Easy Recipes For Picky Toddlers And Kids

Children have their own culinary preferences, just like adults do. While some children dislike specific textures, others steer clear of particular flavors. It's usually nothing to worry about, but it may definitely leave you feeling stuck when it comes to organizing family dinners. Your family cannot survive solely on chicken nuggets, after all.For this reason, we've included hundreds of kid-friendly meal options, such as comforting soups, simple sandwiches, and traditional pasta dishes that the whole family will love.

There are more than a few recipes here that you'll want to bookmark for later since we included slow-simmered dishes that are ideal for Sunday supper, fast weeknight dinner recipes, and healthy make-ahead dinners. Try one of the numerous one-pot or sheet pan dinners on our list if you don't want to conclude the evening with a sink full of dishes. To make things even simpler, we've included a ton of recipes for slow cookers and air fryers. 

1. Mini Pita Pizzas

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat pita bread (or regular pita)

• Tomato sauce (or ketchup if you like it sweeter)

• Shredded cheese

• Toppings: olives, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms (anything you like!)

How to Make It:

1. Spread a little bit of tomato sauce on your pita bread.

2. Sprinkle cheese on top of the sauce. You can use as much or as little as you want!

3. Pick your toppings—try olives, pepperoni, or any veggie you like (or none at all).

4. Bake at 350°F (about 175°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Cut into fun shapes with a knife, or eat it whole. Enjoy your mini pizza!

2. Rainbow Veggie Wraps 

Ingredients:

• Soft tortilla wraps

• Cream cheese (or hummus if you like a different flavor)

• Carrot sticks (cut thin)

• Cucumber slices

• Bell pepper strips (yellow, red, or orange)

• Spinach or lettuce

Read also: Easy Keto-friendly Snack Recipes For Beginners

How to Make It:

1. Spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus on your tortilla.

2. Place the veggies in a colorful line in the middle of the tortilla.

3. Roll the tortilla up like a burrito, folding in the sides first.

4. Cut it in half and see the rainbow of veggies inside. It looks as good as it tastes!

3. DIY Fruit Kabobs 

Ingredients:

• Your favorite fruits (like apples, strawberries, grapes, bananas, pineapple, and melon)

• Wooden skewers (or you can use popsicle sticks)

• Honey or yogurt for dipping (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Wash and cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.

2. Slide the pieces onto the wooden skewers, alternating the different fruits to make them colorful.

3. Serve with honey or yogurt on the side for dipping (if you want to add a little sweetness).

4. Enjoy your fruity masterpiece!

4. Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-Ups 

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat or plain tortilla

• Peanut butter (or almond butter)

• Banana

How to Make It:

1. Spread peanut butter evenly over the tortilla.

2. Place a whole banana on the tortilla and roll it up.

3. Slice into small pieces (like sushi rolls).

4. Eat and enjoy your yummy, healthy snack!

5. Cheese and Veggie Quesadillas 

Ingredients:

• Flour tortillas

• Shredded cheese

• Small veggies like corn, spinach, or diced bell peppers

• Butter (for the pan)

How to Make It:

1. Place one tortilla in a hot pan and sprinkle cheese on top.

2. Add your favorite veggies, then place another tortilla on top.

3. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly to melt the cheese inside.

4. Cut it into wedges and enjoy your cheesy quesadilla!

6. Sweet Potato Fries 

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin strips (like fries).

3. Toss the strips in olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Enjoy crispy, sweet fries that are healthy too!

Read also: Step-by-Step Guide to High-protein Recipes

7. Apple Sandwiches with Nut Butter 

Ingredients:

• 1 apple (any variety)

• Nut butter (peanut butter or almond butter)

• Raisins or granola for topping

How to Make It:

1. Core the apple and slice it into thin rings.

2. Spread nut butter on one apple ring.

3. Stack another apple ring on top to make a sandwich.

4. Top with raisins or granola for a crunchy, fun treat.

8. Yogurt Parfaits 

Ingredients:

• Yogurt (any flavor)

• Granola

• Fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, bananas)

How to Make It:

1. Layer a little yogurt in the bottom of a cup or bowl.

2. Add a layer of granola.

3. Top with your favorite fruits.

4. Repeat the layers until the cup is full.

5. Enjoy your yummy parfait!

9. Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup peanut butter

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make It:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until everything is well combined.

2. Roll the mixture into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).

3. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before eating.

4. These are great as a snack or a quick breakfast!

Read also: Low-fat Recipes With Shredded Chicken

10. Mini Pancake Stacks 

Ingredients:

• Pancake mix (or you can make your own)

• Fresh fruit (blueberries, strawberries, or banana slices)

• Syrup (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Cook small pancakes according to the instructions on the mix.

2. Stack a few pancakes on top of each other.

3. Top with fruit and drizzle with syrup (if you like).

4. Eat your delicious mini pancakes!

Conclusion:

There you have it—10 easy and fun recipes that even picky eaters will love! These recipes are simple to make, packed with nutrients, and fun for the whole family. You can also get creative with your toppings and fillings to make them even more exciting. So, grab your apron and start cooking—your next favorite snack is just a few steps away!