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Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes

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These Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes are simple, healthy and kid-friendly as well! They’re perfect dinner side dishes and a great way to add some extra veggies to your day. 

These Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes are simple, healthy and kid-friendly as well! They're perfect dinner side dishes and a great way to add some extra veggies to your day. 

*Originally published 8/2017. Updated 7/2025*

These easy vegetable recipes are a great way to add more vegetables to your diet. They’re kid-friendly, affordable and quick to make – a great way to help serve nutritious meals to busy families.

Hi friends!

I originally wrote this post shortly after my second child started eating solid foods. While I did a fairly good job making and serving my oldest a variety of vegetables, it’s a whole different game trying to start feeding a baby with a wild toddler running around.

When I noticed I was falling into the habit of giving her more fruit than veggies, I decided I needed to step up my game. I made an effort to be more proactive about prepping vegetables to have on hand to give her for meals and snacks.

Why You’ll Love These Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes

  • Flexible – these ideas are so easy that you often don’t need specific ingredient quantities
  • Kid-friendly – plenty of ways to help introduce different vegetables to kids
  • Affordable – vegetables are an inexpensive way to add lots of nutrients to your plate
  • Perfect for meal prep – many of them can be made ahead of time and reheated

How To Make Vegetables More Interesting

One of the easiest ways to make vegetables more interesting is to add variety. That can mean changing the preparation method – raw, steamed, roasted, sauteed, etc and can also mean adding different spices and seasoning to change up the flavors. Spices like paprika, cumin, curry powder and oregano are great ways to change up the flavor profile without making foods too spicy for little mouths.

What vegetables are best for picky eaters?

All of them! One of the best things you can do for more selective eaters is to offer a wide variety and offer them repeatedly, even when they’re not getting eaten. Exposure matters and even getting kids to touch, smell or lick things on their plate can be a huge exposure win!

Our Favorite Easy Vegetable Recipes

So, here are 9 quick and easy ways to add veggies to your table. I buy fresh veggies weekly, but my freezer is also packed with frozen veggies and my pantry usually has a few cans of vegetables as well.

Most Americans don’t eat nearly enough vegetables and my motto is “the easier the better” so these simple “recipes” will help add some vegetables to your familys’ plates and hopefully you’ll find some new favorites!

What Vegetables Side Dish Recipes Are Good For Last Minute Dinners?

Most of these are ready in just 20 minutes or so in the oven or on the stove if you need to cook them right before eating. But they can also be made ahead of time and reheated which makes them perfect for dinner in a hurry.

They don’t really require recipes so I’ve just provided a short description/instructions for each one:

Asian Roasted Green Beans

Easy Roasted Vegetables – Ginger Soy Green Beans

If you’re not a fan of just plain steamed green beans, try these with fresh green beans! I simply cut the ends off, toss in a little oil and roast at 400 degrees F on a foil-lined baking sheet for about 12 minutes, stirring once.

Then drizzle with a little sweet thai chili sauce, some soy sauce and a bit of fresh ginger (or ginger paste) and mix well.

Mom tip – If you don’t have thai chili sauce, you can use maple syrup or soy sauce.

Paprika Carrots

Vegetables with Butter – Paprika Carrots

I just peel some fresh carrots and thinly slice them, then toss with a little melted butter and sprinkle with paprika and roast on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until desired softness is reached, stirring occasionally.

You could also use baby carrots for this – it’d be an easy way to keep all the slices similar sized. I slice mine pretty thin both so they cook quickly and are easy for the baby to eat but you could make them thicker and cook them longer. Also- don’t like butter? Just drizzle with oil instead.

If you have carrots to use up, here are 20 Easy Carrot Recipes to try. My favorite are these Easy Maple Glazed Carrots.

Broccoli Tots

Oven Baked Vegetables – Broccoli Tots

Steam a bag of broccoli in the microwave. Drain excess water and add to food processor. Pulse until well chopped.  Add an egg, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 – 1 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 cup shredded cheese and process until combined. Form into tot shape, squeezing tightly.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes, flipping once. Serve with ketchup. Make sure you sprinkle the seasonings around the whole food processor bowl when adding instead of just dumping all in one spot or you may get ALL the garlic powder in one tot like my husband was lucky enough to taste!

Want more broccoli recipes? Try my favorite Cheesy Broccoli or one of these 20+ Easy Broccoli Recipes.

Balsamic Mushrooms

Skillet Vegetables – Balsamic Mushrooms

Thinly slice mushrooms and cook over low heat on the stovetop with a little oil until soft. Add a little balsamic vinegar, mix well and serve.

Mom tip – Mushrooms are the perfect vegetable for even the littlest kids to practice slicing. Give them a plastic knife and let them help you cut the mushrooms before sauteeing. Check out my Ultimate Guide For Teaching Kids To Cook for more tips!

Maple Cinnamon Squash

Lightly Sweetened Vegetables – Maple Cinnamon Squash

Cut squash in half and remove seeds. I used acorn squash but most kinds would be fine. Cut into slices – I sliced mine into rings and then cut them in half. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush both sides with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Roast at 400 degrees F for 20 min or until soft, flipping once.

Pesto zoodles

Simple Sauteed Vegetables – Pesto Zoodles

Spiralize zucchini into noodles. Saute over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add pesto and stir to combine.

Mom tip – a spiralizer instantly makes any vegetable more fun! If you don’t like zucchini, try spiralizing sweet potatoes, carrots, squash and more. Just keep in mine you will need to saute them longer than 3 minutes.

Curry roasted sweet potatoes

Oven Roasted Vegetables – Curried Sweet Potatoes

Slice and dice a sweet potato. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with oil (I usually use olive oil but coconut oil would be good for this flavor combo too!) and stir to coat. Sprinkle with curry powder, stir and roast at 425 degrees F for about 20 minutes, stirring a couple of times.

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Smashed Vegetables – Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Look for the smallest little round potatoes you can find. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Roast at 425 for 20 minutes. Using the bottom of a glass, smash each potato.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and parmesan cheese. Optional – add rosemary to the mix. Also optional- stick back under the broiler once smashed to get them crispier!

Peas with Pancetta

Sauteed Vegetables – Peas with Pancetta

Saute diced pancetta and garlic in a pan. Steam peas in the microwave. Add peas to the pan, stir to combine and serve.

Mom tip – Bacon would also work if you don’t have pancetta! Let’s be honest, bacon makes almost any vegetable taste better!

Easy Vegetable Recipes As Side Dishes FAQs

What vegetables are easiest to cook?

Frozen vegetables are a great option if you’re looking for vegetables that are easy to cook. You don’t need to peel or chop them and they pretty much just need to be heated up in the microwave or on the stove!

Similarly, canned vegetables are an easy option as well. Just open the can, drain if needed and then heat them up if you want to or serve them room temperature. Canned and frozen vegetables are also perfectly prepped to be added to things like soups and casseroles.

Here are some more quick and easy vegetable recipes for lunch/dinner.

What is the fastest vegetable to cook? What is the best way to cook vegetables quickly?

The smaller the vegetable pieces, the quicker they cook so if you do need things to cook quickly, dicing them into small pieces will help! You can also look for precut vegetables at the grocery store to save time.

Cooking frozen vegetables in the microwave is an easy way to cook vegetables quickly. You can then add seasonings, butter, salt etc or add a sauce on top for an easy side dish.

Harder vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take longer to cook than vegetables like peas, corn, peppers, beans etc.

Here are some quick-cooking tips for vegetables.

How to store these vegetable recipes?

These vegetable recipes can be stored in glass Pyrex containers in the fridge. To reheat them you can use the microwave, a saute pan or an air fryer.

What veggies are best for meal prepping? Can you meal prep vegetables for the week?

You guys know I love meal prep. I have a whole course called Mastering Food Prep. Vegetables are something I prep every single week. Some of my favorites are chopping, washing and drying lettuce for salads and prepping a veggie snack tray with carrots, cucumbers, peppers, cherry tomatoes, etc. I also always roast a few vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans etc to use as dinner side dishes.

Here are more tips for How To Meal Prep Veggies for Easy Meals and How To Meal Prep Specific Veggies.

What are some autumn and winter vegetable recipes? What are some spring and summer vegetable recipes?

Fall and winter veggies include things like brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, carrots, kale and other leafy greens. Spring and summer vegetables include things like asparagus, snap peas, corn, squash and zucchini.

Quick and Easy Vegetable Meal Prep Tips

  • Roasted vegetables like green beans, sweet potatoes and carrots hold up well in the fridge. Roast a big batch and reheat to serve with dinners all week.
  • Raw vegetables can be prepped ahead of time to snack on – think carrots, peppers, celery, broccoli – or you can simply do your chopping ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
  • You’re much more likely to eat vegetables if you have them already prepped and ready to go so spending a little time prepping can lead to a much higher vegetable intake later in the week.

How To Freeze Vegetables

  • There are lots of vegetables that freeze well so in the summer especially, you can stock up on vegetables and freeze them for later.
  • Try chopping vegetables like bell peppers, leeks, corn and green beans and freezing them raw. When you need them, you can pull them out and add saute, add to stir-fry, put in soups and casseroles etc.
  • To help preserve them even further, you can blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two. This helps preserve nutrients and prevent any changes while frozen. Here’s how to blanch vegetables for freezing.
  • Leafy greens like spinach can also be frozen and later added to smoothies, soups, and more.
These Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes are simple, healthy and kid-friendly as well! They're perfect dinner side dishes and a great way to add some extra veggies to your day. 

Best Kid-Friendly Vegetable Side Dish Recipes:

Looking for more veggie side dishes? Try these:

These quick and easy vegetable recipes are great for families who want to serve healthy and nutritious meals. They’re kid-friendly, affordable and the perfect addition to your dinner plate.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids

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Need easy lunch box ideas for kids for the 2025-2026 school year? Here’s exactly what a Registered Dietitian mom packed her son for the first month of elementary school, with real life photos.

easy lunch box ideas for kids with photos

*Originally published 10/2021. Updated July 2025*

These lunch box ideas for kids are simple, affordable and easy to make. They are healthy and nutritious and can be prepped the night before.

Hi friends!

I’m often asked to share healthy lunch box ideas for kids so I put together a guide – A Month of Packed Lunches for Kids. It’s been a huge hit and given lots of parents quick and easy lunch box ideas for kids. The thing I’ve heard most frequently is that the pictures are SO helpful. A lot of you are visual people! In the packed lunch guide, there are 24 lunch ideas with photos.

But I wanted to add more! So, when my oldest was in first grade, I photographed the lunches that I packed for the first month. I wanted to share some of the real-life lunch box examples.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids

  • Simple, healthy ideas
  • Easy ways to add variety
  • A mix of homemade and storebought food items
  • Easy, kid-friendly lunches
  • Supports all foods fit in moderation

If you want even more resources with real lunch box photos, check out these posts:

School lunch and snack ideas:

Before we start, I do have several posts with snack ideas that can be helpful when packing school lunches:

And if you need after-school ideas check out Healthy After School Snacks here.

How To Pack Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids

At first, I was alternating between bentgo box lunch ideas in the Bentgo Fresh lunch box and a Lunch Bots lunch box (aff links) but I now use just the Bentgo. While I like that the Lunch Bots one is stainless steel, it’s not completely leakproof even with the silicone cup inserts and my son found it a little hard to get open.

I pack the Bentgo box every evening and store in the fridge. In the morning, I put it inside this Arctic Zone insulated lunch bag and add an ice pack. My son eats all of the foods I send cold/room temperature.

Even things like quesadillas and tortellini that he’s used to eating warm at home. So far it hasn’t been an issue at all for him but some kids don’t like changes in temperature. In that case, you could invest in a thermos or practice eating things at different temperatures at home so they get used to it. 

These OmieBox lunch boxes (aff link) have a built-in thermos and would be a great option to invest in if your kids tend to prefer hot lunches.

How To Get Kids To Pack Their Own Lunches

If you’re thinking packed lunches are great but really want your kids to start packing their own lunches, my friend and fellow RD Sally has you covered:

Photos of Easy School Lunch Ideas For Kids

So here are some of the actual lunch boxes I packed. I snapped a photo every day and then just used Pixlr to remove the countertop in the background and make them prettier to look at. A few things to note-

  • Our school is not nut-free. 
  • A reminder that even if you kids prefer a similar lunch every day, there are ways you can add variety – try pretzel sticks one day and twists the next. Try peanut butter and jelly on bread one day, then on a sandwich thin or pita the next, etc!
  • There’s nothing wrong with hard-boiled egg yolks, my kids just don’t like them.

Easy Kids Lunch Box Ideas

kids lunch box with applesauce, carrots, cheese stick, hard boiled egg and pretzels

#1 Quick Kids Lunch Box Ideas – with hard-boiled eggs

  • Motts Applesauce
  • Carrots
  • Cheese stick
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Pretzels

Mom hack – if your kids don’t like hard boiled egg whites, you’re not alone. Just serve them without and learn what to do with hard boiled egg yolks.

kids lunch with granola bar, turkey sandwich, grapes and ants on a log

#2 Simple Kids Lunch Box with turkey sandwich

  • Quaker Reduced Sugar Granola Bar
  • Grapes
  • Turkey & Cheese on Brownberry Sandwich Thin
  • Ants on a log
kids lunchable with wheat thins, turkey, pepperoni, yogurt and cookie

#3 Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids – Homemade Lunchable

  • Wheat Thins
  • GF Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Applegate pepperoni
  • Dietz and Watson Originals Organic Turkey
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Chobani less sugar yogurt
lunch box with muffin, chicken sausage, strawberries, cottage cheese and crackers

#4 Nutritious Kids Lunch Ideas – with Chicken Sausage

  • Zucchini Apple Muffin
  • Simple Mills Almond crackers
  • Buttered Corn
  • Al Fresco Chicken Sausage
  • Strawberries
  • Cottage Cheese
kids lunch with banana bread, egg wrap, carrots with ranch, sun chips and grapes

#5 Quick and easy lunch box idea for kids with Pepperoni Egg Wrap

  • Simple Mills Banana Bread
  • Grapes
  • Sun Chips
  • Pepperoni and Cheese Egg Wrap
  • Carrots with ranch
lunch box for kids with baked beans, turkey cheese roll up, trail mix and dried pears

#6 Quick and easy cold lunch ideas for kids with turkey roll-up

  • Crinkle carrot, carrot ribbon, mini pepper
  • Wheat Thins
  • Dried pears (i get them at Costco)
  • Bush’s Baked beans
  • Turkey wrapped mozzarella cheese stick
  • Trail Mix with pepitas, Cheerios, raisins and mini marshmallows

Mom hack – For most kids, veggies are not an exciting part of lunch. Try adding a little novelty by serving them in new, fun shapes, using a crinkle cutter, etc!

kids lunch box idea - chicken nuggets, yogurt tube, cheese and crackers and fruit

#7 Kiddies lunch box ideas with chicken nuggets

  • Cheese and Triscuit thins
  • Canned pineapple
  • Kidfresh Foods Chicken Nuggets with ketchup
  • Stonyfield yogurt tube
easy kids lunch - quesadilla, chips and guacamole, hard boiled egg, clementine and fruit snacks

#8 Simple lunchbox ideas for kids – Quesadilla

  • Tortilla chips with Good Foods avocado mash
  • Cheese quesadilla
  • Hard-boiled egg
  • Reduced sugar fruit snacks
  • Clementine

Mom hack – To expand beyond cheese quesadillas, try adding very finely chopped pieces of chicken or mash some beans to spread on the tortilla before adding cheese.

kids lunch box with peanut butter and jelly bagel, fruit salad, banana bread and cookie

#9 Good lunch box ideas for kids – PBJ Mini bagel

  • Peanut butter and jelly mini bagel
  • Cookie
  • Chomps beef stick + cheese stick + cherry tomatoes
  • Fruit salad
  • Banana bread
elementary lunch box with lentil banana muffin, turkey roll up, dates with peanut butter and graham crackers

#10 Kids bento box ideas – turkey pickle wrap

  • Lentil Banana Muffin
  • Graham cracker
  • Turkey pepperoni pickle roll-up
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Dates with peanut butter
breakfast for lunch box with pancakes, egg waffle, banana carrot muffin and strawberries

#11 – Healthy lunch box ideas for kids – egg waffle and mini pancakes

Mom hack – Don’t forget about breakfast foods as an option for lunch. Most kids love traditional breakfast foods and there’s no reason you can’t serve them for lunch!

grade school lunch box with pizza, ants on a log, wheat thins and kiwi

#12- Easy lunch box ideas for kids – mini pizza

So there you go – There are 12 of the first 30 lunch boxes I packed for my son. Want to see the other 18? Check out my Month of Packed Lunches for Kids guide!

GRAB YOUR COPY HERE!

Fun Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids

A month of packed lunch ideas for kids, including 24 lunch box photos, tips for adding variety and nut-free ideas!

HERE’S WHAT’S IN YOUR BEST PACKED LUNCH IDEAS FOR KIDS PDF:

  • Product recommendations – I share my favorite lunch boxes.
  • Prep ahead tips – A few tips for things you can prep ahead of time in the fridge and freezer to make lunch packing easier.
  • Lunch Packing Cheat Sheet – lunch ideas divided into protein, carbs, vegetables, fruits and snacks so you can mix and match from each category to pack a balanced lunch quickly.
  • 24 lunch box photos – full-color photos of bento-style lunch boxes showcasing different lunch item ideas
  • Nut-free product recommendations – If your school is nut-free, here are some peanut/tree nut-free snacks you can pack for your kiddos.
  • BONUS REAL-LIFE LUNCH BOXES PDF! (Where I share the other 18 real-life lunch boxes!)
GRAB YOUR COPY HERE! Packed Lunch Ideas For Kids Guide

Meal Prep Tips For Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids

  • Chop fruits and vegetables ahead of time to make it easy to add them to lunchboxes.
  • Cook a batch of taco meat or shredded chicken to use to make sandwiches, quesadillas and tacos for lunches.
  • Prep a batch of hard boiled eggs or egg wraps for a quick protein source at lunch time.
  • Do a food prep session of things like pancakes and healthy muffins and bars to add to lunch boxes.

Easy Kids Lunch Box Ideas FAQs

What should a kid have for lunch?

When I put together lunches for my kids I always focus on protein first. I make sure to always include a protein source and then build around that. While I don’t serve my kids vegetables for lunch every day, I do try to always include fruit. If your kids are more selective eaters, make sure to include 1-2 safe foods they love, no matter what else you’re serving.

Added bonus points for including something with some fiber and/or healthy fats to help keep them full a bit longer.

Ideas for quick lunch ideas for kids at home? Best home lunch ideas?

If my kids are home for lunch, especially during the school year when most days they eat a cold lunch, I always try to mix in hot lunches for variety. I try to keep my freezer well stocked with healthy freezer snacks that can double as lunch on occasions like this.

Some of my kids favorite warm lunches include mini pizzas, pancakes or waffles, nachos, oatmeal and omelets.

Smoothies are another great option for home lunches because they can be tricky to send to school.

What do you give kids for lunch that don’t like sandwiches? How do I get my kids to eat sandwiches?

Not liking sandwiches is very common among kids and can take some work on your end to get them to accept and eat them. Sometimes a sandwich can seem large and overwhelming, especially to smaller kids.

You can start by getting them used to eating toast with toppings or an open-faced sandwich. Or try things like build your own mini sandwiches on crackers to get them used to foods being stacked on top of one another. Thinner breads like sandwich thins or tortillas can also be helpful!

Are there any foods parents should not pack in a lunch box?

Be sure to follow any allergy restrictions for your school. In addition, make sure to invest in a good lunchbox with leak-proof containers so you don’t end up with a mess of soggy food, as well has good ice packs and an insulated lunch box to help keep food at a safe temperature until lunch time!

Bento Box Lunch Ideas For Kids

Need easy lunch box ideas for kids? Here's exactly what a Registered Dietitian mom packed her son for the first month of elementary school, with real life photos.

These easy lunch box ideas for kids are simple, healthy and affordable. Perfect for busy moms who want to feed their kids healthy, nutritious lunches.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Cold Lunch Ideas For Kids

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Looking for cold lunch ideas for kids for the 2025-2026 school year? Here are real-life lunches packed by a Registered Dietitian mom. Easy, kid-friendly lunch ideas that can be packed ahead of time and eaten cold.

cold lunch ideas for kids

*Published 10/2023. Updated 7/2025*

These simple, affordable cold lunch ideas are kid-friendly and quick & easy. They can be packed ahead of time and eaten cold – no thermos or microwave required!

Hi friends!

It’s hard to believe we’re already 2 months into another year of packing school lunches over here. A lot of you have found my Easy Lunch Box Ideas for Kids post super helpful and have asked for more ideas. This post has cold lunch ideas for kindergarteners and beyond!

Why You’ll Love These Cold Lunch Ideas

  • Quick and easy
  • Kid-friendly
  • Fresh new lunch ideas if you’re in a lunch rut
  • Can be prepped ahead of time
  • A mix of homemade and store-bought snacks
lunchbox ideas for kids

If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll definitely want to check out my Month of Easy Packed Lunches ebook that comes with full-color pages with ideas as well as a bonus PDF.

I also have two other posts that might be helpful:

This year I’m packing lunches for my first and third grader. We don’t do any hot lunches so everything I pack for them is cold/room temperature. A lot of people are surprised that my kids eat things like pizza, chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese cold, but neither of them have ever had an issue with it.

If you haven’t tried serving of some of these things cold to your kiddos, it’s definitely worth a shot!

Cold Lunch Tips for Picky Eaters

How do I pack a cold lunch my picky eater will actually eat?

If you have picky eaters, packing lunch can feel overwhelming at times because you have a smaller pool of options to choose from. A few tips:

  • Remember that it’s ok if they eat the same lunch a couple times a week.
  • Even just having 3-4 lunches on a rotation is ok!
  • Lunch time at school is not be the best time to give them all new foods, however, keep adding small amounts of new foods along with their safe foods. Sometimes kids are hungry enough at school to try things they might not try at home!
  • Let the kids help with packing. Show them pictures and have them make a list of things they would be happy to see in their lunch box.

Cold Lunch Packing Equipment

Bento Box Lunch Ideas

I pack their lunches using these Bentgo Fresh Lunch Boxes. The middle divider is removable if you want to include a full sandwich or something larger and the two compartments on the right are totally leakproof.

Tips For Keeping Lunch Cold Without A Fridge

I put the Bentgo boxes in these Artic Zone Insulated Lunch Boxes with an ice pack. These are my favorite ice packs. I put them in at 7am and they get home from school at 4pm still half frozen. (Affiliate links)

I don’t pack any drinks other than water but we love these Owala water bottles.

I wanted to share some more real-life lunch boxes that I’ve packed for my kids this year. Hopefully this will give you some new ideas for cold lunch boxes!

cold lunch box ideas

Kids Cold Lunch Ideas

#1 – Pizza

  • Leftover pizza (This is our homemade pizza recipe)
  • Chicken taco for some extra protein
  • Strawberries
  • Roasted sweet potatoes/Doritos

#2 – Smoked Salmon

Mom Hack – If you have trouble getting your kids to eat fish, smoked salmon- especially this honey-smoked version – is a great place to start!

cold lunch ideas for kids

Cold Lunch Box Ideas

#3 – Quesadillas

  • Cheese quesadillas (Sometimes I add smashed beans, chicken or pepperoni)
  • Chicken sausage (Al Fresco is our favorite because it’s fairly low in sodium)
  • Fruit salad
  • Cheeto puffs (or another crunchy snack)

#4 Homemade Lunchables

Mom hack – If your kids like cheese quesadillas, you can up the nutrition by slowly adding very small pieces of shredded chicken or spread some mashed beans on the tortilla before adding cheese.

lunchbox ideas for kids - chicken nuggets and peanut butter and jelly rollups

Cold Lunch Ideas for Kindergarteners

#5 Chicken Nuggets

#6 Peanut Butter & Jelly Rollups

  • PBJ Rollups (Smash a piece of bread flat, add pb & J and rollup, then cut into pieces
  • Potato chips
  • Fruit Salad
  • Mini cucumbers and carrots
  • Turkey cheese and pepperoni sandwich for the one that doesn’t like pbj

Mom hack – don’t just assume your kids won’t like things they usually eat warm. My kids are happy to eat cold pizza, chicken nuggest and more in their lunches even though they enjoy them warm at home.

cold lunches - chopped Italian sandwiches and egg wraps

Cold Kids School Lunch Ideas – Chopped Italian Subs & Egg Wraps

#7 – Chopped Italian Subs

  • Chopped Italian Sub – Chopped up turkey or ham, salami, pepperoni, lettuce, cheese and banana peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Cheeto Puffs
  • Pepperoni Bread

#8 – Egg Wraps

  • Egg wraps – leave them plain or add pepperoni and cheese or turkey and avocado
  • Animal Crackers
  • Strawberries
  • Pickles

Mom hack – Egg wraps are perfect for food prep. Make a whole batch and serve them for breakfast and lunch multiple times in one week!

Cold Kids School Lunch Ideas - Chopped Italian Subs & Egg Wraps

Healthy Cold School Lunch Ideas

#9 – Pancakes

#10 – Hamburgers

  • Cheeseburger (we eat them for dinner and pack the extra for lunch)
  • Ants on a log
  • Strawberries
  • Granola bar
lunch box ideas for kids

Kids School Lunch Ideas

#11 Hot Dogs

  • Hot Dogs – We always cook extras when we make them for dinner
  • Zucchini Bread
  • Mini peppers and carrots
  • Frui

#12 Tacos

  • Tacos – we use chicken, ground turkey etc plus their favorite fillings
  • Fruit
  • Carrots
  • Animal crackers
  • Mini Sweet potato muffins

Meal Prep Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids

  • Make a batch of shredded pork (or chicken) and make bbq pulled pork sandwiches to add to lunch boxes.
  • Prep a tuna salad that can be packed with crackers. If they won’t eat tuna, chicken salad can be more kid-friendly
  • Make a pasta salad with protein, chopped veggies and Italian dressing that will hold up well to make in lunches later in the week.
  • Chop a variety of veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers and bell peppers that you can pack with hummus.
  • Cut a block of cheese into cubes and store in the fridge. Pack some with mini pepperonis or a beef stick sliced into bite-sized pieces.
  • Make a batch of chia pudding.

Freezer Cold Lunch Ideas

  • Make a batch of pancakes, waffles or muffins and freeze. Pull them out as needed to add to lunch boxes. They’ll thaw by lunch time!
  • Freeze a batch of mini meatballs after cooking so you can pull them out for an easy protein source.
  • Chop up extra fruit at the end of the week and freeze. Pull it out to mix with plain yogurt or add to chia pudding.

Cold Lunch Ideas FAQs

What are some cold lunch ideas for middle school kids?

Some popular choices for middle schoolers include copycat Starbucks protein boxes, wraps, pinwheels and sandwiches, salads, dinner leftovers, pasta salad and queadillas.

What should I pack for cold lunch that isn’t a sandwich?

Cold lunch ideas that are not sandwiches include homemade lunchables, tacos, pancakes, burgers, yogurt parfaits, egg wraps, cold pizza, energy balls and more!

How do I keep food cold until lunch time?

Place your lunch box container of choice in an insulated bag and add 1-2 ice packs inside the insulated bag as well.

How do I include more veggies in my kid’s cold lunches?

Try cutting raw veggies with a crinkle cutter and pairing them with a dip, shredding veggies to add to muffins and bars, add veggies to sandwiches and wraps, puree vegetables into dips or using as pizza toppings!

How can I keep cold lunches interesting for kids all week?

Remember that if you pack something once a week, the kids are only eating it 4 times a month. If you can develop a rotation of 5-7 lunches and rotate through them, that should be plenty of variety each week. You can also assign each day a theme – sandwiches, breakfast, bento, etc and then change up the components within that theme.

Can cold lunches be filling and nutritious?

Yes! A balanced lunch with protein, fruits and veggies plus some healthy fats and fiber will keep kids full all afternoon.

Looking for cold lunch ideas for kids? Here are real-life ideas packed by a Registered Dietitian mom for her elementary school kids.

These cold lunch ideas for kids are simple, healthy and affordable. Spend a one hour food prep session batch cooking a few things each week to make packing lunches quick and easy.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Snacks For Toddlers

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Need ideas for healthy snacks for toddlers? This list is specifically geared towards kids 1-3 years old, with homemade and storebought ideas for at home and on the go.

healthy toddler snack ideas homemade and storebought

*Originally published 9/21. Updated 7/25*

These healthy snacks for toddlers are simple, healthy and budget-friendly. They’re perfect for busy moms who want to feed their kids nutritious foods with a variety of nutrients.

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about healthy snacks for toddlers. I think a lot of snack ideas posts are geared towards kids in general but there always seems to be a fair amount of ideas on the lists that aren’t safe for toddlers, mainly because of choking hazards. So I wanted to put together a list of toddler-safe snacks.

Why You’ll Love Healthy Snacks For Toddlers

  • Affordable – these snacks are made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients
  • Kid-friendly – packed with nutrients but still taste good
  • Freezer-friendly – many can be prepped ahead of time and frozen for quick snacks
  • Quick and easy – great for busy moms with no time to waste!

Healthy Toddler Snack Ideas

We all know that most toddlers seem to want to eat constantly but remember that all-day grazing is not ideal. Try to stick to set meals and snack times when possible so that they have a chance to start listening to their body, recognizing signs of hunger and fullness etc.

Should a 2-year-old have snacks?

Snacks are a great idea for toddlers and a great way to get some extra nutrients in them that they might not eat at actual meal times. Most toddlers do best with 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day. Try a snack mid-morning, mid-afternoon and potentially after dinner if needed.

What are some healthy meal ideas for toddlers?

If you’re looking for ideas for toddler meals vs snacks I’ve got you covered as well! Here are 150+ Toddler Meal Ideas with pictures of actual plates I served my kids from ages 1-3. And if that’s enough, here’s another 100 Healthy Toddler Meals.

toddler choking hazards

Toddler Choking Hazards

When considering what snacks and foods to give your toddler, it’s important to remember that there are several choices that frequently lead to choking in this age group. These are things that are either hard, hard to chew, a similar size to their windpipe, sticky etc so we want to avoid them.

Here are some common choking hazards for toddlers:

  • Round foods like hot dogs, sausages, cherry tomatoes and grapes
  • Hard foods like apples and carrots and other hard raw veggies
  • Nut butter by the spoonful or thickly spread on bread
  • Marshmallows, whole nuts, gum, hard candy, chips and popcorn
choking hazards modified

Toddler Choking Hazards modified:

The good news is you don’t have to avoid most of these foods completely. Here’s how to modify some of the common choking hazards so they’re safer for toddlers:

  • For round foods: cut lengthwise into quarters
  • For hard fruits and veggies: grate, cut into matchsticks, dice and saute, steam or roast to soften
  • Nut butter: spread thinly on toast
  • Chop whole nuts into very small pieces and consider softer nuts like cashews/pecans/pistachios vs almonds/peanuts

Mom tip: Marshmallows, gum, hard candy, chips and popcorn should be avoided completely for toddlers.

Is popcorn a healthy snack for toddlers?

Popcorn is a huge choking hazard for kids under age 4 so I’d really recommend holding off serving it to younger kiddos. If you’re looking for something similar, popcorn cakes or rice cakes are safer than popcorn kernels

Healthy Snacks For Kids and Toddlers

If you’re looking for snacks for older kids, I have several posts to check out. These lists will have some snacks that are good for toddlers but not all of them:

Mom hack – A lot of these snacks would be great in lunch boxes too! If you need more lunch box ideas, check out my Month of Easy Packed Lunches for Kids resource!

Healthy Snack Ideas for Toddlers

So let’s dive right into toddler snacks, shall we? Here are some of my favorite healthy snack ideas for toddlers. And remember these are good for older kids too!

healthy toddler snack ideas

Healthy Snacks Toddlers

Here are some snack ideas that I make at home:

  • Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to get extra fruit and veggies into your toddler’s diet. Mix with a little milk or yogurt and you have added protein and calcium, among other important nutrients. Spinach, zucchini and cauliflower are easy veggies to add to smoothies without altering the taste or texture too much. My boys’ love the combo is frozen mixed berries, spinach, milk and a little orange juice. This Peach Zucchini Smoothie Bowl is also a fav, along with this Silken Tofu Mixed Berry Smoothie! We also love this simple strawberry pineapple smoothie.
  • Muffins/bars– My favorite for young toddlers are my Sweet Potato Banana Bites – but almost all of my kid-friendly baking recipes are great for this age and are packed with things like beans, lentils and veggies. My friend and fellow RD Min also has tons of Healthy Baby and Toddler muffins here.
  • Oatmeal: It’s not just for breakfast! Make it with milk for protein and stir in a scoop of peanut butter for healthy fats. Top with berries or a few chocolate chips. You can even make a big batch ahead of time, freeze in muffin tins and thaw in the microwave. Learn how in my post for Freezer Prep Oatmeal Cups.
  • Energy Bars – Use my go-to energy bar recipe and process them really well in the food processor to avoid big chunks. Then press into a pan and cut into bars so they’re thinner vs rolling into balls.
  • Trail Mix: Homemade trail mix is SO easy and can be adapted based on your child’s favorite add-ins. Try this toddler Nut–Free Toddler Trail Mix or make up your own combination using cereal, small crackers, dried fruit and small nuts if they’re older (nuts can be a choking hazard for young toddlers). Freeze-dried fruits and veggies are a great option for younger kiddos or things like Hippeas or Harvest Snaps!
  • Fruit – berries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, bananas, fruit leather, raisins, grated apples + pb yogurt dip
  • Vegetables – matchstick carrots, peas, corn, cucumber, roasted sweet potatoes + ranch/hummus/laughing cow (toddler dips)
  • Eggs – Any form is great! I usually cut hard-boiled eggs into quarters but you can also try egg wraps or mini egg muffins, or even a fried egg on toast with avocado – cut it into strips to make it easier for them to hold.

Mom hack – Finding yourself without snacks is a recipe for toddler meltdowns. These Bentgo boxes (aff link) are my favorite for toddlers and great for holding a variety of snacks. Or try these stainless steel snack containers (aff link).

toddler snack ideas

Easy Toddler Snacks

  • Cottage Cheese: Serve it alone or pair it with whole-grain cereal and some fruit for a twist on a yogurt parfait. It can be high in sodium so as always, variety is key! And if they’re not fans, lower sugar yogurts (or plain yogurt with fruit mixed in is great too!)
  • Hummus: Perfect for dipping raw veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers and bell peppers (be careful with raw veggies- they can be a choking hazard for young toddlers). You can also serve with crackers or chips or add to pizza or sandwiches.
  • Avocado: A great source of healthy fats. Mash it up for avocado toast, make guacamole for dipping or just slice and serve!
  • Nut Butter: Healthy fats help keep them full! Add peanut butter or other nut/seed butters to oatmeal, drizzle on banana slices or spread on toast, waffles or pancakes!
  • Whole Grain Cereal: Check out my list of Lower Sugar Cereal for Kids. Pair with milk, yogurt or a hard-boiled egg!
  • Mini pizza – These English muffin pizzas are the perfect size for toddler snack time and easy for little hands to handle. Keep a batch in the freezer and microwave as needed.
  • Quesadillas – add some shredded vegetables or chicken and give them a sauce to dip in.
  • Waffles/toast – Top them with a healthy fat like peanut butter or avocado, cut into sticks or in half to make it easier for little fingers to handle
  • Pancakes – Try these Whole Wheat Pancakes. My kids love when I make them silver dollar sized or make them bigger and cut into little triangles with a pizza cutter.

Mom tip – Healthy fats are super important for toddler brain development so adding healthy fat sources like avocado, egg yolks, nut butter and full-fat dairy etc to toddler snacks is a great idea!

storebought toddler snacks

Healthy Snacks For Toddlers When Traveling or On The Go

Here are some packaged snacks that I often have on hand for quick snacks both at home and on the go:

Want more snack ideas? Find all of my healthy snack roundups here.

So there you go! Lots of toddler-friendly snack ideas for you!

Need ideas for healthy snacks for toddlers? This list is specifically geared towards kids 1-3 years old, with homemade and storebought ideas for at home and on the go.

These healthy snacks for toddlers are quick, easy and affordable. Perfect for busy moms who are trying to feed their family healthy and nutritious foods that kids will actually eat!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Blueberry Muffins

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These healthy blueberry muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with flavor. They’re kid-friendly and make a great breakfast or snack! Plus they freeze well!

quick and easy low sugar blueberry muffins

*Originally published 6/2014. Updated 5/2025*

Hi Friends!

I’ve been making these healthy blueberry muffins for 10+ years now and they’re still a favorite of mine. This particular recipe was originally a small-batch recipe that made about 7 muffins and I recently re-tested it to make a full batch of 12 muffins with just a few little tweaks.

So if you haven’t tried them yet, now is the perfect time, especially since blueberry season is almost here.

Blueberry Muffins – Easy & Quick!

When it comes to baking, muffin recipes like this are the absolute best for beginners. You just need one bowl, do a little pouring, a little mixing and stick them in the muffin.

You can do it ahead of time so you have them ready for the week or they’re quick enough and easy enough to whip up a batch on a weekday morning.

Are these low sugar blueberry muffins?

Yes! Compared to most muffins, these are relatively low in sugar. I use white sugar but you could substitute maple syrup if you’d like.

I like to rely on the natural sweetness of the blueberries with just a small amount of added sugar. Plus adding a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking really helps carry the sweetness into each bite, allowing you to use less sugar in the recipe.

One Bowl Blueberry Muffins Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these muffins. In fact, you likely have almost everything you need already in your pantry including:

  • Oil – I use avocado oil
  • Egg
  • Yogurt – I use plain Greek yogurt but plain regular yogurt or even vanilla yogurt will work
  • Vanilla extract
  • Maple syrup – you can swap white sugar if you prefer
  • Milk
  • Baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon
  • Blueberries – fresh or frozen

How To Make Moist and Fluffy Blueberry Muffins

To make these muffins just follow a few simple steps:

  • Mix the yogurt, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla and sugar.
  • Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and stir to just combine.
  • Toss the blueberries in 1 -2 tsp flour to coat, then add and mix gently to combine.
  • Scoop into muffin tins, sprinkle the tops with blueberries and a pinch of sugar and bake!
one bowl blueberry muffins

Blueberry Muffins Variations

Blueberry Muffins Made with Buttermilk

I’ve found that a lot of people are looking for muffin recipes made specifically with buttermilk. While this recipe doesn’t call for buttermilk, it uses plain Greek yogurt which is similar. If you don’t have yogurt, you can swap in one cup of buttermilk.

Don’t have buttermilk? It’s so easy to make your own – just add a splash of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Streusel For Blueberry Muffins

Let’s talk about them. They’re big & fluffy, packed with blueberries and not overly sweet. In these blueberry muffins, yogurt is used to keep the blueberry muffins moist. And I always add a sprinkle of sugar on top because it’s a quick and easy way to add a little sweetness in every bite. However, you could also add a streusel topping. It’s a little bit more work but mixing some cold butter, brown sugar and oats together and sprinkling on top would be delightful!

Blueberry Muffins with Frozen Blueberries – Should I thaw frozen blueberries before baking?

If you don’t have fresh blueberries, you can use frozen. Be sure to always toss blueberries in about a teaspoon of flour before mixing into the batter. If you pick blueberries in the summer, or even when you see them on sale at the store, stock up and freeze them. They’re great for baking!

Blueberry Muffins Protein – Can I add protein powder to blueberry muffins?

These muffins do get a boost of protein from the Greek yogurt but if you wanted to add some additional protein, you could add a scoop or two of protein powder to the batter before mixing in the flour. Adding protein powder can dry out the muffins so I would start with one scoop and if it’s not noticeable, add another scoop the next time.

Best Fluffy Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Saving a few blueberries to press into the top of each one makes them look extra fancy…and sprinkling with just a pinch of sugar on top is crucial, in my opinion!

Healthy Blueberry Muffins FAQs

What makes blueberry muffins moist and fluffy?

Including yogurt and baking soda helps make these muffins light and fluffy. The acid in the yogurt, especially Greek yogurt reacts with baking soda and creates carbon dioxide which helps the muffins rise.

What’s the difference between using milk and buttermilk in muffins?

Buttermilk (and Greek yogurt) are more acidic and will help make muffins taller and fluffier than just using regular milk.

Are blueberry muffins healthy?

As always, it depends on the ingredients but I consider this muffin recipe to be fairly healthy. It uses Greek yogurt and hemp hearts which add protein, plus white whole wheat flour to add some fiber. It’s also fairly low in added sugar.

How do I make blueberry muffins vegan without eggs?

You can try replacing eggs in muffin recipes with flax eggs. Here’s how to make a flax egg.

What type of flour is best for blueberry muffins?

I like white whole wheat flour. It has the benefits of wheat flour but it’s lighter and has a more mild flavor. You could also try replacing some of the flour with almond flour.

healthy blueberry muffins with Greek yogurt

Can I freeze blueberry muffins for later?

Yes, just cool completely and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw on the counter or in the microwave when ready to eat.

Can I make these blueberry muffins gluten-free?

Yes! To make these muffins gluten-free swap the white whole wheat flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

How to store blueberry muffins?

Store in an airtight container on the counter for a couple of days. If keeping longer than that I would store in the fridge to prevent spoilage.

These healthy blueberry muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with flavor. They're kid-friendly and make a great breakfast or snack! Plus they freeze well!

Healthy Muffin Recipes

Looking for more muffins? You can find all my healthy muffins and bars recipes here.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

75 New Foods To Try at Home

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If you have a picky eater and are looking to expand their world by introducing them to some new foods and flavors, here’s a list of 75 new foods to try!

75 NEW FOODS TO TRY

*Originally published 9/23. Updated 6/25*

Hi friends!

Over the summer I decided it was time to get my kids excited again about trying new healthy foods at home. But not just healthy foods. We started a chart for each of them and wrote down and celebrated everything new that they tried – even things like desserts and types of candy.

The goal was not to get them to try specific foods, it was just to get them excited about trying new things in general and to find some new and exciting ingredients to cook with! Their list included everything from pound cake and candy to fruits and vegetables to multigrain chips. If they hadn’t tried it before and were willing to take a bite, it went on the list!

I also had them record their response – a smiley face for like it, a check mark for just ok, and an x for no thank you.

New Foods To Try With Kids

It was fun to watch their excitement grow as their list grew, and since there are 3 of them, there was often a little friendly competition to see who could try the most things to add to their lists.

When I shared this on Instagram, I had a lot of people interested in a list of new foods for their kids to try. Something they could use as a starting point to get ideas for introducing new foods to their kids. So I made one!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NEW FOODS LIST!

There are no set rules about the best ways to try new foods. Pick a day and try a whole bunch at once, or set a goal to try one new ingredient a week!

How Can I Introduce My Kids To New Foods

One of the best ways to get kids interested in trying new foods is to let them pick! Watch cooking shows, take them to the grocery store, flip through cookbooks and let them choose things that look interesting or yummy to them. Then do some research together to figure out the best way to use the ingredients.

Another option is to pick one thing and try it multiple ways. Say you’re going to try broccoli – make some roasted, some steamed, some sauteed, and some raw with dip and let them try all of them and rate their favorites!

Foods To Expand Your Palate

If the bigger list seems overwhelming and you’re specifically looking to expose a kiddo to a certain type of food to broaden their horizons, here are some categories you could start with:

new vegetables to try - pumpkin, romaine lettuce, butternut squash, snap peas, red peppers

10 New Vegetables To Try

If you’re looking to start with vegetables, here are 10 new vegetables to try. These extend beyond what seem to be the typical first veggies for kids- carrots, corn, sweet potato, peas, etc.

Romaine Lettuce

  • A good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin K and it’s super crunchy.
  • For a lot of kids, romaine can be a good gateway lettuce into salads.
  • Cut into larger chunks and encourage them to pick them up with their fingers and dip in salad dressing!

Snap Peas

  • Provide some Vitamin C and fiber.
  • These can be fun for kids to explore. Have them crunch into them whole, or peel them open, count the peas inside, taste the peas etc!

Butternut Squash

Red Bell Peppers

Pumpkin

Vegetables you should try: Jicama, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Mushrooms

Cabbage

Jicama

  • Great source of vitamin C and high in fiber.
  • High in inulin which is a prebiotic fiber that can be used by the healthy bacteria in your gut!
  • Here’s a little more about it and some jicama recipe ideas.
  • An easy way to try it is to peel and cut into sticks and use them for scooping up your favorite dip, guacamole, hummus etc!
  • Or try Jicama Fries in the oven or air fryer.

Cauliflower

Mushrooms

  • Technically a fungus but is often considered a vegetable. Good source of Vitamin D and potassium!
  • If your kids have tried them cooked and don’t love them, slice them up and let them try them raw.
  • They mix well into pasta, especially if you chop them up small. Try this One Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo or this Vegan Cream of Mushroom Pasta.
  • Chop them up finely and mix with ground beef or turkey next time you’re making taco meat or mix some in next time you make burgers!
  • Saute in butter with a little garlic powder and salt as a side dish for chicken or steak.

Broccoli

  • High in fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron and potassium.
  • Let the kids cut apart the tiny trees and sprinkle water on the trees before eating them.
  • Serve raw with dip or steamed with cheese sauce for dipping.
  • Grate into “broccoli sprinkles” and add to pizza.
  • Roast it to make this Easy Crispy Broccoli.
  • Try this Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup.
  • Add to Pizza Rolls.
  • Try broccoli slaw instead of regular broccoli. Add it to noodle-based dishes like this Instant Pot Peanut Noodles.
10 new fruits to try - including mango, plantains, cantaloupe, kiwi, fresh cherries

11 New Fruits To Try

A lot of kids start with fruits like strawberries, blueberries, grapes, bananas, peaches and pears but there are so many other great fruit options out there that provide important nutrients and taste great as well!

Mango

  • A good source of Vitamin C and contains Vitamin A and folate. They’re also a good source of both soluble and unsoluble fiber.
  • A fun kitchen activity for kids is learning how to cut a mango. Cut some up and eat it plain or try it in some mango salsa!
  • Learn how to select a ripe mango and make some Mango Chia Jam.
  • If they don’t like fresh mango, try dried mango strips.
  • Need more ideas? Here are 50 Healthy Mango Recipes for Kids

Plantains

  • They look like bananas but are typically cooked before serving. They’re green when unripe and turn yellowish/black as they ripen.
  • Green plantains are starchy and similar to potatoes. As they ripen they get sweeter.
  • They’re a source of resistant startch which acts as a prebiotic to feed your good gut bacteria.
  • They contain fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and magnesium.
  • Try making plantain chips (or buying some at the store to try!)
  • You can also make plantain pancakes, sticky sweet fried plantains or oven baked plantains.

Kiwi

Cantaloupe

Fresh Cherries

  • There are several different varieties. Bing and Rainier are great for eating fresh as a snack.
  • Good sources of vitamin C.
  • Buy a $5 cherry pitter and let the kids go to town pitting the cherries before they snack on them.
  • Try them in these Cherry Oat Bars.
  • Make a Cherry Limeade or add them to a Cherry Smoothie Bowl.
  • You can also add them to muffins, oatmeal etc. similar to the way you add other berries. Try this Easy Berry Cherry Baked Oatmeal.
10 new fruits to try including fresh cranberries, pineapple, apricots, dates, avocado and plums.

Fresh Cranberries

Pineapple

Apricots

  • Rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene – they’re good for your eyes!
  • Cut them up fresh and make a yogurt parfait. Or try them grilled with yogurt or ice cream!
  • Try dried apricots in a trail mix or these Apricot Bliss Balls.
  • Use them like peaches to make an apricot crisp.
  • Or try a stone fruit slaw to serve on tacos, over chicken etc.

Dates

Avocado

  • High in fiber and good fats like monounsaturated fats.
  • They also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 and more.
  • Get out the potato masher and let the kids make guacamole to try with chips!
  • Try one of these 10 Ways To Serve Avocados To Kids.
  • Add some to an egg sandwich or make avocado toast with their favorite toppings.
  • Add some to your next cheese quesadilla to turn it into an avocado quesadilla.
  • If you don’t love the taste, cube and freeze it to add to smoothies for the health benefits.

Plums

10 new protein sources to try - including edamame, hemp hearts, beans, lentils and tofu

10 New Protein Sources To Try

Most people think of meat when they think of protein, but if your kiddos aren’t crazy about meat there are a lot of other protein sources out there to try. And if they do like meat like chicken, remember there are other meat options out there like steak, pork, sausage etc to try as well! Here are some ideas for new protein sources to try:

Edamame

Hemp Hearts

  • Packed with healthy fats and protein. Just 3 Tablespoons of hemp hearts has 15 grams of healthy fats and almost 10 grams of protein.
  • Also a good source of iron, Vitamin B6 and folate.
  • Learn more about them and other healthy seeds in my Super Seeds guide.
  • These are super easy to mix into any muffins, bars or pancakes you make. Just add a few Tablespoons. Try them in these Banana Flax Muffins or these Energy Balls.
  • Add them to smoothies, sprinkle on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, etc. They’re barely noticeable and pack a big nutrient punch.
  • You can also mix them into oatmeal, overnight oats or chia pudding like this High Protein Carrot Cake Chia Pudding.

White Beans

Lentils

Tofu

new protein sources to try - green peas, salmon, quinoa, steak and jerky

Green Peas

Salmon

Quinoa

Steak

Jerky

  • Can be high in sodium so not the best option for everyday but fine occasionally.
  • A great shelf-stable protein option that can be good for school snacks, sports bags etc.
  • We like Chomps and Country Archer.
  • Try different types of meat and different flavor options to find one you like.

Try New Foods FAQs

What are some unique grains to cook for dinner?

If you’re looking for new grains to try, here are some to consider:

  • Quinoa
  • Sorghum
  • Millet
  • Buckwheat
  • Teff
  • Amaranth
  • Farro
  • Wild Rice

Experiment with substituting these into your favorite dishes in place of rice and pasta and also try them on their own so you can really taste the texture and consistency. Here are more details about how to cook whole grains and what to use them for.

What are some international foods I can cook at home and try?

There are lots of great unique ingredients to cook with. Some easy ones to start with are things like miso paste, gochujang and harissa.

How do I use miso paste and gochujang in recipes?

Miso is a fermented soy bean paste that is popular in many Asian recipes. It’s known for adding a salty, umami flavor and miso soup is one of the most common ways to try it. Learn more about miso here. Gochujang is often used in Korean food and is a spicy paste made of red chili peppers, fermented soy beans, rice and salt. Here’s an easy gochujang sauce.

What plant-based ingredients are trending right now?

Some plant-based foods trending right now include plant protein – especially from things like peas and fava beans and protein-rich milk alternatives like almond milk with soy protein and flax milk with pea protein. Date syrup and monk fruit are gaining popularity in sweeteners and plant-based butters and cheeses are also expanding.

What foods can help me expand my cooking skills?

Anything that requires you to learn a new preparation method, a new way to peel, cook or serve something will help you expand your cooking skills. Things like jackfruit, jicama, mango and other options in the produce section can be a good place to start.

What are some new herbs and spices I could try?

If you haven’t tried some of the more common staple spices like basil, rosemary and thyme those can be a good place to start. To expand even further, try things like turmeric, star anise, za’atar, saffron and cardamom.

What are some good high-protein foods I’ve probably never tried?

Tofu, edamame and tempeh are some plant-based proteins you may not have tried. There are also tons of different varieties of fish as well as lots of different kinds of beans and peas.

What are some common superfoods I could try?

Here are 16 Superfoods That Are Worthy of the Title that you could start with – everything from green tea to leafy greens.

What are some good beginner-friendly adventurous foods?

Some that come to mind are things like curry, pad thai and injera. A great option is to research some local restaurants that serve foods from different cultures and start there. You can sample a variety of different dishes all in one place. Then if you like one, try to recreate something similar at home!

Try Something New For Dinner

If you have a picky eater and are looking to expand their world by introducing them to some new foods and flavors, here's a list of 75 new foods to try!

If this post was helpful, share it with a friend! Set a goal together to try at least one new food each week and use it in a taste test or recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

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This air fryer buffalo chicken wings recipe is quick, easy and flavorful. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer and can be tossed in any sauce you like!

air fryer buffalo chicken wings with celery and blue cheese

Hi friends!

I’ve got a super easy recipe to share with you guys today. My husband has always been a fan of buffalo wings and recently he has gotten all 3 of my kids interested in eating them as well!

So instead of just ordering them in restaurants, I’ve set about learning how to make them at home so I can make them for dinner a few times a month. After a few tries, I’ve decided the air fryer is my favorite way to make them.

Just season, cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees, and toss in sauce. Serve with celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Why Use An Air Fryer For Buffalo Wings

The air fryer is the perfect way to get the wings to crisp up and cook quickly. Once they’re cooked, you can toss them in any flavor of buffalo sauce, or whatever other sauce you prefer. These wings take less than 5 minutes to prep and are ready in less than 20 minutes in the air fryer.

I use store-bought Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce but if you want to make your own you could try this recipe for Homemade Buffalo Sauce or this Easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce.

Crispy Air Fryer Wings – Minimal Oil Required

The best part is, the air fryer can make the wings juicy and crispy, without having to fry them in oil. The key is to use baking powder. Tossing them in just 2 teaspoons of oil along with some spices and baking powder helps them crisp up in the air fryer.

Air fryer wings marinade

While all I’ve done so far is toss mine in buffalo sauce, you could also easily marinate your wings and then cook them in the air fryer. Here’s the Best Chicken Wing Marinade Recipe that you could try. Or try these Marinated Chicken Wings.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Flavor Ideas

Not into buffalo sauce? Try one of these:

  • Garlic parmesan
  • Honey BBQ
  • Teriyaki
  • Honey Mustard
  • Sweet Chili

Air fryer vs fried wings

Traditional buffalo wings that you’ll get at a restaurant will be deep fried and then tossed in buffalo sauce. In some cases, especially if you get boneless wings, they will be breaded and then deep fried. The air fryer is a method for cooking bone-in chicken wings without needed to deep fry them, making this method a healthier alternative.

air fryer chicken wings recipe

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Ingredients

To make air fryer buffalo chicken wings you just need to grab a few ingredients:

  • Split chicken wings
  • Neutral oil – I use avocado oil
  • Salt and garlic powder – or other seasonings
  • Baking powder – to help crisp up the skin
  • Butter – unsalted
  • Frank’s red hot buffalo wing sauce – or sauce of your choice

How To Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

With just a few simple steps, your wings will be ready to eat:

  • Pat the wings dry.
  • Place wings in a bowl, drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle with seasonings and toss again.
  • Add baking powder and toss lightly.
  • Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer, leaving space between them. Make in multiple batches if needed.
  • Cook at 400 degrees for about 18 minutes, flipping half way through.
  • Toss in sauce and enjoy!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Here’s the air fryer buffalo chicken wings recipe I use:

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings FAQs

How long do you cook chicken wings in an air fryer?

I have a Ninja Air Fryer (aff link) with two drawers, so I can do a 2 pound batch of wings in 18 minutes, but if you have a smaller air fryer, you’ll likely need to do 2-3 batches so they have enough space and each batch will take 18-20 minutes.

Can you air fry frozen chicken wings?

Yes. You can use frozen chicken wings and follow the directions in the recipe.

What temperature should you air fry buffalo wings?

I’ve found the best temperature to be 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer.

Do I need to flip wings halfway through air frying?

Yes! You’ll need to open the air fryer halfway through and flip the wings over so they crisp up nicely on all sides.

air fryer buffalo chicken wings crispy

How do I make wings crispy in the air fryer?

Adding a teaspoon of baking powder helps the chicken wings get crispy in the air fryer! Don’t use baking soda. It will not have the same affect.

Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce in the air fryer?

Yes you can use store-bought sauce but you don’t need to put it on the wings until after they come out of the air fryer and are done cooking! Alternatively, if you’re using a marinade, you’ll want to put it on first and let the wings sit to absorb the flavor before cooking in the air fryer.

Are air fryer buffalo chicken wings good for meal prep? Can I reheat buffalo wings in the air fryer?

Yes! Wings are a great option to make ahead of time. You can reheat them in the mcirowave or use the air fryer to reheat them. Just pop them in at 400 degrees for 5 minutes or so.

How many wings fit in a standard air fryer?

Depending on the size, you should be able to fit about a pound of wings in a 5-6 quart air fryer.

Are air fryer buffalo chicken wings gluten-free?

This recipe for buffalo chicken wings is gluten-free. If needed, just make sure the buffalo sauce or any other sauce you’re using is gluten-free if needed.

Why aren’t my air fryer buffalo chicken wings crispy?

If you don’t pat the wings dry before adding the oil and spices, or if you don’t use the baking powder, the wings may not get as crispy as they usually would.

This air fryer chicken wings recipe is quick, easy and flavorful. They're perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer and can be tossed in any sauce you like!

Game Day Appetizers

Need more appetizer ideas for your next party or gathering? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Zucchini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

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These high-fiber Zucchini Oat Bars are naturally sweetened with dates. Top them with peanut butter for a quick, kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

High fiber Zucchini Oat Bars

*Originally published 5/2019. Updated 6/2025*

Hi friends!

Allow me to introduce you to this Zucchini Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. They’re perfect for breakfast or snack time and my kids gobble them up! I developed this recipe when my youngest needed to add some extra fiber to his diet and found that the moist texture made them a great snack for toddlers and young kids as well.

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Oat Bars

Here are some of the highlights of these bars:

  • Simple ingredient list. You’ll probably have most of them on hand.
  • The combination of oats, dates and ground flaxseed give these bars a good amount of fiber per serving.
  • I packed a whole cup of zucchini in there so they’re perfect for summer when gardens and farmers markets are overflowing with zucchini. 
  • This is a one bowl recipe, no mixer required and they’re ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Great for baby-led weaning and good for packed lunches as well.
overhead shot of zucchini oat bars with bowl of oats and shredded zucchini

Zucchini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Let me just say right off the bat that these bars are not overly sweet. They are soft, moist and lightly sweetened with dates and applesauce – no added sugar except the chocolate chips.

If you’re looking for something more dessert-like, you’re gonna want to add some sugar or maple syrup to this recipe. I like that they’re lower in sugar so I feel good about serving them to my kids for breakfast or at snack time. 

They’re fairly low in fat, so you could add a smear of peanut butter to the top, or even mix some peanut butter into the batter for a dose of added fats. And these bars are moist…so definitely store them in the fridge so they don’t get moldy. 

Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini Oat Bars

There are tons of nutritional ingredients packed into these bars including:

  • Zucchini – Zucchini contains fiber and is a good source of Vitamin C and potassium
  • Oats- A good source of soluble fiber as well as some protein, manganese and B vitamins
  • Dates – A good source of fiber, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants
  • Ground flax – Another good source of fiber and heart-healthy omega-3’s

Zucchini Oat Bars Mix-Ins

Another great thing about these bars are they are easy to customize. You could try adding your favorite mix-ins like:

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Chia seeds
  • Raisins
  • Dried blueberries
  • Hemp hearts
  • A scoop of peanut butter
  • Protein powder

You can also pair it with something like yogurt or a cheese stick to add some protein to your snack or warm up a bar and top with vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Zucchini Bars Recipe

Here’s how you make them:

I’m just so in love with these guys. And the food processor helps chop up the shredded zucchini even further so my kids pretty much just focus on the fact that they’re eating something with a few chocolate chips in it and they’re happy.

Zucchini Oat Bars FAQs

Do I need to peel zucchinis before adding?

Nope! No need to peel, just shred, squeeze and add!

How do I shred zucchini for baking?

You can shred the zucchini by hand using a box or hand grater or use the grater attachment to your food processor.

Can I make zucchini oat bars gluten-free?

These zucchini oat bars are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats and ground flax if needed.

How do I keep zucchini oat bars from being soggy?

Be sure to squeeze the zucchini in a clean towel or paper towels after shredding to remove the excess water before adding to your recipe!

How do I store zucchini oat bars and how long do they last?

Because these bars are so moist, I do recommend storing them in a container in the fridge to prevent rapid spoiling! They should last about 4 days in the fridge.

Can I serve these bars as a healthy dessert?

Definitely! They’re great on their own but would also pair well with vanilla yogurt or ice cream.

What kind of oats are best for baking these bars?

I use rolled oats. You could sub instant oats but I would decrease the amount to one cup.

Can I add protein powder to make these bars more filling?

Yes, feel free to add 1-2 scoops of protein powder to this recipe.

These high fiber Zucchini Oat Bars are naturally sweetened with dates. Top them with peanut butter for a quick, kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

Healthy Bars and Muffins

Want more bars and muffins to try? Find all my healthy bars and muffins recipes here or try one of my favorites:

And if you’re looking for other zucchini bar recipes, here are a few you could try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

How To Build A DIY Mud Kitchen

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Learn how to build a mud kitchen for kids that’s perfect for keeping them entertained outside. Here are step-by-step mud kitchen plans for making an outdoor DIY mud kitchen for under $100. They’ll be cooking up nature soup and mud pies in no time.

How To Build A Mud Kitchen for under $100

*Originally published 5/2020. Updated 6/2025*

Hi friends!

Ready to learn how to make a DIY mud kitchen for kids? Last week, I didn’t even know there was such a thing and now here we are! I saw someone mention one on Instagram and I knew immediately that my kids would love one!

What To Cook In A Mud Kitchen

Messy play is so important for kids (read more on The Value of Messy Play here). The mud kitchen is perfect for making things like nature soup, mud pies, rock soup, leaf stew etc out of leaves, grass, dandelions, etc. This is the perfect easy weekend project, especially when the weather is warm.

Mud kitchens are also great for sensory play! Use the sink as a water basin, put ingredients of different textures in various pots and pans, let them explore things that are wet, squishy, slimy etc!

Mud Kitchen DIY

This is one of those times (and there are a lot of them) when it’s so nice to have a handy husband! I spent a few minutes scrolling through mud kitchens on Pinterest, screenshotted a few pictures to show him and asked him if he could build us one and six hours later, voila!

This is obviously not the only way you can build one. You could easily make one with just a board and some cinder blocks or using whatever wood you have laying around, but I LOVE the way ours turned out! Several people asked for dimensions, materials etc so we put together a blueprint and directions for how my husband made ours.

Keep in mind we’re not a DIY blog AND we weren’t planning to turn this into a post so we didn’t do the best job taking photos. But my husband provided drawings for each step of assembly with measurements etc for a little outdoor kitchen plans PDF. Between those and the typed directions below, hopefully you’ll have a pretty good idea how to build one yourself!

Homemade DIY Outdoor Sink

Can you make a mud kitchen with a working sink?

Our plans include a sink but we don’t have it hooked up to water to make it running water. If that’s something you’re looking for you might like this Outdoor Pallet Kid’s Mud Kitchen with Working Sink!

Mud Kitchen with Pallets

How do I build a mud kitchen using pallets?

Speaking of pallets, we didn’t use them but you could definitely make a DIY pallet mud kitchen. Check out this tutorial for an Easy DIY Pallet Mud Kitchen (using scrap wood and pallets).

Mud Kitchen Accessories + Creative Add-ons For Your Mud Kitchen

Want to accessorize your kitchen? Here are a few ideas:

  • Skip the stain and let your kids paint it
  • Add hooks for utensils
  • Add open shelves to store dishes
  • Build a spice rack
  • Hook up a working sink
  • Attach a chalkboard or paint part of it with chalkboard paint
  • Extend the mud kitchen by adding extra storage shelves for pots and pans

Mud kitchen knobs + cooker rings

Stove burners and knobs are one of most fun additions. You can make the burners different sizes for different pots and give them knobs to turn them on and off.

What mud kitchen tools and utensils do kids need?

Stock your mud kitchen with all sorts of fun tools and equipment. Keep an eye out at garage sales, thrift stores and dollar stores for things like:

  • Pots
  • Pans
  • Muffin tins
  • Plates and cups
  • Spoons
  • Ladles
  • Spice jars
  • Pitchers

and more!

How To Build A Mud Kitchen For Kids

mud kitchen materials

Materials For Outdoor Play Kitchen

  • (7) cedar 2x4s
  • (8) 6′ cedar fence boards
  • 1.25-inch deck screws (approx 54) and 2.5-inch deck screws (approx 50)
  • exterior stain (a great way to use some up if you have it laying around! We used what we had leftover after staining our screened porch)
  • sharpie
  • Rubbermaid 10 gallon plastic tub 

Dimensions:

Frame: 2 feet tall x 4 feet long (depth is dependent on the container you’re using for your “sink”)
Tub: We used a 10-gallon plastic Rubbermaid tub. Measuring just under the lip, it was 14.5″ wide x 20.75″ long. (We had to cut off the handles to make it fit down in the frame which was a pain so we recommend looking for one without handles.

man and son building mud kitchen cooktop

Directions For How To Build A DIY Mud Kitchen

**Scroll down for a link to a free PDF blueprint and printable directions**

Step 1: Assemble the frame for the cooktop using 2x4s.

  • Cut one 2×4 in half for the long sides, which will be almost exactly 48″.
  • Measure just below the lip of the tub you’re using to get measurements for the opening for your sink. Ours was 14.5″ wide x 20.75″ long.
  • Cut the 4 shorter pieces of your frame to the length of your tub.
  • Drill pilot holes and then use 2.5-inch deck screws to build your rectangular frame with two pieces in the middle to hold the tub between them.
How to build a mud kitchen - top frame

Step 2: Add legs.

  • Front legs are 24 inches, back legs are 48 inches to extend up and make the backsplash.
  • Front legs go inside the frame and the back legs go outside the frame.
  • Attach the front legs, then have someone hold it level while attaching the back legs.

Step 3: Make the lower shelf frame.

  • Cut two 45″ pieces of 2×4 for the front and back. 
  • Cut three pieces that are three inches shorter than your side pieces for the cooktop. Ours were 17.75 inches since the sides to our cooktop were 20.75 inches. You can also just measure the distance between the front and back legs and subtract 3 inches.
  • Drill pilot holes and use 2.5 inch deck screws.
how to build a mud kitchen - man measuring for lower frame

Step 4: Attach the lower shelf frame. 

  • Attach lower shelf frame to the back of the front legs and the front of the back legs about 6 inches from the ground using 2.5 inch deck screws.
mud kitchen with cedar fence boards and 2x4s

Step 5: Add cedar top, shelf top, and backsplash with fence boards

  • Do the bottom shelf first. Measure from the outer edge to outer edge sides of the shelf frame. Cut 3 cedar fence boards to that length. Evenly space boards and attach with 1.25-inch deck screws to make a shelf.
  • Do cooktop next. Cut 3 cedar fence boards after measuring from backsplash to front edge of 2×4. Start closest to tub on both sides and work out. There may be a little overhang on the outer pieces. 
  • For backsplash: Use fence board as a spacer when installing. We did 3 cedar fence boards and then a 2×4 level with the top

Step 6: Add 2×4 topper on the backsplash

  • We added another 2×4 across the top, connecting it to the 2×4 running horizontally across the top of the backsplash and the top of the back legs.
sanding a mud kitchen

Step 7: Sand the cooktop

  • The cedar fence boards are rough sawn so we sanded them until smooth with 120 grit paper and a power sander. 
  • Hubby also rounded the edges and corners. Smooth surfaces are easier to keep clean and allowed us to draw “burners”.

Step 8: Draw the “burners”

  • Draw cooktop burners by tracing circles and painting them black. 
staining a mud kitchen

Weatherproofing the mud kitchen

Step 9: Stain

  • We used leftover stain from our porch to seal the wood. 
  • We also added a coat of exterior grade polyurethane to the countertop area to hold up better against mud and water. In addition, the black paint for the burners won’t accept the stain so the poly helps seal it in.
mud kitchen details

Step 10: Add the details

  • We made knobs out of a leftover 2×4 to “turn the burners on”
  • Add hooks, baskets etc if you want to!
  • After we took the picture, we also added a cheap brass hose bibb to look like a faucet over the sink. (It was $5)
  • Furnish with old pots and pans, pie tins, tupperware, old spice containers, spoons and ladles. Thrift stores and garage sales are great places to find supplies.
mud kitchen blueprint

Since we didn’t have the best step-by-step photos to share, my husband sketched out a visual of each step of the process to help show you how we measured, where we put our screws etc.

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE BLUEPRINT PDF and PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS

DIY Mud Kitchen FAQs

What age is a mud kitchen suitable for?

The best thing about this mud kitchen is that young toddlers can use it and older kids still find it fun. My youngest was 2 when we built ours and my oldest still plays with it occasionally at age 10!

If you take care of it, a mud kitchen can provide years of entertainment for your family.

How much does it cost to build a basic mud kitchen?

This one cost us just under $100 to build!

What are the best materials for building a mud kitchen?

We recommend using cedar as your wood because it’s naturally resistant to decay without any chemicals and it smells good. Cedar 2x4s can be a bit expensive but cedar fence boards are cheap so it balances out. Use whatever outdoor stain you’d like, plus some polyurethane for an extra layer of protection.

How do I protect a mud kitchen from weather?

We live in Ohio and we leave ours out year round. Staining and sealing it when you build it will help, but you will likely need to restain it every couple of years. You could also throw a tarp over it in the winter when it’s not getting much use.

What’s the best location to place a mud kitchen in the yard?

Totally up to you. We’ve had ours on the driveway, and on our brick patio. If you’re using a lot of water, the ground under it will get saturated and muddy so take that into consideration, and make sure you find somewhere flat!

Can a mud kitchen be used in the winter or cold climates?

Sure! Bundle the kids up and let them play outside all year round. They’ll be able to find different natural elements to use no matter the season and you don’t have to worry about keeping the pots and pans looking pristine. Snow can be a fun addition too. You can even add some paint to color the snow!

How do I make a mud kitchen safe for toddlers?

When they’re little, use smaller pots and pans and consider plastic items so they won’t hurt if they drop them onto their feet. Keep an eye on them around the sharp corners if they’re just learning to walk. In the summer, try not to leave a sink full of water for several days as it can be a breeding ground for mosquitos.

DIY Outdoor Mud Kitchen For Kids

Learn how to build a mud kitchen that's perfect for keeping the kids entertained outside. Here are step-by-step directions for making an outdoor kitchen for under $100. They'll be cooking up nature soup and mud pies in no time.

Hope this helps! Happy playing!

IKEA Hack Mud Kitchen

PS. Do you love IKEA? Check out this Mud table as an easy IKEA hack.


–Lindsay–

 

Crispy Baked Green Bean Fries

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This recipe for Crispy Green Bean Fries is a fun way to change things up at dinner! They’re easy to make and kid-friendly too!

crispy oven baked green bean fries served with dipping sauce

*Published 4/2016. Updated 5/2025*

Hi friends!

If you’re looking for an easy green bean snack recipe, these Green Bean Fries just might be your new favorite dinner side dish! They are a healthy veggie snack that can be seen as more appetizing and kid-friendly than traditional green beans and they’re a fun alternative to french fries. I’ve been making them for 10+ years now and they’re still one of my go-to recipes.

I know many parents struggle with getting their kids to eat veggies, so I’ve been sharing some of my quick and easy vegetable recipes lately including:

You can find more ideas in these posts as well: 20 Easy Carrot Recipes and 20+ Easy Broccoli Recipes.

Green Bean Nutrition

Green beans are one of my favorite vegetables and they’re a good source of Vitamins C and A and even contain some minerals like manganese and calcium.

These green bean fries are dairy-free, vegan if you skip the parmesan and you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. My favorite is to actually just smash up some plain rice chex and use those as breadcrumbs.

Green Bean Fries Dipping Sauces

My absolute favorite combo is green beans with Italian dressing so that’s what I often use. But you could also dip them in ranch or eat them without a dip.

For a sweet and spicy version, try dipping them in a mix of plain Greek yogurt, sweet Thai chili sauce and sriracha.

How To Make Baked Green Bean Fries

While it does take a little time to make these, once you get in your groove, it’s not bad. And these are actually great for letting kids help in the kitchen! They might even be tempted to take a bite of a veggie!

To make it even easier, I just hold each bean by one end, run it through the hummus and roll it in the breadcrumbs. I leave the end I’m holding plain and don’t worry about trying to cover the entire bean. It’s much less work…and less mess 🙂

Parmesan Green Bean Fries Ingredients

Crispy green bean fries on a sheet pan

You only need 4 ingredients and one of them is optional!

  • Fresh green beans – fresh is really the only type of string beans that work for this recipe. Frozen and canned are great options for other recipes but will be too soggy for this recipe.
  • Hummus- I’ve tried making these by dipping in flour, egg and breadcrumbs and have found hummus to be way easier.
  • Breadcrumbs – panko works best!
  • Parmesan cheese- Adds flavor. Feel free to skip if you want or add some additional seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture.

Green Bean Fries Recipe

Here are your directions:

Green Bean Fries FAQs

Are green bean fries healthy?

Yes! These fries are a great way to add some extra vegetables to your plate!

Can I make green bean fries in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make these in the air fryer. Just make sure to put the fries in a single layer so they get crispy. You may have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cooking time will vary depending on how you like your beans cooked. Cook at 400 degrees and start checking them after about 8 minutes.

What are the best seasonings for green bean snacks?

I love to add paprika and garlic powder to my breadcrumb mixture to add little more flavor. You can also add a bit of salt or give them an Italian spin with some Italian seasoning or oregano and dip in marinara.

Can I use frozen green beans to make fries?

No, fresh green beans are best for this recipe. Frozen beans contain too much water.

How do you keep green bean fries crispy after baking?

These fries are really best served immediately after baking. You can try crisping them back up again by adding them to the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat.

Are green bean fries gluten-free?

These fries are gluten-free if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs!

Can I prep green bean fries ahead of time?

These are best prepped right before baking so the breadcrumbs don’t get soggy in the hummus.

Can I serve green bean fries as an appetizer for parties?

Yes! These would make a great party appetizer for people to snack on while they’re chatting at a party. Plus then you can serve them right as they’re made and don’t have to worry about them getting soggy!

These Green Bean Fries are an easy, kid-friendly snack or dinner side dish.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Peach Cobbler Dump Cake

by 2 Comments

This peach cobbler dump cake couldn’t be easier! Just dump a few ingredients into a 9×13 pan, stick it in the oven and dessert is served!

easy peach dump cake

Hi friends!

If you’re looking for a recipe that screams summer, this peach cobbler dump cake is a must try! I love the combination of peaches and ice cream and this dump cake just adds a little something extra with a crisp buttery top layer that I love so much.

Why You’ll Love Peach Dump Cake with Canned Peaches in Juice

The best part about this dump cake is that it’s made with just a few simple ingredients and can be made right in the pan you bake it in! No need to dirty up any mixing bowls – just dump, stir and bake!

It’s an easy way to feed a crowd and can even be customized to use a different fruit if you wanted to give that a try!

Healthy Peach Dump Cake

While this is definitely still a dessert, this recipe is a lighter version of a classic peach cobbler dump cake from Ree Drummond and Paula Dean. Recipes like theirs use peaches canned in heavy syrup as well as more butter than mine calls for.

But I think my lightened-up version tastes just as good. I use peaches canned in 100% juice, plus vanilla and cinnamon- no extra added sugar as the base layer. And by grating the butter over the top you can get away with using just one stick instead of a stick and a half like many recipes call for.

peach cobbler dump cake with ice cream

Peach Dump Cake 3 Ingredients

If you count the main ingredients, you technically just need 3 ingredients to make this recipe:

  • Peaches- look for slice peaches canned in 100% juice
  • Yellow cake mix – grab a box of your favorite brand of yellow cake mix
  • Butter – one stick of unsalted butter

For added flavor, I like to add cinnamon and vanilla to the peaches.

How To Make Peach Cobbler Dump Cake

Making this dump cake couldn’t be easier. Here’s how you do it:

  • Dump two cans of sliced peaches into a 9×13 pan. Add some vanilla and cinnamon and stir to combine.
  • Sprinkle a box of yellow cake mix over the top of the peaches.
  • Use a hand grater to grate a cold stick of butter over the top of the cake mix.
  • Bake and enjoy!
3 ingredient peach dump cake recipe

Can you make peach dump cake in the slow cooker?

There are lots of recipes out there for making this recipe in the crockpot. My personal preference is to use the oven because I feel like it does a better job of giving you a crisp-type topping. But if you’re looking to try a slow cooker version, try this Crockpot Peach Dump Cake or this Three-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dump Cake.

Can you make fresh peach dump cake with yellow cake mix?

Yes you can use fresh peaches for this recipe. Just peel and slice about 4 cups of fresh peaches. I would not recommend using frozen peaches for this recipe because they will release more liquid when cooking and your dump cake will likely end up too mushy or won’t cook through.

Peach pie filling vs canned peaches

I recommend using peaches canned in 100% juice for this recipe, not peach pie filling. Peach pie filling contains added sugar that isn’t necessary for this recipe.

Southern Peach Dump Cake Variations

Peach Blueberry Dump Cake

To add blueberries to the mix, you can follow this same recipe and add a cup of fresh blueberries to the peach mixture. Or try this recipe for Blueberry Peach Dump Cake.

Peach and Pineapple Dump Cake

If you’re a fan of pineapple you could try adding some canned pineapple to the mix or try this recipe for Insanely Good Peach Pineapple Dump Cake with Walnuts.

Topping Ideas

Looking to dress up the top a little bit? Try adding a cinnamon and sugar topping to make it more like a coffee cake, add some chopped pecans or walnuts or drizzle with a maple glaze. Here’s an Easy Maple Glaze recipe.

I also highly recommend adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt on top!

Easy Peach Cobbler Dump Cake Recipe

Super Easy Peach Dump Cake FAQs

Can I make peach cobbler dump cake with canned peaches in syrup instead of juice?

Yes! If you prefer a bit of a sweeter cake, feel free to use peaches canned in syrup.

What’s the difference between a dump cake and a cobbler?

Dump cake gets its name from the fact that to make it you simply dump ingredients into a pan and bake. Cobblers are topped with a dough-type topping that spreads out and bakes whereas in a dump cake, the butter simply melts on top of the cake mix.

If you’re in the mood for more similar desserts try:

What cake mix works best for peach cobbler dump cake?

I prefer yellow cake mix. But you could also use white cake mix or even change things up a bit and try a boxed spice cake mix!

gluten free peach cobbler dump cake

Can I make a gluten-free version of peach cobbler dump cake?

Yes! You can make this cake gluten-free using a boxed gluten-free yellow cake mix. My favorite is King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix. One important thing to note is that gluten-free cake mix tends to be more dense than regular boxed cake mixes. Whereas a box of regular cake mix tends to weigh about 15 oz, gluten-free options can be closer to 18 -22 oz. If this is the case, you’ll need to remove and discard some of the gluten-free cake mix or you’ll end up with dry spots on top of your cake.

How do I prevent my peach cobbler dump cake from being too runny?

Be sure not to add extra liquid. This is why I don’t recommend frozen peaches as they release too much moisture. Also be sure to cook it long enough. It may need up to an hour depending on your oven.

Peach Cobbler Dump Cake

This peach cobbler dump cake couldn't be easier! Just dump a few ingredients into a 9x13 pan, stick it in the oven and dessert is served!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Whole Wheat Pancakes

by 1 Comment

This easy homemade whole wheat pancakes recipe will quickly become your favorite. Perfect for breakfast and freezer-friendly!

whole wheat pancakes with fresh fruit and syrup

*Originally published 5/2023. Updated 5/2025*

Hi friends!

It’s been a while since I shared a pancake recipe and this is one I’m really excited to share. For a while now we’ve been using Kodiak Cakes pancake mix and it’s been great. My kids like it. I can get it at Costco for a reasonable price.

Recently, however, our Costco was out of the mix so I challenged myself to create a simple, homemade pancake recipe that all my kids would eat. Easier said than done of course, but I finally nailed it.

How do I keep whole wheat pancakes from being too dense?

Use white whole wheat flour

This recipe uses white whole wheat flour, as do most of my muffins and bars. I prefer it to whole wheat flour because it’s just a bit less dense and hearty. It bakes very similar to all-purpose flour but with the benefit of being whole grain. You can learn more about whole grains here, but they’re such an important part of our diet and are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

The fiber in white whole wheat flour will help these pancakes be more filling and can help avoid blood sugar spikes.

Healthy Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe

Pancakes are pretty simple by nature but it’s all about getting the right combination of the simple ingredients so you end up with something that tastes good and that you also feel good about serving. You probably have all the ingredients you need on hand already:

  • White whole wheat flour – this is my preferred flour for most things. It’s whole grain but lighter than regular whole wheat flour.
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Sugar – just a tablespoon for a bit of sweetness
  • Egg
  • Butter – a few tablespoons of melted butter add richness and flavor
  • Vanilla – a key ingredient. Don’t leave it out and don’t skimp!
  • Buttermilk – make your own by just adding a splash of vinegar to regular milk

Can I make whole wheat pancakes without milk?

If you’re looking for a whole wheat pancakes recipe that’s dairy-free, you can easily substitute the cow’s milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond, soy or oat milk. Here’s how to make vegan buttermilk.

Whole Wheat Pancakes with Applesauce

If you’d like to replace the 1 Tablespoon of sugar in this recipe, you can try using 2-3 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce.

Protein Whole Wheat Pancakes

You also have the option to add extra protein. I use Promix Unflavored Whey Isolate (referral link). It’s just powdered whey protein, no other ingredients or sweeteners and it mixes so well into pancakes, smoothies etc. I just add a couple of scoops to bump up the protein by a couple of grams, nothing major. You can leave it out or add some hemp seeds instead!

Want to see how easy this recipe is? Watch my 4 year old make these whole wheat pancakes!

https://youtu.be/YwFz-8AsfK0

PS. Did you know we have an entire separate website called Let The Kids Cook full of quick and easy recipes kids can make all by themselves?! Check it out! We show you how to make Oven Baked Bacon and Scrambled Eggs which would go great with these pancakes.

Just combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl, add the wet ingredients, then whisk until smooth and cook on a griddle!

Easy Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe FAQs

Are these whole wheat buttermilk pancakes?

Yes because this recipe calls for buttermilk! Why do we use buttermilk in this recipe? The buttermilk activates the baking soda and helps make the pancakes nice and fluffy! If you don’t have buttermilk or the vinegar or lemon juice to make your own you can use plain kefir, or try sour cream or yogurt thinned slightly with a little water or milk.

Can you freeze whole wheat pancakes?

Yes! To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely, then freeze flat on a baking sheet or plate for a couple of hours. Then transfer to a freezer safe bag. To reheat, transfer to the fridge overnight or microwave straight from frozen.

Are these whole wheat pancakes healthier than regular pancakes?

This recipe is made with white whole wheat flour which adds some fiber and milk and egg which adds protein. You can also add additional protein to this recipe with protein powder or hemp seeds. It’s also low in added sugar.

How long do these pancakes last in the fridge?

Let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in a glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this a whole wheat pancake mix?

You could easily portion the dry ingredients of this recipe into a large mason jar ahead of time. It would be perfect to give as a gift! Just attach a tag that says “When ready to make, pour into a bowl and add 1.75 cups buttermilk, 3 Tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla and an egg! Whisk and cook on a griddle.”

Can I add Greek yogurt to pancake batter?

If you’re looking for a pancake recipe that specifically uses Greek yogurt, try these Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes.

Can I make these pancakes egg-free?

Yes, simply replace the egg with a flax egg. Learn how to make a flax egg here.

stack of fluffy whole wheat pancakes topped with fresh berries

Whole Wheat Pancake Variations

There are tons of add-ins for whole wheat pancakes that you can use to personalize this recipe – try things like bananas, berries, pumpkin and chocolate chips!

Whole wheat pancakes banana

If you’re a banana-lover, this is a great recipe to add bananas to. You can mash up some ripe bananas and mix them right into the batter or add sliced bananas to the tops of the pancake once you pour them onto the griddle. My favorite is actually adding sliced bananas as well as a sprinkle of granola to make banana crunch pancakes!

Whole wheat blueberry pancakes

This recipe would be great for adding fresh blueberries! Stock up on fresh blueberries during the summer when they’re on sale and freeze them. Then just add a scoop to your pancake batter when making them!

Whole wheat pumpkin pancakes

To add a Fall spin to this recipe, add 1/2 cup pumpkin and some cinnamon.

What toppings go well with whole wheat pancakes?

Try adding:

  • sliced fruit
  • chia jam
  • syrup
  • yogurt
  • peanut butte
  • chopped nuts and seeds
These easy homemade whole wheat pancakes will quickly become your go-to pancake recipe. Perfect for breakfast and freezer-friendly!

Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Looking for more healthy breakfast recipes? Try these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs

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These Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs are perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or your next summer BBQ. A simple marinade adds flavor to the steak and veggies and the potatoes are pre-cooked in the microwave to make grilling quick and easy!

Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs with zucchini and red peppers

*Originally published 8/2018. Updated 5/2025*

Hi friends!

I’ve got another delicious recipe to share with you guys today: Steak Kabobs with Potatoes. They’re simple enough for a weeknight family dinner but fancy enough for a party or BBQ. Added bonus- they are easy to prep ahead so they’re grill-ready when you are!

I love these grilled steak and potato kabobs because they are easy and super versatile. An easy marinade of oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce garlic and onion adds flavor to the meat and veggies and you can choose your favorite veggies to customize the meal to your liking.

Shish kabobs with potatoes

Can you put potatoes on kabobs?

Yes! I think a lot of people overlook potatoes as a vegetable option for kabobs because they take longer to cook than other vegetables but with one simple trick, you can definitely include potatoes in your next kabobs.

How to prep potatoes for kabobs

The trick for potatoes is cooking the potatoes in the microwave before assembling the kabobs so that everything cooks evenly on the grill in just 10 minutes!

You can prep the potatoes earlier in the day or just before you’re ready to assemble the kabobs.

How long to boil potatoes for kabobs

If you’re not excited about using the microwave, you can also boil the potatoes before putting them on the skewers. The boiling time will depend on the size of the potatoes but typically about 3-5 minutes for smaller potatoes and anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes for larger potatoes. You want them to be soft enough that you can easily push the skewer through the potato but not so soft they fall apart on the grill.

Microwaving or parboiling the potatoes before grilling will help you get crispy grilled potatoes on kabobs – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!

Best type of potatoes for kabobs

You can use naturally small potatoes like those from the Little Potato Company or choose larger yellow or red potatoes and cut them into chunks. I wouldn’t recommend russet potatoes.

Grilled Steak and Potatoes Kabobs

These grilled steak and potato kabobs are perfect for getting your kids in the kitchen with you! My kids had fun piercing holes in the potatoes before microwaving and threading everything onto the skewers. My oldest also helped me chop the veggies – zucchini is especially good for younger kids to practice cutting – and mix the ingredients for the marinade.

If you microwave the potatoes ahead of time and let them cool, the kids can also help you assemble the skewers. For more kids in the kitchen tips check out my Ultimate Guide to Teaching Kids To Cook!

What To Serve with Steak and Potato Kabobs

These kabobs pair perfectly with salad of any kind! Try:

Or just serve up a bed of lettuce and use the kabobs as your salad toppings!

Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs with yellow potatoes, zucchini and bacon on a skewer

Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs Recipe

Here are your directions:

So easy, right?? Here’s a temperature guide to follow depending how you like your steak cooked.

Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs FAQs

Do you need to precook potatoes for kabobs? Can I use raw potatoes on kabobs?

Yes you need to precook the potatoes in some way before using them on kabobs. Potatoes take a much longer time to cook than steak and other vegetables so if you don’t cook them ahead of time, they will still be hard and only partially cooked when everything else is done. It will also be very hard to get skewers through raw potatoes.

Can I bake steak and potato kabobs in the oven?

Yes! You can easily prepare these grilled steak and potato kabobs in the oven. Try baking at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes or so. You can also separate your kabobs and do some all steak and some all veggies so that you can bake them for different amounts of time if you’re worried about overcooking the steak in the oven.

What marinades work best for steak and potato kabobs?

I like the one in this grilled steak and potato kabobs recipe 🙂 But if you want other ideas check out Steak Kabobs with Potatoes or these Steak and Potato Skewers with Chimichurri.

Can you make vegetarian kabobs with just veggies and potatoes?

Yes! Feel free to leave out the steak in this recipe! Or even sub it for another protein like chicken or shrimp.

Are steak and potato kabobs good for meal prep? How do you store kabobs?

Yes! These can easily be made ahead of time. Once they’re cooked, remove from the skewers and store the steak and veggie mixture in a glass tupperware container.

Can you reheat steak and potato kabobs?

Yes. You can eat the leftovers cold or reheat in the microwave or air fryer.

How do I keep potatoes from falling off skewers on the grill?

The trick is to cook the potatoes just long enough that you can thread them on the skewers. If you overcook them, they will be too crumbly on the inside and will fall apart on the grill.

These Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs are perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or your next summer BBQ. A simple marinade adds flavor to the steak and veggies and the potatoes are pre-cooked in the microwave to make grilling quick and easy!

Be sure to let me know if you try this grilled steak and potato kabobs recipe!

Summer Grilling Recipes

Want more summer grilling recipes? Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

20+ Easy Broccoli Recipes

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Looking for easy broccoli recipes that are ready quickly and kid-friendly? Here are some ideas for recipes using broccoli and recipes that include broccoli.

easy broccoli recipes

Hi friends!

Today we’re chatting easy broccoli recipes! This post is the next in my spinoff series inspired by this popular post – Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes. Last month I shared 20 Easy Carrot Recipes and today we’re moving on to broccoli.

Be sure to check out my latest broccoli recipe – Cheesy Broccoli – as it’s my 8-year-old’s favorite!

chopped raw broccoli

Health Benefits of Broccoli

What are the nutritional benefits of eating broccoli?

Broccoli is packed with nutrients. It’s a great source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K and also contains folate. Plus it contains minerals like potassium and iron. In addition, broccoli is a good source of fiber and also contains antioxidants.

Types of Broccoli

Most of us are familiar with traditional broccoli that you see at the grocery store but if you look a little closer, especially at local markets when broccoli is in season, you may notice some other types of broccoli!

What is broccoli rabe?

Broccoli rabe is also known as rapini. It has a stronger flavor than traditional broccoli and can be more bitter.

What is broccolini?

Broccolini is a relatively new vegetable and is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. You’ll recognize it by it’s long thin stems with florets on top. It has a mellow flavor that is often compared to asparagus and is also known as baby broccoli.

Easy Ways To Use Broccoli

Cheesy broccoli

What are some simple, healthy broccoli recipes?

Some quick and easy ways to eat broccoli include:

  • Chopping and adding to your next veggie plate with some ranch for dipping.
  • Steaming and serving with a simple cheese sauce.
  • Add to almost any pasta dish.
  • Chop and add to egg casserole or egg muffins.
  • Sprinkle with oil and salt and roast in the oven.

Easy Broccoli Recipes

If you prefer not to wing it and would rather follow a specific recipe, here are some ideas:

Easy Ways To Cook Broccoli

Broccoli is a very versatile recipe and tastes great when prepared a variety of different ways. Here are several different ways to try cooking it!

easy sauteed broccoli florets

Sauteed Broccoli

Learn how to saute broccoli to be perfectly crisp tender. Great on its own or to add to various dishes!

Grab the recipe!
roasted broccoli with lemon and parmesan

Roasted Broccoli

Fresh broccoli tossed in oil and garlic, then roasted and topped with a squeeze of lemon juice!

Grab the recipe!
roasted fresh broccoli with garlic, parmesan and lemon

The Best Broccoli

Roasted fresh broccoli with garlic, parmesan and lemon makes an easy dinner side dish!

Grab the recipe!
easy roasted broccoli steaks with tomato sauce

Easy Roasted Broccoli Steaks

Roasted broccoli steaks with fresh tomato sauce and olive bread crumbs.

Grab the recipe!
stir-fried broccoli stems

Stir-Fried Broccoli Stems

Don’t toss the stems! They’re packed with nutrients and can be sliced and sauteed just like broccoli florets!

Grab the recipe!

Ways To Use Broccoli

If you’re looking for easy ways to turn broccoli into something new, here are some ideas for everything from pesto to tots to soup!

broccoli pesto with pasta

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

This Broccoli Pesto Pasta is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Pair with chicken for extra protein and customize with your favorite veggies. 

Grab the recipe!
slow cooked melted broccoli on toast

Melted Broccoli Spread

Cooked low and slow with oil and spices and can be mashed into a lovely spread to put on chips, toast etc.

Grab the recipe!
homemade cheesy broccoli tots

Homemade Broccoli Tots

Made with just a few simple ingredients like broccoli, rice, egg and cheese, the kids will love these with their favorite dipping sauce.

Grab the recipe!
garlic mashed broccoli

Garlic Mashed Broccoli

A fun way to change things up from mashed potatoes. It’s vegan, gluten-free and full of flavor!

Grab the recipe!
broccoli cheese soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup

The perfect combination of fresh broccoli, potatoes and cheese make a super flavorful soup.

Grab the recipe!

Recipes with Broccoli

If you have a head of broccoli you need to use up and are looking for different recipes that call for broccoli, try one of these:

broccoli chicken quinoa casserole

Broccoli Chicken Quinoa Casserole

This broccoli chicken quinoa casserole is perfect for a healthy, balanced meal. Perfect for food prep or make it for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch!

Grab the recipe!
beef and broccoli over rice

Beef and Broccoli

A quick and easy weeknight dinner with a made from scratch sauce everyone will love!

Grab the recipe!
cheesy chicken and broccoli crescent ring

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Crescent Ring

Broccoli and cheese wrapped in crescent dough and baked until golden brown!

Grab the recipe!
really quick broccoli pasta

Really Quick Broccoli Pasta

Broccoli, pasta, cheese and lemon combine for a quick and easy pasta dinner!

Grab the recipe!
20 minute shrimp and broccoli lo mein

20 Minute Shrimp and Broccoli Lo Mein

The perfect blend of carbs, protein and veggies to make a quick and easy balance meal.

Grab the recipe!

No Cook Broccoli Recipes

If you’re looking for recipes using raw broccoli, no cooking required, try one of these options:

broccoli slaw with ramen 3 copy

Broccoli Slaw with Ramen

This Broccoli Slaw with Ramen recipe is perfect for summer. It’s packed with vegetables and protein and the simple dressing is full of flavor. Perfect for food prep and tastes great as leftovers.

 

Grab the recipe!
healthy broccoli salad recipe 5 1

Favorite Broccoli Salad

Raw broccoli, sunflower seeds, red onion and more in a flavorful honey mustard vinaigrette

Grab the recipe!
Summer Broccoli Salad 3

Summer Broccoli Salad

Vegan, dairy-free and packed with fruits and veggies, everyone will love this broccoli salad!

Grab the recipe!

Broccoli Rabe and Broccolini Recipes

If you grabbed a bunch of broccoli rabe or broccolini at the store or farmer’s market and aren’t sure what to do with it, try one of these recipes. Plus here are some tips and tricks for how to cook broccoli rabe.

Roasted Broccolini 425

Roasted Broccoli

Toss in garlic, oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven for a simple side dish.

Grab the recipe!
Air Fryer Salmon LowRes 011

Sauteed Broccoli

Crisp-tender, slightly sweet and ready in 10 minutes!

Grab the recipe!
SpicyBroccoliRabewithWhiteBeansandShrimp 10

Spicy Broccoli Rabe with White Beans and Shrimp

Quick and easy with a dash of red pepper to spice things up a little bit!

Grab the recipe!

Easy Broccoli Recipes FAQs

How can I use broccoli in breakfast dishes?

Broccoli makes a great addition to quiche and other egg casserole type dishes. You can even add it to smoothies! Try this Broccoli Smoothie made with broccoli, mango, spinach, peanut butter and bananas.

What are the best herbs and spices to pair with broccoli?

Some popular flavoritng combinations for broccoli include garlic and thyme, basil and parmesan, lemon and paprika and onions/garlic with butter.

Can I eat broccoli raw?

Yes! Raw broccoli is great on its own with your favorite dip. It can also be finely chopped and added to lettuce-based or pasta salads.

How do I store fresh broccoli for a longer shelf life?

The best way to store broccoli is in a perforated bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge.

Looking for easy broccoli recipes that are ready quickly and kid-friendly? Here are some ideas for recipes using broccoli and recipes that include broccoli.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

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This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe makes the best dinner. Juicy chicken breast paired with a flavorful sauce and your favorite pasta is fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a quick weeknight meal.

creamy tomato chicken pasta

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new creamy chicken pasta with tomato sauce recipe for you today. Chicken is definitely the protein we eat most in our house so I almost always have some on hand. Plus we’re coming into tomato season soon so this recipe is the perfect way to use up some of those cherry or grape tomatoes you’ll likely have on hand all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

This creamy tomato chicken pasta dish is extremely versatile and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s easy enough for a quick family dinner but also fancy enough that you could serve it for a date night in! It also reheats well – I would store the pasta separate – so you can prep it ahead of time quick weekday lunches.

Easy Chicken Recipes

Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Try one of these:

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Ingredients

To make this creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Be sure to cut them in half lengthwise or pound to an even thinness so they cook quickly.
  • Seasonings – I share my favorite combination but feel free to improvise and use what you have
  • Chicken broth – Vegetable broth also works
  • Butter and garlic – For flavor.
  • Tomato paste – This sauce has a mild tomato flavor thanks to this addition
  • Heavy cream – You could also use half and half
  • Parmesan – Freshly grated is best!
  • Mix-ins – I use baby spinach and cherry tomatoes
  • Pasta – Use your favorite kind!

How To Make Creamy Tomato Sauce Chicken Pasta

This rich, velvety tomato sauce is easy to make and full of flavor! Here’s how you make it:

  • Season the chicken breasts and saute them in the pan.
  • Deglaze the pan with some chicken broth.
  • Add butter, garlic and tomato paste, then sprinkle in some flour.
  • Slowly add the broth and let the sauce thicken.
  • Stir in some heavy cream and parmesan, then add several handfuls of baby spinach and some halved tomatoes.
  • Return the chicken to the pan to coat with sauce and serve over your favorite pasta!

Want to try a different cream sauce? Try this Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta or this Easy 10-Minute Tomato Cream Sauce.

chicken in creamy tomato sauce with cherry tomatoes and spinach

Best Pasta to Pair with Creamy Tomato Sauce

This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe is flexible in that you can definitely choose your favorite pasta! If you prefer longer noodles, try fettuccine. If you like bite-sized pasta, try penne, rigatoni, fuseli etc.

Want more pasta recipes? Try:

Optional Mix-ins

I’ve added cherry tomatoes and spinach to this recipe but you’re welcome to add additional mix-ins as well based on preferences or what you have on hand. Try:

  • Roasted red peppers
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Green beans

Protein variations

Don’t want to sear your chicken in the pan? No problem! You could cook it in the air fryer, throw it on the grill or you could even try switching up the protein and try making this with shrimp or pork.

creamy tomato chicken pasta with spianch

What To Serve with Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Pretty much any vegetable from roasted veggies to salad would make a great side dish. So would garlic bread!

Try one of these:

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta FAQs

How do I store and reheat creamy tomato chicken pasta?

Store in a glass tupperware container. You can store it all together or store the pasta separately. Reheat in the microwave.

Can I make creamy tomato chicken pasta without heavy cream?

If you want to lighten this up slightly, you could use half and half or whole milk. I would not recommend leaving the cream out of this recipe.

What’s the difference between tomato cream sauce and vodka sauce?

Vodka sauce uses vodka to help emulsify the tomatoes and cream which can lead to a sauce that its a bit creamier and smoother. Tomato cream sauce is just a mixture of broth, heavy cream and tomatoes. If you’re looking for a vodka sauce recipe, try Penne Alla Vodka.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling when adding cream to tomatoes?

Start with cream that is room temperature and add slowly to the pan over low heat, stirring constantly to help it mix in and adjust to the temperature of the tomatoes.

chicken in creamy tomato sauce

Can I use leftover grilled chicken in this pasta recipe?

Yes! The sauce in this recipe is a great way to transform leftover grilled chicken into something new and delicious!

How do I adjust the spice level in tomato cream pasta?

You can add some cayenne pepper to the spice mixture you put on the chicken before searing or add some to the sauce when tasting the seasonings at the end!

How do I thicken creamy tomato pasta sauce without flour?

You can use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at the end instead of starting with a roux using butter and flour.

What herbs or seasonings go best with creamy tomato and chicken pasta?

I the combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder and paprika but feel free to use a combination of basil and parsley or even a general chicken seasoning.

This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe makes the best dinner. Juicy chicken breast paired with a flavorful sauce and your favorite pasta is fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a quick weeknight meal.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Cheesy Broccoli

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This cheesy broccoli recipe is made with a simple cheese sauce that’s ready in minutes and perfect for drizzling or dipping.

easy cheddar cheese sauce over broccoli

*Originally published 8/2014. Updated 4/2025*

Hi Friends!

Today I’m sharing a simple cheese sauce for broccoli that the whole family will love! Recently my 8 year old has started eating broccoli. While she doesn’t yet enjoy it raw or roasted, she will eat a few pieces of steamed broccoli with her dinner. I’ve been looking for ways to make it a bit more exciting since we have yet to find a salad dressing she loves.

Enter cheese sauce! This traditional cheese sauce for broccoli is the perfect way to make broccoli, or other vegetables, more appealing to kids! This recipe is easy to make and super versatile so you can make a batch and serve some with veggies and some with chips!

If you’re looking for more ways to use broccoli check out these 20+ Easy Broccoli Recipes. And find even more ideas in this post for Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes.

Quick cheese sauce for broccoli ingredients

To make this simple sauce you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Flour – You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
  • Milk – I use 2%
  • Cheddar cheese – use your preference of mild, medium or sharp
  • Seasonings – salt and garlic powder

How to make cheesy broccoli

To make this recipe:

  • Melt butter in a saute pan over medium heat.
  • Sprinkle with flour.
  • Slowly add milk, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and add cheese, garlic powder and salt.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Serve with broccoli prepared however you like it- steamed, roasted, sauteed, etc.
steamed broccoli dipped in simple cheese sauce

Can you make this a no butter cheese sauce?

Yes! In fact when I originally posted this recipe years ago, I used olive oil instead of butter and it works great!

Kid-Friendly Vegetable Recipes

If you’re looking for more kid-friendly recipes, check out this post: Quick & Easy Vegetable Recipes. Or try these Maple Glazed Carrots – just omit or decrease the hot sauce.

Broccoli Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Cheesy broccoli FAQs:

Can I make cheese sauce for broccoli without milk?

The milk is a critical ingredient in this particular recipe. If you’re looking for low lactose, cheddar cheese is naturally low in lactose and you can use lactose-free milk.

What’s a good substitute for butter in cheese sauce?

You can substitute oil for butter in this recipe.

How do you make a light cheese sauce for vegetables?

To lighten this recipe a bit, use skim milk. I don’t like using low-fat cheese in sauces but you could try. You could also try this Skinny Cheese Sauce from Cabot.

cheesy broccoli for picky eaters

Can I use plant based milk in cheese sauce?

Although I haven’t tried it myself, you could try replacing the cow’s milk in this recipe with soy or almond milk. Or try this creamy vegan cheese sauce or this easy vegan nacho cheese sauce.

What’s the best cheese to use for broccoli cheese sauce?

Cheddar cheese is used in many traditional cheese sauce recipes. You could also try Gouda, Fontina or Asiago or even Colby Jack for a more mild flavor.

How can I thicken cheese sauce without flour?

You can use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if you don’t want to use flour. Or try this Easy Flourless Cheese Sauce or this Creamy White Cheese Sauce without Flour.

Can I meal prep cheesy broccoli in advance?

I do find this cheese sauce is best served immediately after making. To save time, you could prepare the broccoli in advance and then quickly whip up the cheese sauce when it’s time to eat.

How do I reheat broccoli with cheese sauce?

If you’re going to reheat the cheese sauce, I would not drizzle it on the broccoli. Save what you don’t eat separately in a glass container and then reheat at half power in the microwave, stirring frequently.

Cheesy Broccoli – Perfect for picky eaters!

This cheesy broccoli recipe is made with a simple cheese sauce that's ready in minutes and perfect for drizzling or dipping.

What to serve with cheesy broccoli

If you’re looking for main dishes that pair well with cheesy broccoli, try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Avocado Chicken Burgers

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These Chicken Avocado Burgers are an easy weeknight dinner in the oven or on the grill. This avocado chicken burgers recipe is gluten-free, paleo and can easily be made ahead of time during food prep. 

healthy avocado chicken burgers with sweet potato fries

*Originally published 4/2016. Updated 4/2025*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about these chicken burgers with avocado shall we? While my husband and daughter could eat them multiple times a week, I’m not a huge fan of traditional beef burgers.

But these chicken burgers are an option I can get behind! They are perfect for a quick summer dinner and also great for food prep because they hold up well if made ahead of time and the flavors develop more, making them even more delicious!

Ground chicken is a great source of lean protein with a mild flavor, making it a great choice for things like burgers and meatballs. It holds things together but really lets the other flavors shine. These burgers are a great high protein, low carb option.

If you’re looking for other ground chicken recipes, try:

Health Benefits of Avocado

One of the key ingredients to these burgers is avocado. There are tons of health benefits of avocado and they are often added as a burger topping but this recipe takes things up a notch and actually mixes them right into the burger itself!

This helps keep the burgers moist, adds some healthy fats which can boost satiety as well as adding some vitamins and nutrients that other burgers lack.

For other ways to add avocado to your recipes, try: Cowboy Caviar, Avocado Cucumber Salsa with Pineapple or Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw.

Ingredients for Avocado Chicken Burgers

For these burgers, you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Ground chicken – You could substitute ground turkey if needed
  • Avocado – you’ll want one that’s slightly firm so it’ll hold its shape when diced
  • Fresh ginger- either grated fresh ginger or ginger paste works well too
  • Cilantro- adds tons of flavor
  • Green onions – A mild onion flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients
  • Serrano pepper – or jalapeno, optional to add spice!
  • All-purpose seasoning – use your favorite blend. I like McCormick’s chicken seasoning

How To Make Chicken Avocado Burgers

To make these burgers, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix gently to combine. Then form into patties and either bake in the oven or grill!

easy healthy chicken avocado burgers with fries

Best Toppings For Avocado Chicken Burgers

As with most burgers, the potential for toppings is limitless. Feel free to add:

  • Your favorite cheese
  • Red onion
  • Pickles
  • Guacamole
  • Bacon

To make spicy avocado chicken burgers, mix a pepper into the burgers or top with some jalapenos!

Avocado Chicken Burgers in the Oven or On The Grill

Here’s how you make them:

Avocado Chicken Burgers FAQs

How long do you cook chicken burgers in the oven?

They should take about 18 minutes in the oven. Don’t overcook them to avoid drying out. The internal temperature needs to reach 165 degrees F but keep in mind the burgers will continue to cook a bit after you remove them from the oven.

Can I grill these avocado chicken burgers instead of baking?

Absolutely. As long as you don’t cut your avocado chunks too big, these burgers are sturdy and hold up great on the grill!

Can I freeze avocado chicken burgers after cooking?

While most burgers freeze well, this probably isn’t the best recipe to freeze because the avocado may start to brown and look less appetizing.

Are chicken avocado burgers healthy?

Yes! The burgers themselves are high in protein, a great source of healthy fats, naturally gluten-free and low-carb.

baked avocado chicken burgers

What kind of buns go best with chicken burgers?

Use any bun you’d like! To keep these gluten-free, grab a gluten-free bun like Schar. You can also skip the bun altogether and use a lettuce wrap or serve on top of a salad.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey makes a great substitute in this recipe.

Do I need breadcrumbs in ground chicken burgers?

No, you don’t need any breadcrumbs in most burger recipes, including this one!

Can you meal prep these burgers?

Absolutely. These burgers taste great when made fresh but also hold up well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep. You can make a whole batch and grab one for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.

These Chicken Avocado Burgers are an easy weeknight dinner in the oven or on the grill. This avocado chicken burgers recipe is gluten-free, paleo and can easily be made ahead of time during food prep. 

Easy Grilling Recipes

Here are more easy recipes you could throw on the grill:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Kids To Cook

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Looking for info on how to teach kids to cook? I help you troubleshoot common problems and make it easier, more enjoyable and less stressful for you to cook with your kids!

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with Kids

*Originally published 8/2020. Updated 4/2025*

Hi friends!

I’ve been working hard for a while now to put together this ultimate guide to teaching kids to cook for you guys! If you’ve been around, you know that one of my favorite things to do with my kids is to spend time in the kitchen!

I have been cooking with kids at home since all 3 of them were about 16 months old and I get tons of questions about how I make this happen! I know a lot of you wish you could do more with your kids in the kitchen but many of you have shared roadblocks and hurdles that are keeping you from doing it!

Benefits of Teaching Kids To Cook

There are so many benefits of teaching kids to cook. Everything from increasing confidence and building life skills like independence and responsibility to practicing reading and math skills. I want to make it easier to get your kids in the kitchen so in this post I will address:

  • Reducing the mess & increasing your patience
  • Age-appropriate kitchen tasks
  • Common concerns like kitchen safety, multiple kids, small kitchen
  • Easy, forgiving recipes to start with
  • My favorite kitchen tools for kids

child stirring pancake batter

Kids in the Kitchen – Mess and Anxiety

By far the most common roadblocks I hear from parents are:
Having the kids help means more time and a bigger mess.
Having the kids help is a huge source of anxiety for me.

First of all, let me say that I understand. There’s no way around it – cooking with kids is MESSY. And it often results in spilled or wasted ingredients, dirty counters and floors and it definitely adds some time to your cooking/baking sessions.

How To Make Cooking With Kids Less Stressful

The good news is, there are some things you can do to help minimize the inevitable mess:

  • Set up a trash bowl and spoon rest. This immediately gives the kids somewhere to set their stirring utensils to help keep the counter cleaner and a place to throw peels, veggie scraps, egg shells and more without you running back and forth to the trash can nine million times. In this same vein,  give them a “kitchen shirt”  or apron to avoid tough stains on nice clothes.
  • Limit the area. Get a learning tower or place their stool/chair at one end of the counter and remind them they need to stay put until you’re done. Place a high chair mat, an old bed sheet or even a piece of plastic under the chair/counter to catch crumbs. Then just gather it up and take it outside to shake it off when you’re done.
  • Size up. If your recipe calls for half a cup, let them fill a one cup measuring halfway instead of a half cup one up to the brim to help minimize spills.
  • Include them in cleanup. They need to learn right away that cleaning up is part of cooking. They don’t get to just do the fun part and leave the mess to you. And you might be surprised how much they actually enjoy cleaning up! Get a small broom, dustbuster or cordless vacuum that young kids can easily handle for the floor. And get some non toxic spray cleaner and a rag to let them go to town on the counter.

As far as increasing patience and minimizing anxiety goes, I would address them with this three part plan:

Strategy: 

  • Be smart. Don’t choose to include your kids for the first time when you’re already stressed or crunched for time. You’re setting yourself up to fail. Pick an open afternoon or a slow morning.
  • Be reasonable. Expect some mess. Expect it to take a bit longer. Prepare for a few spills. Then if things go better than expected you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
  • Train for patience. Practice being patient all day every day, with little tasks that are less important or require less patience so that when you need a lot of patience for something like cooking with kids, you’ve already been working on it.
  • Time it! Set a timer to see how long a few of your cleanup sessions actually take. I bet it’s less than you realize. Sometimes I think we build up a mess in our heads to epic proportions but i’d venture to guess that almost any mess they make (under supervised conditions) can be cleaned up in under 15 minutes.

Control measures:

  • Remember that you can control the ingredients you get out and the amounts. If you want them to practice pouring and you need half a cup of milk, pour one cup of milk into a smaller vessel and let them practice pouring instead of giving them the whole carton to potentially spill. Same thing with dry ingredients. Pour 2 cups of flour into a bowl and let them scoop out one cup, instead of scooping directly from the container. 

Mantras – Find one & repeat it over and over:

  • What’s the rush?
  • Intentional and present.
  • Be in this moment.
  • Does the mess REALLY matter?

toddler kitchen tasks

Age-Appropriate Kitchen Tasks

What is the best age to start teaching kids to cook?

Many parents are willing and ready to bring your kids into the kitchen but don’t know where to start. They’re not sure how old kids need to be or what they can be doing at what age. 

Every kid is different but I think a lot of people are surprised when they see how early I bring my kids into the kitchen.  We have a learning tower (aff link) that I’ve used with all three kids and they all started helping around 14 months. I’ve found that from months 14-16 they’re really just kinda excited to be there. They like being able to see what’s on the counter. They’re happy to stir a spoon around a few times or press the button on the food processor. 

Usually around 16-18 months is when they really start getting excited to help. I’ve looked at a lot of “age appropriate kitchen task” lists and quite honestly, I disagree with most of them. I feel like toddlers can do A LOT more than people give them credit for if they’re given the opportunity. 

Foundational Cooking Skills For Kids

Kitchen Tasks for Toddlers

Here are some ideas for things kids can do starting as young as 16-18 months:

  • Pour & Drain – Measure the ingredients for them and let them help you pour or dump them into the bowl/pan/strainer. You can start by guiding their hand and then move to letting them do it on their own.
  • Stir & Whisk – Hand them a spoon or whisk and a bowl of ingredients and let them go to town!
  • Rip & Mash – Give them a head of lettuce or stem of kale and show them how to remove the leaves, tear them into little pieces and put them in the salad spinner. They can also mash potatoes, bananas and other soft fruits.
  • Wash & Spin – Set them up at the sink and let them rinse of fruits and veggies. Let them rinse greens in the salad spinner and spin them dry and then have them help you portion them into bowls.
  • Scoop – Make cookies or muffins and let them help you scoop the batter onto a tray or into muffin tins. Cookie scoops are great for this! You can also have them scoop ground meat to make meatballs. 
  • Retrieve & Store – Let them help you put away the groceries and put specific items in their place. You can also have them retrieve items from the pantry that you need for a recipe.
  • Seal & Push – Let them put the lid on and  press the button to turn on the blender or food processor
  • Other ideas: let them knead and shape bread or pizza dough, brush things with oil or melted butter, wipe down the counter with a rag, help you thread things onto skewers to make kabobs, etc

Kitchen Tasks for Young Kids

As they start to gain confidence and get more comfortable in the kitchen, try these tasks:

  • Peel – Give them a vegetable peeler and show them how to peel carrots and potatoes. They can also practice peeling hard boiled eggs.
  • Chop – Get a kid-safe knife and let them practice cutting soft vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, cooked potatoes, peppers and fruits like strawberries and bananas. 
  • Crack – Let them practice cracking eggs and then washing their hands
  • Use – Help them use a hand mixer, lemon squeezer, can opener or box grater
  • Clean – Have them sweep or vacuum after cooking, let them wash dishes and load the dishwasher and practice spraying and wiping down the counter

Next steps:

  • Let them start chopping harder fruits and veggies
  • Let them stir things in a hot pan on the stove and use a griddle
  • Practice reading, math, etc when following recipes

kid putting cookies in the oven

Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them

Kitchen Safety For Kids – What Safety Rules Should I Teach My Kids In The Kitchen?

I hear from a lot of parents that their own knife skills are not the greatest and they’re worried about kids cutting themselves in the kitchen. The best tip I can give you is to improve your own skills. There are tons of basic knife skills videos out there that can help you learn the basics and then just practice, practice, practice! Share the basics with the kids. Get them a safe knife to learn with. Show them where to put their fingers etc. This video may be helpful: Basic Knife Skills.

Another safety worry is eating batter or dough once raw eggs have been added. If this is something you’re worried about, try making a pre-egg tasting ritual so they can satisfy their tasting desire or doing some vegan baking with flax eggs. 

If you’re worried about them touching raw meat, just let them! Watch them carefully, remind them often about the importance of handwashing and set a good example by frequently washing their hands. Maybe you could make up a fun cooking handwash song to get them excited about washing hands. You could also have them wear gloves and take them off immediately after handling the meat. And if they really can’t seem to stop putting EVERYTHING in their mouth, then just wait until they’re a little older for the raw meat aspect of cooking!

Handling Multiple Kids In The Kitchen

If you have two (or more) kids of helping age,  it’s likely easiest to start with one at a time. Set up a special activity for the other(s) – maybe a new coloring book or playdough. Let them sit at the kitchen counter or table so they don’t feel like they’re missing out and be sure to let them know when they will get a turn. If they’re older, help them put your cooking date on the calendar and let them spend the time planning their own recipe etc.

If you need to entertain a baby who needs to be entertained so an older kiddo can help – set the baby up on the floor – give them pots and pans, Tupperware, silverware etc and let them make a mess and bang away. If they’re crawling, buy a popup play yard to keep them in a contained space or put them in a carrier or sling. If you’re new to bringing kids into the kitchen, really try to maximize nap time or another time when you have someone else to watch the baby to minimize your stress level and so that the older one can have your full attention. 

toddler making muffins with a food processor

Beginner Recipes for Kids

For many people, not knowing what recipes to start with is the biggest hurdle. Maybe you’re not the best cook to start with or aren’t super confident in your skills. Maybe your kids want to make cookies but you’re not a baker. 

The good news is there are tons of recipes out there that are very forgiving. They’ll still turn out great even if measurements aren’t exact.

Here are some general ideas:

  • Banana muffins
  • Banana bread
  • Baked oatmeal
  • Smoothies
  • Tacos
  • Spaghetti/baked ziti
  • Granola
  • Baked pancake
  • Egg cups/ Omelet or Frittata
  • Salad
  • Chili
  • Pancakes
  • Cookies
  • Rice Krispy treats
  • Hummus
  • Homemade Pizza
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Stir Fry
  • Soup
  • Quesadilla
  • Oatmeal/overnight oats
  • Meatballs
  • Bread
  • Mac and cheese
  • Guacamole
  • Enchiladas

We actually have a whole website called Let The Kids Cook where my kids share easy recipes for kids to make, complete with a video of the kids making each recipe. Perfect to let your kids watch and get excited about!

In addition, almost all the veggie-packed baked goods on my blog are very kid-friendly. The recipes are forgiving and it’ll be ok if some of the ingredients spill onto the counter or don’t make it into the pan.

Here are all of my Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes.

These Kitchen Tools For Kids are the perfect way to introduce children to the kitchen and teach them about healthy eating.

Kitchen Tools for Kids

What Tools and Utensils are Best For Kids Learning To Cook

While it’s certainly not necessary to buy all new kitchen equipment when you start cooking with kids, it can be fun! Kids enjoy having their own special stuff. Don’t feel like you need to buy it all at once. Most kitchen items are relatively inexpensive and make great additions to birthday presents, stocking stuffers etc!

Here are all of my favorite kitchen tools for kids.

How Do I Teach My Child To Use A Knife Safely

Here’s a great post about Teaching Knife Skills To Toddlers and Children! My favorite knives to start with are these plastic knives. (aff link) Once they’re ready, this is sharp like a real knife but is a great size for kids.

Hurdles To Teaching Kids Cooking Skills

Lack of Interest in Cooking

If you’re excited to get into the kitchen with your kids but you kids are less than enthusiastic, try one of these tips:

  • Film a fast-motion video – my kids always get a kick out of watching themselves do anything at a super-fast speed
  • Record them making a cooking show – set up your phone to record and let them go to town pretending their the star of their very own cooking show
  • Show them videos of other kids cooking – you can find videos of my kids cooking here from a very young age!
  • Watch cooking shows on TV
  • Sign them up for a cooking class – in person or online!
  • Let them choose the recipe and be completely in charge
  • Let them create their own recipe even if it sounds gross – some kids need to ease into it and get comfortable doing things their own way before they’re willing to follow directions and make a real recipe.

Limited Kitchen Space While Cooking with Kids

If you don’t have much counter space, buy a kid-sized folding table or tray table that you can pull out to extend your counter space. Consider looking at smaller options than the traditional learning tower. There are plenty out there that take up less space and some that fold up! A folding step stool is another option if they’re a little older.

Also, think beyond the counter. When my kids were little and couldn’t reach high enough to add stuff to the food processor from the learning tower, I would just put the whole food processor on the ground. You could also use the kitchen table! 

Looking for info on teaching kids to cook? I help you troubleshoot common problems and make it easier, more enjoyable and less stressful for you to cook with your kids!

Can Cooking Help Picky Eaters Try New Foods

Absolutely. Getting your kids into the kitchen is one of the best ways to encourage trying new foods. If you’re looking for a starting place to try new foods, here is a free checklist of 75 New Foods To Try! Also check out this post about How To Help Picky Eaters.

The Success is in the Mess

Remember that hands-on experience is the most effective way to teach kids. Just like adults, they get better with practice. Don’t let the fear of mess or mistakes cause missed opportunities.

And remember, cooking affords so many opportunities to young kids. Everything from building confidence to practicing math, science and reading to setting them up to succeed independently later in life. So grab your kiddos and head to the kitchen. I can’t wait to hear about all of your cooking adventures!

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Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

 

Maple Glazed Carrots

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This maple glazed carrots recipe is a must-try for your next dinner side dish! Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re sure to be a hit!

easy maple glazed carrots on a sheet pan with parsley

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about this maple glazed carrots recipe, shall we? I’ve been on a carrot kick lately and recently shared 20 Easy Carrot Recipes to give you some inspiration for adding more carrots to your meals and this is another recipe to add to that list!

I love this recipe because it’s simple enough to serve for a weeknight dinner but also fancy enough to hold its own spot on a holiday table for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Easy Maple Glazed Carrots

Carrots have a natural sweetness and roasting them helps bring it out. Pairing them with a sweetener like maple syrup makes them taste almost like candy! In this recipe, I pair them with a little hot sauce, some balsamic vinegar and some mustard to add a savory element that perfectly balances out the sweetness.

What main dishes pair well with maple glazed carrots?

The great thing about this recipe is that they pair well with just about any recipe. They’re a fairly neutral side dish that can serve as an easy way to add veggies to most any meal. Try pairing them with:

maple glazed carrots healthy

Recipe Variations

If you’re looking for a way to change up this recipe, here are a few ideas:

Maple Glazed Carrots Air Fryer

These carrots could definitely be made in the air fryer. I would cook them at 380 for 20-25 minutes, tossing them occasionally. If you’re looking for specific air fryer recipes, try these Air Fryer Carrots or these Sweet or Savory Air Fryer Carrots.

Maple Glazed Carrots Slow Cooker

You can also make roasted carrots in the slow cooker, however most slow cooker recipes have a bit more liquid and sugar to keep the carrots from drying out while cooking so I would start with a specific slow cooker recipe. Try these Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots or these Slow Cooker Carrots.

Brown Sugar Maple Glazed Carrots

If you prefer brown sugar to maple syrup, you could replace the maple syrup in this recipe with brown sugar or even honey.

Maple Glazed Carrots with Bacon

If you’re a bacon lover, chop up a few strips of bacon and toss them with the carrots before spreading them on the sheet pan and baking in the oven.

bowl of maple glazed carrots garnished with fresh herbs

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Carrots

To make these carrots you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Butter – a small amount to add a little richness
  • Hot Sauce – this is optional. I love Yellowbird Jalapeno Sauce
  • Maple Syrup – be sure to use 100% pure maple syrup
  • Balsamic vinegar – this helps balance out the sweetness!
  • Dijon mustard – pairs well with maple syrup to add flavor

How To Make Baked Maple Glazed Carrots

Making these carrots couldn’t be simpler:

  • Peel the carrots and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
  • Melt the butter and mix in the remaining ingredients.
  • Toss the carrots in the sauce mixture and spread onto a pan.
  • Bake!

Easy Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Maple Glazed Carrots FAQs

Can you make maple glazed carrots vegan?

Yes! To make these carrots vegan, swap oil for the butter. The remaining ingredients are vegan.

Can I make maple glazed carrots ahead of time?

Yes. Carrots are sturdy and hold up well in the fridge. While they’re best served freshly cooked, they can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave. You could also chop them and toss in the glaze and then store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.

Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots for this recipe?

Yes. You can use baby carrots in this recipe. I would start checking them after 20 minutes to determine when they reach your desired level of tenderness.

How do I store and reheat leftover maple glazed carrots?

Store the carrots in a glass storage container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave. You could also reheat in a pan on the stove with a splash of water or broth.

Are maple glazed carrots healthy

Yes, I would consider these a healthy side dish. You can vary the amount of maple syrup if you want to use less.

Are there any low-sugar alternatives for making maple glazed carrots?

To reduce the sugar, you could use sugar-free maple syrup or skip the maple syrup all together and go for a more savory glaze.

This maple glazed carrots recipe is a must-try for your next dinner side dish! Easy to make and full of flavor, they're sure to be a hit!

Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

Looking for other veggie side dish ideas? Try these:

Or find more quick and easy vegetable recipes here.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs

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Love turkey and pineapple recipes? These Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs are easy to make and packed with vegetables. Prep them ahead of time and eat warm or cold for a quick lunch or dinner.

oven baked turkey meatballs with pineapple and carrots

*Originally published 4/2019. Updated 4/2025*

Hi friends!

I’m excited to share these turkey meatballs with pineapple today. Many of you requested easy ground turkey recipes and I immediately knew I wanted to make meatballs. They’re one of my favorite easy protein sources because they can be eaten warm or cold and it’s so easy to play around with the flavor combos. 

Easy Pineapple Turkey Meatballs For Dinner

For today’s version, I simply added some carrots to the food processor and processed them into tiny pieces (almost like carrot rice) so I could mix them into the turkey. Then I added some red pepper for extra veggies, green onions for flavor and some diced pineapple to help keep them moist. 

By chopping the veggies extra small and adding the sweet element of pineapple, these turkey meatballs are kid-friendly and can be a great way to add veggies to dinner.

Why Pineapple and Turkey Works

Ground turkey and pineapple may seem like an unlikely combination but it really works! The mixture of the two helps make the perfect sweet and savory turkey meatballs

By saving the juice from the canned pineapple, you can easily make a quick glaze that’s slightly sweet like a teriyaki glaze but with much less added sugar. If you use fresh pineapple for the meatballs, you could sub orange juice for the glaze. 

Ingredients for Turkey and Carrot Meatballs

To make these carrot pineapple turkey meatballs you just need a few basic ingredients, nothing fancy! Some of the things you’ll need:

  • Ground turkey – you could also sub ground chicken or even ground beef if you wanted to
  • Vegetables- bell peppers and carrots. Feel free to swap in something like diced mushrooms if you prefer.
  • Diced Pineapple – you’ll need to lightly chop the pineapple a bit further but I don’t like to use crushed pineapple because it’s harder to reserve the juice

You’ll combine these ingredients with more traditional ingredients like panko breadcrumbs, garlic, egg and seasonings.

To make the glaze you’ll need:

  • Pineapple juice – reserved from the pineapple in the meatballs
  • Maple syrup – to sweeten
  • Soy sauce (or tamari) and rice vinegar – for flavor. If you don’t have rice vinegar you could sup red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Ginger- fresh is best
  • Cornstarch – to help thicken

How To Make Turkey Meatballs with Pineapple

Making these carrot pineapple turkey meatballs takes just a few simple steps:

  • Combine the meatball ingredients and form into meatballs.
  • Bake in the oven.
  • While the meatballs, combine the ingredients for the glaze, heat it up and let it reduce to thicken.
  • Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze and serve.

What To Serve with Pineapple Turkey Meatballs

These carrot pineapple turkey meatballs are fairly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

  • Serve in a bowl with rice and roasted veggies.
  • Serve on a Hawaiian-style bun or roll to make Hawaiin Turkey Meatball Sliders.
  • Eat them cold straight out of the fridge.
  • Add to lettuce wraps with grated veggies
  • Serve with an Asian cucumber salad or sauteed green beans or bok choy

Healthy Turkey Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe

Here’s how you make them:

These carrot pineapple turkey meatballs are so easy and flavorful. I added sriracha to half my glaze after glazing some without it for the kids. And I served with roasted broccoli and rice. 

Turkey Meatballs with Pineapple FAQs

How do I cook carrot pineapple turkey meatballs in the air fryer?

To make these meatballs in the air fryer, cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check temperature using a meat thermometer and add more time if needed to reach 165 degrees F.

How do I make lean and green turkey meatballs with pineapple?

To add a green component to these carrot pineapple turkey meatballs, you could add 4 oz of chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to remove excess moisture. Or if you’re looking for another meatball recipe try these Mediterranean Meatballs.

Can I freeze turkey meatballs?

Yes, to freeze these meatballs cool completely and then transfer to an airtight storage container or freezer-safe bag.

What are some other healthy ground turkey and pineapple recipes?

If you love this combo, try one of these recipes:

Are these Hawaiian-style turkey meatballs?

This is not a traditional Hawaiian recipe but the inclusion of pineapple may remind people of other Hawaiin-inspired recipes.

Can you make pineapple chicken meatballs?

Yes, you could easily substitute ground chicken in this recipe.

Can you only make turkey meatballs with canned pineapple or could I use fresh?

If you want to use fresh pineapple in this recipe, you can, just be sure to chop it small and then you could substitute orange juice in the glaze.

This Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs recipe is easy to make and packed with vegetables, plus a pineapple glaze for extra flavor. Prep them ahead of time and eat warm or cold for a quick lunch or dinner.

Easy Ground Turkey Recipes

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–