Cooking with kids is a fantastic way to bond with them while they pick up essential skills for life. It might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually way more enjoyable than you’d think! Yes, things might get a little messy, but the laughter and the delicious treats you make together will be well worth it.
The key is to choose recipes that are safe and simple enough for little hands. If you’re ready to start on a culinary journey with your kids, here are 6 easy recipe ideas for cooking with the kids..
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Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a classic kid favorite, and making them yourself is a great way to control the ingredients and involve little helpers in the process. Here’s what you’ll need and a simple method:
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
- Breadcrumbs
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a super crispy texture)
- One egg, lightly whisked
- Cooking oil for frying (or baking)
Instructions:
- Set up a fun assembly line! Put your breadcrumbs in a shallow dish, your whisked egg in another, and have a plate or baking sheet ready for the coated nuggets.
- Let your kids dip the chicken pieces in the egg, then roll them in the breadcrumbs for a nice coating.
- Cook the nuggets until golden brown and cooked through. You can shallow fry them in a bit of oil (adult supervision is required for the stovetop) or bake them in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C).
If you’re looking for a healthier option, air fryers are a fantastic way to cook these chicken nuggets! You can prepare this meal in under 30 minutes. By air frying chicken nuggets at home, you drastically reduce the amount of oil needed, making the nuggets lower in fat and calories. Plus, you still get that satisfying crunch!
Homemade Pizza
Pizza night is always a hit with kids, and making it from scratch takes the fun to a whole new level! Kids love getting to personalize their own pizzas with their favorite toppings. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients:
- Pre-made pizza dough
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings: pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, the sky’s the limit!
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the dough instructions (usually, a high temperature is best!).
- Help your kids roll out their dough, or let them shape it with their hands.
- Spread on a layer of pizza sauce and sprinkle with cheese – this is a great task for little ones.
- Now it’s time for the best part: toppings! Let their creativity shine as they design their own pizza masterpiece.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and delicious.
Cookies
Baking cookies is a classic kitchen adventure for kids! From mixing and measuring to rolling the dough and the sweet anticipation of the first bite, it’s an activity that engages all the senses. Here’s a simple cookie recipe that’s easy to customize:
Ingredients:
- Butter (softened)
- Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Optional: chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit…get creative!
Instructions
- With a little help, cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking soda, and salt and whisk. Gradually add it to the wet ingredients.
- Let your kids stir in any fun mix-ins they like!
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven (temperature and time depend on your recipe, but usually around 375°F/190°C for 10-12 minutes).
Fruity Icy Pops
Icy pops are a refreshing and fun summer treat that kids love! Making your own lets you skip artificial colors and flavors, plus get those creative juices flowing. Here’s what you need and how to make this simple, customizable recipe:
Ingredients:
- Your favorite fruits: Berries, mango, peaches, watermelon – the options are endless!
- A little sweetener, if needed: honey, maple syrup, or plain sugar
- A splash of citrus: lemon or lime juice brightens the flavors
- Popsicle molds (or small paper cups and popsicle sticks)
Instructions:
- Wash and chop your fruits. Let the kids get involved with softer fruits and kid-safe knives.
- Blend the fruit with a bit of sweetener and a squeeze of citrus juice until smooth. (A little water might be needed depending on the fruit you use).
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Now’s the time for your little taste-testers to shine!
- Pour the mixture carefully into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. If you don’t have molds, small paper cups, and popsicle sticks are a fun alternative.
Pasta
Pasta is a kid favorite for good reason – it’s tasty, comes in so many fun shapes, and is easy for little hands to manage. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- Your child’s favorite pasta shape (penne, macaroni, spirals…the options are endless!)
- Jar of basic tomato sauce or a simple homemade sauce
- Grated cheese (parmesan, cheddar, whatever they love)
- Optional: Cooked ground meat, chopped veggies like spinach or broccoli, a swirl of cream
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. This is a great time to let older kids practice reading instructions and handling the pot with supervision.
- While the pasta is cooking, warm up the sauce. Let little ones help stir in any chosen add-ins.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce.
- Time for the best part – a generous sprinkle of cheese!
This is a super adaptable recipe, so let your kids get creative with what they want to mix into their pasta!
Tacos and Nachos
Tacos and nachos are endlessly customizable, making them perfect for picky eaters and budding chefs alike! Kids will love building their own creations and picking out their favorite toppings. Here’s the basic idea, but feel free to get creative with variations:
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey (or a vegetarian protein alternative)
- Taco seasoning (store-bought or try a homemade mix)
- Small tortillas or taco shells
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- Favorite toppings: salsa, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, guacamole – the sky’s the limit!
Instructions:
- Brown your ground meat in a pan, then add the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken up.
- Warm your tortillas if desired.
- Time for assembly! For nachos, spread out chips on a plate and top with warm meat, cheese, and other favorites. Pop them in the oven or microwave just to melt the cheese. For tacos, let everyone fill their shells with the yummy meat mixture and their toppings of choice.
Conclusion
The most important thing about cooking with kids isn’t the perfect end result. It’s about the fun of creating something together, the skills they’ll learn along the way, and the memories you’ll share. Don’t stress over a little mess or slightly wonky-looking pizzas. Embrace the laughter and the joy of exploring food as a family.
