6 Easy recipes for kid chefs and their families

Filled with easy recipes for kid chefs, this post comes from Maria Lawrence, a content writer for Cuisipro. These kid friendly recipes not only taste good but will help your family enjoy time together in the kitchen!

The warmth of a kitchen is amplified when it brings family members together in the joyous act of creating meals. With this in mind, we present six delightful, family-friendly recipes that promise not just nourishment but also shared moments of togetherness.

Kid friendly pepperoni pizza muffins

A delightful mix of pizza and muffins, these handheld bites are perfect for kids and will make snack time or dinner an exciting affair.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups pepperoni, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 cup pizza sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir in the cheese and pepperoni.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and olive oil.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool slightly, then serve with pizza sauce for dipping.

Mini chicken pot pies

These comforting, individual pot pies are filled with a hearty mixture of chicken and veggies, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pack ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until a paste forms.
3. Gradually add in chicken broth and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in shredded chicken and frozen vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cut the puff pastry into squares big enough to fit into the muffin tin sections.
6. Press each square into the muffin tin, then fill with the chicken mixture.
7. Fold over the corners of the pastry to the center.
8. Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Rainbow vegetable skewers

These colorful skewers are a fun and nutritious way to serve a variety of vegetables.

Ingredients

• A selection of colorful vegetables (like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, mushrooms)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Skewers

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Chop the vegetables into chunks.
3. Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating colors for a rainbow effect.
4. Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.

DIY taco bar

Creating a DIY taco bar is an entertaining and customizable dinner idea, suitable for everyone’s taste.

Ingredients

• Taco shells or tortillas
• Cooked ground meat (like beef, chicken, or turkey)
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Guacamole

Instructions

1. Prepare and cook your chosen meat, seasoning as desired.
2. Arrange all the ingredients in separate bowls on the table.
3. Let each family member build their own taco, adding their favorite fillings.

Baked ziti pasta

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food, full of cheesy, tomato-based goodness. The combination of melted cheese, pasta and a robust tomato sauce is certain to satisfy everyone’s palate. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, meaning less cleanup and more time spent with your family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain.
3. While the pasta is cooking, in a large bowl, mix the marinara sauce, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, the Parmesan, oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and cheese mixture, stirring well to coat all the pasta.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
6. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
7. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Chocolate dipped fruit

This simple, semi-healthy dessert is a delicious way to end a family meal.

Ingredients

• Selection of fresh fruit (like strawberries, bananas, grapes)
• Melting chocolate
• Skewers (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut any large fruit into bite-sized pieces.
2. Melt the chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler.
3. Dip each piece of fruit into the chocolate, then place on a tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Allow the chocolate to set in the refrigerator.
5. Serve the fruit as is or thread onto skewers for easy eating.

Cooking together isn’t just about the food; it’s about the conversations that flow while the stew simmers, the teamwork it takes to assemble a dish and the shared laughter when something goes awry. When served at the dinner table, the food brings with it a slice of these cherished moments, making every bite a celebration of togetherness.

Check out these additional great recipes for kid chefs and your entire family:

A sloppy joe recipe your family will love

Microwave baked potato recipe

BLT pizza

Easy oat and honey granola

Easy microwave fudge recipe made five ways

An easy way to make a boxed brownie mix fudgy good

Peanut butter honey nut cereal clusters

Edible chocolate chip cookie dough