Cooking with kids: fun and safe recipes

January 22, 2024

Getting your kids involved in the kitchen is a fantastic way to teach them valuable life skills while having fun at the same time. Whether you’re making a simple cheese pizza or a family favorite chicken dish, cooking together is an excellent way to spend quality time as a family.

In this article, we’re going to share some easy, kid-friendly recipes that you and your children will love. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, photos to help guide you, and tips for making cooking fun and safe for your kids. So let’s get started!

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1. Cheese Pizza: a Family Favorite

Pizza is a dish that kids and adults alike love, and the best part is, it’s incredibly easy to make at home.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • Tomato sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Your choice of toppings

To start, preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. You can have your kids help with this step, making sure to supervise so the dough doesn’t get too thin.

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Next, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the dough. The amount of sauce you use is a matter of personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is to use about two tablespoons for a 12-inch pizza.

Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by your chosen toppings. If your kids are helping, you can allow them to add the toppings themselves. This is a fun way for them to personalize their pizza.

Bake the pizza in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.

2. Baked Chicken Nuggets: a Healthier Alternative

Chicken nuggets are a kid-favorite, but store-bought versions can be high in fat and sodium. Making them at home allows you to control the ingredients, creating a healthier option that still tastes great.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup milk

To begin, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized nuggets. This is a step that should be done by an adult to ensure safety.

In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, add the milk. Dip each chicken nugget into the milk, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the nuggets on the baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the nuggets are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Serve with your kids’ favorite dipping sauce.

3. Easy Cheesy Macaroni: a Comforting Classic

Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food classic that’s always a hit with kids. This homemade version is creamy, cheesy, and easy to make.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and salt until the mixture is bubbly.

Next, slowly add the milk to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth.

Drain the cooked macaroni and return it to the pot. Add the cheese sauce and mix well. Serve hot, and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish.

4. Fun Fruit Salad: A Colorful Dessert

Fruit salads are a great way to incorporate more healthy fruits into your kids’ diet, and they’re fun to make, too.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of your kids’ favorite fruits (like strawberries, grapes, blueberries, and bananas)
  • 1 cup of vanilla yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Have your kids help wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces (supervising closely, of course). In a large bowl, mix the cut fruits, yogurt, and honey until well combined.

And there you have it! A fruit salad that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Remember, cooking with kids should be about having fun and spending quality time together. So roll up your sleeves, get in the kitchen, and start creating delicious memories with your kids today!

5. Peanut Butter French Toast: A Sweet Morning Surprise

There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a plate of warm and sweet French toast, and with the addition of peanut butter, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of bread
  • 4 tablespoons of peanut butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving

Begin by spreading a tablespoon of peanut butter on 4 slices of bread. Top with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the French toast sandwiches and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Serve the peanut butter French toast warm, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This breakfast treat will definitely make your kids love their morning routine.

6. Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Cookies: A Delightful Treat

If you’re looking for gluten-free recipes kids and adults will love, these cream cheese cookies are a perfect choice. They’re soft, chewy, and incredibly tasty.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups of gluten-free flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the flour mixture to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.

Using a scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Conclusion: Cooking with Kids

In conclusion, getting your kids involved in the kitchen can be a rewarding and fun experience for both of you. Not only will they learn valuable skills, but they’ll also create memories that will last a lifetime.

Moreover, cooking together is an excellent way to foster a love for food in your children, helping them to appreciate the effort and care that goes into preparing a meal.

Remember, the goal is not to churn out perfect dishes, but to enjoy the process and make it a learning experience. So, break out the pots and pans, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking with your kids today! You’ll be amazed at the joy and excitement that these kid-friendly recipes can bring.

Photo credit: All parents and guardians are encouraged to capture these precious moments of cooking with kids. Whether it’s for your personal collection or to share on social media, these photos will serve as a wonderful reminder of the fun times spent in the kitchen.

Continue reading: If you’ve enjoyed these recipes and want to find more like them, we invite you to continue exploring our website. With a variety of dishes to choose from, we’re certain you’ll find something that your children will love to help make and eat. Happy cooking!