15 Dinner Ideas for Kids

Hey there, awesome parents and caregivers! We all know that getting kids excited about dinner can sometimes feel like a Herculean task.

Between picky eaters and busy schedules, it’s no wonder we’re always on the hunt for meal ideas that are not only nutritious but also fun and appealing for our little ones.

But guess what? We’ve got you covered! In this guide, you’ll find a treasure trove of dinner ideas that are perfect for kids. From playful presentations to sneaky ways of incorporating veggies, these recipes are designed to make dinnertime a breeze and bring smiles to those adorable faces.

So, let’s dive in and discover how you can transform everyday ingredients into kid-approved culinary adventures!

1. Cheesy One-Pan Chicken and Veggie Bake

This is a fuss-free dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken bakes alongside colorful vegetables in a creamy cheese sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for kids.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and surround them with the veggies.
3. Drizzle olive oil over everything and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss the veggies lightly to coat them evenly.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, then sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
6. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve With: A side of warm garlic bread.

Drink With: A chilled glass of white wine for adults or sparkling water with a splash of lemon for kids.

2. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful and fun twist on the classic sandwich. Perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or parties, these bite-sized treats are packed with savory ham, creamy cheese, and a hint of mustard, all rolled up in soft, flaky puff pastry. They’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping them up all along!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 6 slices of ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry.
4. Layer ham slices on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
5. Roll the pastry tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
6. Place pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
8. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve With: A fresh green salad or fruit salad.

Drink With: Apple juice or a light iced tea.

3. Smiley Face Veggie Fries

Turn snack time into a fun and nutritious activity with these Smiley Face Veggie Fries! Made from sweet potatoes and carrots, these fries are baked to crispy perfection and decorated with adorable smiley faces. They’re not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes, making them perfect for kids and kids-at-heart alike.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 large carrots
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and cut sweet potatoes and carrots into fry shapes.
3. Use a small round cutter or knife to make smiley faces on some of the fries.
4. Toss the fries with olive oil, paprika, and salt.
5. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.
7. Let cool slightly and serve.

Serve With: A side of ketchup or yogurt dip.

Drink With: A refreshing fruit smoothie.

4. Rainbow Veggie Wraps

Brighten up your lunchtime with these Rainbow Veggie Wraps! Packed with colorful veggies, creamy hummus, and a drizzle of tangy vinaigrette, these wraps are not only visually appealing but also bursting with fresh flavors. They’re perfect for a healthy lunch on the go or a light dinner that feels like a treat.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup hummus
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tbsp vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Lay out the tortillas and spread a generous amount of hummus on each.
2. Arrange the bell peppers, cucumber, cabbage, and carrot in rows to create a rainbow effect.
3. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
4. Roll up the tortillas tightly and slice in half to serve.

Serve With: A side of mixed greens salad.

Drink With: A tall glass of iced green tea.

5. Mac and Cheese with a Twist

Who doesn’t love a good mac and cheese? This version takes the classic comfort food and gives it a flavorful twist with the addition of crispy bacon and a touch of spicy jalapeños. Creamy, cheesy, and with a hint of heat, this Mac and Cheese with a Twist will quickly become a family favorite!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to form a roux.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Mix in cooked macaroni, bacon, and jalapeño.
6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve With: A side of steamed broccoli.

Drink With: A cold glass of lemonade.

6. Pizza Bagels

Who can resist a mini pizza on a bagel? These Pizza Bagels are perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or even a fun dinner. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy bagel, tangy tomato sauce, melty cheese, and any toppings you love. They’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bagels, halved
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup sliced olives
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place bagel halves on a baking sheet.
3. Spread tomato sauce on each bagel half.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Add pepperoni slices, olives, and bell peppers as desired.
6. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve With: A side of mixed vegetable sticks.

Drink With: A glass of fruit punch or soda.

7. Monster Mash Potato Bowls

Turn dinner into a spooky, fun experience with Monster Mash Potato Bowls! These bowls are filled with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with a savory gravy, and decorated with “monster” faces made from veggies. They’re not only delicious but also a creative way to get kids excited about eating their vegetables.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup gravy
• Assorted veggies for decoration (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
2. Warm gravy in a saucepan.
3. Scoop mashed potatoes into bowls and pour gravy over the top.
4. Use veggies to create monster faces on the mashed potatoes.
5. Serve immediately.

Serve With: A side of steamed green beans.

Drink With: A glass of milk or apple cider.

8. Fish Sticks with Sweet Potato Fries

Upgrade your fish sticks game with this delicious and healthy combination of crispy fish sticks and sweet potato fries. Baked to perfection, these fish sticks are tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside, paired perfectly with the naturally sweet and slightly caramelized sweet potato fries. A meal that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets, cut into sticks
• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Coat fish sticks in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs.
3. Place fish sticks on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Spread sweet potato fries on another baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake fish sticks and fries for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

Serve With: A side of coleslaw.

Drink With: A glass of iced tea or lemonade.

9. Tacodillas

Combining the best of tacos and quesadillas, Tacodillas are a fun and flavorful fusion dish. These crispy, cheesy delights are filled with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. Perfect for a quick dinner or a party appetizer, they bring the fiesta to your table!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 small tortillas
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped lettuce
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, add taco seasoning, and mix well.
2. Heat a separate skillet with a bit of vegetable oil.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, add seasoned beef, and top with another tortilla.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Serve With: A side of Mexican rice.

Drink With: A cold glass of horchata or limeade.

10. DIY Lunchable Skewers

Turn a classic lunch favorite into a fun DIY activity with these Lunchable Skewers. Perfect for kids’ lunches or parties, these skewers are loaded with cubes of cheese, ham, turkey, and crunchy veggies. They’re easy to assemble, customizable, and make eating lunch an interactive experience!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cheese cubes (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup ham cubes
• 1 cup turkey cubes
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber slices
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Thread cheese, ham, turkey, tomatoes, and cucumber slices onto skewers.
2. Arrange on a platter and serve.

Serve With: A side of crackers.

Drink With: A carton of milk or juice box.

11. Mini Chicken Pot Pies

These Mini Chicken Pot Pies are comfort food at its cutest. Each mini pie is filled with a creamy, savory mixture of chicken and vegetables, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for dinner or a hearty snack, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chicken, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut puff pastry into circles to fit a muffin tin.
4. Line muffin tin with pastry circles, fill with chicken mixture, and top with another pastry circle.
5. Brush tops with beaten egg.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve With: A side of mashed potatoes.

Drink With: A warm cup of herbal tea or apple juice.

12. Animal Crackers Snack Mix

Add some fun to snack time with this Animal Crackers Snack Mix. This mix combines crunchy animal crackers with sweet and salty add-ins like pretzels, chocolate chips, and dried fruit. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible treat for kids and adults alike.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups animal crackers
• 1 cup mini pretzels
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup yogurt-covered raisins

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
2. Toss well and serve.

Serve With: A cup of yogurt.

Drink With: A glass of milk.

13. Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad

This is a colorful and refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for a light summer dinner. Cook your favorite pasta, then toss it with chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. Add a simple vinaigrette dressing for a light and flavorful meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta (fusilli or rotini)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sweet corn
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, sweet corn, and red onion.
3. Add feta cheese and vinaigrette, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve With: Grilled chicken breast.

Drink With: A glass of iced tea.

14. Breakfast for Dinner Night

Why not switch things up with a fun and comforting Breakfast for Dinner Night? Imagine fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and scrambled eggs all on one plate. This meal is a delightful way to enjoy your favorite breakfast foods at any time of day, bringing warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pancake mix
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 8 slices bacon
• 4 eggs (for scrambling)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Syrup and butter for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
2. Prepare pancake batter by mixing pancake mix, milk, and eggs.
3. Pour batter onto a heated griddle, cooking until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
4. Scramble eggs in a skillet, adding cheese if desired.
5. Serve pancakes with butter and syrup, bacon, and scrambled eggs.

Serve With: Fresh fruit salad.

Drink With: A glass of orange juice.

15. DIY Quesadillas Bar

Let everyone get creative with a DIY Quesadillas Bar! Set out an array of fillings like cheese, chicken, veggies, and salsa, and let each person build their own quesadilla masterpiece. This interactive meal is perfect for family dinners or parties, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they want.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Set out all ingredients in separate bowls.
2. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
3. Place a tortilla on the griddle, sprinkle with cheese, chicken, and desired toppings.
4. Top with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cheese is melted.
5. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.

Serve With: A side of guacamole.

Drink With: A cold glass of agua fresca.

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