3 Kid-Friendly Recipes

Topics: Family Fun 

Age Range: Preschool 

For your young child, helping you prepare food can be very empowering. They can develop self-confidence and a sense of responsibility, as well as learn vital kitchen skills. It’s also a fun and easy way to spend quality time together.

Here are 3 kid-friendly recipes your child can make with your supervision.

1) English Muffin Pizzas

Kids of any age can have fun making English muffin pizzas, because most of the work is simple assembly. All you’ll have to do is chop any ingredients if necessary, and handle the cooking.

All you’ll need are English muffins, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your child’s favorite pizza toppings. Split the English muffins open and have your child add the ingredients they like. Then, bake in a 350F degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or a 350F degree toaster oven for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

2) Scrambled Eggs

A breakfast classic, scrambled eggs are easy to make and can be built upon to create a full meal. Younger children may need supervision, but older children may not. Be sure to educate your child about reducing the spread of Salmonella and other pathogens by having them wash their hands after cracking the eggs into the bowl.

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 Tbsp milk or cream
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Ask your child to whisk the eggs, milk or cream, and salt and pepper in a bowl, and you can take over by cooking the eggs. Spray a skillet with cooking spray or add a small amount of butter. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the egg mixture and reduce the heat to low. Using a heat-resistant spatula, gently stir the eggs until large, soft curds have formed with no liquid visible. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Additions to scrambled eggs include: herbs like chives, dill, or parsley; ¼ cup shredded cheese; ¼ cup salsa; or cooked vegetables such as spinach, tomato, or mushrooms.

3) Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a favorite for many families because they’re easily customizable. This is especially ideal for families of children who might be picky eaters. Some ideas for quesadilla fillings include grilled chicken breast, shrimp, roasted veggies such as bell peppers and mushrooms, caramelized onions, black beans, avocado or guacamole, or plain cheese.

Add about 2 Tbsp of shredded cheese on half of a tortilla, then add 2-3 Tbsp of the remaining ingredients. Fold the non-filled half of the tortilla over the filled half, and press gently. Spray a skillet with cooking spray or add a small amount of oil. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the quesadilla and cook until lightly browned and crisp, about one minute per side. Add additional cooking spray or oil as needed. Remove quesadilla from the pan and allow to cool for a minute before cutting into wedges.

You can support your child to choose the ingredients and experiment with flavors. Depending on their age they may be able to cook the quesadillas themselves. No matter what your child chooses, you can add extra nutrition with salsa and fruit or veggies on the side.

These three kid-friendly recipes are a fun way for you and your child to spend time together, and your child will get hands-on kitchen skills too. No matter your child’s age, always supervise them—you may need to take over when it comes to things like chopping and using the oven.