Kid Friendly Dinner Recipes Even Picky Eaters Love

Kids can be notoriously picky eaters, and it’s not uncommon for parents to struggle to come up with meals that everyone will enjoy. However, with a little creativity and some clever recipe hacks, it’s easy to create delicious and kid-friendly meals that are sure to please even the most discerning eaters. A good kid-friendly dinner recipe is one that is both tasty and easy to make, using ingredients that are accessible and appealing to kids. By incorporating a variety of flavors, textures, and presentation styles, you can create meals that are both fun and satisfying for picky eaters.

Incorporating kid-friendly meals into your weekly routine can not only make mealtime more enjoyable but also encourage healthy eating habits and reduce the stress of cooking for your family. With a little experimentation and creativity, you can create meals that everyone will love, from classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes. In this article, we’ll explore some kid-friendly dinner recipes that even picky eaters will love.

Cheesy Chicken Nuggets

Cheesy Chicken Nuggets is a kid-friendly version of the classic favorite. This recipe combines crispy chicken strips with gooey melted cheese, served with a side of dipping sauce for an added bonus.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cheddar cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Pepper, to taste
– Dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken breast into strips and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and thyme.
4. Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
5. Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
6. While the chicken is baking, mix the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese in a small bowl.
7. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the cheese mixture on top of each nugget.
8. Return the nuggets to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve hot with dipping sauce, such as marinara or honey mustard.

Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe combines spaghetti, meat sauce, and melted cheese for a satisfying and filling meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound spaghetti
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion
– 1 bell pepper
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese.
7. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create a layer of the spaghetti mixture, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the mozzarella cheese.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.

Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole is a flavorful and fun twist on traditional tacos. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tortillas, and shredded cheese for a satisfying and filling meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and bring to a simmer.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
6. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
7. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
8. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create a layer of the ground beef mixture, followed by a layer of tortillas.
9. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
10. Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.

Pizza Sliders

Pizza Sliders are a fun and easy twist on traditional pizza, with the addition of small buns and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients:

– 1 package pizza dough
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup butter
– 6 small buns
– Pepperoni slices
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough into small balls and flatten slightly.
3. Top each ball with marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and pepperoni slices.
4. Bake the pizzas for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
5. Meanwhile, toast the buns with butter until golden brown.
6. Assemble the sliders by placing a pizza on top of each bun.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Creamy Mac and Cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup cream cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup chopped ham
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
7. Add the chopped ham and stir until combined.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss until coated in the cheese sauce.
9. Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

BBQ Chicken Flatbread

BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, with the addition of BBQ sauce and crispy chicken.

Ingredients:

– 1 chicken breast
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 package flatbread
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Marinate the chicken breast in a mixture of olive oil and BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes.
3. Bake the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
4. Meanwhile, toast the flatbread with olive oil until crispy.
5. Top the flatbread with shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, and crispy chicken.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken Quesadillas are a fun and easy twist on traditional tacos, with the addition of shredded cheese and crispy tortillas.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound chicken breast
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 6 tortillas
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Shred the chicken breast and mix with diced onion and cheese.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve with avocado slices.

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Sloppy Joe Sliders are a fun and easy twist on traditional Sloppy Joes, with the addition of small buns and melted cheese.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 6 small buns
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
4. Meanwhile, toast the buns with butter until golden brown.
5. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun, followed by a spoonful of shredded cheese.
6. Place the buns on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Baked Chicken Tenders

Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthy and easy twist on traditional fried chicken, with the addition of baked chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound chicken tender
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped thyme
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken tender into strips.
3. In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and thyme.
4. Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
5. Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole is a fun and easy twist on traditional cheeseburgers, with the addition of a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup cream cheese
– 1 cup cooked pasta
– 1/4 cup crushed bacon
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
5. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Stir in the milk and bring to a simmer.
7. Pour the mixture over the cooked pasta, followed by a spoonful of crushed bacon on top.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.