17 ways to win parent of the year, every Friday

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Tired of the same old Friday dinner routine? Spice things up with 17 tried-and-true recipes that promise to break the mold. Your kids won’t just eat; they’ll be clamoring for seconds.

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of  pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Up your Friday night game with flatbread pizzas that’ll have your kids thinking you’re a kitchen genius. No need for delivery; you’ve got this under control. Every bite will be a hit, securing your spot as the coolest parent ever.
Get the Recipe: Flatbread Pizza

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Forget cereal; Friday mornings deserve something special. Egg bites are a quick, yet impressive, way to start the day right. Plus, they’re packed with protein, ensuring your kids are fueled up for whatever the day brings.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who knew you could be this cool on a Friday night? These cheese quesadillas, fresh out of the air fryer, will make you a household hero. Your kids will be talking about this one for weeks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Swap out those greasy fries for baked sweet potatoes. Not only will the kids devour them, but you’ll also feel good about serving it. A perfect balance of health and taste that makes Friday a win-win.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Easy Burrito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Elevate your Friday nights with an easy burrito recipe that hits all the right spots. It’s quick, it’s delicious, and best of all, it’s kid-approved. You’re not just serving dinner; you’re creating memories.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A sneaky way to get veggies in and have your kids ask for seconds. Serve these on a Friday night, and the kids won’t even miss the fast food. It’s a parenting win with a side of yum.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, simple does the trick. Baked potatoes might sound basic, but done right, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Your kids will be stoked for Friday dinner, and you’ll be stoked to see them eat so well.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Time is of the essence, especially on Fridays. With these 25-minute black bean burgers, you’re serving up quick deliciousness that’ll have the kids begging for more. Is it too soon to call you “Parent of the Year”?
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Say goodbye to bland Fridays with a hashbrown casserole that’ll have the whole family buzzing. It’s comfort food, reinvented. Your kids will thank you, probably with full mouths.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Give Friday an Italian twist with a spinach and ricotta lasagna. A combination of flavors so good, it’ll have the kids wondering if you secretly attended culinary school.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Neapolitan Pizza

A quick and easy pizza recipe on a white plate.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who needs a pizza joint when you’ve got Neapolitan Pizza Fridays at home? It’s restaurant-quality pizza without the restaurant. The kids will be bragging about their awesome parent all weekend.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad in a bowl with fresh tomatoes by the side.
Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Forget fast food; elevate your Friday game with a caprese pasta salad that’s both delicious and nutritious. Your family will be clamoring for seconds, and you’ll be racking up the parent points.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Serve up some pizza rolls and watch your kids’ faces light up. They’re like a surprise gift with every bite—definitely Friday-worthy. Just don’t be surprised if your kids start inviting friends over every Friday.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

A person scooping a sweet potato casserole out of a baking dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Give Friday a sweet edge with a casserole your kids won’t stop talking about. It’s sweet, it’s fun, and it’s 100% kid-approved. Prepare for the sound of little feet rushing to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on parchment paper, with dollops of sauce and sprigs of dill.
Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to make Friday unforgettable? Smashed potatoes are the side dish that steal the show. Your kids won’t just eat them; they’ll be talking about them. A guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Serve up some refried beans as a side or a main, and you’ve got yourself a Friday fiesta. It’s a simple addition that packs a punch and keeps the kids coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you whip out homemade mozzarella sticks, you’ll officially reach celebrity parent status. Perfectly crispy and cheesy, they’ll make your kids wish every day was Friday.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Combine two favorites into one with a pizza salad that’s a win-win. It’s a meal that screams “Friday,” and one that you’ll feel good about serving. Perfect for those busy nights when you still want something special.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

End your Fridays on a high note with sweet potato cubes. Simple yet satisfying, they’re a side dish that elevates the whole meal. Your kids will be excited for Fridays, and you’ll be excited they’re eating well.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

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