25 Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipes The Kids Can Help Cook (2024)

    Teach the kids to cook and share a delicious meal.

    by Hannah LoewentheilBuzzFeed Staff

    The spread of coronavirus has affected us all. For many Americans, kids are staying home from school and families are cooking more than ever. Here are a handful of easy and fun recipes that kids can help make so they stay entertained and the whole family eats well.

    Simple Joy / Via simplejoy.com

    Make these freezer-friendly eggs right in your muffin tin. This version calls for ham and cheese, but you can use whatever is in your fridge from tomatoes and spinach to bacon and Gruyère. Get the recipe for ham and cheese muffin eggs here.

    Life Love and Sugar / Via lifeloveandsugar.com

    Is it breakfast or dessert? This recipe — a French toast-apple pie hybrid — can be either... or both. Get the recipe for overnight apple cinnamon French toast casserole here.

    Gimme Some Oven / Via gimmesomeoven.com

    Start with browned Italian sausage and sautéd veggies, then add whisked eggs, milk, and frozen potatoes. Then, bake it all in the oven and wait for breakfast to be served. Get the recipe for easy cheesy breakfast casserole here.

    Tastes Better From Scratch / Via tastesbetterfromscratch.com

    Toss scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon into tortillas, then top them with your favorite quesadilla toppings like guacamole and salsa. Get the recipe for breakfast quesadillas here.

    5. Sheet Pan Egg-In-A-Hole

    25 Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipes The Kids Can Help Cook (2)

    Damn Delicious / Via damndelicious.net

    Kids will love making this fun and tasty breakfast recipe. Cut holes in bread using a cookie- or biscuit-cutter, then crack and egg inside of each, and add sliced bacon. The whole thing comes together on a single sheet pan, and it's a great way to feed the whole family. Get the recipe for sheet pan egg-in-a-hole here.

    6. Ten Minute Naan Pizza

    Domestic Gothess / Via domesticgothess.com

    Buy frozen or fresh naan and let the kids make their own pizzas with whatever toppings you have on hand. Go for a classic tomato-based pizza with mozzarella or switch things up with pesto and roasted veggies. Get the recipe for 10-minute naan pizza here.

    Easy Budget Recipes / Via easybudgetrecipes.com

    Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it's an incredibly affordable way to feed the whole fam. If you want to save even more money on ingredients, you can buy canned sloppy Joe sauce. Get the recipe for classic sloppy Joes here.

    8. Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

    25 Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipes The Kids Can Help Cook (4)

    Eazy Peazy Mealz / Via eazypeazymealz.com

    There are so many satisfying and time-saving meals you can make with rotisserie chicken like this comforting noodle soup recipe. The only other ingredients you really need are chicken stock and whatever noodles you have on hand. Get the recipe for rotisserie chicken noodle soup here.

    The Seasoned Mom / Via theseasonedmom.com

    It doesn't get much easier than a dump-and-bake casserole. You don't even need to boil the pasta or cook the chicken. Everything gets tossed into a baking dish and baked in the oven. Get the recipe for dump-and-bake chicken parmesan casserole here.

    10. Oven-Baked Fish and Chips

    25 Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipes The Kids Can Help Cook (5)

    Sarcastic Cooking / Via sarcasticcooking.com

    Swap out frozen fish sticks for this homemade and nutritious version. Cod gets lightly coated in panko bread crumbs and roasted in the oven with potato (or sweet potato) wedges. Get the recipe for oven-baked fish and chips here.

    A Wicked Whisk / Via awickedwhisk.com

    Stuffed peppers are super versatile, not to mention fun to make. Hollow out some bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of your favorite ground meat, rice, black beans, tomatoes, chiles, and whatever else you have in your pantry. Get the recipe for Mexican stuffed peppers here.

    Cooking Classy / Via cookingclassy.com

    You can personalize these lettuce wraps to your taste. Start with turkey, chicken, pork, or even tofu. Sauté the ground meat chopped carrots, scallions, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger and serve them DIY style with crunchy bibb lettuce. Get the recipe for Asian lettuce wraps here.

    13. Zucchini Pizza Boats

    The Blond Cook / Via theblondcook.com

    This low-carb pizza is still incredibly comforting and satisfying. Half zucchinis, hollow them out a bit, and bake them with tomato sauce, lots of cheese, and pepperoni. Of course, you can always swap in your go-to pizza toppings. Get the recipe for zucchini pizza boats here.

    The Seasoned Mom / Via theseasonedmom.com

    With just three essential ingredients — pasta, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese — it doesn't get much easier than this pasta bake. If you have some basil or red pepper flakes or garnishing, it's never a bad idea. Get the recipe for wagon wheel pasta bake here.

    Midwest Foodie Blog / Via midwestfoodieblog.com

    Sheet pan meals are great for the whole family: They require minimal clean-up, they are easy to make, and they feed the whole gang. Make these fajitas with chicken, shrimp, or even flank steak and serve them with tortillas and your go-to Mexican toppings on the side. Get the recipe for 30-minute sheet pan fajitas here.

    Mandy's Recipe Box Blog / Via mandysrecipeboxblog.com

    With just five ingredients — ground beef, pasta, taco seasoning, canned salsa, and shredded Mexican cheese — this one-pot recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner. Get the recipe for one-pot taco pasta skillet here.

    17. Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets

    25 Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipes The Kids Can Help Cook (7)

    Eating Bird Food / Via eatingbirdfood.com

    Turn fast-food chicken nuggets into a wholesome meal that the family can make together. The kids will love dredging the chicken into egg and a mixture of flour and spices. Then, bake the nuggets on a sheet pan with sweet potato wedges or turnip fries. Get the recipe for healthy baked chicken nuggets here.

    The Comfort Of Cooking / Via thecomfortofcooking.com

    While the recipe calls for a number of ingredients, you can really minimize your grocery list by sticking to a good store-bought marinara sauce. Toss the sauce with pre-made ravioli and Italian sausage, and top it all with cheese. Get the recipe for cheesy ravioli and sausage skillet here.

    Six Sisters Stuff / Via sixsistersstuff.com

    Grab a rotisserie chicken or use leftover chicken breast from last night's dinner. Use whatever BBQ or buffalo sauce you like best, and top the stuffed sweet potatoes with anything from mozzarella cheese and red onion to blue cheese dressing and chopped celery. Get the recipe for BBQ chicken stuffed baked sweet potatoes here.

    Le Creme de la Crumb / Via lecremedelacrumb.com, La Creme de la Crumb / Via lecremedelacrumb.com

    You could order take-out, or you could make this classic recipe at home. This meal comes together like magic. Everything from the chicken to the egg and the veggies are cooked on a single sheet pan. Get the recipe for sheet pan chicken fried rice here.

    Tastes Better From Scratch / Via tastesbetterfromscratch.com

    It comes together in under 30 minutes, and who doesn't love egg noodles? Get the recipe for easy ground beef stroganoff here.

    The Recipe Critic / Via therecipecritic.com

    You can never have too many skillet dinners in your arsenal. This recipe calls for orzo, your go-to pork or sausage, onions, peppers, and garlic-y tomato sauce. Get the recipe for Italian orzo and sausage skillet here.

    23. Banana Nutella "Sushi"

    25 Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipes The Kids Can Help Cook (8)

    Naive Cook Cooks / Via naivecookcooks.com

    Turn dessert into an edible art project with these banana and Nutella sushi rolls. You can make them with just three ingredients, or you can spice things up with peanut butter, crushed pistachios, and more Get the recipe for banana Nutella sushi here.

    Just Add Sprinkles / Via just-add-sprinkles.com

    Baking is a great activity to keep kids entertained. And after one bite of these gooey skillet cookies, you'll want to make them every day. Get the recipe for skillet chocolate chip cookie here.

    25. Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars

    25 Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipes The Kids Can Help Cook (9)

    Tammilee Tips / Via tammileetips.com

    This dessert, made with just angel food cake mix and canned lemon pie filling, is almost too good to be true. Rest assured, they taste just as good as they look. Get the recipe for two-ingredient lemon bars here.

    26. One-Bowl Brownies

    25 Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipes The Kids Can Help Cook (10)

    Two Peas and Their Pod / Via twopeasandtheirpod.com

    The only thing better than eating these gooey, fudgy one-bowl brownies is knowing that they require very minimal cleanup. Get the recipe for one-bowl brownies here.

    25 Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipes The Kids Can Help Cook (2024)

    FAQs

    What should kids learn to cook first? ›

    10 foods a kid should learn how to cook
    • Bolognese sauce. — Provides protein and antioxidants. ...
    • A stir-fry with brown rice. — Can be prepared with any vegetables or choice of meat. ...
    • Roasted chicken. — An easy entertaining meal. ...
    • Chili. — Good source of protein and vegetables. ...
    • Homemade soup. ...
    • Fish baked in parchment. ...
    • Eggs. ...
    • Smoothie.
    Oct 16, 2012

    Is it good for kids to learn how do you cook? ›

    Cooking can help young kids learn and practice some basic math concepts and build language skills. And reating meals with you can help build their self-confidence and lay the foundation for healthy eating habits. It may take a little flexibility and some simple prep work.

    How can kids make dinner? ›

    Young kids can try their hand at making spring rolls, while older kids can make slow cooked meals and impress the entire family.
    1. Rainbow veggie slice. ...
    2. Deep Dish Bacon and Vegetable Quiche. ...
    3. Easy Beef, Vegetable and Bean Lasagne. ...
    4. Tomato and Basil Vegie Pasta. ...
    5. Vegetarian Djuvec-Inspired Fried Rice.

    What a 10 year old can cook? ›

    With an adult supervising, a 10-year old should be able to scramble eggs, stir fry vegetables or flip a pancake on an electric stovetop (you may want to wait longer if you have a gas range). Safety tip: Be sure to teach them to tie back long hair and never wear loose clothing around the stove. Prepare a sandwich.

    What food can a 12 year old cook? ›

    On the simple end, omelets and a salad or grilled cheese and tomato soup are within the range of an experienced 8 year old. Roast chicken and veggies is reasonable for an average 12 year old, as is a basic stir-fry and rice.

    What age can kids bake? ›

    2-5. Children from the ages of 2 to 5 are just learning about the world around them. They are engaging with their senses, and this is a great time to introduce them to new smells, textures, and tastes. When baking, you can let them taste the ingredients before adding them to the bowl, or smell spices like cinnamon.

    What can a 9 year old make for lunch? ›

    21 Lunch Recipes Kids Can Make on Their Own
    • 01 of 21. Whole-Wheat Veggie Wrap. ...
    • 02 of 21. Apple & Cheddar Pita Pockets. ...
    • 03 of 21. Toaster-Oven Tostadas. ...
    • 04 of 21. DIY Lunch Kits for Kids. ...
    • 05 of 21. Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Sandwich. ...
    • 06 of 21. Tortilla Pepperoni Pizza. ...
    • 07 of 21. PB&J Bistro Lunch Box. ...
    • 08 of 21.
    Aug 18, 2020

    What age do kids cut their own food? ›

    By 5 years a child is learning to spread and cut with a knife. It is often not until they are around 7 years of age that a child can use a knife and fork together to cut up food and are truly independent with self-feeding.

    What age can kids peel potatoes? ›

    6- to 7-year-olds

    Appropriate Tasks: Use a peeler to peel raw potatoes, ginger, mangoes and other washed fruits and vegetables. Break eggs into a bowl and remember to wash hands afterwards. Scoop out avocados after sliced in half by an adult.

    Can a 12 year old cook? ›

    "By 12 years old, children should be able to bake a cake independently and cook simple meals, such as beans on toast, eggs, or porridge.

    What age can kids make dinner? ›

    8- to 11-Year-Old Cooks

    Kids at this age can follow simple, straightforward recipes, plan menus and meals, and begin to work with the stove or oven. Use this time to teach them about the dangers of equipment and utensils.

    What should a 7 year old eat? ›

    Try and include a variety of different protein containing foods such as lean meats, fish, baked beans, eggs, pulses, peas and lentils. Children should aim to have protein at least twice a day. old should be offered either semi skimmed or skimmed milk, and should aim to have dairy foods three times a day.

    Can a 12 year old skip dinner? ›

    It is okay for your child to be hungry if they choose to skip a meal/snack. We don't want our kids thinking they must eat every time food is offered, if their body is not hungry. Instead, we want them to be confident that they can listen to their body. If they are hungry, they can eat.

    What foods should an 11 year old eat? ›

    Feeding Your Child - Ages 10-12
    Food GroupSuggested Servings
    Milk/Dairy Milk Yogurt Cheese4 daily
    Meat/Protein* Beef, Pork, Fish, Poultry Eggs Peanut Butter4 daily
    Fruit/Vegetables Fruit Fruit Juice Vegetables4-6 daily
    Breads/Cereals Whole grain bread Hot cereal, rice, pasta Ready-to-eat cereal Crackers6-11 daily
    2 more rows

    Should I let my 11 year old cook? ›

    8- to 11-Year-Old Cooks

    Kids at this age can follow simple, straightforward recipes, plan menus and meals, and begin to work with the stove or oven. Use this time to teach them about the dangers of equipment and utensils.

    Can a 11 year old use the stove? ›

    With an adult supervising, a lot of kids start using the oven and stove at around age 12. By the time they are 14, most kids can use both the oven or stove on their own. But you need to have a parent's permission first. And it helps to know some general kitchen safety rules.

    Should a 12 year old be allowed to cook? ›

    Cooking a Meal for the Family

    Ideally, kids this age would start cooking regularly for the whole family, sharing the load with their parents. Learning how to plan a healthy meal, fit this work into a busy schedule, and even handle different food preferences of all the family members, is great for kids.

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