31 Make Ahead Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

by Abigail MatsumotoNovember 3, 2023

Dinner can be a challenge, but with these make-ahead meals to keep in the freezer, you’ll always have something delicious on deck!

Whip out your weekly meal planner, it’s time to get prepping! We know firsthand how busy life gets, whether you’re dealing with busy school nights or trapped under a baby for multiple daily naps. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a handle on your daily dinners. With some meal prep and a few well-crafted make-ahead meals, you’ll be serving up great food in no time. If you’re looking for more inspo when it comes to quick dinners, check out these one-pot meals and these recipes that take 30 minutes or less.

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Honey Sesame Chicken

This delicious dinner can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When you're ready, defrost and toss into the slow cooker. Service with rice and broccoli and dinner is done.

One-Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

one-pot pasta is an easy make-ahead meal — Budget Bytes

Perfect for meal prepping for a week's worth of lunches, Budget Bytes' One Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a meal even your picky eaters will enjoy. From the savory sausage to the sweet sun-dried tomatoes, this beautifully colored dish is made using just one pan and makes tons of leftovers.

Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

crock pot sloppy joes are an easy make-ahead meal — Yummy Healthy Easy

The classic American dish has never been easier than with Yummy Healthy Easy's recipe for Sloppy Joe's. Add browned meat and spices to a crockpot before heading out for school pickup, after-school sports, or weekend activities, and return home to a hot dinner with minimal effort.

20-Minute Tuscan Pasta

20-minute pasta is a good make-ahead meal — Six Sisters' Stuff

A creamy pasta that easily camouflages vegetables, Six Sisters' Stuff recipe for 20-Minute Tuscan Pasta is an easy choice for meal prep. Make the full recipe and save half for the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, take out and allow to thaw in the fridge for 24 hours then reheat for 30 minutes in the oven. Dinner is served!

Pesto Chicken Pizza Rolls

Chicken+pizza does a happy child make! These Pesto Chicken Pizza Rolls from the Lean Green Bean are not only awesome looking, but they are great to make in a big batch and serve all week for snacks or lunch. Enjoy reheated or cold, they'll make any hungry little happy.

Hawaiian Sweet Roll Sliders

Perfect for the freezer, these mini sandwiches from Make-Ahead Mom are made with sweet buns for an extra punch of flavor. Topped with a savory sauce, they heat up to melty goodness in the oven straight from the freezer, and are great for lunches, appetizers, and tailgating!

Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad

We know, kiddos usually shy away from salads but this fresh meal from Gimme Some Oven is perfect for warm nights. We can't help but think they'll love throwing this together ahead of time and tossing in the canned mandarin oranges, edamame, and crunchy ramen.

Breakfast Burritos

There’s nothing better than breakfast for dinner! Whip up a batch of these freezer-friendly burritos from Inquiring Chef, then heat them up any time of the day for a super satisfying meal. Best of all, you can heat them up straight from the freezer, making them the perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Beef Stew

This freezer meal from Pinch of Yum is the ultimate in comfort food, with hearty chunks of beef, plenty of carrots and celery and luscious tomato-based gravy. If you have an Instant Pot, this is a great time to use it (it’ll be ready in 45 minutes flat!), but there are also instructions to make it in a slow cooker.

Crustless Quiche with Bacon, Broccoli and Cheddar

Everyone loves a good quiche, and this one from This Farm Girl Cooks is a make-ahead dream. It reheats well in the microwave after it’s been cooled, or you can freeze the uncooked egg mixture and thaw it when you’re ready to bake. Any way you slice it, it’s bound to be an instant favorite.

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

If your kids balk at the idea of salad, then this colorful Thai-inspired dish from Vanilla and Beanjust might get them to give it a try. It’s filled with veggies, rice noodles and a tangy, garlicky peanut lime sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it keeps well for days to come.

Leftover Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Give leftover rotisserie chicken an upgrade with the perfect kid-pleaser: pizza! This idea from A Taste of Madness is super easy and a great option for your weekly meal prep.

Freezer Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches

make ahead breakfast croissant — Damn Delicious

All hail Damn Delicious and this idea for freezer breakfast sandwiches. They do their name justice (hello, easy breakfast!) but also work as a quick and quirky lunch or dinner. The kids can even help assemble the ingredients!

Big Batch Chinese Beef

Put down the takeout menu! Thanks to Kitchen Sanctuary, we’ve got something much better for your hungry family. This beef dish is great for a crowd and can be used with your slow cooker. (Bonus points if you add bok choy or another green veggie!)

Make Ahead Macaroni and Cheese

make ahead mac and cheese — Kristine's Kitchen

You can never have too many mac and cheese recipes! We’re digging this one from Kristine’s Kitchen because it’s a snap to make and you can refrigerate it up to two days before baking. It's a cheesy win-win!

One-Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta

Psst! Not only is this a one-pot dish from Sweet Peas and Saffron bursting with flavor, but it can also be assembled ahead of time and frozen! So when a crazy weeknight hits, all you have to do is place everything in a pot and get cooking.

Make-Ahead Spaghetti

Cooking for a crowd? Need a quick meal on a chaotic weeknight? This spaghetti, courtesy of Kitchen Sanctuary, is the answer! It’s über flavorful and can even be frozen. Plus, it’s full of veggies and crispy bacon.

5-Ingredient Pizza Bagel Bites

Bagel bites and kids go together like cheese and pepperoni, which means you’ve got to try this idea from Life Made Simple. Way better than store-bought, these pizza bagel bites are customizable, freezable, and a cinch to make.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, and sometimes families gotta have mashed potatoes. That’s where this casserole from Dinner at the Zoo comes in. It’s loaded with wow factor (a.k.a. bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives), but easy to make for any holiday or weeknight.

Baked Italian Meatballs

We love these meatballs from Thriving Home Blog, which are baked, delicious and the best thing to happen to your freezer in a long time. Add them to your spaghetti, make a sandwich or just eat ‘em straight for a perfect weeknight meal.

Homemade Frozen Pizza

You know those store-bought frozen pizzas that you keep around for supper emergencies? Well, this homemade version from Love and Olive Oil is so much better! With tons of customization options and homemade flavor, these make-ahead pizzas are sure to please the whole family.

Chicken & Veggie Pasta Casserole

The beauty of this chicken and veggie pasta casserole from Jo Cooks is that it makes a bonanza amount of food and gives kids a good dose of veggies, too. Reinvent the leftovers during the week or freeze a portion and save for later!

Chicken (Minus the Noodles) Soup

For all the times you need comfort food in a pinch, this chicken soup from Mrs. Schwartz’s Kitchen has you covered. Freeze the stock mixture, add the noodles when you’re ready to eat, and voila—dinner is served!

Homemade Fish Sticks

As everyone knows, there are plenty of fish sticks in the sea—or at least there are plenty of homemade fish sticks in the freezer, thanks to Katy She Cooks. Bonus: This recipe is way healthier than what you'll find in the frozen food aisle.

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

spinach and stuffed cheese shells is a popular make ahead meal — Kristine's Kitchen Blog

Here’s an updated tongue twister for you: She eats stuffed shells on busy school nights. You can make it happen, with the help of Kristine’s Kitchen Blog. (Psst! You can even lighten them up with cottage cheese.)

Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Let’s face it, kids love kid-size food—and these mini meatloaf muffins from Our Family Eats are no exception. Not only are they packed with protein and vegetables, but they can also be frozen for about two months. We promise, your minis will love them.

Tortellini, Spinach, and Black Bean Soup

You've got to bookmark this hearty tortellini, spinach, and black bean soup from How To: Simplify. It's a great thing to have on hand for the mid-week rush, and it offers a tasty way to scarf up spinach.

Garden Vegetable Lasagna

Load up on your veggies with this delish lasagna from Tastes Lovely! The cheesy layers are a total kid-pleaser—and they make great camouflage for the green stuff.

Mac and Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Especially when it’s healthy, delicious, and freezable? This Thriving Home recipe involves Greek yogurt and sweet potato, among other ingredients. We guarantee the kiddos will want seconds!

Easy Tomato Soup with Roasted Bell Peppers

This make-ahead meal combines simple ingredients to make a truly magical soup—not a bad kitchen lesson for your little chefs! It’s easy to whip up and freezes beautifully so you can slurp it up any day of the week. Get the recipe here.

Chicken Pot Hand Pies

How cute are these hand pies from Two Healthy Kitchens? They’ve got all the tastiness of chicken pot pie (hello, flavorful veggies, tender chicken, and thyme crust!) but are totally kid-sized.

3-Ingredient Appetizers for (Mostly) Stress-Free Entertaining

by Susie ForesmanNovember 1, 2023

It’s hard to choose between the Instant Pot chicken wings and the bacon-wrapped potato wedges

Whether you’re having a small gathering, heading to a big bash, or just want something special for a movie night with the kids, we have a few easy appetizer recipes that’ll come in handy. From finger foods to veggie appetizers, keep reading to check out our favorite appetizer recipes that are all made using three ingredients or less.

Baked Brie with Jam

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Savory, gooey cheese, sweet fruit preserves, all served warm, what’s not to love? Get the recipe from America’s Test Kitchen.

Avocado Dip

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Serve this 3-ingredient no-cook appetizer with crackers or veggies, either way, it’ll be a hit. Get the recipe from All Things Mama.

3-Ingredient Hawaiian Meatballs

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Ready in just 20 minutes, this 3-ingredient appetizer is perfect for little hands! Get the recipe from When Salty and Sweet Unite.

Proscuitto-Wrapped Pears with Balsamic Glaze

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This is the definition of an easy appetizer recipe! If you want to get really fancy, consider throwing in a slice of cheese.

Monkey Bread

This cheesy monkey bread from Brit + Co is literally as easy as 1, 2, 3... ingredients. Kids will love the soft bread and parents will love how easy it is to make.

Caprese Skewers

Quite possibly one of the easiest appetizers to whip up, simply grab fresh mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and pesto; skewer, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, and go!

Tomato and Cheddar Palmiers

These pretty palmiers from The Suburban Soapbox will definitely impress your guests. Buttery puff pastry and tart tomatoes meld perfectly with rich cheddar cheese—delish!

Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip

chili cheese dip is an easy appetizer — Julie’s Eats and Treats

Break out your slow cooker for this crowd-pleasing dip from Julie’s Eats and Treats. With just two ingredients, it’s definitely the simplest thing you’ll make all day.

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

This appetizer from Averie Cooks is kid-approved and super easy to make. You’ll get the crunchy, melty effect of mozzarella sticks but without the mess and hassle of deep frying.

Instant Pot Wings

Everybody loves chicken wings, and Mom Advice has a foolproof method for making them in the Instant Pot. A quick pass under the broiler gives them a crispy finish.

Pesto Yogurt Dip

This light and fresh dip from Melanie Makesis an ideal appetizer to serve before a heavy holiday meal. Pair it with plenty of fresh veggies, cheese, and crackers, and you’ll be ready to entertain a crowd.

Best Breadsticks Ever

These breadsticks are an easy appetizer — Kiwi & Carrot

How fancy do these breadsticks from Kiwi & Carrot look?! Using a pre-made puff pastry makes them super easy to pull off, even if you’re not a master baker.

Crock Pot Glazed Kielbasa Bites

This genius recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats is totally hands-off, thanks to the magical Crock Pot. It’s made with kielbasa, brown sugar, and one unexpected ingredient.

Bacon Wrapped Cherries with Thyme

It might sound strange, but stay with us: these bacon-wrapped cherries from We Are Not Martha are delicious. The savory bacon makes a perfect contrast for tart, juicy cherries.

Quick Dinner Rolls

Start your meal off with these yummy dinner rolls from Life, Love and Good Food. No rising required—just mix up the three ingredients, and bake the rolls in a muffin tin.

Everything Parmesan Crisps

This inventive take on a crispy cracker from The Suburban Soapbox is bound to be a hit with cheese lovers. Even better, they come together in less than 10 minutes, leaving you more time to obsess over the rest of the menu.

Creamy Salsa Dip

For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, whip up a batch of this super easy dip from Simply Stacie. Paired with fresh veggies and tortilla chips, don’t be surprised if this one disappears fast.

Classy Pigs in a Blanket

Make your party extra magical with an appetizer that only uses two (count ‘em, two!) ingredients. These pigs in a blanket are the definition of simple—and you can even add a touch of sesame seeds to up the wow factor. Get the recipe over at Culinary Hill.

Blue Cheese Bites

Serving something warm to take the chill off is also the perfect way to welcome guests. This easy appetizer recipe from A Wicked Wisk combines a couple of our favorite things—flaky biscuits and flavorful blue cheese—to make a melty, bubbly appetizer perfect for a crowd. Drooling yet?

Honey-Roasted Pecans

If you’re worried about dinner timing or want something festive (and deceptively simple) on your snack tray, make a batch of these honey-roasted pecans from Trial and Eater for guests to graze on throughout the day. The recipe couldn't be easier, but it’s way more delicious than the store-bought kind.

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Wedges

Potato wedges just got even tastier, thanks to this recipe from A Calculated Whisk. How? Why, wrap them in bacon, of course! Now you’ve got an appetizer fit for a hungry crowd of grown-ups and kiddos alike.

Baked Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

baked ham and cheese roll up is an easy appetizer recipe — Pumpkin ‘n Spice

For an appetizer that’s a bit more filling, try these yummy roll-ups from Pumpkin ‘n Spice. It’s easy to customize them with your favorite meats, cheeses, and seasonings. As a bonus, you can keep this recipe in rotation for school lunches.

37 Incredible Thanksgiving Desserts (That Aren’t Pie)

by Abigail MatsumotoOctober 29, 2023

Surprise your family with a Thanksgiving dessert that isn’t the same old, same old

Tired of the same old pies every Thanksgiving? We’ve got you covered. From pumpkin rolls to cranberry crisp, there are so many more ways to bring fall flavors to your spread. (Hello, no-churn ice cream!) For anyone craving Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t pie, we have some Turkey Day recipe inspiration to offer that includes gluten-free and vegan recipes for the folks in your life with special dietary needs.

Chinese Five-Spice Cake

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For a festive flavor that goes beyond the usual apple or pumpkin pie, spice up your Thanksgiving dessert with a bit of ginger. This decedent Chinese five-spice cake from The Cozy Apron topped with ginger buttercream and candied ginger will invigorate your tastebuds after all of that turkey.

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins

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If you’re looking for an easy Thanksgiving dessert that isn’t pie, these pumpkin mini muffins from Averie Cooks are coated with sugar and cinnamon and packed with fall flavor. Actually, you don’t need to wait until dessert — they can be a sweet way to start your Thanksgiving morning! And they’re vegan.

Cranberry Sauce Cheesecake

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For a decadent Thanksgiving dessert that isn’t pie, put a twist on the classic cheesecake flavor profile with this winner of a recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron. It’s totally adaptable to your taste preferences when it comes to cranberry sauce, and the individual portions make serving a breeze.

Persimmon Winter Bundt Cake

Use a winter fruit that doesn't get a lot of love for your Thanksgiving dessert this year with this recipe from Boulder Locavore that isn't pie. It's got warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and allspice, and is covered in a sweet glaze.

Flourless Pumpkin Spice Cake

A gluten-free pumpkin spice cake is a Thanksgiving dessert that isn't pie — The View from Great Island

You can still get your pumpkin fix with this spice cake we spotted over at The View from Great Island. Not only is it gluten-free, but you can still serve it with ice cream or whipped cream, just like Thanksgiving pie!

Cranberry Crisp

If making homemade cranberry sauce isn't your jam, you may fare better with Gimme Some Oven's Cranberry Crisp. Tart cranberries are layered under a tasty butter-pecan oatmeal topping. Make it ahead of time so you can enjoy your day even more, and then surprise your family with this festive dessert that isn't pie.

Harvest Marble Chocolate Chip Cookies

Your cookie game just went to a whole new level with Two Sisters' Harvest Marble Chocolate Chip Cookies! Use your fave recipe and then divide the dough before coloring rich fall colors. Combine and bake for these eye-catching treats that are the perfect swap for pie.

Rice Krispie Treats Turkey

A rice crispy treat turkey with Reeses pieces is a fun Thanksgiving dessert that isn't pie — The Life Jolie

Officially the coolest dessert on this list, The Life Jolie's Rice Krispie Treats Turkey is a must! Made with the traditional recipe, this perfectly shaped turkey is easier to construct than it looks. Grab a friend, and craft this hilarious dessert right before the guests arrive.

Pumpkin Cream Puffs

Dust off your baking skills this year and whip up some of Rasa Malaysia's Pumpkin Cream Puffs! A light and airy choux puff pastry is filled with a sweet pumpkin cream that will have you enjoying dessert this Thanksgiving.

Harvest M&M Cookie Bars

We can't think of a better way to use M&M's seasonally-colored harvest blend, can you? Melissa from Number 2 Pencil uses them to whip up festive cookie bars that are chewy and perfectly sweet. Great for feeding a crowd, these cookies-turned-bars are just the change your Thanksgiving dessert needs this year!

Mini Pecan Pies

We know, we know, these are "technically" pie (but so are Whoopie Pies, and we've got those here, too). These mini pecan pies from Live Well Bake Often take the work out of dessert. Made in a muffin tin with a store-bought crust, these crispy desserts are perfect for little hands or handing out as guests leave.

Pumpkin Roll

You can whip up this Pumpkin Roll from Tastes Better from Scratch, and then freeze it before the big day. Canned pumpkin and cream cheese are just two of the delightful ingredients that come together in this dessert that's both creative and cute. Your treat will be the talk of the Thanksgiving dinner table!

Cranberry Chocolate Cream Tart

A cranberry tart with chocolate cookie crust is covered with mascarpone-flavored with cocoa, including a cranberry compote to top it off — Family Style Food

We’re drooling over this amazing tart from Family Style Food. The chocolate cookie crust is covered with mascarpone flavored with cocoa, including a cranberry compote to top it off.

Cinnamon Apple Crumble

Apple Crumble is a great Thanksgiving dessert that isn't pie — A Simple Palate

Keep it simple this Thanksgiving by making A Simple Palate’s tried-and-true apple crumble. It’s much quicker than making a pie, but it tastes just as good—especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Italian Apple Yogurt Cake

Take inspiration from Mangia Bedda, and whip up a pretty apple cake for your holiday table. The addition of yogurt makes the cake extra moist, and if the whole thing isn’t gobbled up on Thanksgiving, it’ll taste great the next morning with a cup of coffee.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Cupcakes

Gluten-free cupcakes topped with a brown sugar buttercream — A Table Full of Joy

Make sure there’s something for everyone on your dessert table with these gluten-free cupcakes from A Table Full of Joy. Topped with a brown sugar buttercream, they’re bound to be a hit with your whole crew.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Brownies

If you’ve got chocolate fans in your family, they’ll definitely fall in love with these fudgy brownies from Averie Cooks. They’re super quick to make and are topped with a yummy layer of pumpkin and chocolate chips.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Get inspired by Insolence & Wine to combine your love for chocolate and pumpkin into one delicious cookie. They’re topped off with a pretty pumpkin spice glaze—yum!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese

pumpkin bars are a good idea if you're looking for Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie — Oh My Goodness Chocolate Desserts

How cute are these pumpkin bars from Oh My Goodness Chocolate Desserts? We love the criss-cross pattern of cream cheese on top, and we’re happy to report that they taste as good as they look.

Cranberry Shortbread Bars

We’ve fallen in love with these cranberry shortbread bars from Food Doodles, and we’re pretty sure you’ll feel the same way too. Rich and tender shortbread pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry filling, and a crumble topping finishes it off.

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

A piece of vegan pumpkin cheesecake sits on a plate next to a fork — Coley Cooks

The vegans in your crew don’t need to miss out on dessert, thanks to Coley Cooks. With the help of cashews, dates, and coconut milk, it’s surprisingly easy to make this vegan pumpkin cheesecake.

Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars

An oatmeal, butterscotch and cheesecake dessert bar sits on a white napkin — Little B Cooks

This dessert bar recipe from Little B Cooks checks off lots of boxes. You get oatmeal, butterscotch, and cheesecake all in one dessert—and can please a lot of dessert lovers at once.

Acorn Cookies

Small acorn candies set out as a dessert for Thanksgiving that isn't pie — A Mom’s Impression

Little ones will go nuts for these cute acorn cookies. You’ll love that they don’t really involve baking and that the kids can even help assemble them with the how-to from A Mom’s Impression, which includes a bonus cupcake recipe, too!

Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Cake

Pumpkin Nutella Bread is a good Thanksgiving dessert that isn't pie — The Savvy Kitchen

Did somebody say Nutella? The Savvy Kitchen combines the sweet goodness of Nutella with the traditional spice of pumpkin for a cake that looks as good as it tastes.

Rice Krispie Turkey Drumsticks

This Thanksgiving, why not surprise the kids with a dessert that looks like dinner? These sweet drumsticks are totally creative and pretty easy to make, and you can get the how-to over at TGIF—This Grandma Is Fun.

Spiced Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Whoopie! These sweet cookies from The Chunky Chef are super easy to make and look impressive on any Thanksgiving table. And did we mention they're topped with a browned butter maple cinnamon frosting?

Gluten-Free & Vegan Maple Nut Cake

A piece of maple nut cake sits on a plate as a vegan, gluten-free treat for your guests with food restrictions — Fragrant Vanilla Cake

If you need to consider certain dietary restrictions at your Thanksgiving meal—but still want the wow factor when it comes to dessert—this maple nut cake from Fragrant Vanilla Cake might just be the answer.

Chocolate Brownie Turkey Tart

A sweet turkey tart is covered in M&Ms, which also sit in a bowl nearby, for a colorful fall treat that isn't pie — The First Year

If you have a box of brownie mix, then you're halfway to making this sweet turkey tart, courtesy of The First Year. The most important ingredient is M&Ms for decorating—and since you only need a few select colors, we won't tell if you snack on the blues and greens.

Cinnamon Frosted Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Pumpkin cookies sit on a cooling rack, soon to be offered as one of those Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie — The Baker Chick

These pumpkin spice cookies from The Baker Chick get bonus points because you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it until you need it. The same goes for the creamy spread on top. With just a few simple steps you've got a dessert that combines two classic fall flavors.

Football Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies

If your family considers Thanksgiving a big ol' football fest, then this recipe from Well Plated is perfect for your dessert spread. And with flavors like peanut butter and chocolate, it's sure to be a hit with mini-quarterbacks and grownups alike.

No-Churn Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

A scoop of homemade ice cream made with five different spices and pumpkin puree. — The View from Great Island

Who can resist a scoop of ice cream, especially when it's bursting with fall flavors? This homemade version from The View from Great Island includes five different spices and pumpkin puree. Best of all, you don't need an ice cream maker!

No-Bake Pumpkin Parfait

The oven is already going to be working overtime on Thanksgiving Day, so why not take advantage of these creamy, no-bake parfaits from The Cozy Apron? If you're worried about your fancy stemware, serve it up the kids' desserts in plastic cups. Either way, your guests will be impressed by your creative Thanksgiving dessert that isn't pie.

Pumpkin-Pecan Pie in a Jar

Jars of pumpkin and pecan desserts are topped with ice cream and ready to serve instead of a traditional pie at Thanksgiving dinner — Glorious Treats

Can't decide between pumpkin pie and pecan pie? There's no need, thanks to this dessert from Glorious Treats that combines the two. This treat is made for jars, which is perfect for saving or giving as gifts, too.

Skillet Apple Crisp

A bowl of maple apple crisp topped with ice cream makes a great alternative to pie for Thanksgiving dinner — Plated Cravings

Apple crisp is one of our favorite fall desserts, and this easy recipe from Plated Cravings is bound to be a Turkey Day win. It’s super quick to make and tastes amazing paired with whipped cream or ice cream.

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

For a super quick but impressive dessert, you’ve got to try this cake from Averie Cooks. With a boxed cake mix as its base, it comes together in no time and makes for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Pumpkin Crisp

This pumpkin crisp from Sara at Bitz & Giggles is not only delicious—it's also super simple to make. You probably already have the ingredients you need! Make it à la mode for an extra special Thanksgiving dessert that isn't pie.

Turkey Cookies

Maybe you have so much on your plate cooking the big meal that the idea of adding dessert to your to-do list is a tad too much. That's where Chelsea from Chelsea's Messy Apron comes in. These treats are not only no-bake, but they're also really creative. Recruit the kids to do them, and you have dessert and activities crossed off with one "recipe."

15 Awesome Slime Videos for Kids That Are Super Entertaining

by Erica LoopOctober 20, 2023

There’s even an edible recipe on our list!

It wiggles, jiggles, and entertains your kiddos endlessly. It’s slime—and your child can’t get enough of this ooey, gooey sensory material. From the basic building blocks and rad recipes to awesome explorations that glow, puff, fluff, and more, check out the slime videos for kids that your science-loving littles will watch constantly.

Super-Easy Slime

Is this your first time making slime? Don’t stress over the recipe. You don’t have to figure out ratios of ingredients or mixing times by yourself. Check out this easy peasy slime video tutorial from Courtney Wohl—for beginners!

Basic Slime with Add-Ins

WhatsUpMoms brings you a Borax-free slime recipe that you can add almost anything into. This slime seriously stretches and is completely easy to customize.

Giant Slime

Mary and Izzy of Life with Brothers have more glue than you could imagine. Watch and see what happens when these two creative kids mix every bottle and jug they have in arm’s reach.

Non-Toxic Slime

While your kiddos can’t eat this ooey-gooey recipe, it is safer to play with. Crazy Kool’s video recipe details the entire process, including the not-so-toxic materials you’ll need.

More Borax-Free Slime

If you don’t feel comfortable adding this cleaning product to your slime recipe, check out this pantry pick-packed option!

Mystery Wheel of Slime

Yes, this video is exactly what the name sounds like. EvanTube HD’s mystery wheel of slime challenge shows what happens when you add random ingredients to a favorite slime recipe. Along with plenty of glitter glue, this duo also mixes in cereal, popcorn, and more.

Make Slime in the Microwave

AmazingStuff’s microwave slime uses kitchen-friendly picks. This recipe is ideal for sensory explorations or concerns about slime safety.

Fluffy Slime

Gillian Bower’s Borax-packed slime is like a dreamy little cloud. This video can help you to make fluffy, puffy slime in a rainbow of colors. You can also learn how to make a textured fluffy slime that feels as amazingly awesome as it looks.

Glow-in-the-Dark Slime

Mister C from Learning Science Is Fun gives a detailed description of how to make glowing slime! This Borax recipe is an awesome exploration for older kids and tweens.

More Glowing Slime

Gross Science’s glow paint slime video can help older kids learn more about the science behind this type of rad recipe.

Let SIRI Pick the Slime

Karina and Ronald of Sis vs Bro let SIRI pick the ingredients for their latest batch of slime. While you might not want to dry the exact recipe in the clip, the SIRI challenge will give your kiddos the giggles!

Glitter Slime

Melissa Swigart’s glitter slime recipe can help you whip up batches of shining fun—and you’ll only need to use three ingredients. To find out what the big three mix-ins are, check out the YouTube tutorial.

The Wrong Milk

Is it milk or glue? This hilarious challenge from Life with Brothers gives Mary and Izzy choices that may, or may not, make their slime recipes better.

Unicorn Slime

Your littles are into everything unicorn. Don’t let the rainbow-filled fun stop now. Amy Locurto’s rainbow unicorn slime is everything your kids could imagine and so much more.

Blindfolded Slime Challenge

What would happen if your kiddos tried to mix a batch of slime blindfolded? In this hilarious clip, you’ll get an answer.

30 Ghoulishly Good Halloween Dinners That Kids Will Love

by Kate LowethOctober 14, 2023

From dinner in a pumpkin to creepy hot dog fingers, we’ve got tasty Halloween dinners that’ll satisfy your trick-or-treaters before they hit the candy trail

Before the inevitable sugar rush of trick-or-treating, we try (note: try) to fill our kids up with a somewhat nutritious dinner. These healthy Halloween dinner ideas combine our favorite things about the holiday (think charming jack-o’-lanterns, friendly ghosts, and spooky Halloween decorations) with ingredients that kids will actually eat. (Okay, yes, we also sometimes rely on these go-to pumpkin recipes and CrockPot recipes, too.)

Skeleton Charcuterie Board

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If everyone is too excited to sit down to eat, whip up a Halloween charcuterie board instead! We’ve even got a fun Halloween treat board for any upcoming parties.

Deviled Egg Spiders

Make these spider deviled eggs for your Halloween meal — Weelcious

Our friends over at Weelicious know what kids want to eat and it's definitely deviled egg spiders. A tiny bit creepy and super tasty, these are an easy addition to your Halloween festivities.

Jack O'Oranges

Five oranges that are "carved" to look like jack-o-lanterns is a fun Halloween dinner idea — HelloFresh

Another fun option from HelloFresh for when you’ve carved all the pumpkins and apples in sight. Get started on the citrus and scoop out the insides, but don’t throw them away! You could always blend them into a juice or smoothie. Then, carve eerie faces and overload the insides with berries, apples, kiwis, and whatever else you have on hand.

Pizza Mummies

Take the kid-favorite pizzas and mummify them for a fun Halloween dinner idea like these from Weelicious. Bonus: it's perfect for group gatherings when you want some single-serving options.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A jack-o-lantern cup is filled with pumpkin macaroni and cheese — Tara’s Multicultural Table

Pumpkin isn’t just for pie! Halloween is the perfect time to try out a savory pumpkin dish, and this one from Tara’s Multicultural Table is bound to be a hit. The pumpkin adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, and the whole Halloween dinner idea will take less than half an hour to make.

Mummy Dogs

Three hot dogs are wrapped up to look like mummies — Weelicious

Combine your two favorites—hot dogs and pizza dough—and you've got these too-cute-to-eat mummy dogs from Weelicious that make a perfect Halloween meal. You could even put the kids to work making these.

Creepy, Crawly Toasts

A bunch of pieces of toast that look like they have spiders on them is a creative Halloween dinner idea — HelloFresh

Ewwwwww spiders. But also, YUM. These creepy toasts are the creation of our friends over at HelloFresh and are made by slathering a layer of either goat cheese or cream cheese on thick slices of toasted French baguette. Then, one half a black olive is placed in the center of the body while four smaller slices are placed on either side as legs. Sprinkle with finely chopped basil, and you’re done!

Monster Burgers

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How cute is this pair? All you need to get your monsters started are olives and toothpicks. These would be super adorable as sliders as well! We are definitely adding this Halloween dinner idea to our October recipe rotation.

Skeleton Mushroom Pasta

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This brilliant Halloween dinner idea for a spooky pasta dinner has you carving little skeleton faces into your mushroom slices. Added to squid ink pasta, this Halloween dinner is scary good.

Halloween Shepard’s Pie

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We love this idea for a ghoulish shepherd’s pie from @rachplusfive—check out this YouTube video for more tips. This is a hearty meal to serve before the candy onslaught begins.

Goulish Fruit and Veggie Tray

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If this doesn’t get your kids to eat some fruit and veggies, we don’t know what will! This super cute veggie tray from @foodbites will have everyone snacking in no time.

Halloween Hot Dog Worms

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Do you think the kids will be creeped out by this spooky take on hot dogs? Head on over to Holley Grainger’s website for the full scoop. (Spoiler alert: You just need to cut thin strips of hot dogs and they will curl up when cooked).

Frankenstein Avocado Toast

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Up your avocado toast game with toasted seaweed, olives, and tomatoes for a creepy meal. This fun recipe from @veganchowdown is perfect to bust out for a Halloween dinner.

Pumpkin Soup in a Pumpkin

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You’ll want to eat all of your soups out of a pumpkin after you give this recipe from the Pioneer Woman a try. Serve it in a large pie pumpkin when you’ve got a group coming, or use mini ones so each kid gets one of their own.

Spooky Stuffed Peppers

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How cute are these stuffed peppers from Pinch of Parsley?! Filled with a Mexican-inspired mixture of ground beef, rice, salsa, and cheese, they’re a perfect healthy Halloween dinner to keep your kiddos going through a long night of trick-or-treating.

Mummy Sammies

Two sandwich kebabs are stacked to look like tall monsters for a Halloween dinner — Feel Good Foodie

Transform sandwiches into edible art with this fun idea from Feel Good Foodie. Topped off with a cute pair of candy eyes, these kabobs (along with three other suggested Halloween-y snacks!) are sure to make your kids smile.

Chicken Fingers

We’ve never seen chicken fingers quite like this before! These super crispy bites from Create Eat Happy are called karaage, aka Japanese fried chicken. With a bit of strategically placed ketchup, you’ve got a fun twist on (literal) chicken fingers that’ll be gobbled up in no time.

Halloween Pizza

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For a tasty meal that comes together in no time, spice up a frozen pizza with this fun idea from Chewable Structures. A few carefully placed veggies become spooky witches’ fingers—easy peasy!

Scary-Delicious Spinach Feta Pie

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What’s the best way to get kids to eat their greens? Add cheese to it and bake it in puff pastry! This spinach-feta pie from .@in_anastasias_kitchen is sure to be a hit with your whole crew, and it doesn’t hurt to get some veggies in before everybody pigs out on candy.

Spider Sammies

A grilled cheese sandwich is formed to look like spiders is a fun Halloween dinner idea — Rachel Cooks

Looking for the easiest Halloween dinner ever? Make these cute grilled cheese sandwiches from Rachel Cooks. With pretzel legs and dried cranberry eyes, they only take a couple of minutes longer to make than normal grilled cheese, and that’s a win in our book.

Spooky Soba

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This soba-centric idea from Bento Monsters is equal parts creativity, adorable details, and tastiness. Despite looking like a work of art, these Halloween dinner ideas are easy to make for your little monsters.

Candy Corn Quesadilla

Three chicken quesadillas that look like candy corn sit on black and orange plates for a Halloween themed dinner — Boulder Locavore

Candy for dinner? Well, not quite—but these quesadillas from Boulder Locavore do channel classic Halloween candy corn in a big way. The best part? There’s triple the cheesy goodness.

Related: 8 Frightfully Easy Halloween Cupcakes

Spirited Pizza

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Boo! We’re digging the ghostly genius of this pizza idea from Tastes Better From Scratch. It’s got gourmet impressiveness, and kid-friendly flavors, and can be made with a team effort from the whole family.

Spider Web Soup

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We want to award extra Halloween points to The Foodie and the Fix for coming up with a Halloween-themed dinner that has tons of fall flavor and a simple spider decoration (Hint: for your awesome webbing, it’s all about the coconut yogurt!).

Eyeball Pasta

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We guarantee giggles when you serve up this Halloween dinner idea from Boulder Locavore. The kids will get a kick out of “eyeballs” in their pasta—and you’ll love that it’s got a healthy twist.

Severed Fingers

We’ve got to hand it to Party Tipz for coming up with a truly creative way to serve up hot dogs on Halloween. Add ketchup for an extra “bloody” Halloween-themed dinner that little ghouls will love.

Pumpkin-Inspired Pizza Pockets

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Your kid crew will go gaga for these homemade pizza pockets from Dinner at the Zoo. They’re inspired by jack-o’-lanterns and are the perfect pepperoni addition to your Halloween-themed dinners.

Witchy Veggies

Vegetables arranged to look like a screaming witch as part of a Halloween themed dinner — Boulder Locavore

Need a magical way to get the kids to eat their veggies? How about this idea from Boulder Locavore, which involves arranging crudité edibles to look like a screaming witch? Now that’s what we call fun with food!

Skull Lasagna

Lasagna in a pan with a scary face on it for a Halloween dinner — Brick Star

Take your Halloween-themed dinners to a new level with this spooky lasagna from Brick Star. Your pint-sized chefs will love getting creative with the toppings—but they’ll love eating the cheesy result even more.

Goulish Pasta Salad

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Looking for an easy way to make Halloween a little healthier? Smile Sandwich has you covered with this festive and oh-so-cute pasta salad. The flavors are light and refreshing but the star of the show is the jack-o-lantern cucumber slices (Psst! Don’t like cucumber? Sub in zucchini instead!).

10 Day of the Dead Recipes for a Sweet Celebration

by Susie ForesmanOctober 1, 2023

Dia de los Muertos is a day to remember departed friends and family. Use these Day of the Dead recipes to celebrate!

After your kids have ridden the sugar high of Halloween night, take some time on Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to honor friends and family members who have passed away. The Mexican-originated holiday can spark interesting conversations about life and death. Feed your kiddo’s curiosity by making some Day of the Dead recipes, from traditional Mexican recipes to colorful sugar skull–inspired treats.

Atole de Pinole

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Try this delicious, classic Mexican drink! Atole de Pinole has flavors of cocoa, cinnamon, and vanilla mixed with ground corn. It’ll keep you warm on cold, fall days. Get the recipe here.

Dia de los Muertos Pancakes

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Try out these sugar skull pancake designs. It’ll put an artistic spin on your celebration.

Pan de Muerto

day of the dead recipes — Mangio da Sola

Make a batch of pan de muerto like this one from Mangio da Sola to celebrate the day. The “bone” decorations on top represent loved ones who have passed away. A simple sweet bread flavored with anise seed and orange, this is sure to be a win with the whole family.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Pair your pan de muerto with a comforting cup of Mexican hot chocolate, like this one from Onion Rings and Things. Rich bittersweet chocolate contrasts beautifully with black pepper to make a spicy but decadent treat.

Day of the Dead Cookies

These cute cookies from Girl versus Dough are a fun take on sugar skulls. The chocolate cinnamon cookies are delicious, and the kids will love helping decorate them with sprinkles and candies.

Tamales

Tamales are traditionally served for big celebrations like the Day of the Dead, Christmas, and Mexican Independence Day. Let the kiddos get involved in making this fantastic recipe from How to Feed a Loon. They definitely require time and patience, but the result will be well worth it.

Roasted Vegetable Sopa Azteca

Similar to tortilla soup, this dish from The Bojon Gourmet is made with lots of roasted veggies and topped with crispy tortilla strips. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and cheese, too.

White Chocolate Covered Strawberry Skulls

For an easy but delicious take on sugar skulls, try this recipe from Growing Up Bilingual. Candy markers make it a breeze to decorate the white chocolate strawberries. Sugar skulls are traditionally part of the ofrendas (offerings) made to deceased loved ones as part of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

Chicken Empanadas

Empanadas might sound tricky to make, but with a few shortcuts from Food Lovin’ Family they’ll be a breeze. Refrigerated pie crust cuts out a lot of the work, and you can let your mini sous chefs help fill the pockets with a chicken mixture and top them off with an egg wash.

Potato Peanut Butter Calavera Candy

These cute peanut butter candies from Presley’s Pantry will make the perfect Day of the Dead treat. The best part? They're made out of pantry staples that you probably have on hand.

12 Decadent DIY Hot Chocolate Bombs Kids Will Love

by Karly WoodOctober 1, 2023

Wondering how to make hot chocolate bombs? It’s easier than you think

One of the best things about the colder months is settling in with a cup of hot cocoa. Rather than waste your tastebuds on a packet of instant mix, why not whip up a batch of something sweeter? Hot chocolate bombs can be made into all sorts of shapes, sizes, and all sorts of flavors, and fillings. Basically, it’s the sweetest afternoon activity. If you’d rather go with a traditional cup of hot chocolate, try these unique recipes!

Milk Chocolate Hot Chocolate Bombs

Want to start with your basic, delicious hot chocolate bomb? Here's your recipe! It takes just three ingredients and a silicone mold to get your hot cocoa skills moving.

Get the entire recipe at Glue Sticks Blog.

Instant Pot Hot Cocoa Bombs

No need to buy an extra mold when you use this recipe that repurposes that silicone egg mold you have lying around! Grab your hot cocoa powder, marshmallows, and all the fixings you like in your hot chocolate and you have everything you need to make homemade cocoa bombs.

Find the full recipe at Cooking with Karli.

Unicorn Hot Chocolate Bombs

These magical treats are almost too pretty to eat. Using some creative icing decorations, unicorn hot cocoa bombs make the perfect treat at a little girl's party or as a gift!

Find all the details at A Magical Mess.

LEGO Man Hot Cocoa Bombs

Candy melts are the key to making your own LEGO man hot cocoa bombs. These sweet-tasting treats can be complimented with any number of fillings, especially tons of marshmallows!

Head to Mommy Musings for the complete recipe.

Pink Instant Pot Hot Chocolate Bombs

You can stop looking for a Valentine's Dessert recipe! This adorably pink hot cocoa bomb is kid-friendly, doesn't require sealing two halves together, and uses your Instant Pot!

Find the full recipe at Princess Pinky Girl.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Bombs

Warm spices to the rescue! This recipe pairs cinnamon and cayenne pepper which results in a creamy and warming feeling you'll drink right up.

Head to Julie Blanner for the full recipe.

Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate Bombs

Snickerdoodle lovers: you're gonna want this recipe. White chocolate, cinnamon, and sugar come together that will not only have you gulping down the entire mug but maybe dipping a cookie in, too.

Check out the recipe at The Denver Housewife.

Frozen Hot Cocoa Bombs

You won't want to let this recipe go. Frozen hot cocoa bombs are beautifully blue from candy melts that make the entire process a breeze. These are definitely Elsa-approved.

Find the whole recipe at Wondermom Wannabe.

White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs

Milk chocolate not your thing? This recipe combines white chocolate, almond bark, and peppermint candy to give that holiday feeling, all year long.

Find the recipe at Scrambled Chefs.

Lucky Charms Hot Chocolate Bomb

Well, aren't these the prettiest hot cocoa bombs ever? Made with bright Lucky Charms cereal, they make the perfect option for St. Patrick's Day!

Find the entire recipe at Hugs & Cookies XOXO.

Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Balls

Calling all PB lovers! This decadent dessert pairs the world's best creations: peanut butter and chocolate with a simple process using just your microwave.

Head to Everyday Family Cooking for all the instructions.

Cocoa Powder Hot Chocolate Bombs

Need a little extra kick of cocoa? This four-ingredient recipe is easy to whip up and store in the freezer! When you're having a chocolate craving, just pop in your mug!

Find all the details at Create Kids Club.

The Easiest Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer

by Erin LemAugust 23, 2023

This savory snack is perfect for the holiday season or anytime, really

If you’re looking for an appetizer or a snack-worthy finger food, try this recipe for ham and cheese puff pastry. Courtesy of The Clever Carrot, whipping this dish up is like making a sandwich, but filled with melted cheese and ham. The pre-made puff pastry dough makes the process quick and simple.

Makes 12-16 squares

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry:

1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted*
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ pound black forest ham, thinly sliced
½ pound Gruyère cheese, grated
1 egg
flour for dusting

*Defrost overnight in the fridge before you begin.
**Puff pastry sheets are available in the frozen section of most grocery stores. If you cannot find them, you can use a whole block of dough instead. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough and cut it into two sheets measuring approximately 10 x 12 inches (use a ruler if necessary). Transfer to a piece of parchment paper and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 F.

2. To make the egg wash, lightly beat an egg with 1 tbsp. of water. Set aside.

3. Place a piece of parchment paper onto your work surface and dust lightly with flour. Lay one sheet of puff pastry on top of the paper. Using the back of a teaspoon, brush the dough with mustard leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Use a ruler if necessary.

4. Staying within the border, add the sliced ham in overlapping layers. Add the cheese. Brush the border with some of the egg wash to create a seal.

5. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the filled pastry lining up the edges.
Using a sharp knife, trim the dough so that the edges line up and the square is even. It’s just like cutting the crust off of a sandwich. Make sure to cut the dough in a swift downward motion (think paper slicer). If you drag your knife, it will not rise properly. Press down lightly.

6. Brush the top with more egg wash and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet by lifting up the parchment paper.

7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes and cut into squares (about 12-16 depending how large you want them). Serve hot.

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Clever Carrot. For more great family recipe ideas, head on over to the blog by clicking here.

22 Super Easy Breakfasts for Hectic Mornings

by Abigail MatsumotoAugust 20, 2023

Yes, there’s an egg breakfast sandwich on the list

Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but that means nothing to your kiddo if they aren’t excited about eating it. And since we know how hectic mornings are for everyone, we found kid-approved, easy breakfast recipes you can make ahead of time. From overnight oats to super simple smoothies, these easy make-ahead breakfasts are sure to make the morning routine a little bit more palatable. Find your favorite here.

5-Ingredient Cereal Bars

These cereal bars from Weelicious are a snap to make with only five ingredients! We especially like that they can be thrown into lunch boxes as well as being a quick bite in the morning.

Banana Bread

Warm up a few slices of this yummy banana bread, slice up some fruit and you've got a great make-ahead breakfast meal. This recipe is a favorite with Red Tricycle's Editorial Director, get the how-to here.

Enchilada Breakfast Casserole

make ahead breakfast casserole — Food Fanatic

Made with chorizo or sausage, enchilada sauce, cheddar cheese, eggs and green bell peppers, you'll be hitting all the food groups with this Tex-Mex-inspired breakfast casserole. Make it the day or weekend before and you'll have plenty for the week! Grab the recipe from Food Fanatic here.

Breakfast Pasta

Pasta for breakfast?? You bet, with this recipe from The View from Great Island. Since noodles take on just about any flavor you want, go heavy on the bacon and eggs for an early morning meal. You can whip it up the night before and pop it into the microwave or in the oven on low before the kids get up.

Egg-cellent Breakfast Muffins

make ahead breakfast muffins — Dinner at the Zoo

Sick of scrambled eggs? Dinner at the Zoo has the solution. These cute little egg muffins are kind of like handheld omelets, and you can make a large batch and eat them all week long. You can even sneak some veggies into the mix!

Best Breakfast Burritos

make ahead breakfast burritos — Life Made Simple

Spice up your mornings with a truly tasty burrito. These wraps from Life Made Simple are easy to make and easy to customize for everyone in the fam. Did we mention they’re freezer-friendly and great for an on-the-go breakfast?

Pancakes, Please!

make ahead breakfast pancakes — Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

Looking for a better batter for your pancakes and waffles? This recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog uses unsweetened applesauce instead of a ton of butter. The result is super tasty and healthier than your average pancake, too. And your leftovers will freeze beautifully!

Kid-Friendly Croissants

Here’s the scoop on these pretty-as-a-picture sandwiches from Damn Delicious: they’re filling, delicious and totally microwavable! You can also customize the fillings to suit your kids’ fave flavors—but ham and cheese are always a classic.

Frozen Yogurt Pops

make ahead breakfast yogurt pops — Boulder Locavore

Think outside your usual yogurt cup and give this idea, courtesy of Boulder Locavore, a whirl. Sporting granola, Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, these breakfast popsicles are a great way to start the day—especially if it’s gonna be a hot one.

Cookies for Breakfast

Your little cookie monsters will be thrilled to have cookies for breakfast—and you’ll like that these cookies from Kristine's Kitchen Blog are actually an incognito healthy breakfast. They’re full of fresh carrots and apples, free of refined sugar, and freezer-friendly too!

Banana Chocolate Oats

If you haven’t yet jumped aboard the overnight oats bandwagon, we’ve saved you a seat with this recipe from My Fussy Eater. It’s full of natural antioxidants and nutrients—not to mention chocolatey-banana goodness. And the prep time? Five measly minutes.

Gluten-Free Waffles

Wahoo for waffles! These treats from The Minimalist Baker are gluten-free and freezer friendly. Whip ‘em up in a snap, and save them for those busy weekday mornings when all you can handle is a toaster breakfast.

Toaster Puff Pastry

Sure, it looks impressive, but this idea from Menu Musings is actually easy to pull off. Make it ahead of time, and then pop it into the toaster oven in the morning. Voila!

Homemade McMuffin

Give the Egg McMuffin a homemade twist with these breakfast sandwiches from Damn Delicious. Not only are they a make-ahead treat that can be frozen and then enjoyed on the fly, but they’re also easily customizable for tiny foodies.

Super Quick Smoothies

For an extra fast breakfast, stock these smoothie ice cubes from Simply Sophisticate in your freezer and pop them in the blender. You can even create different cubes to give everyone in the family their fave flavors.

Apple Pie in a Glass

Apple Pie Oatmeal Smoothie — The Stay at Home Chef

The kids will love this oat-filled smoothie from The Stay at Home Chef—it tastes like apple pie in a glass! The recipe keeps the sugar to a minimum, making it a healthy way to start the day.

Muffin Tin Meat Muffins

Taco Muffin Tin Eggs — The Cheerful Kitchen

We’ve seen a million twists on muffin tin eggs, but you’ll definitely want to try this one from The Cheerful Kitchen. With veggies, cheese and ground beef, it’s filling enough to keep little bellies satisfied until lunchtime.

Peanut Butter & Granola

This granola from Joy Food Sunshine is super easy to make and will make your mornings a breeze. You can serve it up as cereal, sprinkle it over yogurt with some berries or just gobble it up by the handful.

Berry Overnight Oats

This version of overnight oats from Sue Bee Homemaker is bursting with berries and adding a sprinkling of chia seeds ups the nutritional benefits even more.

Make-Ahead Breakfast Sammies

Skip the store-bought options and try out The Charming Detroiter’s genius make-ahead breakfast sandwiches instead. Your little foodies will have a new favorite breakfast.

Kiwi Raspberry Chia Pudding

kiwi and raspberry chia pudding — Seasonal Cravings

For an impressive breakfast totally worth the (night before) effort, you’ve got to try this recipe from Seasonal Cravings. With layers of kiwi, raspberry and chia pudding, it’s as healthy as it is eye-catching.

Best Breakfast Casserole

You can make this breakfast casserole from The Cookie Rookie on the weekend, and the leftovers will be just as tasty throughout the week. The dish is stuffed with kid-fave ingredients like ham, cheese, and crusty bread to start your day off on a delicious note.

19 High-Protein Meals for Picky Eaters

by Nikki WalshAugust 20, 2023

Fill them up with these tasty meals that aren’t chicken nuggets

Protein-packed meals and picky eaters don’t always go hand-in-hand. If your little one gags at anything but buttered noodles and you’re wondering where they’ll get their high-protein foods from, we have recipes and high-protein foods for picky eaters that kids will actually eat (especially if you adjust these ideas to their taste). From yummy breakfast shakes to easy dinner ideas, keep reading to find your new secret weapon.

High-Protein Breakfast Foods for Picky Eaters

Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake

peanut butter cup shake is a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Chelsea's Messy Apron

What kiddo says no to a peanut butter cup shake? None that we've met. This is a high-protein packed shake that's perfect for busy mornings, and especially for tweens who have a hard time eating breakfast. Get the recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron.

Soft Boiled Eggs and Soldiers

a soft-boiled egg is a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Eat Live Run

Soft-boiled eggs are ready in five minutes, and when paired with buttered sticks of toast (soldiers) which the kids can dunk in the runny yolk, they're as fun as they are convenient. Head to Eat Live Run for tips and tricks on how to boil the perfect egg.

Peanut Butter Waffles with Peanut Butter Syrup

Having waffles for breakfast? Skip the regular syrup and whip up this delicious peanut butter syrup for a perfect high-protein food for picky eaters. Plus add a double dose of protein with this scrumptious peanut butter waffle recipe written out at Creations by Kara.

Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Muffins

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Picky eaters will be so excited about the chocolate chip muffin aspect that they won’t even notice the protein powder you add to the mix. These are a great on-the-go breakfast option!

High-Protein Foods for Picky Eaters Perfect for Lunch

Pizzadillas

Simple, easy-to-make, and pleasing to pint-sized taste buds—pizzadillas. It's the perfect combo pizza, and quesadilla all wrapped up. Blair over at The Seasoned Mom serves this savory dish with dipping sauce.

Chicken Satay

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Skewered food often works for picky eaters, perhaps because there’s something of the lollipop about it. With this chicken satay dish from Eat Yourself Skinny, you get double the dose of protein from the chicken and the peanut sauce.

Power Protein Bowls

Choose-your-own-adventure meets the dinner table with this build-your-own-bowl idea from Liz's Healthy Table. All the choices are healthy with a choice of ready-to-eat teriyaki tofu, egg, edamame, bell pepper, and sugar snap peas. When kids get control over what goes on their plates, they might even be a little braver when tasting new foods.

High-Protein Meals for Picky Eaters to Add to Your Dinner Recipe Rotation

Healthy Chicken Meatballs

chicken meatballs are a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Yummy Toddler Food

Yummy Toddler Food knows the challenges of getting little ones to eat something that'll fill their bellies! This four-ingredient recipe for chicken meatballs will be a crowd-pleaser, and they're super easy to whip up. Get the recipe from Yummy Toddler Food.

Classic Carbonara

A classic carbonara has no cream and no heavy sauce because the eggs do all the work, making it both light and decadent at the same time. This recipe from Scrummy Lane gives lots of tips on how to make the perfect carbonara.

Teriyaki Pineapple Salmon

salmon is a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Unicorns in the Kitchen

Aloha! Little eaters love sweet foods. So serve up salmon with teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple. Even more, the meaty salmon texture tastes good in little mouths. Unicorns in the Kitchen gives us this easy 30-minute recipe that your half-pints will eat up (keep the pineapple for yourself!).

Homemade Hamburger Helper

If your picky eater is hankering for something savory then this 30-minute instant pot hamburger helper packs in the protein. Stir in cheese when this delicious dish is ready to get your little one to eat up. If you don't have an instant pot, go here for the stove-top version.

Sweet and Savory Chicken Stir Fry

Honey Garlic Chicken stir fry — Get Inspired Every Day

Putting veg on the side of a simple rice dish allows kids to know exactly what they're eating and sometimes a suspicious ingredient is all it takes for a point-blank refusal to eat. This stir-fry recipe from our archives is a mix of sweet and savory flavors that's easy to prepare—just mince the onion small or omit it altogether.

Chili Con Carne for Kids

Warm up your household with this mild chile con carne made just for kids. The best part besides the 18 grams of protein per serving is the four veggies in this delightful dish. Find the recipe at My Fussy Eater.

Orange Chicken

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Sweet and savory is always a good combo, and this orange chicken recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary fits the description. This is a high protein-packed meal we’re sure will make picky eaters will rejoice.

Simple Homemade Fish Sticks

homemade fish sticks are a good high-protein food for picky eaters — Super Healthy Kids

Little diners will get hooked on these crunchy fish sticks from Super Healthy Kids. You'll be glad to know the breading has a secret ingredient—flax seeds—so these fish sticks are not only high in protein, but the crunchy outside and mild softer inside make them easy to gobble up.

Homemade Spaghettios and Meatballs

A childhood favorite that's made up fresh? Sign us up! With 34 grams of protein per serving, this spaghetti and meatballs recipe from Shugary Sweets is perfect for picky eaters. She uses turkey meatballs to lighten up the dish. Add in a veggie, like carrots, with dipping sauce as a side dish.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

When kids can get creative with their food at the table, they start seeing it as something other than "yucky." This chicken taco filling is the starting point for dinnertime creativity—add in other taco toppings like cheese, fresh tomato, avocado and lettuce, and those picky eaters might just surprise you! Head to Dinner At The Zoo for the recipe.

Deconstructed Soba Noodle Soup

Don't let the picture put you off—plenty of picky eaters wouldn't go near a soup with the ingredients all mushed in together but Meredith at Feed Them Wisely says this delicious ginger coconut chicken soup can be deconstructed and all the ingredients served separately. While the soup option works for adults, kids get to taste the same flavors (and protein-packed soba noodles), just with a tweaked presentation—genius!

Butternut Squash Mac 'N' Cheese

Sneaking veggies into a mac and cheese is super tempting as a parent and this recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef contains butternut squash and extra protein from Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese. This take on an old favorite can be prepped ahead of time and either stored in the refrigerator or frozen until ready to bake.