6 Easy Kid-Friendly Recipes

With 2 young kids, I’m always on the search for delicious and easy kid-friendly recipes. Today I’m sharing a round up of 6 easy go-to recipies- everything ranging from breakfast, to lunch, to dinner.

1. Zucchini Bites via My Recipes

These zucchini bites are a family favorite! They’re quick to make and are super tasty. I find that most of the time I have all of the ingredients on-hand, so no grocery store run needed! They’re also great for on-the-go breakfasts. Just throw them in a ziplock bag as you head out the door!

Ingredients

1 cup zucchini grated

1 egg

1/4 cup yellow onion diced

1/4 cup cheese (cheddar or Parmesan work the best)

1/4 cup bread crumbs (I used Italian Style)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and Pepper

Instructions

1// Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a mini-muffin tin with non-stick spray, set aside.

2// Grate the zucchini and then place in a dish towel to squeeze out the excess water- like when using frozen spinach; if you skip this part, the middle of the zucchini tots will be really soggy while the outside gets crispy and no one wants that.

3// In a bowl combine, the egg, onion, cheese, bread crumbs, zucchini, parsley, salt and pepper.\

4// Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill the muffin cups to the top. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the top is browned and set.

2. 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

One of my kids’ favorite thing to eat for breakfast is banana pancakes and bonus, I do too! I love that they are so simple, easy to make and super healthy – all natural!

Ingredients

1 egg
1 banana
3/4 cup of whole oats

Instructions

1// Put the banana in a bowl and mash with a fork

2// Add the eggs and mix until well combined

3// Add whole oats and a dash cinnamon to the banana mix, and stir well. (And you can use gluten-free oats if you want them to be gluten-free.)

4// Heat a skillet over a medium heat with a dash of non-stick spray or vegetable oil.

5// Pour ¼ cup of the mixture into the skillet, cook on one side for about 1.5 minutes, then turn and cook on the other side for about 1 minute (or until golden brown on both sides)

6// You can serve (with or without maple syrup) and enjoy! I don’t add anything on them, I think they are sweet enough by themselves!

3. Green Smoothie

Both of my kids love this green smoothie. We literally just whipped this up one day with fruit and greens we had in the fridge. You can substitute a few of the fruits or swap out the kale for spinach. I think what really helps is having a good blender that can blend all the ingredients into a really smooth smoothie. Very kid-friendly when it comes to getting your kids to eat their greens!

Ingredients

a handful of kale
a handful of frozen mangos
a handful of strawberries
1 banana
1/2 to 3/4 c of almond milk or coconut water or milk (you just need to eye it, sometimes I need more or less)
I eye it everytime, I don’t measure.

Instructions

1// Blend all together until smooth and creamy

4. Baked Chicken Meatballs via Pinch of Yum

These chicken meatballs are so easy to make (all in 1 bowl) and can go with anything. Serve with a side of veggies or add them to pasta. You can also freeze leftovers, which is super handy for future quick lunches!

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken or turkey
1 egg
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional – makes meatballs more moist and yummy)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
black pepper to taste
additional seasonings & buffalo sauce optional!

Instructions

1// Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and a little cooking spray.

2// Mix: Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.

3// Roll: Roll the mixture into about 30 small balls. Place on baking sheet.

4// Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes.

5// ENJOY!

5. Toddler Fiesta Bowl via Baby Foode

This kid-friendly fiesta bowl one is quick & easy and we usually have everything on hand. This can also be easily customized for each kid and can vary each time you make it depending on what you have on hand. The kids can also help put their bowls together.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 can canned black beans, well rinsed
1 cup corn
1 red pepper, finely chopped
1 avocado, cut into small sections
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
cilantro
juice of 1 lime
top with favorite salsa

Instructions

1// Combine the rice, lime juice and olive oil.

2// Add all ingredients one on top of another, mixing if you wish.

3// I usually have the rice, beans, corn, pepper heated before assembling the bowls.

4// Garnish with whatever you are in the mood for. And dig in.

Some fun additions:

Add some shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or plain yogurt to the top.
Add some cooked ground turkey, chicken beef or tofu and flavor with some spices – chili, onion, garlic and cumin.
Warmed corn tortillas or cheese quesadillas on the side.
Homemade or store bought tortilla chips served on top for a little crunch.
Serve all ingredients on top of a big bed of lettuce.

6. English Muffin Pizzas via A Crafty Spoonful 

These english muffin pizzas only take about 10 minutes from start to finish – maybe a little longer if the kids help. 😉 Quick + easy and very filling.

Ingredients

english muffins
pizza sauce (marinara or pesto also tasty!)
pepperonis
spinach, shopped
mozzarella cheese, shredded
italian seasoning

Instructions

1// Preheat your toaster oven to 425 (or use your large oven if making many). Line a toaster oven safe tray or cookie sheet (for oven use) with foil.

2// Grab an english muffin and cut it in half. Add all of the ingredients into small, separate bowls in an assembly line. Move a stool over and let your child hop up to counter height, or assemble on the kitchen table.

3// Have your child spread about a spoonful of sauce onto each muffin half. Then have them take a small amount of each topping and add it to the sauce. Let them top each pizza with a pinch of cheese (careful not to over do it).

4// Before placing the pizzas in the oven, let your child sprinkle the top of each pizza with a little bit of Italian seasoning. Put pizzas on prepped tray and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool for a minute or so then serve and enjoy!

For other popular topics related to motherhood see links before.

Our Favorite Carseat

Greyson’s 1st Birthday

Greyson’s 17 Months Update

Most Uses Baby Gear at 8 Months

Becky xx