25 Kid Tested & Parent Approved Recipes
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Published Apr 15, 2020, Updated Jan 17, 2022
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Get your kiddos in the kitchen with over 25 easy and fun recipes that they’ll enjoy making and eating! All of the recipes are kid tested & parent approved.
Although Olivia is still an infant and too little to help out in the kitchen, she’s actually with me in the kitchen all the time. Whether she’s attached to me in a wrap or sitting in her bouncer, she already enjoys hanging out and watching me cook.
For those of you with toddlers or older kiddos this is the perfect time to get them in the kitchen to help prep recipes and learn the basics of cooking. Who knows, you might just find that you have a budding chef on your hands.
If your babe is still young or just getting started with solids, be sure to check out my baby food recipes.
Tips for Involving Your Kids in the Kitchen
I am so excited for when Olivia can actually help me in the kitchen! Since reading Bringing up Bébé when I was pregnant with her I’ve had plans to get one of those kitchen helper stools. And I can’t wait to help Olivia make the yogurt cake for toddlers that the author talks about in the book.
I know it can seem stressful and more difficult to bring your kids in the kitchen to cook, but these are valuable life skills they will have for the rest of their lives! Make sure you are not rushed or stressed out before bringing your kids into the kitchen. Pick an open morning or afternoon where you have no other plans, but to be present with them. And don’t worry about things getting messy. You’ll be able to clean everything up at the end.
I have broken up certain tasks by age range, but obviously you know your kid best. Have them help where you’re comfortable.
Age 2-5
- Rinse produce in a bowl or in the sink
- Dump measured ingredients into the mixing bowl
- Mix simple ingredients
- Prep herbs and fruits – picking grapes off vine, picking herbs off stem, tear lettuce leaves for salad, etc.
- Mash ingredients like bananas or potatoes
Age 6-7
- Crack eggs
- Practice cutting fruits and vegetables with a kid-friendly knife
- Count out items
- Roll cookies or energy balls into dough
- Practice reading recipe out loud
Age 8-9
- Use a can opener
- Measure out ingredients
- Juice citrus fruits
- Peel vegetables
- Read and follow instructions to mix up batter on their own
Age 10-12
- Safely attend to items on the stovetop – boiling noodles, simmering ingredients in a saucepan
- Read recipe and instruct sous chefs
- Slice and chop vegetables
- Learn how to use other kitchen appliances like a blender, food processor, etc.
And, if you need kid-friendly recipe ideas, I’ve got you covered!
Kid-Friendly Meals
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Throw chocolate chips into their pancakes and your kids will have no idea they’re eating something that’s packed with protein and other healthy ingredients!
- Oatmeal Cups – A favorite among families! Have everyone customize their own oatmeal cups with their flavor of choice.
- Protein Mac and Cheese – Yep, I upgraded the classic and added veggies to everyone’s favorite meal.
- Chicken Fingers – These baked chicken fingers are paleo and 100% kid approved. One of my most popular recipes!
- Chicken Nuggets – Make these chicken nuggets at home for a healthy spin. Serve with this homemade Chick-Fil-A sauce and your kiddos will be amazed by your cooking abilities.
- BBQ Jackfruit – Haven’t heard of jackfruit? No problem! A healthy take on BBQ pulled pork or shredded chicken, your kids will love shredding up the canned jackfruit. Serve on a bun with slaw or in a wrap!
- Quinoa Fried Rice – A mom in the EBF Facebook group says her kids request this all.the.time! My response? Do they know how many veggies they’re eating?! LOL!
- Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos – Make a deal with your kids… you can have nachos for dinner *if* the base is cauliflower! They won’t even realize they’re eating the healthy, upgraded version. Okay, they might realize it… but they’ll still love them!
- Fries – Okay, not a meal, but I highly recommend serving any of my veggie fries with your main dishes. I’ve got zucchini fries, butternut squash fries, sweet potato fries, jicama and turnip fries. Who’s trying them all?
Fun Kid Snacks and Desserts
- Avocado Dirt Cups – Trust me when I say, your kids will LOVE making and eating these dirt cups!
- Protein Muddy Buddies – Muddy buddies with a protein boost? Yes please! The protein will help avoid the sugar spike and keep your kids fuller, longer.
- Hemp Granola – Multiple mamas in the Facebook group say their kids love this granola! Straight out of the jar or with fruit and yogurt, this granola is a hit.
- Apple Nachos – Your kids can build their own healthy and sweet nachos by adding their preferred toppings! I love mine with date caramel, chocolate chips and granola.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – Make ice cream at home with just six ingredients – no ice cream maker needed! No one will know the base has avocados either!
- Chocolate Banana Ice Cream – One of my personal favorite desserts! It whips up in a flash with minimal ingredients.
- No Bake Energy Balls – Make these for your kids or hide away for your personal sweet stash! They’re so easy and so dang good!
- SunButter Energy Bites – The perfect nut-free snack bites for kiddos to take to school!
- Snickers Stuffed Dates – Again, awe your kids and make snickers at home! Step by step instructions break down what kids can help with and what’s better for the adults.
- Peanut Butter Cups – Make healthier peanut butter cups with just five ingredients!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites – It doesn’t get much simpler than this! Your kiddos can help you slice the bananas, spread the peanut butter and dunk into chocolate!
- Vanilla Cake Balls – Anyone else feel like they want to be surrounded by bright, happy colors right now? These cake balls fit the bill… bring on the sprinkles!
- PB & J Bars – A fun take on the classic sandwich we all know and love!
- Chocolate Almond Crispy Bites – Warning! These are dangerously delicious. Bonus points for being made with only five ingredients!
- Homemade Granola Bars – No need to purchase store-bought bars when you can make your own.
- Double Chocolate Muffins – Chocolate on chocolate? Yes please! You’d never guess that each muffin is packed with 13 grams of protein.
- Vegan Blueberry Muffins – These have been a hit in the EBF community! Perfectly moist and fluffy, the whole family will love these muffins.
- Fruit and Nut Bars – Nutty, chewy and slightly sweet, these are the perfect snack to have on hand for everyone!
- Monster Cookies – One of my favorite childhood treats! They’re thick and chewy and so easy to whip up.
More Recipes and Posts You Might Enjoy
I’d love to hear from you! Do you enjoy having your kiddos in the kitchen with you? What’s your favorite thing to make with them?
I saw a video that played quickly at the bottom of your page & disappeared. It was spiral zucchini with almond butter muffins. Can’t find it in the search bar. Can post it?
Yes!! Here’s the recipe you’re looking for: Flourless Zucchini Muffins
You’re a lifesaver, Brittany! Thanks so much for compiling these recipes. I’m a food and garden educator and will share these with my students.
Ahh I’m so glad this post is helpful for you, Debbie!!
Yesss! I LOVED bringing up Bebe! I have made the yogurt cake with my daughter when she was only 13 months and it was a blast! During quarantine, we have been doing all kids of cooking together and she loves it. Great memories are being made!!