Cooking with kids can be a delightful experience and if you’re looking for ways to engage your kids in the kitchen. Our 17 array of dishes is sure to make it even more enjoyable. Let your little ones be involved in the world of cooking, whether they’re making satisfying snacks or trying their hand at easy-to-follow recipes.
The joy of preparing these dishes together is truly heartwarming. And these recipes are all about fun, flavor, and family time, creating unforgettable moments and, of course, lots of smiles. So, roll up those sleeves and get cooking together!
Beef Quesadillas
Beef Quesadillas are a fantastic choice for kids to try their hand at cooking. They can create these cheesy Mexican delights with ease, turning simple ingredients into a delicious, flavorful meal. Warm tortillas stuffed with seasoned beef and gooey cheese, quickly cooked in a pan, make for a satisfying and savory experience. It’s a versatile dish where kids can experiment with ingredients they love and craft a meal that brings smiles to the whole family’s faces. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, beef quesadillas are sure to become a go-to favorite in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas
Belgium Waffle For One
A Belgium Waffle for One is a treat that kids can prepare all on their own. This single-serving delight is perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet indulgence at any time of the day. Crafting a fluffy, golden-brown waffle is a simple process that yields a delicious result. The warm, crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior create a delightful contrast, and kids can customize their waffles with toppings like syrup, fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful culinary adventure.
Get the Recipe: Belgium Waffle For One
Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Turning leftover pasta into Air Fryer Pasta Chips is not only a sustainable choice but also an exciting snack that kids can make. This recipe adds a crispy twist to classic pasta by transforming it into a savory and addictive treat. Kids can cut the pasta into bite-sized pieces, air fry them to golden perfection, and enjoy the satisfying crunch and Italian flavors. It’s a fun way to repurpose leftovers and a great way for kids to experiment in the kitchen, creating smiles and reducing food waste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Breaded Panko Pork Chops
Breaded Panko Pork Chops are a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish for kids to master. The crispy, breaded exterior combined with tender and juicy pork chops underneath is a mouthwatering combination. The process of breading and frying these chops is a fantastic learning experience for young chefs. The result is a meal that they can take pride in and share with their family, making it a perfect choice for dinner. The crunchy texture and savory flavor are sure to leave everyone at the table smiling with delight.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops
Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies
Baking Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies is a delightful way for kids to explore the world of sweet treats. These cookies are a delightful combination of zesty lemon and creamy ricotta, creating a taste that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The cookie-making process is straightforward and enjoyable for kids to follow, from mixing the dough to shaping and baking the cookies. The result is a batch of soft, cake-like cookies with a delicate lemony glaze, perfect for sharing with family and friends and guaranteed to bring smiles and compliments.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies
Easy Yeast Rolls
Making Easy Yeast Rolls is a wonderful way for kids to delve into the art of bread-baking. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistible when served warm from the oven. The process of working with yeast and dough is both educational and rewarding, as kids watch the rolls rise and turn a golden brown hue. The end result is a basket of homemade rolls that can be enjoyed with various dishes, from soups to dinners, and kids can be proud of their contribution to the meal, spreading warmth and smiles all around.
Get the Recipe: Easy Yeast Rolls
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Air Fryer Garlic Bread is a quick and delicious addition to any meal, and it’s perfect for kids to prepare. They can easily create this garlic-infused, crispy bread that pairs exceptionally well with pasta, soups, or as a simple snack. The process is straightforward, involving a simple spread of garlic butter on slices of bread and a quick air frying session. The result is golden, crispy, and aromatic slices that elevate any dish. The delightful fragrance and flavor of homemade garlic bread are sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia
Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia offers kids a delightful cooking experience with a tropical twist. This sweet and crunchy treat involves wrapping banana slices in a spring roll wrapper with brown sugar and a hint of jackfruit. Frying the rolls until golden brown results in a delectable dessert. Kids can explore different flavors and textures in this dish, as well as practice their wrapping skills. With a drizzle of caramel sauce, these banana lumpia are sure to satisfy sweet cravings and bring a touch of the Philippines to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia
Individual Lasagna
Creating Individual Lasagna is a fun and interactive cooking project for kids. They can assemble their own personal-sized portions of this classic Italian dish by layering lasagna sheets, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. It’s a fantastic way for kids to be hands-on in the kitchen, practicing layering and creating a delicious meal. Individual lasagnas allow for personalization with favorite ingredients, and when baked to bubbly perfection, they provide a mouthwatering experience that will leave kids proud of their culinary skills and smiling from the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna
Chicken Nuggets
Making Chicken Nuggets at home is not only healthier but also a fun way for kids to enjoy a classic favorite. Kids can prepare these golden, crispy bites of tender chicken by coating them in a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs and spices before baking or frying. It’s a straightforward recipe that allows kids to be creative with dipping sauces, making mealtime a joyful experience. Homemade chicken nuggets are a surefire way to put smiles on kids’ faces while enjoying a beloved comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets
No Knead Italian Artisan Bread
Baking No Knead Italian Artisan Bread is an enriching experience for kids in the world of bread-making. This rustic loaf boasts a crusty exterior and soft, airy interior, and it’s incredibly satisfying to create. Kids can combine just a few basic ingredients, let the dough ferment, and then bake it to perfection. The minimal effort and maximum reward make this a delightful project, allowing kids to develop patience and a deeper understanding of bread. The fresh, homemade aroma and flavor will undoubtedly bring smiles to the table, whether sliced for sandwiches or enjoyed with soup.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a spicy and creamy dip that kids can whip up for snack time or game day enjoyment. It’s a flavor-packed party favorite made by mixing shredded chicken with hot sauce, cream cheese, and melted cheese. The process is straightforward and can be customized to suit spice preferences. Whether served with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies, this dip is a delightful addition to gatherings, and its fiery kick is sure to put smiles on the faces of those who love a little heat in their snacks.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Personal Pizza
Personal
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick and easy dish that kids can prepare while keeping it crispy and delicious. Coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, these tenders are air-fried to perfection, achieving the ideal balance between crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s a straightforward recipe that kids can confidently tackle, providing a satisfying and healthier alternative to store-bought chicken tenders. The joy of pulling out golden and crispy tenders from the air fryer is bound to put smiles on young faces, along with a side of favorite dipping sauces.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Mini Banana Bread
Mini Banana Bread is a delightful baking project that kids can take on to create miniature versions of a classic treat. With ripe bananas, a few simple ingredients, and a bit of mixing and baking, kids can whip up these moist and flavorful banana loaves. Mini in size but grand in flavor, these banana breads make for a lovely gift or a delightful snack to share. The aroma of freshly baked banana bread will fill the kitchen, and kids can beam with pride as they slice and enjoy these delightful little loaves.
Get the Recipe: Mini Banana Bread
Beef Queso Dip with optional spider web
Beef Queso Dip is already a crowd-pleaser, but kids can take it a step further by adding an optional spider web design for a fun and spooky twist, making it perfect for a themed get-together. This creamy, cheesy dip with seasoned beef is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. To give it a Halloween-inspired touch, kids can use sour cream to create a spider web pattern on top. It’s a creative way for young chefs to get into the holiday spirit, and the deliciously cheesy dip is guaranteed to delight both taste buds and eyes, adding a unique element of fun to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Beef Queso Dip with optional spider web
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Let’s talk about Air Fryer Potato Wedges, a simple yet delightful dish for kids to cook up with smiles. These wedges are all about crispy, golden-brown potato goodness that’s both fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of an air fryer, kids can transform ordinary spuds into irresistible, crunchy bites. These potato wedges can be seasoned with their favorite flavors, making them a versatile and customizable treat that will make dinnertime a happy occasion for both kids and the entire family.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges