Of course, kids can help out in the kitchen with pretty much anything you're making, but these recipes are particularly well-suited for kids who are ready to try out cooking more independently. You might find that your kids eat a wider variety of food when they have prepared it! If they enjoy their time in the kitchen, consider cooking kits for kids to help them continue to grow their culinary skills.
What easy kids recipes do your kids like to make on their own? Add them below!
Refrigerator Pickles
Kelly R: These pickles are one of my favorite easy recipes for children to help with because there is lots of measuring and dumping to be done - my kids' favorite part of cooking! They also like to stuff all of the various ingredients into the jars. I handle pouring in the hot brine, but this is a task that can be done by older kids, too. From Our Best Bites
Favorite Overnight Oats
Kelly R: My kids love to help make this overnight recipe, and I love that I have more control over the ingredients than I do with prepackaged oatmeal options. On Sunday afternoon we'll fill individual glass jelly jars with the ingredients, shake them up, and chill them overnight in the fridge. With minimal effort, we have a nice supply of healthy and easy breakfasts for the first few mornings of the week. From 100 Days of Real Food
Bean and Cheese Quesadilla
Erin P.: I just tried this out with my son tonight, and we were able to bypass our daily struggles over dinner as the little chef proudly (and without a single complaint) ate his creation! Pretty quick and easy recipe for kids to make. My four-year old was able to do most of the prep work which gave him a little more skin in the game. From Food.com
Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Kristy Pepping: If your kids are like mine, eating certain veggies can be a struggle. Not these in our house! Make anything look like a french fry and they are in! Plus, these require mixing a few ingredients in a bowl which is simple enough even for younger kids to take charge. From Damn Delicious
Bacon and Cheese Quiche
Shila: Quiche is one of my go-to easy recipes for children to make! Beat eggs together, pour the mixture into a store bought frozen pie crust, & bake it in an oven! The variations are endless. You can add bacon, cheese, sausage, veggies, etc. Or, like our family, you can just eat it plain. Kids love cracking the eggs & stirring the bowl. I love fast & easy help with little mess, and a hearty breakfast idea! From Pillsbury
Simple Rustic Loaf
Lisa R: This is the simplest bread recipe I've found for making with my daughter. It's fun to watch the yeast bubble and the dough is nice and soft for little hands to knead. Each step only takes a few minutes to complete. Best of all, it's the perfect size shape for adding a stenciled design with flour, which can be as simple as sprinkling flour over a couple of geometric shapes that kids cut from paper. Place the shapes or a stencil on top of the loaf and sprinkle with extra flour just before baking. Remove the paper before putting the loaf in the oven. From King Arthur Flour
French Bread Pizzas
Kristy Pepping: Pizza is one of the best easy recipes for children to make! Using French bread instead of fresh dough makes it possible for kids to make pizza virtually on their own. It's fun for them to top it with whatever they like, and this is a great way to try new veggies. From The Pioneer Woman
Tuna Chip Casserole
Alexandra F.: This hearty (if not especially healthy!) meal is a favorite in our house, and so easy even the kids will often make it. Simply mix together a can of tuna, a can of cream of potato soup, 1/2 cup of milk, a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tsp of dried onion in a bowl. Then layer about 1.5 cups of crushed potato chips in a microwave-safe casserole dish, followed by the tuna mix, followed by another 1.5 cups of crushed potato chips. Microwave for about six minutes and dinner is served!
Scrambled Eggs
Katie G.: My 13yo recently started making his own eggs. He makes them any time of day when he needs a quick, easy, high protein snack. He was very proud of himself after he discovered how easy they are to make. Now if I can just get him to clean the dishes afterwards. From The Cozy Cook
Quick Creamy Artichoke Dip
Shila: This dip recipe is great for family movie nights, parties, sleepovers, etc. It's also a clever way to introduce artichokes, as they're paired with your favorite crackers. Kids can whip up this fancy appetizer on their own. From Spend With Pennies
Banana Bread
Alexandra F.: My 4-year-old and I make this super simple banana bread recipe together at least a couple of times a month and it is easy enough that he can help out with most of the steps. It's just a lot of measuring, dumping and stirring into a single bowl, and while things sometimes get a little messy, the bread itself always turns out great! It's a perfect recipe for making any substitutions you might need for food allergies or intolerances, too. We often make it as an egg-free, dairy-free and gluten-free treat, and it is just as delicious as the original recipe! From Key Ingredient
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