This post may contain affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for details.
Whether you’re looking for new Kid Friendly Dinner Recipes or just some dinner ideas for picky eaters, this list has got you covered!
As a stay-at-home mom since 2017, I’ve had plenty of practice squeezing dinner into nap windows and pre-bedtime meltdowns—and figuring out what meals actually stand a chance of getting eaten. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks for making fast, flavorful dinners that don’t require hours in the kitchen or 47 ingredients.
This recipe list is practical, reliable, and built with busy parents in mind. And who knows, one of these recipes might win over even your toughest little food critic.
My Top Kid Friendly Recipes
Here are my top 10 easy kid friendly dinner recipes. You’ll find plenty of sandwich options, kid friendly pasta recipes, and NUGGETS! These recipes are designed to be made ahead or in under an hour–perfect if you’re looking for a fast meal or easy recipes for picky eaters.
1
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are my go to dinner idea for picky eaters. This recipe is simple, tasty, and can be frozen for later and reheated throughout the week!
A delicious baked pasta is at the top of the list for kid friendly recipes. Tender pasta is baked with a simple tomato sauce (buy it or make it is up to you!), LOADS of cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe is a meatless baked ziti, but feel free to add your favortie protein!
What kid doesn't love a grilled cheese sandwich? This recipe is made on crispy sourdough bread and loaded with gooey, melty cheese. This is one of my top choices for kid friendly recipes, especially when I'm out of ideas at dinner time.
Name a more classic combo than grilled cheese and tomato soup—I’ll wait. This tomato soup is made with fresh tomatoes and designed with parents in mind. No peeling, nothing complicated, just roast the veggies, blend them up, and dinner’s done. Serve with the grilled cheese sandwich I mentioned above or toss in some cooked pasta to make it a full meal.
It’s family pizza night, and the kids are in charge (kind of)! Let everyone build their own sheet pan pizza—no topping negotiations required. It’s a fun activity, a guaranteed dinner win, and you still get to load yours up exactly how you like it.
This is a New England staple at dinner time! I love kid friendly pasta recipes, and this one checks all the boxes: ground hamburger, fun elbow macaroni, a tasty tomato sauce, and ready in 30 minutes! Ok that last part is for Mom and Dad.
A messy sandwich makes everything better! The kids will love these sloppy joe sandwiches and you'll love how quickly they come together. This recipe for sloppy joes is made with ground turkey, but feel free to make it with ground beef, or meatless crumbles if you prefer!
This one is definitely a treat, but a Maine staple. This peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwich is a fun take on a classic PB&J. The kids will be so excited to have “marshmallows” for dinner, and you'll be excited at how fast it comes together. Serve it with a simple fruit salad or sliced veggies to round out the meal.
Grab a little shortcut from the grocery store and get yourself some crescent rolls! Rolled up with ham, cheese, and brushed with a little seasoned butter, these ham and cheese rolls ups are fast and delicious, without the mess of a sandwich!
Make a big batch of these meatballs and stash them in the freezer for easy dinners all week long! Even picky eaters love them. Serve with spaghetti, tucked in a sub roll with melty cheese, on pizza, or alongside your favorite baked pasta. The options are endless—and you’ll feel good knowing the kids are getting a wholesome meal.
The recipe list above are great main entrees that both kids and adults will love. But what about some side dishes? Here are some easy and healthy side items for dinner sides that work with any of the above recipes.
Oven Roasted Cauliflower– this recipe uses frozen cauliflower, and is seasoned and roasted straight from the freezer. So quick and delicious.
Apple and Walnut Salad – I love this salad because it’s loaded with lots of textures and flavors, making it not only tasty but also fun to eat!
Sauteed Asparagus- my daughter LOVES asparagus. This recipe is super quick and has the added bonus of Parmesan and crunchy almonds.
Creamy Coleslaw– full of tasty cabbage and carrots, this is a simple side that doesn’t take long to make at all. You can swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt to bump up the protein and nutrients!
