the cream cheese-covered bread slices.
4. Top with another bread slice, creating a sandwich.
5. Cut in half or quarter, depending on your preference.
Cooking Time: None! Assemble and serve immediately.
Pita Bread with Veggie Fillings
Pita bread is a classic Mediterranean staple that’s perfect for scooping up flavorful fillings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup lukewarm water
– Veggie fillings of your choice (e.g., hummus, tabbouleh, roasted vegetables)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add lukewarm water, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Punch down the dough, shape into 2-3 pitas, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Fill with your favorite veggies and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Elevate your snack game with these irresistible chocolate-dipped pretzels, perfect for movie nights or as a sweet surprise for friends.
Ingredients:
• 1 bag of soft pretzels (about 12-15 pretzels)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening (like Crisco or vegetable shortening)
• Optional: sprinkles, chopped nuts, or sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate, coating about 2/3 of the pretzel.
6. Place the dipped pretzels back on the baking sheet.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
8. Serve and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Summary
Get your kids excited about cooking with these 20 simple and easy recipes that are fun to make! From classic favorites like peanut butter and banana roll-ups and mini pizza bagels, to healthy snacks like veggie stuffed tortilla pinwheels and carrot and celery sticks with hummus. There’s something for everyone in this collection of kid-friendly recipes.
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