100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids: Kid-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal
As a parent, I’ve spent a good chunk of my life searching for kid-friendly recipes. There are three meals every single day and I need easy recipes for kids—that they will actually eat—for all of them. And while I don’t mind making toast for one kid while pouring a bowl of cereal for another, I’m only cooking one family dinner, which means easy kid-friendly dinner recipes are like gold.
You know where I find the best recipes? Right here. The kid-friendly recipes on Mommy Poppins are all parent-tested and kid-approved. These 100 kid-friendly recipes are the most popular, both among readers and our staff. So if you need to add to your repertoire with some new easy recipes for kids, look no further. All of these recipes, and so many more, can be found in our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.
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Homemade Pop Tarts start every morning off right. Photo by Ally Noel
Sweet Breakfast Recipes & Treats
1. Homemade Pop Tarts
Pick your own flavors to encase in pastry for a yummy breakfast treat. These can be made with jam, Nutella, chocolate, or cinnamon sugar.
2. Easy Apfelpfannkuchen (German Apple Pancake)
It's breakfast on its own, or dessert when served with whipped cream or ice cream! Dutch Babies are on our list of favorite apple recipes.
3. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
These pancakes are a clone of the ones from The Cheesecake Factory, and they are a huge favorite for breakfast. They're just one of the recipes in our roundup of tasty taste-alikes.
4. Pumpkin Pancakes
The pre-Pumpkin Spice Latte crowd can get their fall fix with this orange breakfast treat.
5. Great Grandma's Monkey Bread
Cinnamon, sugar, refrigerated biscuits, and butter: this recipe we discovered for Mother's Day is easy enough for kids to make without mom!
6. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits with Honey Cinnamon Granola
Yogurt parfaits are already fun to assemble. Use homemade granola for an extra-creative treat.
7. Waffle Board
It starts with waffles, butter, and syrup—then add peanut butter, Nutella, blueberries, whipped cream, chocolate chips, pecans, honey, strawberries, and bananas for a choose-your-own-adventure breakfast or brunch.
8. Pumpkin Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping
Got a family that can't decide on their favorite fall fruit? Satisfy everyone with this crowd-pleasing muffin recipe.
Spinach Cake Muffins are so sweet, kids won't mind eating their greens. Photo by Meghan Rose
Savory Breakfast Recipe Standbys
9. Sheet Pan Breakfast for Dinner
This egg, hashbrown, and sausage dish works for breakfast or dinner.
10. Easy Skillet Breakfast Nachos
If you put eggs on it, it's breakfast, right? This healthy vegetarian dish makes a fun weekend breakfast treat.
11. Egg Waffles
Skip the batter and just put an egg straight onto the waffle maker! This recipe hack came to us from TikTok, and it's a hit with kids.
12. Breakfast Casserole
Make a whole batch of this casserole on Sunday to last the whole week.
13. Egg-in-a Hole
It's an egg and toast in one!
14. Spinach Cake Muffins
The ultimate in hiding veggies, these breakfast treats include applesauce and spinach for a light, sweet treat any time of day.
15. Crustless Quiche with Spinach and Eggs
This delicious gluten-free breakfast is perfect for Easter or any other special occasion.
16. Hash Brown Egg Nests with Avocado
These cute breakfast packages are easy to grab on the go, as well as being tasty and filling.
Mexican Instant Pot Quinoa warms on a chilly night. Photo by Ally Noel
Meatless Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes
17. Mexican Instant Pot Quinoa
Are you the mom who loves to brag about your kids eating quinoa? Well, you will be, with this kid-pleaser.
18. Vegetarian or Chicken Fried Rice
Use this hack to dress up Trader's Joe's fried rice for a vegetarian dish, or add chicken strips to make it an omnivore-friendly meal.
19. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese tastes best with lots of butter, but you can reduce the butter without reducing the flavor with this recipe.
20. Butternut Squash Mac 'n Cheese
Use your Instant Pot for this lightened-up family favorite.
Enjoy vegetable chow mein without all the added sodium of takeout. Photo courtesy of rhubarbarians.
21. Easy Vegetable Chow Mein
Introduce new veggies in a light sauce with noodles in this favorite vegetarian recipe.
22. Buddha Bowls
Everyone gets their favorite toppings with these hummus and veggie bowls.
23. Cowboy Caviar Stuffed Peppers
This vegetarian dinner can be put together in about 10 minutes with items from Trader Joe's.
24. Pumpkin Pasta
Add some fall color and flavor to your favorite shape of pasta with this savory/sweet recipe that hits the spot any time of year.
25. Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles
Low-carb and veggie-heavy, this recipe helps you cook non-soggy zoodles!
Beef stew is the perfect easy meal on a chilly evening. Photo courtesy of The Cozy Cook
Kid-Friendly Recipes for Soups and Stews
26. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Get cozy this fall or winter with this simple and filling recipe.
27. Trader Joe's Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup
Pre-cut mirepoix cuts some of the chopping out of this recipe, making it a semi-quick meal for a weeknight that appeals to both kids and grown-ups.
28. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
A healthy, soothing favorite for kids and adults, the Instant Pot cuts down on prep time.
29. Alphabet Soup
Put aside the rule about not playing with your food for one night to let kids enjoy spelling their names in noodle letters!
30. Creamy Tomato Soup
This Panera copycat pairs perfectly with grilled cheese.
Turkey teriyaki meatballs mix up expectations deliciously. Photo by Ally Noel
Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner
31. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Sweet and garlicky sauce lends kid-friendly flavors to this lean protein dinner.
32. Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
Tender, fully cooked chicken breasts make this version of a classic a weekday favorite.
33. One Sheet Chicken and Potatoes
One of our favorite TikTok recipes, this recipe is delicious and there's virtually no clean-up.
34. Pesto Chicken Pizza
Use our favorite pizza dough recipe to make this surprisingly healthy and kid-pleasing pizza dish.
35. Chicken and Rice Patties
High-quality protein and healthy grains make a tasty alternative to a sandwich in this idea from our best lunches post: it's #96, so keep scrolling!
36. Chicken Taco Recipe
Season your chicken, then make a pico de gallo to complete these healthy tacos.
37. Southwest Chicken in the Crock Pot
Dump four ingredients in the crock pot and turn it on. One hour before serving, shred the chicken and add the cheese. It doesn't get much simpler than that!
38. Warm Kale and Chicken Salad
Kale, spinach, or even Romaine would also work for this filling and fruit-laden salad from our favorite TikTok recipes.
39. Turkey Teriyaki Meatballs
Why should tomato sauce have all the fun? The turkey makes it healthy, the Instant Pot makes it fast.
40. Unbelievably Moist Turkey Meatloaf
Combining lean turkey with healthy mushrooms, this recipe is filling and hearty. It's one of our favorite meatloaf recipes.
French bread pizza is always a pleaser. Photo courtesy of favfamilyrecipes
Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes from Land and Sea
41. Sheet Pan Pork Loin Dinner
Pork loin, a bag of potatoes, a bag of beans, garlic butter. That's all there is to this genius dinner from our Trader Joe's favorites.
42. Sausage with Gnocchi and Broccoli
Meat, carb, and veggie all cook together at once in this easy sheet pan dinner.
43. Roasted Lemon Basil Butter Salmon with Burst Tomatoes
This delicious fish dish is a crowd-pleaser for grown-ups and kids of all ages.
44. Ikea Swedish Meatballs
Want the meatballs without wandering through IKEA? We sussed out how to make a pretty tasty version.
45. Easy Taco Pizza
Combine two kid-favorite meals with this recipe from our list of quick and easy pizza recipes.
46. French Bread Pizza
There is a right and a wrong way to make crispy, cheesy, delicious French bread pizzas! This is the right way.
47. Italian Wrap
Kids who don't love sandwiches might like this zesty tortilla wrap from our top lunch ideas post.
48. Ham & Cheese Lunchbox Muffins
Leftover macaroni and cheese and ham bring a fun twist to lunch or dinner.
49. Shrimp Tacos
Whether it's Tuesday or not, seafood-loving kids will enjoy this simple and delicious taco recipe.
50. The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe
This weeknight favorite gives families a hamburger taste without all the grease.
51. Ham Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping
Use leftover ham, or just order a thick slice from the deli counter and dice it!
Nutella, mini marshmallows, raisins, and peanuts are among our favorite apple ring toppers. Photo by Audrey Trieschman
Scrumptious Snack Recipes
52. Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bites
This three-ingredient recipe is good for breakfast or a snack. They're gluten-free to boot.
53. After School Apple Rings
These choose-your-own-adventure snacks are great for incorporating both healthy and yummy elements, and easy enough for kids to make.
54. Easy Energy Balls
These no-bake vegan snacks can be made in lots of different flavors.
55. Pumpkin Hummus
Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free!
56. Grape Caterpillars
You don't have to be very hungry to devour one of these cute snacks.
57. Mickey Mouse Pretzels
It's easy to add a little Disney to your day with these salty or sweet snacks.
58. No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
These easy three-ingredient bars are from our list of favorite breakfast recipes, but they are also perfect morning or after-school snacks.
59. Make Your Own Granola Bars
Too much sugar in the store-bought bars? Make your own.
60. G.O.R.P.
This recipe from our top 100 lunch ideas can add protein and vitamins to your child's snack routine.
61. Apple Chip Nachos
Fruit and peanut butter create a healthy low-carb snack for your kids' lunchboxes at school or at home for an after-school snack.
62. Fairy Bread
This Australian treat is basically white bread slathered in butter and rolled in sprinkles. While this version (at #63) was one we tried for Halloween, you could make this for any holiday or just with favorite colors.
63. Apple Monster Mouths
Any snack is more fun when you add candy eyes to it! Slice apples and strawberries and use peanut butter as glue to make these whimsical crafty snacks. They're great for Halloween, but make kids smile as a surprise at any meal.
64. Fruit Cones
Make these fun snacks your own by combining your kids' favorite fruits into a salad. Then put it in a waffle cone.
65. Veggie Muffins
Who says muffins have to be sweet? These savory snacks pack some veggies for a perfect summer camp snack.
Martha Stewart's Sugar Cookies makes great holiday cookies or anytime treats. Photo by Meghan Rose
Easy Baking Recipes for Kids: Cookies
66. Snickerdoodle Apple Cookies
A fall favorite that combines apple and cinnamon, this recipe is one of our favorites.
67. Martha Stewart's Sugar Cookies
This one is from our list of favorite Christmas cookies, but who doesn't love a sugar cookie any time of year? Top with frosting for decorating fun.
68. Air Fryer Sugar Cookies
Got impatient kids? Make these cookies in your air fryer for a batch that will be out in just five minutes!
69. Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Freeze balls of Nutella and then wrap them in chocolate chip cookie dough for a treat that is as yummy as it is fun to make.
70. Traditional Scottish Shortbread
With just three ingredients and a pinch of salt, this recipe is easy to make and easy to love. No need to wait for Girl Scout cookie season, either.
71. Peppermint Meringues
This gluten-free seasonal favorite has just five ingredients and is easy and fun to whip up.
72. Rugelach
Choose from lots of different fillings for this traditional Jewish cookie for Hanukkah! It appears on our favorite holiday cookie list.
73. Pumpkin Brownies
Chocolate and pumpkin meet for this decadent dessert with just two ingredients!
Ice cream dessert boards turn any day into a celebration. Photo by Ally Noel
Frozen Fun Recipes
74. Red, White, and Blue Popsicles
These patriotic treats are great for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. Enjoy a popsicle without any high fructose corn syrup!
75. Disney Dole Whips
We found this recipe on Disney's blog and can't stop making it. It's a taste of Disney at home.
76. Orange Cream Popsicles
A little fruity and a little creamy, these fun treats are a hit for kids and for parents who remember going to Orange Julius at the mall.
77. Ice Cream Sundae Dessert Board
Forget the cheese board, this is the board that's a hit with the kid crowd.
78. Maple Sugar Snow Ice Cream
Don't eat the yellow snow! But you can eat white snow combined with cream and maple sugar in this delicious winter recipe.
79. Frozen Hot Chocolate Pops
For a taste of winter in the summer, enjoy these frozen pops with creamy chocolate and marshmallows.
80. Easy Homemade Ice Cream
We've come up with two ways to make a creamy frozen treat without an ice cream maker: Whether you choose the bag method or the jar technique, it's delicious.
Red velvet mug cake is ready in minutes. Literally. Photo Jody Mercier
More Easy Dessert Recipes for Kids
81. Peanut Butter Lasagna
Layer Nutter Butters with chocolate pudding and whipped cream for an easy no-bake dessert.
82. Key Lime Pie
Sweet, tart, and light green, this crowd-pleasing dessert requires no baking, making it perfect for kids to help make.
83. Strawberries and Cream Mug Cake
This satisfying treat is paleo-friendly and gluten-free, plus it includes delicious fresh fruit. Check it out on our list of favorite mug cakes.
84. Hamburger Cupcakes
Kids too young to grill on Father's Day? Make him these adorable hamburger cupcakes instead.
85. Banana Split Lasagna
Layer upon layer of dessert goodness, this recipe combines graham crackers, cream cheese, whipped cream, pineapple, cherries, and of course, bananas.
86. Red Velvet Mug Cake
You can be eating this tasty treat in minutes!
87. Mermaid Confetti Mug Cake
Who doesn't love funfetti cake with a mermaid theme? You can make a single-serving portion for unexpected special occasions with this kid-pleaser.
Homemade butter is science and a tasty treat. Photo by Ally Noel
Crafty and Messy Dessert Recipes
88. Dirt Dessert
You don't need much time or a kitchen free of toddlers to make this classic and yummy Oreo and chocolate pudding dessert.
89. S'mores Skillet
So easy and fun! You don't even need to read the directions, just watch the TikTok video for a fast treat for the whole family.
90. Rock Candy
It's a science experiment and a recipe!
91. Eyeball Cake Pops
These fun and spooky treats are tween-pleasers, and that's saying a lot.
92. Homemade Butter
This is one of our most popular recipes ever.
Cheers with some sweet frozen drinks! Photo by Jody Mercier
Sweet Sips & Mocktails
93. Lime-Min-Ades
While grown-ups muddle a pitcher of mojitos, kids can enjoy these sweet-tart citrus sippers.
94. Classic Shirley Temples
Who can forget their first kiddie cocktail at a family wedding? Re-create that experience for your own kids.
95. Frozen Hot Chocolates
It's like a homemade frappuccino!
96. Pumpkin Juice
This one is a favorite of Harry Potter fans the world over.
97. Hot Chocolate Bombs
Customize your own fillings for a surprising winter treat that doubles as a great gift.
98. Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
This healthy favorite breakfast drink also makes a great snack or treat with plenty of Vitamin C and protein.
99. Frozen Lemonade
Lemonade, ice, and ice cream make a dreamy sweet treat for a hot summer day.
100. Rainbow Smoothie
Celebrate Pride, St. Patrick's Day, or any day with this fun multi-colored beverage.