Kid Friendly Recipes That Save The Day—17 Ideas To Try
Kids can be picky, but these meals keep things easy and stress-free. No need for bribes or negotiations—just simple recipes that actually work. Whether it’s a quick dinner, a fun snack, or something they can help make, these ideas keep everyone happy. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll even ask for seconds.
Cattle Drive Casserole
Kids coming home hungry after school? Serve up some Cattle Drive Casserole for a hearty meal. This dish is easy to make and is a surefire way to fill up those empty stomachs. Bonus: You won’t be left with a pile of dishes afterwards!
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole
Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Start the day with the aroma of fresh Cinnamon Swirl Bread baking. It’s a breakfast favorite that’s perfect for a family weekend brunch. Let the kids join in the baking for added fun and to keep them engaged. It’s always a hit, and can even pass as dessert!
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Twice Baked Potatoes
Jazz up your side dish game with Twice Baked Potatoes. They’re a crowd-pleaser and you can never go wrong with them on your dinner table. Tailor them to your family’s taste, and watch even the pickiest eaters clean their plates. It’s the kind of dish that tends to steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheeseburger
Who can resist a classic Cheeseburger? Making them at home lets everyone have it their way—minus the drive-thru hassle. Great for a relaxed dinner, and they’re also a fun way to get the kids cooking. Don’t be surprised if they become a frequent request!
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger
Cinnamon Roll Cake
Love cinnamon rolls but not the work they take to make? Try Cinnamon Roll Cake for a simple yet irresistible treat. It combines convenience with the flavors everyone loves. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want a slice of this for dessert?
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cake
Cheeseburger Soup
Mix up your typical dinner routine with some Cheeseburger Soup. This creative dish blends the flavors of a burger into a slurp-worthy bowl of comfort. It’s a fun twist on the familiar, and a great conversation starter. Plus, it’s perfect for those surprise “soup’s on” moments!
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup
Spaghetti Casserole
Transform the classic pasta night with Spaghetti Casserole. This one-dish wonder is a perfect solution for hectic evenings. Kids will devour it, and you’ll appreciate how leftovers taste just as good the next day. It’s a time-saver that doubles as a palate-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Craving nuggets but don’t want to leave the house? No problem. Make your own Chick-fil-A Nuggets and enjoy that crowd-pleasing flavor at home. They’re an instant win with the family and a much more relaxed alternative to eating out. You’ve got yourself a fast-food fix without stepping outside.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Three Cheese Manicotti
If you’re in the mood for Italian, Three Cheese Manicotti is the way to go. It’s an excellent vehicle for cheese, and let’s be honest, that’s always a good idea. This dish promises to be comforting and is surprisingly unfussy to prepare. Dinner just got a notch cozier with this in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti
Copycat Impossible Burger
When you’re aiming for meatless but still mouthwatering, Copycat Impossible Burger fits the bill. It’s an approachable plant-based alternative that might just surprise you. Kids will be curious and likely won’t miss the meat. Plus, it’s a smart way to make dinner a bit healthier.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger
Cheese Ravioli
Have a go at homemade Cheese Ravioli for a dish that feels special without the all-day effort. It’s ideal for a family dinner where everyone can pitch in. Kids will love the cheesy goodness in each bite. It’s a comforting canvas for your favorite toppings or just splendid on its own.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli
Tortilla Pizza
Tortilla Pizza turns pizza night into a fun, easy activity for everyone. This recipe is low-fuss and customizable to everyone’s pizza preferences. It’s a quick ticket to deliciousness and let’s be honest, has the potential to outshine takeout. Get ready for this to become a frequent request.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Sneak some veggies onto the dinner table with Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. It’s a cheesy dish that convinces even skeptics to give cauliflower a chance. Casseroles are a ticket to comfort food heaven, and this one is no exception. You might just find a new favorite way to serve vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Tortellini Soup
When you’ve got Tortellini Soup on the menu, dinner decisions become a breeze. It’s a reliable pick for a comforting meal at the end of a hectic day. No one’s going to complain about doing the dishes after this, because there won’t be many. Plus, it’s an easy way to slide into a peaceful evening with the family.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup
Cheese Quesadilla
Cheese Quesadilla to the rescue when time is short, and hunger is high. This recipe is simple, quick, and a surefire hit with the little ones. It’s interactive, too, so kids can enjoy being part of the prep team. Serve it up and watch it vanish; that’s when you know it’s a win.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
For an indoor gathering, Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie has you covered. It’s as nutritious as it is delicious, providing a comforting meal without a lot of work. The best part is it’s a full meal in one dish. When everyone’s asking for seconds, you know it’s a hit.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is the ultimate go-to—quick to make, even quicker to disappear from the plate. It’s a staple that kids request over and over. No need to spend hours in the kitchen when this dish is on your side. It rocks for a chill night in with the family.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
