Breaking out of the dinner routine doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when you have a list of 21 easy, kid-approved meals that are bound to become new favorites. These dishes bring a fresh twist to the table, combining simplicity with flavors that appeal to the younger crowd, and possibly, you haven’t explored them yet. It’s about making mealtime a hit with recipes that punch in taste without the complex steps, ensuring smiles around the dinner table.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Kickstart your mornings with a dish that’s ready before you even open your eyes. Loaded with eggs, your choice of veggies, and heaps of cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that makes breakfast the easiest meal of the day. Plus, the versatility means you never get bored.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Scalloped Potatoes
Dive into layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. This side dish often ends up stealing the spotlight, proving that potatoes plus cheese is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Best Lemon Pasta
Bring a burst of citrus to your dinner table with pasta that’s light, zesty, and undeniably refreshing. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that turns an ordinary night into something special. The tangy lemon sauce pairs beautifully with the pasta, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and light.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Wild Rice Casserole
Experience the hearty goodness of wild rice mixed with mushrooms and veggies, all baked together in a savory casserole. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and offers a delicious way to enjoy grains and vegetables. This casserole might just become your new favorite way to serve rice.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Transform carrots into a side dish that’s sweet, slightly caramelized, and utterly irresistible, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Glazed with a hint of honey or maple syrup, they become a treat that even veggie skeptics will love. It’s a quick and easy way to add a splash of color and nutrition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Easy Vegetable Stew
Simmer down with a bowl of vegetable stew that’s both comforting and bursting with flavors. Packed with whatever veggies you have on hand, it’s a versatile and hearty dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cool day. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure you’re getting a healthy dose of vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Revel in the creamy, cheesy delight that turns cauliflower into a main attraction. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is a testament to how delicious veggies can be with just a little cheese. It’s a side that often ends up as the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Baked Potato
A classic baked potato is a blank canvas for an array of toppings, transforming it from a humble side to a filling main. Load it up with cheese, sour cream, chives, or even chili for a customizable meal that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest dishes are the best.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Breaded Mushrooms
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these breaded mushrooms are a delicious way to enjoy fungi. Perfect for dipping or enjoying as is, they’re a versatile snack or side that’s unexpectedly satisfying. They might just convert mushroom doubters into fans.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms
Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets
For a plant-based twist on a favorite snack, these cauliflower nuggets are crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. They’re a hit with vegans and meat-eaters alike, proving that cauliflower really can do it all. It’s a fun and tasty way to get your veggies in.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets
Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with gluten-free chocolate donuts that are soft, moist, and utterly decadent. Covered in a rich chocolate glaze, they’re a treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. These donuts make it easy to indulge without the gluten.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
This casserole transforms zucchini into a cheesy, savory dish that’s impossible to resist. Layered with cheese and herbs, it’s a side that can easily take center stage. It’s a delicious way to make sure everyone’s eating their greens.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Easy Burrito
Wrap up dinner with easy burritos that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Stuff them with beans, rice, veggies, or whatever your heart desires for a customizable meal that satisfies. It’s a hands-on dinner option that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito
Easy Vegan Mug Brownie – Ready in 5 Minutes!
Dive into the decadent world of Easy Vegan Mug Brownies, a dessert that’s ready in just 5 minutes. This treat is perfect for when you need a chocolate fix but don’t want to make a whole batch. It’s rich, fudgy, and completely plant-based, making it a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Mug Brownie – Ready in 5 Minutes!
Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)
Bite into a vegan chickpea burger that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, even for the meat lovers. This gluten-free option is packed with protein and spices, making it a delicious alternative to traditional burgers. It’s a great way to switch up your burger game with something healthy and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)
Stuffed Peppers
These aren’t just any stuffed peppers; they’re a vibrant, flavorful meal packed with a mixture that might include rice, meat, or a rainbow of vegetables. Each pepper becomes a self-contained dish that’s both satisfying and fun to eat. They’re a great way to sneak more veggies onto the dinner table in a form that’s both colorful and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Fried Banana
Treat your taste buds to the sweet simplicity of Fried Bananas, a dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Caramelized on the outside and soft on the inside, they can be served with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a scoop of ice cream. It’s a quick and easy treat that brings a touch of tropical flair to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana
Air Fryer Carrot Fries
Say hello to Air Fryer Carrot Fries, a healthier alternative to traditional fries that doesn’t skimp on flavor. They come out crispy and golden, perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce. This side dish is a clever way to get kids excited about eating their veggies, proving that carrots can be just as fun as potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Imagine the aroma of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls filling your kitchen, a scent that promises bites of soft, sweet pastry swirled with cinnamon. These rolls are a labor of love that’s worth every minute, perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet snack. They’re so good, you’ll forget about any store-bought version you’ve tried before.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
This Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole is a hearty way to start any day, combining fluffy eggs, savory potatoes, and your choice of add-ins. It’s a versatile dish that can cater to any taste, making it a hit for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious, ready-to-eat option on busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
Easy Banana Pudding
End your meal on a sweet note with an easy banana pudding that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Layered with
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding