100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids: Kid-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal

As a parent, I’ve spent a good chunk of my life searching for kid-friendly recipes. There are three meals every single day and I need easy recipes for kids—that they will actually eat—for all of them. And while I don’t mind making toast for one kid while pouring a bowl of cereal for another, I’m only cooking one family dinner, which means easy kid-friendly dinner recipes are like gold.

You know where I find the best recipes? Right here. The kid-friendly recipes on Mommy Poppins are all parent-tested and kid-approved. These 100 kid-friendly recipes are the most popular, both among readers and our staff. So if you need to add to your repertoire with some new easy recipes for kids, look no further. All of these recipes, and so many more, can be found in our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

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Homemade Pop Tarts start every morning off right. Photo by Ally Noel

Sweet Breakfast Recipes & Treats

1. Homemade Pop Tarts

Pick your own flavors to encase in pastry for a yummy breakfast treat. These can be made with jam, Nutella, chocolate, or cinnamon sugar. 

2. Easy Apfelpfannkuchen (German Apple Pancake)

It's breakfast on its own, or dessert when served with whipped cream or ice cream! Dutch Babies are on our list of favorite apple recipes.

3. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

These pancakes are a clone of the ones from The Cheesecake Factory, and they are a huge favorite for breakfast. They're just one of the recipes in our roundup of tasty taste-alikes. 

4. Pumpkin Pancakes

The pre-Pumpkin Spice Latte crowd can get their fall fix with this orange breakfast treat.

5. Great Grandma's Monkey Bread

Cinnamon, sugar, refrigerated biscuits, and butter: this recipe we discovered for Mother's Day is easy enough for kids to make without mom!

6. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits with Honey Cinnamon Granola

Yogurt parfaits are already fun to assemble. Use homemade granola for an extra-creative treat.

7. Waffle Board

It starts with waffles, butter, and syrup—then add peanut butter, Nutella, blueberries, whipped cream, chocolate chips, pecans, honey, strawberries, and bananas for a choose-your-own-adventure breakfast or brunch.

8. Pumpkin Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping

Got a family that can't decide on their favorite fall fruit? Satisfy everyone with this crowd-pleasing muffin recipe.

Spinach Cake Muffins are so sweet, kids won't mind eating their greens. Photo by Meghan Rose

Savory Breakfast Recipe Standbys

9. Sheet Pan Breakfast for Dinner

This egg, hashbrown, and sausage dish works for breakfast or dinner.

10. Easy Skillet Breakfast Nachos

If you put eggs on it, it's breakfast, right? This healthy vegetarian dish makes a fun weekend breakfast treat.

11. Egg Waffles

Skip the batter and just put an egg straight onto the waffle maker! This recipe hack came to us from TikTok, and it's a hit with kids.

12. Breakfast Casserole

Make a whole batch of this casserole on Sunday to last the whole week.

13. Egg-in-a Hole

It's an egg and toast in one!

14. Spinach Cake Muffins

The ultimate in hiding veggies, these breakfast treats include applesauce and spinach for a light, sweet treat any time of day.

15. Crustless Quiche with Spinach and Eggs

This delicious gluten-free breakfast is perfect for Easter or any other special occasion. 

16. Hash Brown Egg Nests with Avocado

These cute breakfast packages are easy to grab on the go, as well as being tasty and filling.

Mexican Instant Pot Quinoa warms on a chilly night. Photo by Ally Noel

Meatless Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes

17. Mexican Instant Pot Quinoa

Are you the mom who loves to brag about your kids eating quinoa? Well, you will be, with this kid-pleaser.

18. Vegetarian or Chicken Fried Rice

Use this hack to dress up Trader's Joe's fried rice for a vegetarian dish, or add chicken strips to make it an omnivore-friendly meal. 

19. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese tastes best with lots of butter, but you can reduce the butter without reducing the flavor with this recipe.

20. Butternut Squash Mac 'n Cheese

Use your Instant Pot for this lightened-up family favorite.

Enjoy vegetable chow mein without all the added sodium of takeout. Photo courtesy of rhubarbarians.

21. Easy Vegetable Chow Mein

Introduce new veggies in a light sauce with noodles in this favorite vegetarian recipe.

22. Buddha Bowls

Everyone gets their favorite toppings with these hummus and veggie bowls.

23. Cowboy Caviar Stuffed Peppers

This vegetarian dinner can be put together in about 10 minutes with items from Trader Joe's.

24. Pumpkin Pasta

Add some fall color and flavor to your favorite shape of pasta with this savory/sweet recipe that hits the spot any time of year.

25. Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles

Low-carb and veggie-heavy, this recipe helps you cook non-soggy zoodles!

Beef stew is the perfect easy meal on a chilly evening. Photo courtesy of The Cozy Cook

Kid-Friendly Recipes for Soups and Stews

26. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Get cozy this fall or winter with this simple and filling recipe.

27. Trader Joe's Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup 

Pre-cut mirepoix cuts some of the chopping out of this recipe, making it a semi-quick meal for a weeknight that appeals to both kids and grown-ups.

28. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

A healthy, soothing favorite for kids and adults, the Instant Pot cuts down on prep time.

29. Alphabet Soup

Put aside the rule about not playing with your food for one night to let kids enjoy spelling their names in noodle letters!

30. Creamy Tomato Soup

This Panera copycat pairs perfectly with grilled cheese.

Turkey teriyaki meatballs mix up expectations deliciously. Photo by Ally Noel

Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

31. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Sweet and garlicky sauce lends kid-friendly flavors to this lean protein dinner.

32. Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan

Tender, fully cooked chicken breasts make this version of a classic a weekday favorite.

33. One Sheet Chicken and Potatoes

One of our favorite TikTok recipes, this recipe is delicious and there's virtually no clean-up.

34. Pesto Chicken Pizza

Use our favorite pizza dough recipe to make this surprisingly healthy and kid-pleasing pizza dish.

35. Chicken and Rice Patties

High-quality protein and healthy grains make a tasty alternative to a sandwich in this idea from our best lunches post: it's #96, so keep scrolling!

36. Chicken Taco Recipe

Season your chicken, then make a pico de gallo to complete these healthy tacos. 

37. Southwest Chicken in the Crock Pot

Dump four ingredients in the crock pot and turn it on. One hour before serving, shred the chicken and add the cheese. It doesn't get much simpler than that!

38. Warm Kale and Chicken Salad

Kale, spinach, or even Romaine would also work for this filling and fruit-laden salad from our favorite TikTok recipes.

39. Turkey Teriyaki Meatballs

Why should tomato sauce have all the fun? The turkey makes it healthy, the Instant Pot makes it fast.

40. Unbelievably Moist Turkey Meatloaf

Combining lean turkey with healthy mushrooms, this recipe is filling and hearty. It's one of our favorite meatloaf recipes.

French bread pizza is always a pleaser. Photo courtesy of favfamilyrecipes

Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes from Land and Sea

41. Sheet Pan Pork Loin Dinner

Pork loin, a bag of potatoes, a bag of beans, garlic butter. That's all there is to this genius dinner from our Trader Joe's favorites. 

42. Sausage with Gnocchi and Broccoli

Meat, carb, and veggie all cook together at once in this easy sheet pan dinner.

43. Roasted Lemon Basil Butter Salmon with Burst Tomatoes

This delicious fish dish is a crowd-pleaser for grown-ups and kids of all ages.

44. Ikea Swedish Meatballs

Want the meatballs without wandering through IKEA? We sussed out how to make a pretty tasty version.

45. Easy Taco Pizza

Combine two kid-favorite meals with this recipe from our list of quick and easy pizza recipes.

46. French Bread Pizza

There is a right and a wrong way to make crispy, cheesy, delicious French bread pizzas! This is the right way. 

47. Italian Wrap

Kids who don't love sandwiches might like this zesty tortilla wrap from our top lunch ideas post. 

48. Ham & Cheese Lunchbox Muffins

Leftover macaroni and cheese and ham bring a fun twist to lunch or dinner.

49. Shrimp Tacos

Whether it's Tuesday or not, seafood-loving kids will enjoy this simple and delicious taco recipe.

50. The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

This weeknight favorite gives families a hamburger taste without all the grease.

51. Ham Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

Use leftover ham, or just order a thick slice from the deli counter and dice it!

Nutella, mini marshmallows, raisins, and peanuts are among our favorite apple ring toppers. Photo by Audrey Trieschman

Scrumptious Snack Recipes

52. Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bites

This three-ingredient recipe is good for breakfast or a snack. They're gluten-free to boot.

53. After School Apple Rings

These choose-your-own-adventure snacks are great for incorporating both healthy and yummy elements, and easy enough for kids to make.

54. Easy Energy Balls

These no-bake vegan snacks can be made in lots of different flavors.

55. Pumpkin Hummus

Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free!

56. Grape Caterpillars

You don't have to be very hungry to devour one of these cute snacks.

57. Mickey Mouse Pretzels

It's easy to add a little Disney to your day with these salty or sweet snacks.

58. No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

These easy three-ingredient bars are from our list of favorite breakfast recipes, but they are also perfect morning or after-school snacks.

59. Make Your Own Granola Bars

Too much sugar in the store-bought bars? Make your own.

60. G.O.R.P.

This recipe from our top 100 lunch ideas can add protein and vitamins to your child's snack routine.

61. Apple Chip Nachos

Fruit and peanut butter create a healthy low-carb snack for your kids' lunchboxes at school or at home for an after-school snack.

62. Fairy Bread

This Australian treat is basically white bread slathered in butter and rolled in sprinkles. While this version (at #63) was one we tried for Halloween, you could make this for any holiday or just with favorite colors.

63. Apple Monster Mouths

Any snack is more fun when you add candy eyes to it! Slice apples and strawberries and use peanut butter as glue to make these whimsical crafty snacks. They're great for Halloween, but make kids smile as a surprise at any meal.

64. Fruit Cones

Make these fun snacks your own by combining your kids' favorite fruits into a salad. Then put it in a waffle cone.

65. Veggie Muffins

Who says muffins have to be sweet? These savory snacks pack some veggies for a perfect summer camp snack.

Martha Stewart's Sugar Cookies makes great holiday cookies or anytime treats. Photo by Meghan Rose

Easy Baking Recipes for Kids: Cookies

66. Snickerdoodle Apple Cookies

A fall favorite that combines apple and cinnamon, this recipe is one of our favorites.

67. Martha Stewart's Sugar Cookies

This one is from our list of favorite Christmas cookies, but who doesn't love a sugar cookie any time of year? Top with frosting for decorating fun.

68. Air Fryer Sugar Cookies

Got impatient kids? Make these cookies in your air fryer for a batch that will be out in just five minutes!

69. Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Freeze balls of Nutella and then wrap them in chocolate chip cookie dough for a treat that is as yummy as it is fun to make.

70. Traditional Scottish Shortbread

With just three ingredients and a pinch of salt, this recipe is easy to make and easy to love. No need to wait for Girl Scout cookie season, either.

71. Peppermint Meringues

This gluten-free seasonal favorite has just five ingredients and is easy and fun to whip up.

72. Rugelach

Choose from lots of different fillings for this traditional Jewish cookie for Hanukkah! It appears on our favorite holiday cookie list.

73. Pumpkin Brownies

Chocolate and pumpkin meet for this decadent dessert with just two ingredients!

Ice cream dessert boards turn any day into a celebration. Photo by Ally Noel

Frozen Fun Recipes

74. Red, White, and Blue Popsicles

These patriotic treats are great for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. Enjoy a popsicle without any high fructose corn syrup!

75. Disney Dole Whips

We found this recipe on Disney's blog and can't stop making it. It's a taste of Disney at home.

76. Orange Cream Popsicles

A little fruity and a little creamy, these fun treats are a hit for kids and for parents who remember going to Orange Julius at the mall.

77. Ice Cream Sundae Dessert Board

Forget the cheese board, this is the board that's a hit with the kid crowd.

78. Maple Sugar Snow Ice Cream

Don't eat the yellow snow! But you can eat white snow combined with cream and maple sugar in this delicious winter recipe. 

79. Frozen Hot Chocolate Pops

For a taste of winter in the summer, enjoy these frozen pops with creamy chocolate and marshmallows. 

80. Easy Homemade Ice Cream

We've come up with two ways to make a creamy frozen treat without an ice cream maker: Whether you choose the bag method or the jar technique, it's delicious.

Red velvet mug cake is ready in minutes. Literally. Photo Jody Mercier

More Easy Dessert Recipes for Kids

81. Peanut Butter Lasagna

Layer Nutter Butters with chocolate pudding and whipped cream for an easy no-bake dessert.

82. Key Lime Pie

Sweet, tart, and light green, this crowd-pleasing dessert requires no baking, making it perfect for kids to help make.

83. Strawberries and Cream Mug Cake

This satisfying treat is paleo-friendly and gluten-free, plus it includes delicious fresh fruit. Check it out on our list of favorite mug cakes. 

84. Hamburger Cupcakes

Kids too young to grill on Father's Day? Make him these adorable hamburger cupcakes instead.

85. Banana Split Lasagna

Layer upon layer of dessert goodness, this recipe combines graham crackers, cream cheese, whipped cream, pineapple, cherries, and of course, bananas.

86. Red Velvet Mug Cake

You can be eating this tasty treat in minutes!

87. Mermaid Confetti Mug Cake

Who doesn't love funfetti cake with a mermaid theme? You can make a single-serving portion for unexpected special occasions with this kid-pleaser.

Homemade butter is science and a tasty treat. Photo by Ally Noel

Crafty and Messy Dessert Recipes

88. Dirt Dessert

You don't need much time or a kitchen free of toddlers to make this classic and yummy Oreo and chocolate pudding dessert.

89. S'mores Skillet

So easy and fun! You don't even need to read the directions, just watch the TikTok video for a fast treat for the whole family.

90. Rock Candy

It's a science experiment and a recipe!

91. Eyeball Cake Pops

These fun and spooky treats are tween-pleasers, and that's saying a lot.

92. Homemade Butter

This is one of our most popular recipes ever.

Cheers with some sweet frozen drinks! Photo by Jody Mercier

Sweet Sips & Mocktails

93. Lime-Min-Ades 

While grown-ups muddle a pitcher of mojitos, kids can enjoy these sweet-tart citrus sippers.

94. Classic Shirley Temples

Who can forget their first kiddie cocktail at a family wedding? Re-create that experience for your own kids.

95. Frozen Hot Chocolates

It's like a homemade frappuccino!

96. Pumpkin Juice

This one is a favorite of Harry Potter fans the world over.

97. Hot Chocolate Bombs

Customize your own fillings for a surprising winter treat that doubles as a great gift.

98. Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

This healthy favorite breakfast drink also makes a great snack or treat with plenty of Vitamin C and protein.

99. Frozen Lemonade

Lemonade, ice, and ice cream make a dreamy sweet treat for a hot summer day.

100. Rainbow Smoothie

Celebrate Pride, St. Patrick's Day, or any day with this fun multi-colored beverage.