Happy Meals Start With 17 Kid Friendly Recipes To Try Tonight
Kids have a talent for rejecting food before they even try it, so familiar meals with a fun spin are the way to go. Dinner should be easy, not a test of patience and persuasion. This collection of 17 recipes keeps things simple, stress-free, and actually enjoyable.
Cinnamon Roll Cake
Kids love dessert, and adding cake to the mix makes it even better. That warm, sweet flavor packed into Cinnamon Roll Cake turns any meal into a treat. It’s soft, gooey, and perfect for little hands that somehow always get sticky anyway. Just be ready for them to ask for seconds before dinner is even over.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cake
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls
Kids might not like spice, but they love fun food they can pick up and eat. That’s where Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls come in. They’re easy to grab, even easier to eat, and perfect for keeping little ones happy at dinner. Just make sure to make extras, because these disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls
Cattle Drive Casserole
A dish that keeps kids full and happy is a winner every time. That’s why Cattle Drive Casserole is a go-to for busy nights when everyone is starving. It’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with everything that makes dinner feel complete. If leftovers exist, they won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole
Chicken Fried Rice
Mixing everything in one dish makes dinner easy, especially when kids get all their favorites in one scoop. That’s why Chicken Fried Rice is always a good idea—it’s simple, filling, and somehow fun to eat. It’s got just the right mix of flavors to keep picky eaters interested. Bonus: no extra side dishes required.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Cheese Ravioli
If pasta makes kids happy, then stuffing it with cheese makes it even better. That’s exactly why Cheese Ravioli is a kid-approved favorite that always disappears fast. Each bite is cheesy, soft, and basically made for dunking in whatever sauce is nearby. Plus, it’s an easy way to make dinner feel special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli
Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Breakfast, snack, or dessert—this one works anytime kids want something sweet. Cinnamon Swirl Bread is soft, comforting, and packed with enough flavor. It’s just the right balance of sweetness without going overboard. The only problem is keeping enough around for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
If kids hear “mac and cheese,” they’re already on board. But add in the creamy goodness of Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, and suddenly dinner feels a little more special. It’s smooth, cheesy, and sneaks in a little extra goodness without anyone complaining. Just don’t tell them why it’s so creamy, and everyone wins.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Copycat Smash Burger
Fast food is great, but making it at home makes it even better. That’s why Copycat Smash Burger is a hit. Kids love the way it stacks up just like their favorite restaurant version. Plus, you get bonus points for making their favorite meal without a drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger
Hawaiian Baked Beans
Sweet and savory always work together, especially when it’s something as comforting as Hawaiian Baked Beans. They’re saucy, hearty, and have just enough sweetness to make kids actually want to eat them. Perfect as a side or a main dish when paired with something fun.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
Cheeseburger Soup
Soup might not always sound exciting to kids, but when it tastes like a cheeseburger, they’re suddenly interested. Cheeseburger Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors they already love. It’s warm, filling, and somehow makes eating with a spoon more fun. Just don’t expect any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup
Homemade Lasagna
Layers of cheesy goodness always get kids to the table fast. That’s why Homemade Lasagna is a meal that makes everyone happy without fail. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and has that perfect balance of cheesy and saucy in every bite. Plus, leftovers somehow taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna
Copycat Impossible Burger
Getting kids to eat something plant-based can be tricky, unless it tastes like a real burger. That’s why Copycat Impossible Burger is such a winner—it’s juicy, flavorful, and looks just like the real thing. Kids won’t even question it. Just don’t tell them it’s not actually meat until after they say they love it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger
Italian Pasta with Salami
Pasta night is always a success, but throwing in something extra makes it even better. Italian Pasta with Salami brings that fun, salty kick that keeps kids coming back for more. It’s simple, flavorful, and doesn’t need anything fancy to be a hit. Just grab a fork and let them dig in.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger
Kids love fast food, but making it at home feels like a win for everyone. That’s why Homemade KFC Zinger Burger is a game-changer—it’s crispy, flavorful, and has just enough kick to keep things exciting. It’s messy in the best way, which somehow makes it more fun to eat. Just make sure there are napkins nearby.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
When pasta meets creamy goodness, it’s an instant hit with kids. That’s why Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara works every time. It feels a little fancy, but still simple enough to keep picky eaters happy. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that makes them think restaurant food isn’t so hard to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Italian Sliders
Sliders are basically built for kids—small, fun, and easy to eat without forks. That’s why Italian Sliders make dinner time a little more exciting. They’re cheesy, flavorful, and packed with just enough to make each bite count. Plus, anything mini always seems to taste better.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes might sound boring, but stuffing them with something good makes all the difference. Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes bring that creamy, cheesy goodness. They’re fun to eat, easy to grab with a fork, and perfect for hungry kids. Just be ready for them to ask for more before you’ve even finished yours.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes
