No More Mealtime Meltdowns! 21 Recipes Kids Get Excited To Eat

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No More Mealtime Meltdowns! 21 Recipes Kids Get Excited To Eat

Getting kids to look forward to their greens and veggies can seem like climbing Mount Everest at times, but it doesn’t have to be. With a touch of creativity and a sprinkle of fun, kids can turn into little food enthusiasts. Seeing a once-avoided plate of food transform into a child’s quick pick is no less than a pat on a parent’s back for outsmarting the picky eater phase.

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These carrots come out of the air fryer with a perfectly sweet glaze and a tenderness that could convert vegetable skeptics. The process of watching them cook is half the fun and might just be the trick to making veggies a treat. Additionally, they pair beautifully with virtually any dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thin layers of potato meld with a velvety sauce and melt-in-your-mouth cheese, creating irresistible slices of comfort that beckon for seconds. This straightforward side dish is a familiar favorite that can make a simple meal feel special. Plus, it’s just cheesy enough to win over the kids.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This dish takes the humble cauliflower and transforms it into something irresistibly creamy and cheesy. Even the pickiest of eaters will be scraping their plates clean, blissfully unaware of the veggie content. Comfort in a dish, it’s a sneaky and smart way to include vegetables in a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simplify your morning routine with a prepared egg casserole that’s as delicious as it is convenient. Brimming with flavor, it’s a fun ‘breakfast cake’ that kids can’t resist and offers a stress-free start to any parent’s day. Add in a variety of ingredients to cater to everyone’s palate.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Easy Vegetable Stew

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Easy Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With each spoonful of this hearty vegetable stew, children embark on a flavorful adventure. It encourages trying a variety of textures while subtly getting them to eat a rainbow of veggies. It’s a warm, filling option that might just have them requesting a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A batch of crispy sweet potato fries can be the gateway for kids to enjoy more nutritious snacks. They’re a playful and delicious alternative to traditional fries, perfect for dipping and completely kid-approved. It’s a simple side that brings a little excitement to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Personalized flatbread pizzas are a blend of creative expression and savory indulgence in the kitchen. Kids absolutely enjoy choosing their toppings, and the joy of seeing their creations bake to perfection is undeniable. It’s an engaging meal that’s universally adored.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With its golden crust and warm, cheesy center, this potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that brings generations together, providing a sense of comfort with every bite. It’s a reliable choice that promises a warm, filling experience, particularly on cooler evenings.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This timeless classic includes spaghetti drenched in a flavorsome tomato sauce that makes a simple yet memorable meal. The fun of twirling noodles around a fork can turn dinner into an occasion, with the essence of a family-style Italian dining experience at home.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Veggie Burger

A homemade veggie burger in a bun, on a wooden plate, ready to eat.
Veggie Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Offering a veggie burger can be a delightful surprise when it’s bursting with flavors that even kids adore. It’s a clever disguise for a nutritious meal and can be tailor-made to please any discerning young palate. Even those skeptical about vegetables may give this one the thumbs up.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stuffed peppers are a playful dish that intrigues with its bright colors and delicious filling, like having a personal bowl made of veggies. Each pepper is an invitation to enjoy a balance of grains and vegetables, making a healthy meal feel like an exciting treat.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked potatoes are like a blank canvas. The fun begins when kids get to personalize their potato with an array of toppings – a simple pleasure that never grows old. Whether it’s a simple sprinkle of cheese or a heap of bacon, it allows for creativity in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When zucchini is baked with just the right amount of cheese, it can surprise everyone at the table. It’s a dish that fuses health with a cheesy allure, cleverly disguising the greens among the gooey goodness. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that just might make kids ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Easy Burrito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Assembling burritos can be a playful mealtime activity, with a variety of fillings to please even the fussiest of eaters. Every bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, offering kids a hands-on dining experience. It’s a meal that resonates with all ages.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These vegan nuggets transform cauliflower into a crunchy, dippable delight that’s hard to resist. It’s a plant-based treat that could make kids reevaluate their favorite snacks – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Easy Banana Pudding

Banana pudding in a bowl with whipped cream and bananas.
Easy Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and soft wafers create a simple yet irresistible dessert. Kids enjoy exploring the depths of their cups, finding sweet treasures with each spoonful. It’s one of those desserts that brings a sense of occasion to the end of a meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls in a pan with icing.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven is something quite extraordinary. It’s a sweet treat that captures the essence of home-cooked indulgence and brings everyone to the table in anticipation. Watching the rolls turn golden and puffy is part of the experience.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Why not start the day with a hearty breakfast casserole that’s brimming with eggs and potatoes? It’s a robust way to greet the morning, offering a taste that’s reminiscent of a homemade dinner at breakfast time. It’s a solid choice for fueling up for the day’s activities.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Fried Banana

A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.
Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes it’s the simplest of desserts that make the biggest impression, like bananas caramelized to a dreamy sweetness. Serve alongside ice cream for a contrast that’s quite satisfying. It’s a straightforward treat that’s warm, flavor-packed, and quickly made.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Air Fryer Carrot Fries

Air Fryer Carrot Fries. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Carrot fries from the air fryer offer a novel twist on a familiar snack. Crunchy and subtly sweet, they’re a solid contender for the go-to after-school treat. The novelty of watching their transformation in the air fryer is just a bonus to their enjoyable flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries

Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baking a batch of lemon cookies is an easy way to infuse a little sunshine into snack time. Their fresh and light flavor tends to disappear quickly from the cookie jar. It’s an activity and a treat rolled into one, ideally shared on a lazy afternoon or after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

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