We believe in combining fun with learning, and one of the best ways to do this is through cooking! Cooking with kids not only teaches them valuable life skills, but it’s also a chance for creativity, experimentation, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you want to create snacks for a party, prepare a simple dinner, or just have fun in the kitchen, these easy and fun foods are perfect for little hands.
Here, we’ve put together a list of easy, delicious, and kid-friendly recipes that your children can make at home. Let’s dive in and start cooking, brought to you by The Kids Point!
Mini Pizzas
Making mini pizzas is an excellent hands-on cooking activity for kids. They get to build their pizza with all their favorite ingredients, which can include a variety of toppings, such as cheese, pepperoni, veggies, and even pineapple!
Ingredients:
- English muffins or pita bread
- Tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings: pepperoni, veggies, olives, etc.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the English muffins or pita breads in half, forming pizza bases.
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce over each half.
- Sprinkle cheese over the sauce.
- Add toppings of your choice.
- Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, and enjoy your mini pizzas!
Fruit Salad Kabobs
Fruit salad is always a refreshing treat, and making it into kabobs turns it into a fun activity for kids to create their colorful masterpieces. It’s also a great way to encourage kids to eat more fruit.
Ingredients:
- Mixed fruits (grapes, strawberries, apples, bananas, watermelon, etc.)
- Skewers
Instructions:
- Prepare the fruit by cutting it into bite-sized chunks (parents may need to help with cutting).
- Arrange the fruit on the skewers by alternating the different fruits.
- Serve as a fun snack or as a refreshing side dish to a meal.
No-Bake Energy Bites
These no-bake energy bites are perfect for when your kids are craving something sweet but healthy. Packed with oats, nut butter, and honey, these bites are both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, peanut butter, honey, and any add-ins.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place the balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy as a healthy snack anytime!
Homemade Trail Mix
Kids love making their own trail mix because it can be customized to suit their tastes. Plus, it’s an easy snack that doesn’t require any cooking!
Ingredients:
- Mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts)
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- Pretzels or mini crackers
- Mini chocolate chips or M&Ms
- Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)
Instructions:
- Set up a “trail mix station” with all the ingredients in separate bowls.
- Let your kids scoop their desired portions of nuts, dried fruits, crackers, and seeds into a large bowl.
- Add chocolate chips or M&Ms for a fun twist.
- Stir everything together, and enjoy!
Quesadillas
Making quesadillas is a fantastic way to introduce kids to simple cooking methods. Plus, you can fill them with all kinds of ingredients to suit any taste!
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Optional fillings: cooked chicken, black beans, veggies, salsa
Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle cheese (and other fillings) on top.
- Place another tortilla on top to cover the cheese.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the pan, slice into wedges, and serve with salsa or sour cream.
Ants on a Log
This classic snack is easy, healthy, and fun to make with your kids. The combination of celery, peanut butter, and raisins is delicious and perfect for a quick snack.
Ingredients:
- Celery stalks
- Peanut butter (or cream cheese, for a different variation)
- Raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Wash and dry the celery stalks, then cut them into smaller pieces.
- Spread peanut butter or cream cheese in the groove of the celery.
- Place raisins or dried cranberries on top to resemble “ants.”
- Serve and enjoy this tasty and fun snack!
DIY Smoothie Popsicles
Smoothie popsicles are a great way to use up leftover fruit and create a healthy snack your kids will love. You can get as creative as you want with the flavors!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yogurt or milk
- 1 cup fruit (berries, banana, mango, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend the yogurt, fruit, and sweetener (if desired) in a blender until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
- Insert sticks and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Once frozen, remove the popsicles from the molds and enjoy!
Mini Tacos
Tacos are always a favorite, but kids can have a blast assembling their mini tacos themselves. Provide a variety of fillings and toppings for maximum customization!
Ingredients:
- Mini taco shells or tortilla chips
- Ground beef, chicken, or black beans
- Shredded cheese
- Lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
- Cook the taco meat (if using) and prep all your fillings and toppings.
- Set up a taco bar with all the fixings.
- Let your kids assemble their tacos or build taco boats by placing toppings on tortilla chips.
- Serve immediately and watch your little chefs devour their creations!
Pita Pocket Sandwiches
Pita pockets are great for kids because they are easy to hold and can be stuffed with endless combinations of ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Pita bread
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced cucumber
- Hummus or turkey slices
- Shredded cheese or avocado
Instructions:
- Cut the pita bread in half and gently open the pockets.
- Fill the pockets with the ingredients you’ve chosen.
- Let the kids add the toppings as desired. Feel free to swap in veggies like tomatoes or shredded carrots.
- Enjoy a fun, easy meal!
Banana Sushi
Banana sushi is a fun, healthy twist on the classic sushi rolls, and it’s something your kids will love to prepare and eat.
Ingredients:
- Banana
- Peanut butter (or almond butter)
- Rice Krispies or granola
Instructions:
- Peel the banana and spread a thin layer of peanut butter all around the banana.
- Roll the banana in Rice Krispies or granola for a crunchy outer layer.
- Slice the banana into bite-sized pieces like sushi rolls.
- Serve these delightful, healthy “sushi” rolls with a drizzle of honey or fruit on the side!
Cooking with kids is not just about making food; it’s about making memories, enhancing their creativity, and teaching them valuable skills in the kitchen. At The Kids Point, we believe that these easy and fun foods will provide hours of fun while encouraging independence and learning. So, get in the kitchen, have fun, and let your little chefs explore their culinary talents with these simple, yet delicious recipes!