Easy + Fun Kid-Friendly Meals That Will Win Over Your Picky Eaters

December 15, 2023

Are you tired of the daily battle to find meals that your kids will actually eat? As a parent, your schedule is jam-packed with school drop-offs, extracurricular activities, and countless other responsibilities, leaving you with little time to figure out the perfect meal that’ll please your picky eaters. Catering to your kids’ ever-changing taste preferences and nutritional needs can be a source of never-ending stress.

Gone are the days of agonizing over what to make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With our collection of easy and fun kid-friendly meals, you'll never have to stress about mealtime again. We've handpicked a variety of recipes that have been thoroughly tested and approved by kids of all ages. Say goodbye to bland and uninspiring dishes, and say hello to a world of flavors that will excite your little one's taste buds.

But it's not just about making meals that kids will actually eat. We also prioritize their health and well-being. Our kid-friendly recipes are designed to be wholesome and nutrient-rich so your child gets the essential vitamins and minerals they need to thrive. From colorful and veggie-packed lunches to hearty and wholesome dinners, our guide will help you create meals that are both delicious and nutritious. So let’s get started on a culinary adventure that will transform your mealtime into a joyful and stress-free experience for the whole family. 

Are you always short on time, but want to make healthy meals that your entire family will enjoy? The expert chefs at Hungryroot have crafted a wide variety of delicious recipes and healthy groceries delivered straight to your doorstep, so you can enjoy tasty meals even with your hectic schedule. Take their personalized quiz here and kickstart your plant-based diet on the right step from day one!

Our Favorite, Kid-Approved Recipes

We’ve combed through 2000+ chef-created recipes to showcase our kid-approved and tastiest recipes so you and your family can stay energized and on track all week long!

Easy Kid-Friendly Breakfast Ideas

PB and J Strawberry Oats: These hearty peanut butter and jelly oats are a tasty, kid-approved breakfast that delight with a perfect harmony of sweet and salty flavors. Imagine a medley of strawberries and crunchy peanuts, blended together for a wholesome morning treat that's high in fiber and protein, making it a tasty way to feed the kids without compromising on nutrition. Free from gluten and soy, it's a healthy choice that's sure to delight both parents and kids alike.

Maple Sea Salt Cereal: Delight your little ones with the sweet, salty taste of maple sea salt cereal! Made from sunflowers grown using earth-friendly practices, this vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free cereal is a delectable addition to any breakfast table. With a high-protein flour base and a hint of maple syrup, it's a kid-approved meal that's also a nutritional powerhouse. Pair this with creamy oat milk or almond milk for an enticing morning meal that’ll have your kids coming back for seconds.

Bite-Sized Pancakes with Vermont Maple Syrup: Get your kids ready for a delightful morning adventure with these tasty, bite-sized Belgian boy's pancakes that are a fun twist on the classic breakfast dish. Made with natural, wholesome ingredients, they're a delicious and healthy way to start the day. Kids will love them because they're light, and fluffy, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways - on their own or smothered in syrup, like our favorite Vermont maple syrup!

Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins: Kids will love the sweet taste of these vegan, nut-free, and soy-free mini muffins! Packed with rich chocolate chips, they're sure to delight even the fussiest eaters. Plus, with no heat required, you can say goodbye to morning kitchen chaos because breakfast just got a whole lot easier.

Vegan Good Morning Plate: Wake up your taste buds with this vibrant plant-based egg and sweet blueberry toast plate that’ll make your kids excited to dig in! Fluffy, golden-toasted blueberry rounds are paired with savory plant-based eggs for a delightful way to start your day. Not only is this dish delicious, but it's also a healthy, protein-packed breakfast plate that will keep your favorite little ones energized!

Deli Style Ham + Cheesy Eggs on a Bagel: Prepare your kids for a full day of energy and flavor with a seriously delicious and cheesy breakfast treat! Load up on the classic flavors of eggs, cheese, and ham on a crispy bagel for a meal that will have them asking for seconds. With a whole 580 calories and 42 grams of protein, this hearty breakfast is not only kid-friendly, but also a protein-packed choice to keep them full throughout the day.

Easy Kid-Friendly Lunch Recipes

Plant-based Chicken Tenders + Cauli Mac n’ Cheese: Ditch regular chicken nuggets, for healthier plant-based chicken tenders and creamy cauliflower mac n’ cheese! The mac 'n cheese is packed with protein-rich macaroni made from natural ingredients like cauliflower, giving you the perfect opportunity to get them excited about eating their veggies. Ready in just 8 minutes, this meal is a convenient, healthy, and kid-approved lunch that they’ll be excited to dig into.

The Kids Table Plate: Introducing the ultimate kid-friendly, plant-based meal that checks all the boxes: delicious, nutritious, and oh-so-satisfying! This wholesome meal features crunchy broccoli florets, fluffy potato fries, and savory, protein-packed BBQ chicken tenders. Prepare to be amazed as each bite is the perfect balance of textures, with a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The included instructions make it a breeze to prepare, so you can whip up this tasty, kid-friendly meal in no time at all!

Pepperoni Naan Pizza: Pepperoni Naan Pizza is a delightful and nutritious meal that children will love! This kid-friendly recipe is a true crowd-pleasure, made with flavorful ingredients like tomato marinara, creamy mozzarella cheese, and sliced pepperoni. Each bite is a burst of flavors as the rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and crispy pepperoni come together on a bed of naan bread. The best part is, it only takes 12 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a great option for busy days. With a balanced blend of taste and nutrition, it's an ideal meal for any child's lunchbox.

Grass-fed BBQ Sloppy Joes: This mouthwatering plate is a healthy twist on a beloved comfort dish. Made with premium, grass-fed ground beef, these hearty sandwiches are a meal the whole family can enjoy. Boasting a mouthwatering mix of savory herbs and spices, the beefy filling is nestled between golden, homemade buns. An added bonus? The buns are made from organic ingredients that are free from artificial additives and preservatives! With its satisfying blend of flavors, both kids and adults will fall in love with this comforting meal.

Spicy Black Bean Quesadillas:  Get ready to spice up lunchtime with these savory black bean quesadillas, a vibrant kid-friendly lunch that’s ready in just 10 minutes. The Cuban-spiced black beans are spread evenly over half of a warm tortilla, with a layer of melted cheese sandwiched in between, and then folded into a half-moon shape. As they sizzle in a lightly oiled skillet, the tortillas transform into a golden-brown, crispy delight, while the cheese melts to gooey perfection. These quesadillas are a satisfying lunchtime meal that seamlessly blends nutrition and flavor.

Easy Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes

Broccoli + Cheddar Baked Mac n’ Cheese: Are your kids craving a comforting, cheesy pasta? Then this veggie-packed, cheesy mac and cheese recipe is the perfect choice! This delightful dish combines classic mac and cheese with a vibrant twist: crunchy broccoli florets. With a creamy, cheese-filled sauce, this hearty meal is sure to delight both the kids and adults alike. Not only is this dish a delicious indulgence, but it's also packed with protein and fiber thanks to the generous helping of broccoli. Get ready for a well-rounded, nutritious meal that will keep your little ones feeling full and excited to eat some veggies.

Traditional Spaghetti Meatballs: Delivering a classic twist to the traditional spaghetti and meatballs combo, this meal is a kid-friendly dream. Organic pasta is enveloped with a savory tomato marinara sauce and paired with mouth-watering, all-natural grass-fed beef meatballs. With just the right amount of protein and fiber, this meal provides the needed nutrients to keep your kids healthy. Not only is it an easy, and healthy dinner choice, but its vibrant flavors and visually appealing presentation make it a meal the whole family can enjoy at the dinner table.

Quesadillas + Mild Salsa:  A fun & nutritious chicken quesadillas recipe that's easy for kids to enjoy! Made with organic flour tortillas, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory pulled chicken seasoned with your favorite spices, these bite-sized delights are sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a quick, easy dinner idea your children will love.

Teriyaki Pork Chop with Broccoli Rice: Get ready to treat your family to a mouthwatering, veggie-packed feast that will leave them craving more. It only takes 19 minutes to prepare —perfect for a quick, easy dinner! The tender, juicy pork chops get a sweet kick from the savory teriyaki sauce (which can be served on the side for picky eaters!), while the steamed broccoli creates a delightful side dish. To complete this kid-friendly and delicious dinner, don’t forget to pair it with seasoned jasmine rice.

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: If your family is craving a Mexican-inspired dinner, these savory and vibrant enchiladas are a perfect choice. Ready in just under half an hour, this recipe features a medley of wholesome ingredients including juicy chicken, flavorful green chile, and delicious tortillas. Once assembled and baked to perfection, the enchiladas are topped off with savory sour cream. Elevate your dinner with an extra dose of nutrients by pairing the mouthwatering enchiladas with a refreshing side salad. With minimal prep work and an impressive nutrient profile, this meal is a perfect option for a busy weeknight.

Beef Broccoli with Jasmine Rice: Introducing a wholesome and crowd-pleasing dish that will satisfy both kids and adults: a scrumptious beef and broccoli rice plate. Prepare for a delightful combination of savory beef, crispy broccoli, and fragrant jasmine rice that will leave your taste buds happy. This recipe can be whipped up in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With only a few simple ingredients, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and iron. The tender beef and crispy broccoli will win over even the pickiest eaters, so get ready to make this delicious, kid-friendly dinner meal a family favorite.

Getting Creative with Your Kid-Friendly Meals

In the journey of creating kid-friendly meals, remember that simplicity and creativity go hand in hand. Embrace the power of simple yet nutritious ingredients, and don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild. Whether you're getting the help of kitchen tools like the instant pot to whip up quick, family dinners or experimenting with exciting twists on classic dishes like orange chicken or America’s favorite hot dogs, the key lies in finding inventive ways to incorporate healthy ingredients.

By adding a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, sneaking in nutritious swaps, and presenting meals in visually appealing ways, you can spark the curiosity of even the most stubborn eaters. You can also experiment with flavorful sauces from creamy ranch dressing to zesty vinaigrettes to elevate the flavors and make them more enticing for your little ones. Remember, creativity is the secret sauce that transforms mealtime from a chore to an adventure. So, go forth and unleash your culinary creativity, one delicious and nutritious meal at a time!

It's no secret that meal planning and grocery shopping can be time-consuming, leaving you with little time to focus on enjoying quality time with your loved ones. At Hungryroot, we take care of the hard work for you with our meal planning and healthy grocery delivery service. You can choose from a wide variety of clean, wholesome recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for those who are always on the go. No more last-minute trips to the grocery store or unhealthy fast food options. Let Hungryroot help you stay on track and achieve your health and wellness goals, even with a busy schedule. Take our personalized quiz today, and see the difference for yourself!

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