Kids can be picky eaters, making dinner time a challenge for many parents. But mealtime doesn’t have to be a struggle. There are lots of fun and tasty dinner ideas that can get even the fussiest kids excited about eating.
You can turn everyday meals into exciting adventures by trying new recipes and presenting food in creative ways. From cute shapes to playful names, small changes can make a big difference in getting kids interested in their food. With a bit of creativity, you can make nutritious dinners that your children will look forward to eating.
Mini quesadillas are a hit with kids. They’re easy to make and fun to eat. You can use small tortillas or cut larger ones into circles.
Fill them with cheese and shredded chicken for a classic combo. Add a bit of mild salsa for extra flavor. Fold the tortillas in half to seal the fillings.
Bake the quesadillas until they’re golden and crispy. Cut them into triangles for easy handling. Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for dipping.
These bite-sized treats are perfect for little hands. They’re great for quick dinners or as party snacks.
Cheesy broccoli bites are a tasty way to get kids eating more veggies. You can make these crispy treats in just a few steps.
Mix chopped broccoli with cheese, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
Cook the bites in a skillet until golden and crispy on both sides. For a healthier option, bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes.
These bites are great as a snack or side dish. Serve them warm with a dipping sauce like ranch or ketchup. Kids will love the cheesy flavor and crunchy texture.
Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a fun twist on the classic Italian dish. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients.
Start with soft buns like Hawaiian rolls. Add crispy chicken nuggets or tenders on top. Pour some marinara sauce over the chicken.
Sprinkle plenty of melted cheese on top. You can use mozzarella or parmesan. Brush the bun tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Bake the sliders until the cheese is gooey and the tops are golden brown. These mini sandwiches are perfect for kids and adults alike. They work great as an easy family dinner or party snack.
Vegetable stir fry is a quick and tasty dinner option for kids. You can use a mix of colorful veggies like peppers, carrots, and onions.
Heat oil in a pan and add ginger and garlic for flavor. Toss in the vegetables and cook until soft. For extra protein, add tofu or chicken.
Serve the stir fry over rice or noodles. Kids often enjoy slurping up ramen noodles in their stir fry. You can make a simple sauce with soy sauce, honey, and a splash of stock.
This meal comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a great way to get kids to eat more vegetables.
Spaghetti tacos are a fun twist on two kid favorites. You cook spaghetti as usual and stuff it into taco shells. Top with your favorite pasta sauce and cheese.
Kids love the silly combination. It’s easy to eat with your hands. The crunchy shell adds a nice texture contrast to the soft pasta.
You can customize these tacos. Try different sauces or add veggies. Let kids build their own for extra fun. Spaghetti tacos make a great party food too.
This meal is quick to make on busy weeknights. It uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Give spaghetti tacos a try for a giggle-inducing dinner.
Mac and cheese muffins are a fun twist on a classic kids’ favorite. You can make them easily using a muffin tin.
Start by cooking macaroni and preparing a cheese sauce. Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce, then spoon the mixture into greased muffin cups.
Top the muffins with extra cheese or breadcrumbs for added crunch. Bake them in a preheated oven until golden and bubbly.
These portable mac and cheese bites are perfect for lunchboxes or as a handheld dinner option. Kids love the individual serving size and the crispy edges.
Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a fun and healthy dinner option for kids. You can easily make them at home with just a few ingredients.
Start with a layer of yogurt in a glass or bowl. Add some chopped fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi on top.
Sprinkle on some granola for crunch. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the container.
Let your kids help build their own parfaits. They can choose their favorite fruits and toppings. This gets them involved in making dinner and more likely to eat it.
For extra flavor, drizzle a little honey between the layers. You can also add nuts or seeds if your kids like them.
Crispy fish sticks are a fun and tasty dinner option for kids. You can make them at home easily with just a few ingredients. Cut fish fillets into strips, coat them in breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
These homemade fish sticks are much healthier than store-bought versions. They’re packed with protein and good fats. Kids love the crunchy texture and mild flavor.
You can involve your children in making fish sticks too. Let them help coat the fish pieces in breadcrumbs. It’s a great way to get kids excited about dinner.
Serve fish sticks with a side of vegetables or a salad for a balanced meal. Add some tartar sauce or ketchup for dipping to make it even more appealing to young eaters.
Corn dog muffins are a fun twist on classic corn dogs. You can make them easily with cornbread mix, hot dogs, and a few other simple ingredients.
Cut hot dogs into small pieces. Mix the cornbread batter according to package directions. Fill muffin tins halfway with batter, then press hot dog pieces into each one.
Bake the muffins until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. Let them cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve with ketchup and mustard for dipping.
Kids love these bite-sized treats. They’re perfect for parties or quick weeknight dinners. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for later.
Chicken Alfredo Bake is a tasty dinner that kids love. You mix penne pasta with chicken and a creamy cheese sauce. Then you bake it all together.
The dish is easy to make and fills hungry tummies. You can even prepare it ahead of time for busy nights.
Kids enjoy the gooey cheese and soft noodles. The chicken adds protein to keep them full. It’s comfort food that pleases both kids and adults.
You can add veggies like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition. Serve it with garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Taco salad bowls are a fun twist on regular tacos that kids love. You can make edible bowls by shaping flour tortillas in oven-safe mixing bowls and baking them.
Fill the crispy bowls with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and other taco fixings. Let your kids choose their own toppings to get them excited about dinner.
For a healthier option, add veggies like corn, black beans, or chopped zucchini to the beef mixture. Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa for dipping.
This interactive meal is perfect for picky eaters. They can customize their bowls exactly how they like. It’s a great way to introduce new foods in a familiar format.
Alphabet soup is a fun and easy dinner that kids love. You can make it with beef, chicken, or vegetable broth. Add pasta letters and your choice of veggies.
This soup is perfect for picky eaters. Kids enjoy finding and eating the letter shapes. It’s a great way to make mealtime more exciting.
You can customize alphabet soup with different ingredients. Try adding corn, diced tomatoes, or leftover meats. The recipe is quick to make, often ready in about 20 minutes.
Alphabet soup is nutritious and comforting. It’s ideal for sick days or as a simple lunch option. Your kids will have fun while eating a healthy meal.
Homemade veggie chips are a fun and healthy snack for kids. You can use a variety of vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, or kale to make crispy chips.
Slice your chosen veggies thinly and toss them with a little olive oil and salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake until crispy.
Kids can help with the preparation by washing vegetables or sprinkling on seasonings. They’ll enjoy the colorful results and crunchy texture.
These chips are a great way to introduce new vegetables to picky eaters. Serve them as a side dish or pack them for school lunches.
Chicken Caesar wraps are a kid-friendly twist on the classic salad. You can make them quickly for a fun dinner option. Start with large tortillas and spread Caesar dressing on each one.
Add cooked, sliced chicken breast for protein. Then layer on crisp romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons if desired. Some kids may enjoy diced tomatoes too.
Roll up the tortillas tightly to keep everything inside. Cut each wrap in half diagonally for easier eating. Serve with extra dressing on the side for dipping.
These wraps work great for picnics or packed lunches too. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble right before eating.
Sweet potato tots are a fun twist on regular tater tots. Kids love their small size and crispy texture. They’re easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
To prepare, steam diced sweet potatoes until tender. Mash them and mix with a bit of flour and seasoning. Shape the mixture into small cylinders and bake until golden brown.
These tots are packed with nutrients like vitamin A and fiber. You can add extra veggies like spinach for a nutritional boost. Serve them as a side dish or snack with ketchup or another dipping sauce.
Sweet potato tots are great for meal prep too. Make a big batch and reheat them for quick meals during the week.
Spinach ricotta lasagna is a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. You can make it easily with lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, spinach, and tomato sauce.
Start by cooking the noodles until they’re al dente. Mix ricotta cheese with eggs, Parmesan, and chopped spinach in a bowl.
Layer the ingredients in a baking dish. Start with sauce, then noodles, and add the ricotta spinach mixture. Repeat these layers until you’ve used everything up.
Top it off with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. Kids will love this cheesy, veggie-packed dinner.
Mediterranean pita pockets are a fun and tasty dinner option for kids. You can fill whole grain pitas with a variety of healthy ingredients.
Try stuffing them with chicken, turkey, or falafel for protein. Add cucumber slices, tomatoes, and a dollop of hummus for extra flavor and nutrition.
Let your kids build their own pockets. Lay out different fillings and let them choose what to put inside. This makes mealtime more interactive and exciting.
For a vegetarian option, use grilled vegetables or a quinoa mixture as the main filling. These pockets are easy to customize based on what your family likes.
Stuffed zucchini boats are a fun and tasty way to get kids to eat their veggies. Start by cutting zucchini in half lengthwise and scooping out the insides.
Fill the hollowed-out zucchini with a mix of cooked ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese. You can also try other fillings like chicken or vegetables.
Place the filled zucchini in a baking dish and top with more cheese. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted.
Kids will love helping to scoop out the zucchini and add the toppings. This meal is both healthy and interactive, making it perfect for family dinners.
Rainbow veggie skewers are a fun way to get kids excited about eating vegetables. You can use a variety of colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber slices.
Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Thread them onto skewers in rainbow order. This creates an appealing visual that kids will love.
Serve the skewers with a tasty dip on the side. Ranch dressing or hummus work well. You can make these ahead of time for easy meal prep.
These skewers are perfect for parties or as a healthy after-school snack. Kids can even help make them, turning veggie prep into a fun activity.
Chicken teriyaki bowls are a tasty and fun dinner option for kids. You can easily customize them to suit different tastes.
Start by cooking chicken pieces in a skillet until they’re golden brown. Add a simple teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
Serve the chicken over rice and add colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Let kids build their own bowls by choosing their favorite toppings.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. This meal is not only delicious but also packed with protein and vegetables.
Apple sandwiches are a fun and healthy snack for kids. To make them, slice apples into thin rounds. Remove the cores to create rings.
Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on one side of each apple slice. Add toppings like raisins, granola, or chocolate chips.
Press another apple slice on top to make a sandwich. You can also use cookie cutters to shape the apple slices into fun designs.
These sandwiches are easy for kids to help make. They’re great for after-school snacks or lunchboxes. Apple sandwiches offer a good mix of sweet and crunchy textures that kids enjoy.
Shrimp tacos are a tasty and fun dinner option for kids. You can easily make them at home with a few simple steps.
Start by marinating the shrimp in a mix of olive oil and spices like chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the shrimp in a pan over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and curl up.
Serve the shrimp in soft tortillas with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a mild sauce. Let kids build their own tacos for extra fun.
Spinach and feta cakes are a tasty way to sneak veggies into your kids’ meals. These savory bites combine nutritious spinach with tangy feta cheese for a flavor kids enjoy.
You can make these cakes with quinoa for added protein and nutrients. The Greek-inspired combo of spinach and feta creates a delicious taste that even picky eaters might like.
Top the cakes with a cool lemon-dill yogurt sauce for extra zest. This quick and easy dinner option works well for busy families. You can even make extra and freeze them for future meals.
Nutrition Tips For Kids
Feeding kids a balanced diet helps them grow and stay healthy. These tips will help you give your child the nutrients they need.
Importance Of Balanced Meals
A balanced meal includes foods from different food groups. This gives kids a mix of nutrients their bodies need. Try to include protein, carbs, fruits, veggies, and dairy at most meals.
Protein helps build muscles and bones. Good sources are meat, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
Carbs give energy. Choose whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread when you can.
Fruits and veggies have vitamins and fiber. Aim for a variety of colors on the plate.
Dairy foods like milk and yogurt provide calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Understanding Portion Sizes
Kids need smaller portions than adults. A good rule is to use the size of your child’s hand as a guide.
Protein should be about the size of their palm. Grains and starches can be the size of their fist.
Fruits and veggies can take up half the plate. Let kids serve themselves – they often know how much they need.
Don’t force kids to clean their plates. This can lead to overeating. Instead, let them stop when they feel full.
Serve small portions at first. Kids can always ask for seconds if they’re still hungry.
Key Nutrients For Growth
Some nutrients are extra important for growing kids. Make sure they get enough of these:
Calcium: For strong bones and teeth. Found in dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods.
Iron: Helps carry oxygen in the blood. Good sources are red meat, beans, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin D: Works with calcium for bone health. Found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk.
Fiber: Aids digestion. Get it from fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Protein: Builds and repairs body tissues. Sources include meat, fish, eggs, and beans.
Offer a mix of foods to help your child get all these nutrients. If you’re worried, talk to a doctor about supplements.
Creative Ways To Serve Nutritious Foods
Try these fun approaches to make healthy foods more appealing to kids. You can transform vegetables into exciting shapes and recreate popular favorites with nutritious twists.
Incorporating Vegetables In Fun Shapes
Cut veggies into star shapes using cookie cutters. Carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers work great for this. Make broccoli “trees” by standing small florets upright on the plate.
Create veggie faces on pizzas or open-faced sandwiches. Use sliced olives for eyes, a cherry tomato for a nose, and bell pepper strips for a mouth.
Serve raw veggies with fun dips like hummus or yogurt-based ranch. Put the dips in small cups and arrange the veggies around them like flower petals.
Healthy Alternatives To Popular Kids’ Favorites
Make veggie-packed “fries” by cutting zucchini or sweet potatoes into sticks. Bake them until crispy and serve with ketchup.
Try cauliflower “wings” as a tasty swap for chicken wings. Coat cauliflower florets in a light batter and bake until golden. Toss with your favorite wing sauce.
Create fruit “pizzas” using a whole grain English muffin as the base. Top with Greek yogurt and colorful fruit slices.
Blend frozen bananas to make creamy “ice cream” without added sugar. Mix in fresh berries or a spoonful of cocoa powder for extra flavor.
Involving Kids In Meal Preparation
Getting kids involved in the kitchen can make dinner time more fun and educational. It helps build important life skills and can encourage picky eaters to try new foods.
Age-Appropriate Kitchen Tasks
Young kids can start with simple tasks like washing fruits and vegetables or tearing lettuce for salads. They can also help measure ingredients or stir batters.
Older children can take on more complex jobs like chopping soft vegetables with a kid-safe knife or grating cheese. They might enjoy cracking eggs or kneading dough for homemade pizza.
Teens can learn to follow recipes and cook entire dishes with supervision. This is a great time to teach knife skills and stove safety.
Always match tasks to your child’s abilities and comfort level. Supervise closely and teach proper safety habits.
Making Cooking A Fun Learning Experience
Turn cooking into a game by having a family cook-off or letting kids create their own pizza toppings. Use colorful ingredients to make food prep more visually exciting.
Teach basic math skills through measuring and doubling recipes. Explain the science behind cooking, like why dough rises or how heat changes food.
Let kids pick out new recipes to try or invent their own dishes. This builds creativity and decision-making skills.
Use cooking time to chat about nutrition and balanced meals. Discuss where different ingredients come from to boost food knowledge.
Remember to praise effort and focus on the fun of cooking together, not just the end result.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
