If you’ve ever found yourself bargaining with a child to eat something that isn’t a bland shade of beige, Nanna’s got your back. Her time-tested strategies will take the struggle out of feeding time and, dare we say, make it almost fun. These tips are so effective, you might just forget what a picky eater looks like, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
When you’ve got picky eaters around, it’s all about tricking them into loving something familiar with a twist. That’s exactly what happens when you swap out regular grilled cheese for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese. The crispy, garlicky exterior gets even the fussiest of eaters hooked, and the gooey inside seals the deal. By the time they finish their plate, they’ll be asking for seconds without even realizing they’ve been tricked.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Shipwreck Casserole
This dish is so comforting it sneaks past the defenses of even the most resistant eaters. When you serve up Shipwreck Casserole, there’s no escape from its hearty, fall-friendly charm. With layers of flavor that aren’t too overwhelming, it’s one of those meals where the kids won’t even realize how much they’re enjoying it. The name alone might spark some curiosity, and before you know it, they’re on board.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
You want to get your picky eaters excited about dinner? Just say it’s like the fast-food they love, but better. These Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos bring that familiar fun to the table, but with a little more heart. It’s like sneaking in something homemade while they still think they’re indulging in their favorite guilty pleasure.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl
Even if your picky eater thinks fish is a no-go, this dish might just change their mind. A Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl brings together cozy fall flavors that make the salmon a little less intimidating. With its warm, autumnal vibe, it feels more like comfort food than “healthy stuff.” It’s sneaky, but that’s the trick – they won’t even realize they’re eating something new.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Everyone has a soft spot for something warm and soothing when the weather turns cool, and this is where Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup works its magic. It’s familiar enough that picky eaters won’t put up a fight, but rich and flavorful in a way that hooks them in. The creamy texture gives it that extra appeal, making it feel more like a treat than a meal. They’ll be slurping it up before they even realize it’s good for them.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Convincing picky eaters to enjoy a salad can feel impossible, but Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes finds a way around that. It’s not your average salad – it’s got bold, smoky flavors that sneak in and make even the veggie-resistant curious. Add in a little bit of crunch, and suddenly they’re more open to giving greens a try. You’ll have them coming back for another serving without even asking.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter
If regular grilled cheese doesn’t do the trick, just toss in some bacon and a little hot honey for a surprise twist. Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter are the kind of thing that picky eaters don’t even see coming. It’s familiar, but that touch of sweet heat and the crunch of bacon keep them interested. By the end of the meal, they’ll be asking when you can make it again.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter
Horiatiki Salad
Who knew a salad could win over picky eaters? A simple Horiatiki Salad does the job by keeping things fresh and crisp without being too “green.” It has just enough flavor to make it interesting, without overwhelming those who are hesitant. It’s proof that sometimes simplicity is all it takes to turn a picky eater into a fan.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Zucchini & Walnut Muffins
You’d think something with zucchini would never get past picky eaters, but these Zucchini & Walnut Muffins are sneaky enough to do just that. They’re moist, sweet, and perfect for fall, with the added crunch from walnuts that gives them that little something extra. They might even ask for one in their lunch the next day without realizing they’ve eaten a vegetable. Muffins for the win!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Walnut Muffins
John Wayne Casserole
This dish isn’t just fun because of its name – it’s a hearty, all-in-one meal that even picky eaters won’t turn down. John Wayne Casserole has all the things they already love baked into one cozy dish. It’s got that rich, fall vibe that feels like a warm hug, and before long, they’re digging in. With something so hearty and rewarding, you won’t need to convince anyone to finish their plate.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Getting picky eaters to try something like gnocchi and broccoli might seem impossible, but the trick lies in combining it with sausage. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe balances familiar flavors with new textures, making it less scary to try. By the time they get to the last bite, they’re hooked. You’ll see them asking for this one every time the weather cools down.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Greek Green Beans
Not every kid is excited about green beans, but when you give them a twist, it’s a different story. Greek Green Beans have just enough flavor to keep picky eaters interested without pushing them too far. It’s a simple, fall-friendly dish that works wonders at the dinner table. Before you know it, they’ll be asking for more greens.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Vintage Chicken Divan
You want to serve something cozy and nostalgic that still wins over the picky ones? Try Vintage Chicken Divan, a dish that combines comfort with a touch of surprise. It’s creamy and hearty, perfect for fall, and has enough familiarity to win over even the most skeptical eaters. Before long, they’ll be scraping their plates.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Seafood can be tricky with picky eaters, but Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is the kind of dish that gets them to try something new. The trick is in keeping the flavors balanced so it feels less like seafood and more like a fun, colorful dish. With its light texture and cool flavors, they’ll be eating it without even thinking twice. Perfect for those who say they don’t like shrimp but somehow finish the plate.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Oven Baked Ribs
If you’ve got picky eaters who shy away from anything too messy, these Oven Baked Ribs are the way to go. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender, and the rich flavor makes them hard to resist. There’s something about ribs that makes everyone feel like a pro at the dinner table. Even the pickiest eaters will be licking their fingers by the end of the meal, no arguments needed.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs