If you’ve got a picky eater at your table, chances are there’s been more than one occasion when you’ve let them eat something—anything—just to fill their tummies. If getting some veggies and protein involved seems more like a pipe dream, check out these recipes for picky eaters that just might get your kids to move beyond the buttered noodles.
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Fish Tacos
If you’re trying to get more fish into your picky eaters’ diets, these Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos from Carlsbad Cravings are fun to eat and full of flavor. Keep them simple with just cabbage and lime.
Hidden Veggie Quesadillas
Upgrade those plain cheese quesadillas with butternut squash puree. It’s the same color as the cheese (a.k.a. easily camouflaged) and chock-full of vitamins and other healthy perks. Feeling extra adventurous? Try the Cilantro Lime Cream. Get the recipe from A Mind “Full” Mom.
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, sure to delight picky eaters, is from Scrummy Lane and gives a lot of tips on how to make the perfect carbonara.
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Wings
Three ingredients and a few hours in a Crock Pot and bam! Now you have killer BBQ chicken wings to feed the masses, all thanks to this recipe from Intelligent Domestications. Plus the kids will get a kick out of the “secret ingredient” sure to intrigue any picky eater. Check out their other Crock Pot recipes that require only a few ingredients.
Mac n' Cheese, Please
Let’s face it, “mac and cheese” are like magic words in Kid World. That’s why we like how this recipe takes a kid favorite and makes a few healthy additions. Broccoli smothered in cheese and pasta can open the gates for even picky eaters—but if your tots just can’t go green, you can always sub in cauliflower instead. Get the recipe from My Fussy Eater.
Sweet Potato Wraps
We’re always on the hunt for healthy snacks that the little ones will actually eat, and these sweet potato wraps from Lemons & Basil get the toddler seal of approval. You can fill them up with butter, cheese or peanut butter for a perfectly balanced snack.
Multitasking Meatballs
Just think of these meatballs from Kitchen Sanctuary as the secret agents of your dinner table. In addition to a veggie-full sauce, this recipe for picky eaters has a hidden dose of zucchini, onion, and mushrooms. Add it all up and your family will have a favorite new meal that’s actually healthy comfort food.
Related: How to Get Picky Eaters to Eat, According to a Food Blogger
So Good Smoothie
Psst! Can you keep a secret? This pretty smoothie from Simple Roots Wellness has a lot of berry flavor and a superstar veggie ingredient: cauliflower! Once blended, kids will never know about this sweet treat's mystery ingredient—it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This delicious homemade chicken noodle soup is a win for everyone, including picky eaters. You can't go wrong with this recipe from Jennifer Tyler Lee.
Eat & Repeat: One Pot Pasta
If your picky eater’s go-to request is always pasta, why not make the most of it? This recipe for picky eaters sneaks in a few mushrooms but won’t overwhelm kids with unfamiliar flavors. Best of all, you’ll only need one pot for the whole shebang! Get the recipe here.
Irresistible Carrot Fries
Do you want fries with that? When it comes to these carrot fries (which are crunchy, cheesy, and baked, not fried) the answer is always yes! They’re a fun way to get kids excited about carrots and a snap to make, too. Get the recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary.
Your Go-To Stir Fry
Thank goodness for stir fry! This Honey Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry not only features a good amount of broccoli, it also has sweet and savory flavors that are better than any take-out options. And did we mention it only takes 30 minutes to make? Get the recipe from Get Inspired Everyday.
Related: 15 Trader Joe’s Products Even Picky Eaters Will Love
Baked Rollups
Roll up some ham and cheese for a dinner that will have the little ones forgetting about their pre-boxed meat, cheese and crackers (you know which ones we're talking about). You and your kids can whip up this recipe from It's Peachy Keen in less than 20 minutes for a fun, fingers-only meal.
Apple Juice Chicken
You know that stockpile of juice boxes your family has been collecting? This sweet recipe from Oatmeal With a Fork, puts them to good use! The juice chicken is flavorful and easy to make—and we’re willing to bet it’ll be a hit with picky kids and grown-ups alike.
Easy Pizza Casserole
How yummy does this pizza casserole look? Any picky person will love this twist on the classic meat lover's pizza from Bitz & Giggles -- it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Berry Smoothie
This berry smoothie recipe from Kristine's Kitchen Blog is a great way for picky kids to have more veggies and have no clue about it! The sweet smoothie will be gone before they even realize they are consuming healthy greens.
Related: High-Protein Meals Picky Eaters Will Love (Promise!)
Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup from Gimme Some Oven is a tasty recipe that anyone will enjoy when they are having those comfort food cravings. This recipe can be made traditional or plant-based, and if you happen to have any leftover soup-friendly greens in your crisper, feel free to throw them in, too.
Dessert Pizza
Even the pickiest of eaters' ears will perk up when they hear the words "dessert" and "pizza" used in the same sentence. You don't have to mention that it's made with light, healthy ingredients like fresh fruit and Greek yogurt —all they'll notice is the taste. This no-bake chilled dessert pizza recipe from Dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade can also stand in for a quick, pretty breakfast.
