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It’s no secret I enjoy playing around in the kitchen. When Hailey was younger and my only child, I’d spend time experimenting in the kitchen with all sorts of fun kid-friendly recipes for her to try. I could spend nap time mixing, baking and cleaning, resulting in all sorts of creative meals for her to dive into for dinner.
Fast forward to today and life looks a little differently. Hailey’s nap times are a thing of the past and my busy little Kaitlyn is always at my feet. I find myself spending the majority of time in the kitchen just trying to make sure they’re fed, which doesn’t leave much time for playing around with new or elaborate recipes. When I don’t have time to make anything for myself during the day, I use Splendid Spoon as a grab-and-go option that’s healthy too.
You won’t find food in adorable shapes or made into kid-friendly faces or platescapes around here, but you will find good solid simple meals that the kids eat and I approve of.
If you’re in a similar position and looking for some simple meals, check out a few of my favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner! …before we get started, I highly recommend buying a set of these if you are feeding babies, toddlers or kids. If you are anything like me, you will use it weekly! I also recommend using Thrive Market to simplify ordering organic food at a good price. Read my full review here.
Easy Breakfast Roll-Ups – so simple and a great way to keep eggs IN the wrap.
Mini Meatloafs – healthy ingredients and topped with ketchup, which pretty much guarantees Kaitlyn eats it (the girl loves ketchup!)
Simple Corn Dog Bites – great to make, freeze and reheat in a pinch!
Bean and Cheese Burrito Cups – You could also use a whole wheat tortilla as the base – so cute and easy to eat!
Pancake Muffins – love that I can make these ahead of time for easy breakfasts all week long!
Easy Breakfast Casserole Muffins – because anything made in a muffin tin seems to be a hit for kids, especially if they can choose what to mix in!
Mini Chicken Pot Pies -I love the combo of chicken and vegetables for a full meal in an easy handheld shape.
Healthy Breakfast Cookies – made with oats and bananas and applesauce but you can still call them a cookie and they are delicious!
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites – perfect for little kids that love to dip! – I use this Quinoa and it works great
Pesto Chicken Veggie Meatballs – make sure to dice the veggies finely and these are great!
I love that several of these are able to be made ahead and frozen, which makes quick weeknight dinners or early breakfasts easy and still healthy. Happy eating!
Do you have a simple go-to recipe that your kids love?
Please post it in the comments, as I’m always looking for new ones to try!
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Erin says
Thanks for this! I’ve been needing some toddler meal inspiration!
Heather says
Great ideas! I’ve been trying to think of some new easy fun things for our kids since they’ve been bored lately. The thing they absolutely love best right now, though, is having a “picnic.” This involves a blanket on the living room floor and a tray with cheese, whole wheat crackers, fruits and veggies. Super simple and easy to throw together.
Christina says
This is perfect timing as I’m in a major dinnertime rut with my 3.5 year old! i can’t wait to try those bean and cheese burrito cups. Your pancake muffins are one of my favorite snacks to bring to play dates!
My go-to is a whole wheat tortilla spread with peanut butter, sprinkled with flax seed, topped with a banana, rolled up and sliced – I call it “sushi” and it’s always a hit!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing, it’s so easy to get stuck in the same routine!
Kate says
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been looking for ways to prep my Little Guy’s meals ahead without resorting to roasted veggies and hard-boiled eggs all the time…
Julie says
Screw the kids – I’m making these for me! 😛
Jessie, FlusteredMom says
Love those pumpkin muffins! So cute…I can’t wait to try them. Here’s one of our favorite healthy breakfast recipes: Zucchini Bread http://flusteredmom.com/2/post/2015/10/healthy-breakfasts-zucchini-bread.html
Kate says
Those little pot pies are so cute! I want to make them soon. But you’re right- it is hard to find a good biscuit option!
Elizabeth says
Thank you!!!!!! Excited to try these
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I love these! I am a big fan of using muffin tins since they make the food almost the perfect size for little hands.
Matilda is a big fan of frozen vegetables, in fact, one of her favorites is frozen broccoli florets. I don’t know why, but whatever works!
Tami says
I NEED to try those pancake muffins and the breakfast cookies! Yum!
Alina says
I too, teach my kids (and my clients’ kids) how to make snacks and even certain easy meals. Teaching kids how to prepare food is one of the best gifts to give them.
My son who is 6 loves to make The Best Banana Wrap Ever all by himself: http://orgali.ca/2015/01/best-banana-wrap/. It is not only nutritious, but delicious too :).
Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life says
Love anything getting kids involved in the kitchen! I want to add those meatballs to my list of things to try soon. I’m doing a month-long series on inviting kids into the kitchen on my blog right now.
Here’s a post with my three-year-old making cheesy drop biscuits for our dinner. 🙂
http://www.thispilgrimlife.com/kids-can-cook-cheesy-drop-biscuits/
Yesenia Castillo says
This is great! With our busy schedule, it’ll be great to make a bunch and freeze them. Home ec project coming up! ☺