16 Healthy Kid-Friendly Recipes (2024)

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Perhaps the better title for this post would be, “16 recipes your kids might eat.” I’m outside of my realm of expertise here—I’m childless and a former picky kid myself—but I thought I’d share a few recipes that kids seem to enjoy.

I searched through the comments for words like “kids” and “daughter” and landed on the following sixteen recipes. About half are dinner recipes and the other half are wholesome sweet treats, like granola bars and oat-based banana pancakes. Some pack well for lunch or snacks, so I’ve made note of those. Here we go!

1) Spinach Artichoke Enchiladas

Commenter Nicole’s six year old asked if they could have these enchiladas every night! These reheat well, too.

2) Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles

Peanut butter combined with loads of veggies? Yep! This slaw packs great for lunch.

3) Banana Oat Pancakes

Kids of all ages love these banana pancakes. They freeze well, too.

4) Honey-Sweetened Almond Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Funny story. I mentioned my blog at my vet’s office once. Months later, my vet told me that his daughter adores these granola bars! I wrap them up individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer so they stay fresh.

5) Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

These roasted sweet potato fries might change your kids’ minds about sweet potatoes. They did for me!

6) Spicy Kale and Coconut Stir Fry

This was my friend’s one-year-old daughter’s first taste of kale. She loved it!

7) Maple-Sweetened Banana Muffins

Moms and kids go crazy for these healthy muffins. I also have a pumpkin muffin version! These muffins freeze well.

8) Easy Gluten Free Oat Waffles

These are my favorite basic waffles and they just so happen to be gluten free! They’re made with oat flour and freeze well. Way better than Eggo’s!

9)

Husbands and kids alike appreciate these hearty sweet potato burgers. They grill well and freeze well.

10) Creamy (vegan!) Butternut Squash Linguini with Fried Sage

To quote Miriam, “What can I say, all 6 kids LOVED this and that’s a first for meat free night in my house. Thank you!”

11)Honey Almond Granola

Granola is so easy to make! I seal mine in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer so it stays fresh. It’s a great breakfast or snack.

12) Banana Almond Smoothie

This creamy banana and almond smoothie tastes like a treat!

13) Simple Tortilla Pizzas

When I was young, I made tortilla pizzas or spaghetti when my mom made dinners I didn’t like.

14) Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos with Avocado-Pepita Dip

Now, I’m not sure that I would have touched these tacos with a ten-foot pole when I was a kid. Apparently, though, some kids love them!

15) Maple Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Maple-sweetened, oat-based peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies! No need to mention that these cookies are so much healthier than most. They freeze well, too!

16) Cinnamon Maple Caramel Popcorn

Maple-sweetened caramel popcorn with some nut butter mixed in for a little protein. So good!

More resources you might appreciate: 13 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 16 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!

By Kathryne Taylor

Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now.
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