You went through sweat and frustration for an hour, and the reaction to it is not what you wanted or deserve.
Your kids are screaming again about how they don’t like the fresh vegetables you grilled and how the chicken has too much seasoning. This is the last thing you wanted after a day in the office.
Stacks of recipe books sit on your counter, and you still feel like you’ve run out of options for your picky eaters. You want them to eat dinner, but you’re tired of handing them chicken nuggets. Don’t worry, there’s hope.
Below are 11 delicious recipes you and your picky eaters will enjoy. Check out these recipes for kids to make the dinner table fun again.
1. Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers are a totally delicious and healthier alternative to hamburgers. It’s one of the best recipes for picky kids because they won’t be intimidated by something that looks just like a typical hamburger.
You can always spice it up by using a tortilla wrap instead of a bun and add a fun condiment like lime cilantro ranch. Toss some fresh lettuce, onions, and tomato on it, and you’re set for dinner.
Pair a turkey with a fresh salad, fruit, or grilled corn. If your kids love french fries, make your own sweet potato fries in the over.
For the adults at the table, try the award winning witbier recipe with your burger.
2. Spaghetti and Meatballs
This is one of the most traditional meals in the books but still one of the best recipes for kids. You can never get tired of the occasional spaghetti nights.
A great way to sneak some vegetables into the mix is making the sauce from scratch with fresh picks from your local farmers market. Pick out fresh tomatoes, onions, celery, and bell peppers.
You can also get creative with the spices in the sauce. Try out garlic powder, basil, or oregano.
3. Taco Bowls
A fun twist on the traditional taco Tuesday is making your own taco bowls with fresh vegetables and ground turkey! It’s healthier than your average taco, but your kids won’t be complaining because it has the word “taco” in the name.
Prepare some ground turkey, black beans, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, shredded cheese, lettuce, and fresh salsa. Make it a buffet style by handing everyone a bowl and telling them to construct their own bowl.
You can even let loose with some homemade guacamole, fresh olives, or rice!
4. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
One of the best recipes for picky children and a long day is the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup. This is a good recipe for experimenting with different types of cheeses and whipping up fresh tomato soup.
When trying out new ways to create the perfect grilled cheese, have fun with some creative ideas. Make the sandwich with mozzarella, tomato, and basil for a caprese grilled cheese.
5. Homemade Pizza Night
Giving your kids creative control is a great way to introduce new ingredients. Encourage them to try new toppings by offering a yummy dessert pizza if they try 2 new vegetables!
Buy some dough, pizza sauce, and any topping you’d like. Section off the dough into however many pieces you need for your family and chop up the vegetables before placing them in small bowls.
Allow your kids to brush on their own olive oil and sauce before going crazy on the toppings. Tell them how yummy fresh vegetables are on pizza and even try to get them to drizzle some pesto over the top.
6. Yogurt Parfaits
Do you need some help with picky kid recipes during breakfast time? Try out yogurt parfaits with oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit.
The bright colors of the fruit with the creaminess of the yogurt will have your kids loving breakfast. Choose between berries such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. For a tropical twist, throw in mango, kiwi, or pineapple.
To add some more sweetness, drizzle the parfait in honey.
7. Mini Pizzas
If you’re like most people, you have trouble finding a use for your muffin pan most of the time, or maybe you really love muffins. Either way, use the pan for mini pizzas.
Spray down each spot with cooking spray and then line it with biscuit dough. After you have your biscuit dough pressed in, fill it with sauce and cheese. Your final touch can be a couple of pieces of chopped vegetables and pepperoni.
Bake these until slightly golden, and enjoy with your kids!
8. Quesadillas
These warm pockets of cheese and goodness or popular with anyone, including picky eaters.
Break out the tortillas, cheese, and any filling you want! You can grill steak, chicken, and even shrimp to stuff inside before melting it all together.
Sneak in some fresh veggies like bell peppers and onions. Your kids will be so excited about the gooey cheese goodness that they won’t mind them. Prepare fresh guacamole and salsa to either pour on top or for dipping pleasure!
9. Homemade Chili
Chili is one of the best recipes for picky children because it allows you to prepare it in the morning before work, and kids love it.
Break out the family crockpot and throw in ground beef, vegetables, spices, chili powder, and beans to simmer for the day. It’s a hearty meal that easy and leaves you feeling full.
10. Peanut Butter Banana Toast
Another delicious recipe for breakfast is peanut butter banana toast. Grab your favorite whole grain toast and simply top with peanut butter and sliced bananas.
The creamy peanut butter and sweet fruit will leave your kid energized for the school day!
11. Homemade KFC Bowls
Everyone loves fast food but would prefer it in the comfort of our own home. Create the KFC experience at your own dinner table.
Whip up mashed potatoes and top them with pieces of fried chicken, corn, and cheese. It’ll give your kids the satisfaction of fast food without feeling guilty while pulling through the drive-through.
Delicious Recipes for Kids They Won’t Turn Down
Many parents go through the pain of battling their kids at the dinner table. All they want at that moment is for their children to eat what they spent time preparing. With the above 11 recipes for kids, your child will love dinner time again.
Whether it’s a taco bowl night or cooking up a bowl of chili, you and your kids will be satisfied. There are plenty of ways to sneak fresh products and new tastes into your kid’s diet. Just follow the recipes above.
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