Fun and easy recipes to make with children

Cooking with children can be a delightful experience that not only teaches them valuable skills but also creates lasting memories. Engaging kids in the kitchen can help them learn about different ingredients, develop a love for cooking, and understand the importance of nutrition. Here are some fun and easy recipes to make with children that will have them excited about mealtime.

1. Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

• English muffins, bagels, or pre-made pizza dough
• Tomato sauce or pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Assorted toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, pineapple, etc.)
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning or dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Split the English muffins or bagels in half, or roll out the pizza dough into small rounds.
3. Place the bases on a baking sheet and lightly brush with olive oil.
4. Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on each base.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Let the children add their favorite toppings.
7. Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning or dried oregano.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Fun Tip: Let kids create faces or patterns with the toppings to make their mini pizzas more fun and personalized.

2. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients:

• Greek yogurt or any yogurt of choice
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, bananas, kiwi, etc.)
• Granola
• Mini chocolate chips or nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt with a little honey or maple syrup if desired.
2. Wash and cut the fresh fruits into bite-sized pieces.
3. Let the children layer the yogurt, fruits, and granola in a clear glass or jar.
4. Repeat the layers until the glass or jar is filled.
5. Top with mini chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Fun Tip: Use clear glasses or jars to let kids see the beautiful layers they create.

3. Cheesy Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Cooked chicken, beans, or vegetables (optional)
• Salsa and sour cream for dipping

Instructions:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on one half.
3. Add cooked chicken, beans, or vegetables if using.
4. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
6. Remove from the skillet and cut into wedges.
7. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Fun Tip: Let kids choose and add their own fillings to the quesadillas.

4. Banana Sushi

Ingredients:

• Bananas
• Peanut butter or almond butter
• Honey or chocolate syrup
• Rice Krispies cereal, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Peel the bananas and spread a layer of peanut butter or almond butter over them.
2. Drizzle honey or chocolate syrup over the peanut butter.
3. Roll the bananas in Rice Krispies cereal, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut.
4. Cut the bananas into bite-sized slices.
5. Serve immediately.

Fun Tip: Use colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for an extra fun twist.

5. Rainbow Vegetable Wraps

Ingredients:

• Large tortillas or wraps
• Cream cheese or hummus
• Assorted colorful vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, lettuce, spinach, etc.)
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and cut the vegetables into thin strips.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus over each tortilla or wrap.
3. Let the children arrange the vegetable strips in a rainbow pattern on the tortilla.
4. Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.
5. Roll up the tortilla tightly and cut into halves or slices.
6. Serve with a side of ranch dressing or yogurt dip.

Fun Tip: Challenge kids to use as many different colored vegetables as possible to create a true rainbow wrap.

6. DIY Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Your favorite cookies (chocolate chip, sugar, etc.)
• Vanilla or any flavor ice cream
• Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts

Instructions:

1. Allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature.
2. Let the children scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto one cookie.
3. Top with another cookie to make a sandwich.
4. Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts.
5. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm.
6. Enjoy your homemade ice cream sandwiches.

Fun Tip: Use different cookie and ice cream flavor combinations to create a variety of sandwiches.

Bottom Line

Cooking with children can be a fun and educational experience that encourages creativity and teamwork. These simple recipes are perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen, helping them develop a love for cooking and healthy eating habits. Enjoy making these delicious dishes together and savor the joy of family time.