Easy Dinner Ideas Kids Will Actually Eat
When kids are involved, dinnertime can feel like a war. With picky eaters, time constraints, and the need for balanced meals, it’s hard to please everybody. But fear not — we’ve rounded up more than 20 tasty, kid-friendly ideas you can make for dinner.
They’re fun, nutritious, and flexible, making them ideal for families. Scroll down for tips, tricks, and ideas for making dinnertime your favorite meal of the day!
Why Simple Dinners Are Kid-Friendly
Children get their strength from being able to predict things and have things set simple. Fear of unfamiliar flavors or too many ingredients can send them running before they ever take a bite. Easy dinners that center around their favorite foods — be it cheese, pasta, or chicken — are a guaranteed way to keep both them and you satisfied and nourished.
Rating: Two out of five for ease; four out of five for boredom; five for effortlessness. You can sneak in veggies, add colorful ingredients, and get creative with a presentation to make mealtime more fun for kids and parents.
1. Mini Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas are always a crowd-pleaser because they’re cheesy crispy and easy to hold. Make small tortillas, scatter shredded cheese between them, and fry until golden on both sides.
Switch it up by adding diced chicken, black beans, or finely chopped veggies. Serve for dipping with sour cream or guacamole.
2. DIY Pita Pizzas
Make dinner a hands-on project by allowing kids to create their own pizzas. Start by laying out pita bread as the base, spread tomato sauce, and allow them to pick toppings of their choice including cheese, pepperoni, or veggies.
Bake the pizzas in the oven for 8–10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or so until the cheese is bubbly. Watching the creations come to life makes dinner even better.
3. Breakfast for Dinner
Who says breakfast foods have to be eaten in the morning? Whip up scrambled eggs, pancakes, or French toast for an at-home riff on dinner.
Serve with fresh fruit or yogurt for a full meal. For more nutrition, stir spinach or diced tomatoes into the eggs or choose whole-grain pancakes.
4. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
You can make your own nuggets at home; skip the frozen aisle. Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, give them a light coating in breadcrumbs, and bake or air fry until the coating is golden and crispy.
Serve with ketchup, ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping. Serve with baked fries or steamed veggies on the side for a complete dinner.
5. Pasta with Butter and Cheese
And sometimes, it’s the simplest meals that are the best. Or cook pasta (any shape will do), toss it with butter and grated Parmesan cheese, and serve.
Even minute changes can boost the flavor and nutrition: steamed peas and cherry tomatoes or even shredded chicken.
6. Veggie-Packed Fried Rice
Fried rice is a simple, one-pan dinner that can go from stove to table in no time, and can be customized. Toss some leftover rice, sautéed veggies (like carrots, peas, and corn), scrambled eggs, and soy sauce.
For protein, mix in cubed chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Children enjoy the blending of flavors and the colorful display.
7. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Bake large potatoes, then have your kids top them with their favorites. You might sprinkle on shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped veggies or even cooked bacon.
This meal is fun, interactive, and filling — the ideal dinner for picky eaters.
8. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese is a go-to kid-friendly meal. Choose whole-grain bread for extra nutrition, and serve with a warm bowl of tomato soup for dipping.
You can also tuck thin slices of ham or tomato in among the cheese for added flavor.
9. Easy Taco Night
Tacos are enjoyable because kids can make their own. A taco bar with soft tortillas, seasoned ground beef or chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, and mild salsa.
For a healthier version, use ground turkey or add black beans to the mix.
10. Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies
Pureed cauliflower, carrots, or butternut squash whips classic mac and cheese into shape nutritionally in the cheese sauce.
Kids won’t even realize the veg is extra, and you’ll feel that warm glow of knowing they’re eating something healthy.
11. Mini Meatball Subs
Reheat cooked meatballs in marinara sauce, and serve in small sub rolls. Sprinkle on shredded mozzarella, and bake until it melts.
These bite-sized (mini) sandwiches are just right for small hands and they are also yummy with a side of salad, or veggies.
12. Pizza Bagels
Bagels are a great base for individual pizzas. Spread tomato sauce, top with cheese, and let the kids add their favorite toppings.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, and you’ll have a fun, easy dinner that takes no time to prepare.
10 Ways to Make Dinner Fun for Kids
- Have them assist you: Include your kids in the cooking process. They can add toppings, mix ingredients, or help set the table.
- Have fun with the presentation: Shape sandwiches with cookie cutters or arrange veggies in rainbow patterns.
- Make choices: Letting kids choose their meal — a taco bar or DIY pizzas — makes them more likely to actually enjoy it.
- Squeeze in nutrition: While cooking, throw vegetables into sauces, soups, or mac and cheese to circumvent the taste.
13. Chicken Wraps
Roll some shredded chicken, lettuce, cheese, and ranch dressing into a tortilla. Roll it into a tight cylinder and cut it into pinwheels for snack-sized servings.
The kids will love the fun presentation, and you’ll love how fast this meal comes together.
14. Sliders with Sweet Potato Fries
Mini burgers are also the perfect size for kids. Slider buns, a little patty, cheese, and ketchup.
Serve them with oven-baked sweet potato fries for a healthier alternative to regular fries!
15. Veggie and Cheese Omelets
Eggs are for breakfast, sure, but they’re also a fast and healthy dinner option. Make an omelet with cheese, and chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Pair with a slice of toast or some fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
16. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Toss shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and spoon it onto small buns. Serve with cole slaw or baked beans for a delicious, kid-friendly supper.
17. Creamy Chicken and Rice
Mix together cooked chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce for another filling, one-dish meal. Throw in frozen peas or carrots for added nutrients and color.
18. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Sliced deli turkey wrapped around string cheese or cucumber sticks.
Serve with crackers, fruit, or a handful of nuts for a no-cook dinner that takes little effort.
19. Spaghetti with Meatballs
Always a winner, spaghetti and meatballs, the classic. Serve with garlic bread and a lot of Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
20. Baked Fish Sticks
Soak fish (cod works great here) in seasoned breadcrumbs, then bake until crisp: make your own fish sticks. Dipping sauce of choice (ketchup or tartar sauce) and a side of roasted veggies.
21. Taco Bowls
Forget the tortillas and make taco bowls with rice, beans, well-seasoned meat, and your favorite toppings. Make the kids build their own bowls for a fun, interactive dinner.
22. Pancake Dinner Bar
Who doesn’t love pancakes for dinner? Create a pancake bar with toppings such as syrup, fruit, whipped cream, and chocolate chips.
Add shredded cheese or cooked bacon to the batter for savory pancakes.
23. Corn Dogs with Veggie Sticks
Use square, ready-made corn dogs, or bake your own, dipping hot dogs in cornmeal batter. For added crunch and color, serve it with carrot and celery sticks.
24. Baked Ziti
Mix cooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Bake until bubbly and golden for a filling, kid-friendly dinner.
25. Rice and Bean Bowls
A few spoonfuls of rice topped with black beans shredded cheese, salsa, and avocado is an easy, healthy dinner.
This dish is flexible, so allow kids to add their preferred toppings.
26. DIY Salad Night
Transform salad into a fun dinner, with kids building their own bowls. Provide toppings such as shredded cheese, croutons, diced chicken, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
It is a perfect way to sneak some extra veggies into their meals.
27. Grilled Chicken Tenders
Marinate chicken tenders in a simple combination of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, then grill them until cooked through. Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes.
These creative, kid-friendly recipes can transform dinnertime from a stress fest into a fun, family activity. So give these ideas a whirl and just watch those little ones dig in with fright!