13 Family-Friendly Bites That Aren’t Your Typical Kid Grub

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13 Family-Friendly Bites That Aren’t Your Typical Kid Grub

Tired of serving the same old snacks to your kids? Spice up mealtime with options that are a little different from the usual kid fare. These meals are fun, tasty, and healthy too, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on the table. It’s a great way to get kids excited about trying new things. With these 13 family-friendly bites that aren’t your typical kid grub, you’ll keep everyone happy and curious about meals.

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform leftover ham into something special with Southern Ham Salad. It’s a versatile mix that brings a bit of savory and sweetness to crackers, sandwiches, or even salads. Great for lunches, picnics, or as a quick snack, this recipe keeps things interesting. It turns the ordinary into something a bit more memorable. You’ll likely find this becoming a go-to for using holiday leftovers or when you have ham on hand.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A white plate with a slice of Croissant breakfast casserole and orange next to it.
Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Making breakfast or brunch feel like a luxurious treat is simple with Croissant Breakfast Casserole. It’s indulgent, rich, and perfect for when you want to spoil yourself or your guests. This casserole turns an ordinary morning into something special. It’s as suitable for a Wednesday as it is for a weekend treat. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a requested favorite.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever in the mood for something with a bit of a kick? Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is your answer. It’s not just for tacos—serve it over rice, in tortillas, or as a hearty nacho topping. This dish has rich flavors and can be customized with your favorite add-ins. It’s a straightforward recipe that brings a lot of versatility to your meal planning. Perfect for spicing up dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Kickstart a leisurely weekend morning with California Eggs Benedict. This twist on a classic swaps traditional ham for avocado and tomato, making it feel fresh and lighter. It’s a bit fancier, giving you an excuse to poach eggs and whip up hollandaise sauce without too much trouble. Ideal for those mornings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Your brunch game just got an upgrade.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to change things up a bit for dinner? Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe blends familiar and new tastes into a comforting and quick dish suitable for any weeknight. It’s a one-pan wonder that saves on cleanup. Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds, making it a perfect go-to meal. This one’s all about bringing a cozy vibe to your dinner table without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ready for a dish that fills you up and keeps you returning for more? Beefy John Wayne Casserole is packed with meaty, cheesy goodness and a little kick to keep things interesting. It’s great for gatherings, feeding a crowd, or just a hearty family dinner. Named after an American icon, this casserole lives up to its namesake with robust flavors. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a requested dish at family events.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for something lighter that doesn’t skimp on flavor, give Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp a try. It’s easy enough for a weekday lunch but fancy enough for dinner. The flavors are refreshing and it’s perfect for outdoor eating. You can even take it along to a picnic or potluck. Everyone will enjoy the new flavors without straying too far from the comfort zone.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you just need a meal that feels like a warm hug. Chicken Piccata offers just that with its tangy, savory lemon flavor that’s sure to impress. It’s surprisingly simple to make, turning ordinary chicken into something special. This dish is a fantastic choice for those evenings when you want to make dinner a bit more sophisticated without a ton of effort. And the sauce? It’s so good you’ll want to have bread ready to soak up every last bit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

After the holidays, figuring out what to do with all that leftover turkey can be a challenge. Turkey à la King is your answer, transforming leftovers into a creamy, comforting new meal. It pairs beautifully with rice or pasta, serving as a versatile dish that’s both warming and satisfying. This is the meal that invites everyone to relax and enjoy the moment. Perfect for those days when you need a simple yet fulfilling dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever thought of combining the savory taste of pork with the subtle sweetness of apples? Roast Pork with Apples is a dish that fills your home with an inviting aroma, making everyone eager to gather around the table. It’s that perfect mix of flavors that feels both fancy and comforting. Great for when you need a meal that feels like a Sunday roast any day of the week. Expect your kitchen to be the most popular room in the house when this is in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On those nights when you want a delicious dinner without the hassle of cleanup, Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken has got you covered. It’s a no-fuss recipe that fills your plate with juicy, aromatic chicken. Everything cooks together on one pan, making your evening that much easier. Ideal for busy days when you still want a meal that seems like you spent hours on it. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Butter Scones

Two butter scones on a plate with a cup of tea on a marble surface.
Butter Scones. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Looking for a simple way to step up your breakfast or snack game? Butter Scones are here to make things interesting. These are easy to whip up and serve as a nice break from the usual. Warm from the oven, they pair perfectly with your favorite jam or just a bit of butter. They’re great for slow mornings, tea time, or as part of a brunch spread. Everyone loves finding these on the table.
Get the Recipe: Butter Scones

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it’s time to brighten up your veggie routine, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill steps in as a fresh option. This dish is all about adding a lively kick to an often overlooked side. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet the flavors suggest you put more effort into it. A great choice for shaking up dinner sides without straying too far from comfort. Even those not keen on cauliflower might just change their minds.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

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