12 Food Recipes For Kids Other Than Chicken Nuggets

Gone are the days when kids’ meals meant chicken fingers, stovetop macaroni and cheese, frozen fish sticks, and pizza (which we all still love). Though it can be tricky to come up with kid-friendly dishes that are simple, nutritious, and satisfies the pickiest of eaters, all hope is not lost. By introducing variety, shapes, and colors to the plate, you’ll have meals that little ones can enjoy without all the additives in take-out and frozen food - a win-win for both parents and children. Looking to enrich your child’s food selections? Here are some ideas for an upgraded kid-friendly menu.

Try Making These Kids Meals At Home

Drink Recipes For Kids

Smoothies and juices are a great choice for little ones as it’s a simple way to ensure they get their daily serving of fruits and vegetables. If your child is a fan of strawberries, make this Strawberry Coconut Milk Smoothie, a great gluten-free and dairy substitute. Add some vanilla extract for a boost of flavor. 

Snack Recipes For Kids

Speaking of spice, use them to turn seemingly boring kids food ideas into bites that your little ones won’t be able to resist. Make these Cinnamon Apple Rounds with toppings like peanut butter, chocolate chips, cranberries, or almonds. This homemade Taco Snack Mix is a great alternative to store bought snacks. If you're looking to include some fermented foods into your child’s food intake, add Spiced Yogurt Dip next to a bowl of fresh-cut fruit.

Dinner Recipes For Kids

Dinnertime can sometimes be a struggle with picky little ones, but some tweaks to classic favorites may do the trick. Instead of frozen pizza, make Pizza Pinwheels, an irresistible combination of mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and Italian Seasoning that’s sure to delight kids and adults. Leftovers (if there are any) can be utilized for lunch the next day as well! For another kids food idea, try Chili Mac. It's a simple, one-dish meal that parents can prep in about 5 minutes.

Another kids meal winner - Walking Tacos. They're a convenient choice for busy weeknights and fully customizable to everyone's tastes and preferences. 

Kid Friendly Side Dish Recipes

Want your child to eat more vegetables? Turn them into fun shapes like with these Asparagus Cauliflower Veggie Tots. A lighter spin on the classic potato tot, prep these in the food processor, blending the asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, and ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs. Shape the mixture into balls and form a “tot” shape and bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees until golden brown and crisp. Serve with yogurt ranch dip.

Take frozen fries to a whole new level by simply adding some McCormick Taco Seasoning. Bake these Taco Fries in the oven or toss them into the air fryer for an easy side, no ketchup required.

Dessert Recipe For Kids

For a sweet treat try these Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough Bites. Soft and gooey on the inside, crunchy on the outside, they're the perfect portable dessert. Kids can help prepare this 6 ingredient Caramel Cinnamon Popcorn that will be a hit with the adults, too. Looking for something healthier? This Fruit Salad will do the trick. Incorporate your child's favorite fruits and enhance the flavor with McCormick Vanilla Extract.