As a busy parent, you may be looking for new ways to cook meals for your kids. What about including them in the process? Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful with kids, if you know what you’re doing.
Whether you’re looking for healthier alternatives to PB&Js and Lunchables, or you simply want to try something new, here are some great options for easy recipes you can make with your kids:
Cheesy bell pepper “pizza”
An alternative to your typical pizza, and one that is perfect for those who like to eat gluten-free options, a cheesy bell pepper pizza is something fun for your whole family to enjoy making. Cut the bell peppers in half, fill each half with cheese, top with mini pepperonis and sliced Roma tomatoes, toss them in the oven for a few minutes, and voila: you’ll have fun “pizzas” for the family to enjoy.
An easy-peasy and super yummy dinner for everyone. You can also add olive oil and parsley for a boost in flavor.
Stacks of pancakes
With a griddle pan, making pancakes as a family has never been so easy. While your older children can take the job of flipping the pancakes over a hot stove, the little ones can help with the batter preparation.
A simple pancake recipe uses the following ingredients: ● Sugar ● Salt● Baking powder● Baking soda ● Milk● Butter● Vanilla extract● Large egg
If you want to make the pancakes extra special, add in some chocolate chips or strawberries to make your little one’s day.
Grilled cheese sandwiches
If you’re busy and your older children want to make lunch for the younger ones, an easy and delicious option is the traditional grilled cheese sandwich. With two slices of bread for each sandwich, butter, your favorite cheeses, and any lunch meat they may want to include, a grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless and satisfying dish that never grows old. A griddle pan is a great option to use for the best grilled cheese ever.
Quesadillas
Do you need a recipe for quesadillas? Adding a twist to a traditional quesadilla can be as simple as adding in some protein like chicken or carnitas. Consider taking this opportunity to teach your kiddos how to make the best guacamole to accompany their quesadillas.
Use any cheese you like best, flour tortillas or corn if you prefer, shred some Rotisserie chicken, and your quesadilla ingredients are complete. For your guacamole, mash an avocado or two, add sliced tomatoes, lime, and cilantro, with salt to taste, and your dinner will be out of this world.
Nacho dinner
While it may not be the meal you’ll make every night of the week, a nacho dinner could be the perfect way to prepare a fun meal with the kids. With a bag of tortilla chips or homemade chips, rotisserie chicken, plenty of cheese, cubed tomatoes, beans, and sour cream, and any spicy addition your family may like, nachos are super simple to make.
Throw the chips, cheese, chicken, and beans into the oven on a sheet pan, and when the cheese is melted, pull them out to top with all your other ingredients. Your kiddos can help with shredding the chicken, topping the chips with cheese, and, if they can handle a kitchen knife, chopping the tomatoes as well. Pro tip: order ingredients through a grocery delivery service to save on time as a busy parent.
In Conclusion
From breakfast goodies to evening snacks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy cooking meals with your kids. Pancakes on your new pan or nachos in the oven—either way, cooking can be fun when done with the whole family involved.
These easy recipes won’t require much preparation but can be as delectable as you’d want any meal to be. If you need help planning more meals, consider using an online meal planning service. Happy cooking!
