31 Easy Dinner Ideas for Kids’ Picky Eaters

Finding 31 dinner ideas for kids picky eaters is often the hardest part of a parent’s long day. You spend hours cooking only to see your child push the plate away with a frown.

This cycle leads to wasted food and empty stomachs every single night. Our list changes that by offering simple meals that look and taste familiar to small children.

You can transform stressful evenings into happy family moments with these reliable recipes. We focus on gentle textures and kid-approved flavors to ensure every plate comes back clean.

31 Easy Dinner Ideas for Kids’ Picky Eaters

1. Golden Chicken Tenders

Golden Chicken Tenders
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These crispy strips use a simple breading that stays crunchy. They have a mild flavor that pairs well with any sauce. This recipe is special because it avoids the heavy grease of fast food versions.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast strips
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • Place the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs into three separate shallow bowls.
  • Mix the Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs.
  • Coat each chicken strip in the flour first.
  • Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs.
  • Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture until it is fully covered.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until the centers are no longer pink.
NutrientAmount
Calories280
Fat8g
Protein32g

For recipe: [Golden Chicken Tenders]

2. Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This smooth sauce tastes like a classic tomato blend. It is full of blended vegetables that provide a sweet and rich flavor. It is a smart way to serve extra nutrients without any visible chunks.

Ingredients

  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup steamed carrots
  • 1 cup steamed cauliflower
  • 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
  • 1/2 cup pasta water

Instructions

  • Boil the spaghetti noodles until they are soft and drain them.
  • Place the carrots, cauliflower, and marinara sauce into a blender.
  • Blend the mixture on high until it is completely smooth.
  • Pour the sauce into a large pot and heat it over medium heat.
  • Add the pasta water to thin the sauce if it is too thick.
  • Toss the spaghetti in the sauce and serve warm.
NutrientAmount
Calories310
Fat4g
Protein10g

For recipe: [Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce]

3. Cheesy Beef Quesadillas

Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These quesadillas use soft flour tortillas and mild melted cheese. The seasoned beef adds a savory touch that is not too spicy. They are easy for little hands to hold and dip into sour cream.

Ingredients

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the extra fat.
  • Stir the onion powder into the beef.
  • Butter one side of each tortilla.
  • Place the tortilla butter side down in a warm pan.
  • Sprinkle cheese and beef over half of the tortilla.
  • Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese melts.
NutrientAmount
Calories390
Fat22g
Protein20g

For recipe: [Cheesy Beef Quesadillas]

4. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This homemade version uses real milk and cheese for a velvety texture. It has a buttery and salty flavor that beats the boxed variety. It is a classic comfort food that almost every child enjoys.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces of elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the macaroni in boiling water and drain it.
  • Melt the butter in a pot and whisk in the flour.
  • Pour the milk in slowly while whisking to avoid lumps.
  • Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly.
  • Stir in the cheese until it is smooth and melted.
  • Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and serve.
NutrientAmount
Calories450
Fat24g
Protein18g

For recipe: [Creamy Macaroni and Cheese]

5. Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas

Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These bite-sized pizzas use refrigerated biscuit dough for a soft crust. They are fun to eat and have a sweet tomato and mozzarella flavor. You can customize them with any small toppings your child likes.

Ingredients

  • 1 can of refrigerated biscuits
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup mini pepperoni

Instructions

  • Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
  • Press one biscuit into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup.
  • Spoon one teaspoon of pizza sauce into each dough cup.
  • Add a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
  • Top each pizza with three mini pepperoni slices.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes until the edges are brown.
NutrientAmount
Calories190
Fat9g
Protein7g

For recipe: [Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas]

6. Mild Turkey Tacos

Mild Turkey Tacos
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These tacos use ground turkey for a lighter meal. The seasoning is very mild to avoid any heat on sensitive tongues. Serving them in soft shells makes them much easier for kids to eat.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon mild taco seasoning
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the turkey in a pan until it is browned.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water.
  • Simmer for five minutes until the liquid disappears.
  • Warm the tortillas in the microwave for twenty seconds.
  • Fill each tortilla with turkey, lettuce, and cheese.
NutrientAmount
Calories260
Fat11g
Protein19g

For recipe: [Mild Turkey Tacos]

7. Baked Potato Soup

Baked Potato Soup
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This soup is thick and creamy like a loaded baked potato. It has a salty and savory profile with a very smooth finish. It is a warming dinner for cold nights that feels like a treat.

Ingredients

  • 4 large peeled and cubed potatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits

Instructions

  • Boil the potatoes in the chicken broth until they are very soft.
  • Use an immersion blender to make the soup smooth.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and half of the cheese.
  • Heat the soup on low for five minutes.
  • Serve in bowls topped with the remaining cheese and bacon bits.
NutrientAmount
Calories340
Fat18g
Protein12g

For recipe: [Baked Potato Soup]

8. Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets

Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These nuggets include mashed sweet potato for a hidden nutritional boost. They have a slightly sweet and savory flavor that kids love. The texture is soft on the inside with a light crunch on the outside.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Mix the ground chicken and mashed sweet potato in a large bowl.
  • Shape the mixture into small circles or squares.
  • Roll each nugget in the breadcrumbs until coated.
  • Lightly brush a baking sheet with olive oil.
  • Place the nuggets on the sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
NutrientAmount
Calories210
Fat7g
Protein22g

For recipe: [Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets]

9. Butter and Garlic Noodles

Butter and Garlic Noodles
Photo Credit: makeuseof

Sometimes, simple is best for the pickiest eaters. These noodles have a rich buttery taste with a very light garlic aroma. It is a quick side dish or a light main meal.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces egg noodles
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Boil the egg noodles until they are tender.
  • Drain the noodles and return them to the warm pot.
  • Add the butter and garlic powder.
  • Stir until the butter is completely melted and coats the noodles.
  • Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and toss gently.
NutrientAmount
Calories320
Fat14g
Protein9g

For recipe: [Butter and Garlic Noodles]

10. Turkey and Cheese Sliders

Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These small sandwiches use sweet rolls for a flavor that kids enjoy. The melted cheese holds the turkey in place so it does not fall out. They are soft and easy to chew for younger children.

Ingredients

  • 12 pack of sweet Hawaiian rolls
  • 1/2 pound deli turkey slices
  • 6 slices of provolone cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  • Slice the entire pack of rolls in half horizontally.
  • Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
  • Layer the turkey and then the cheese over the rolls.
  • Cover with the top half of the rolls.
  • Brush the tops with melted butter.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes until the cheese is gooey.
NutrientAmount
Calories240
Fat10g
Protein12g

For recipe: [Turkey and Cheese Sliders]

11. Breakfast for Dinner Pancakes

Breakfast for Dinner Pancakes
Photo Credit: makeuseof

Serving breakfast at night is a fun way to break the routine. These pancakes are fluffy and sweet with a classic vanilla flavor. You can add fruit or chocolate chips to make them more exciting.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pancake mix
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions

  • Whisk the pancake mix and milk, egg, and butter in a bowl.
  • Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  • Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.
  • Flip the pancake when bubbles appear on the top.
  • Cook the other side for one minute until golden.
  • Serve with a small drizzle of maple syrup.
NutrientAmount
Calories310
Fat9g
Protein8g

For recipe: [Breakfast for Dinner Pancakes]

12. Baked Ham and Pineapple Skewers

Baked Ham and Pineapple Skewers
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These skewers have a sweet and salty Hawaiian flavor. The ham is savory and the pineapple adds a juicy brightness. Kids enjoy the fun presentation and the lack of green vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cooked ham cubed
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 10 wooden skewers

Instructions

  • Thread the ham cubes and pineapple chunks onto the skewers.
  • Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Drizzle the honey over the ham and fruit.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.
  • Let them cool slightly before handing them to kids.
NutrientAmount
Calories180
Fat5g
Protein14g

For recipe: [Baked Ham and Pineapple Skewers]

13. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bowls

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bowls
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This bowl combines soft rice with a creamy cheese sauce. The broccoli is chopped very small to blend in with the rice. It is a comforting and filling meal that provides a full serving of greens.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup finely chopped steamed broccoli
  • 1 cup cheese sauce
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Mix the cooked white rice and chopped broccoli in a large bowl.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir well.
  • Place the rice into individual serving bowls.
  • Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Microwave for thirty seconds to melt the extra cheese.
NutrientAmount
Calories290
Fat12g
Protein11g

For recipe: [Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bowls]

14. English Muffin Pizzas

English Muffin Pizzas
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These individual pizzas have a crunchy crust and plenty of cheese. They are much faster to make than traditional pizza. They are the size of a snack but filling enough for a meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 English muffins split in half
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  • Place the English muffin halves on a baking sheet.
  • Toast them in the oven at 400 degrees for three minutes.
  • Spread a layer of sauce on each toasted muffin.
  • Cover with a thick layer of mozzarella cheese.
  • Sprinkle a tiny bit of oregano on top.
  • Bake for five more minutes until the cheese bubbles.
NutrientAmount
Calories220
Fat10g
Protein12g

For recipe: [English Muffin Pizzas]

15. Sausage and Pepperoni Roll Ups

Sausage and Pepperoni Roll Ups
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These roll-ups use pizza dough to create a handheld dinner. They have a savory and salty flavor that reminds kids of their favorite pizza. They are perfect for dipping into warm marinara sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1/2 cup cooked sausage crumbles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

  • Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
  • Cover the dough with cheese, pepperoni, and sausage.
  • Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side.
  • Slice the roll into one-inch circles.
  • Place the circles on a baking sheet and brush with butter.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
NutrientAmount
Calories330
Fat18g
Protein14g

For recipe: [Sausage and Pepperoni Roll Ups]

16. Meatloaf Cupcakes

Meatloaf Cupcakes
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These mini meatloaves use a muffin tin for perfect portions. They have a sweet ketchup glaze and a savory beef center. The small size makes them much more appealing to picky eaters.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions

  • Mix the beef and breadcrumbs and egg and milk in a bowl.
  • Press the mixture into a greased muffin tin.
  • Spread a spoonful of ketchup on top of each meatloaf.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
  • Let them rest for five minutes before serving.
NutrientAmount
Calories250
Fat14g
Protein18g

For recipe: [Meatloaf Cupcakes]

17. Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This soup is mild and comforting with tender pieces of chicken. The rice makes it very filling for hungry kids. It is a great way to serve a warm meal on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions

  • Bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a large pot.
  • Add the cooked chicken, rice, and peas.
  • Cook for five minutes until the peas are tender.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and remove from the heat.
  • Let the soup sit for two minutes to thicken slightly.
NutrientAmount
Calories290
Fat12g
Protein21g

For recipe: [Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup]

18. Hot Dog Octopuses

Hot Dog Octopuses
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This recipe is all about the fun presentation for younger children. The hot dogs have a salty and savory flavor that kids love. It is a playful meal that makes dinner time exciting.

Ingredients

  • 4 beef hot dogs
  • 1 box of macaroni and cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

Instructions

  • Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the box.
  • Cut each hot dog in half crosswise.
  • Slice the bottom half of each piece into eight thin legs.
  • Boil the hot dogs for three minutes until the legs curl up.
  • Place the hot dog octopuses on top of the macaroni.
  • Use small dots of ketchup to make eyes on the hot dog heads.
NutrientAmount
Calories410
Fat22g
Protein15g

For recipe: [Hot Dog Octopuses]

19. Fish Stick Tacos

Fish Stick Tacos
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These tacos use crunchy fish sticks for an easy seafood meal. The flavor is mild, and the texture is very kid-friendly. You can add a little bit of shredded cabbage for extra crunch.

Ingredients

  • 8 frozen fish sticks
  • 4 small flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup mild tartar sauce

Instructions

  • Bake the fish sticks according to the package directions.
  • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for thirty seconds.
  • Place two fish sticks in the center of each tortilla.
  • Top with lettuce and a drizzle of tartar sauce.
  • Fold and serve immediately while the fish is hot.
NutrientAmount
Calories320
Fat14g
Protein12g

For recipe: [Fish Stick Tacos]

20. Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This pasta dish is loaded with cheese and savory meat sauce. It is a hearty dinner that satisfies the biggest appetites. The noodles are soft and easy for kids to eat with a fork.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the ziti in boiling water and drain it.
  • Brown the ground beef and mix it with the marinara sauce.
  • Toss the pasta with the sauce and ricotta cheese.
  • Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
  • Top with the mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
NutrientAmount
Calories440
Fat18g
Protein22g

For recipe: [Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce]

21. BBQ Chicken Flatbreads

BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These flatbreads have a sweet and smoky flavor profile. The chicken is tender, and the melted cheese holds everything together. They take less than fifteen minutes to prepare and bake.

Ingredients

  • 2 pre-made flatbreads
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet.
  • Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over each flatbread.
  • Top with the shredded chicken and cheese.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
  • Slice into long strips for easy eating.
NutrientAmount
Calories360
Fat12g
Protein24g

For recipe: [BBQ Chicken Flatbreads]

22. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These cold wraps are great for kids who dislike warm dinners. They have a salty ham and creamy cheese flavor. You can make them ahead of time for a very fast evening meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 4 slices deli ham
  • 4 slices of American cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese

Instructions

  • Spread a layer of cream cheese over the entire tortilla.
  • Place the ham and cheese slices on top.
  • Roll the tortilla up as tightly as possible.
  • Slice the roll into one-inch-thick circles.
  • Serve with a side of fruit or crackers.
NutrientAmount
Calories270
Fat15g
Protein13g

For recipe: [Ham and Cheese Pinwheels]

23. Ravioli with Butter Sauce

Ravioli with Butter Sauce
Photo Credit: makeuseof

Cheese ravioli is a soft and mild pasta that kids usually enjoy. The butter sauce is simple and allows the cheese flavor to shine. It is a fast meal that feels fancy to a child.

Ingredients

  • 1 package refrigerated cheese ravioli
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Boil the ravioli for four minutes and drain.
  • Melt the butter in the same pot.
  • Stir the parsley into the melted butter.
  • Toss the ravioli in the butter sauce until coated.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
NutrientAmount
Calories350
Fat19g
Protein12g

For recipe: [Ravioli with Butter Sauce]

24. Sloppy Joe Sliders

Sloppy Joe Sliders
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These sliders have a sweet and tangy ground beef filling. The soft rolls soak up the sauce for a messy and fun meal. They are a classic favorite for family dinner nights.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 12 mini slider buns

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain.
  • Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
  • Simmer the mixture for five minutes.
  • Spoon the beef onto the bottom half of the slider buns.
  • Top with the other half of the bun and serve.
NutrientAmount
Calories290
Fat12g
Protein16g

For recipe: [Sloppy Joe Sliders]

25. Baked Ravioli Lasagna

Baked Ravioli Lasagna
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This dish uses cheese ravioli to replace traditional lasagna noodles. It has all the flavor of lasagna with much less work. It is extra cheesy and very filling.

Ingredients

  • 1 package frozen cheese ravioli
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.
  • Place half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer.
  • Cover with more sauce and half of the mozzarella.
  • Repeat the layers with the rest of the ravioli, sauce, and cheese.
  • Top with parmesan cheese.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
NutrientAmount
Calories380
Fat16g
Protein15g

For recipe: [Baked Ravioli Lasagna]

26. Chicken and Corn Chowder

Chicken and Corn Chowder
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This soup is sweet from the corn and savory from the chicken. It has a creamy base that kids find very comforting. It is a great way to serve a hearty and warm meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can cream-style corn
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

Instructions

  • Combine the chicken broth and cream-style corn in a pot.
  • Add the shredded chicken and frozen corn.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat.
  • Stir in the milk and cook for two more minutes.
  • Serve warm with crackers on the side.
NutrientAmount
Calories240
Fat8g
Protein18g

For recipe: [Chicken and Corn Chowder]

27. Mini Corn Dogs

Mini Corn Dogs
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These small corn dogs are a fun and salty treat for dinner. The cornmeal coating is sweet and crunchy. They are the perfect size for little hands to dip into ketchup.

Ingredients

  • 1 box corn muffin mix
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 4 hot dogs cut into quarters
  • 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions

  • Mix the corn muffin dough with the egg and milk.
  • Grease a mini muffin tin with oil.
  • Fill each cup halfway with the batter.
  • Place one hot dog piece into the center of each cup.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes.
  • Let them cool slightly before serving.
NutrientAmount
Calories220
Fat10g
Protein6g

For recipe: [Mini Corn Dogs]

28. Cheese and Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes

Cheese and Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These potatoes are a full meal hidden inside a fluffy skin. The cheese sauce makes the broccoli taste much better to kids. It is a warm and filling dinner option.

Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 1 cup steamed chopped broccoli
  • 1 cup cheese sauce
  • 1/4 cup bacon bits

Instructions

  • Scrub the potatoes and poke them with a fork.
  • Microwave the potatoes for 10 minutes until they are soft.
  • Slice the potatoes open and fluff the insides.
  • Mix the broccoli and cheese sauce.
  • Spoon the mixture into each potato and top with bacon bits.
NutrientAmount
Calories330
Fat12g
Protein9g

For recipe: [Cheese and Broccoli Stuffed Potatoes]

29. Crispy Baked Fish Nuggets

Crispy Baked Fish Nuggets
Photo Credit: makeuseof

These nuggets use white fish for a very mild flavor. The breading is crunchy and salty like a potato chip. It is a healthy way to serve fish to picky eaters.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound white fish fillets cut into chunks
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Dip each fish chunk into the melted butter.
  • Roll the fish in the crushed crackers mixed with onion powder.
  • Place the nuggets on a baking sheet.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
  • Serve with a slice of lemon or tartar sauce.
NutrientAmount
Calories270
Fat15g
Protein20g

For recipe: [Crispy Baked Fish Nuggets]

30. Meatball Sub Bites

Meatball Sub Bites
Photo Cedit: makeuseof

These small sandwiches use dinner rolls and frozen meatballs. They are savory and cheesy with a sweet tomato sauce. They are much easier for kids to manage than a full-sized sub.

Ingredients

  • 12 dinner rolls
  • 12 frozen meatballs thawed
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Cut a small hole in the top of each dinner roll.
  • Push a meatball into each hole.
  • Spoon a little bit of sauce over each meatball.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
NutrientAmount
Calories310
Fat16g
Protein14g

For recipe: [Meatball Sub Bites]

31. Creamy Pesto Pasta

Creamy Pesto Pasta
Photo Credit: makeuseof

This pasta has a bright green color and a mild herbal flavor. The cream softens the taste of the basil for kids. It is a quick and colorful dinner that looks beautiful.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup jarred pesto
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Boil the penne pasta until it is tender.
  • Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  • Stir the pesto and heavy cream into the warm pasta.
  • Cook on low for two minutes until the sauce is hot.
  • Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
NutrientAmount
Calories390
Fat18g
Protein11g

For recipe: [Creamy Pesto Pasta]

Claudia Dionigi

Claudia Dionigi

I’m the face, heart, and keyboard behind Stellar Raccoon.

For the past 12 years, I’ve turned my obsession with storytelling, tech, and the vibrant chaos of New York City into a lifestyle blog that’s equal parts relatable and revolutionary. Read More!