17 Recipes To Make Your Kids Love What’s On Their Plate

Getting kids to eat without turning dinner into a standoff is a skill few have mastered. Instead of negotiating over every bite, try meals that make them excited about what’s on their plate. This collection of recipes is proof that food doesn’t have to be shaped like a dinosaur to get their approval.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Kids usually run from anything with the word “baked,” but that changes when you bring out Twice Baked Potatoes. Crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and packed with all the right flavors, this one’s a sneaky way to win them over. It’s basically a mashed potato upgrade with a crunchy top, which makes it impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Spaghetti Bolognese

A big bowl of pasta covered in a rich, meaty sauce is hard for any kid to turn down, and Spaghetti Bolognese is no exception. This one brings the comfort of a home-cooked meal without looking too “healthy” to scare them off. It’s messy enough to be fun but filling enough to keep them happy.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Mornings don’t have to be a battle when Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is on the table. It’s got crispy, golden bites stacked over a hearty, cheesy base that keeps kids coming back for seconds. No more complaints about boring breakfasts when this shows up. Just be prepared for requests to have it at dinner too.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Cheese Ravioli

If kids had to pick a meal to eat forever, Cheese Ravioli would be high on the list. Soft bites packed with cheesy goodness make this one an easy win. It’s got just the right amount of comfort while still looking fancy enough to make them feel like they’re eating something special. Add a simple sauce and dinner feels like a big deal.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Chicken Fried Rice

Anything with rice usually gets a thumbs-up, but Chicken Fried Rice takes things up a notch. It’s got a little bit of everything kids like—savory flavors, a mix of textures, and just enough fun. Plus, they won’t even notice if you sneak in a few veggies. It’s the kind of meal that disappears from their plates before you can even sit down.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Pasta Carbonara

Some meals are fancy without trying, and Pasta Carbonara is one of them. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bits, this dish keeps kids too busy enjoying it to complain. There’s no complicated sauce to make them suspicious, just a simple, rich flavor. The best part? It’s a meal that feels special but takes almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Neapolitan Pizza

Pizza night gets an upgrade with Neapolitan Pizza, and no one’s mad about it. A crispy crust with simple but bold flavors makes it a winner. It’s got just enough chew to keep them entertained and just enough crunch to keep things exciting. Once they get a bite, they’ll never look at frozen pizza the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Copycat Smash Burger

If there’s one way to get kids excited about dinner, it’s by putting Copycat Smash Burger on the menu. This one feels like a fast-food treat without the drive-thru. It’s the kind of burger that makes them ask for seconds before they’ve even finished the first. Be warned—once they try it, all other burgers will feel boring.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Pizza Salad

Getting kids to eat greens is tricky, but Pizza Salad changes the game. It’s got all the flavors they love, minus the heavy crust, so they won’t even complain. With enough toppings to keep things interesting, this one doesn’t feel like a typical “eat your veggies” lecture. They’ll clean their plates without realizing they just ate a salad.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

When dinner needs a little excitement, Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes get the job done. A fluffy, steamy base topped with just enough heat to keep things fun makes this a favorite. It’s a mix of creamy and crunchy that kids can’t resist. Just have a drink nearby in case they get a little too brave with the spice.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Mozzarella Sticks

A crispy shell with gooey cheese inside is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, which is why Mozzarella Sticks never last long. They’re the kind of snack that keeps kids reaching for more until the plate is empty. Stretchy cheese and a golden crust make it feel like a treat, but you won’t hear any complaints. Just don’t expect leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Copycat Impossible Burger

Whether they know it’s plant-based or not, Copycat Impossible Burger delivers big on flavor. It’s juicy, meaty, and packed with everything they love about a good burger. The best part? They’ll be too busy enjoying it to even ask what’s in it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

Tortilla Pizza

When dinner needs to happen fast, Tortilla Pizza saves the day. It’s crispy, cheesy, and ready before anyone has time to complain they’re hungry. Thin and crunchy but packed with flavor, this one is an instant hit. They’ll love that it feels like a personal pizza just for them.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Homemade Lasagna

Layers of cheesy goodness and rich sauce make Homemade Lasagna a meal kids never turn down. It’s hearty enough to keep them full and tasty enough to make them excited about leftovers. The best part? It looks impressive without being complicated. Get ready for requests to make it again soon.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Hawaiian Baked Beans

Sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavors, Hawaiian Baked Beans make dinner feel fun. It’s the kind of dish that surprises kids in the best way. They might not expect to love it, but after one bite, they’ll change their minds. Plus, it pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Italian Sliders

When a full-sized sandwich feels like too much, Italian Sliders step in to save the day. These little bites are packed with big flavor and the perfect size for little hands. They’re just messy enough to be fun but not enough to require a full outfit change. You’ll wonder why you ever made regular-sized sandwiches in the first place.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Mac and Cheese

If there’s one meal kids never say no to, it’s Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the comfort they love, this one’s always a win. It’s simple, familiar, and impossible to mess up. Just don’t be surprised if they ask for it every night.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese