Cooking For Kids

Cooking For Kids

25 Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes

Posted by Jenny Potter on October 24, 2016

It can be hard to please the palates of picky eaters or find a dinner the entire family will enjoy. From tasty tacos to easy waffle pizza, discover these kid-friendly favourites that your little ones will be begging you to make again and again.

  • Homemade Frozen Fish Sticks
     
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    Homemade Frozen Fish Sticks

    <p>Skip the freezer aisle and make your own fresh and crispy fish sticks so you can bake up a healthy dinner in just a few minutes.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/homemade-frozen-fish-sticks/18382/" target="_blank"><strong>Homemade Frozen Fish Sticks</strong></a></p>
  • Mini Whole Wheat Chicken Pot Pies
     
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    Mini Whole Wheat Chicken Pot Pies

    <p>These hand pies are the perfect grab-and-go freezer meal. Whip up a batch this weekend and stash in the freezer for healthy lunches and super-quick weeknight dinners.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mini-whole-wheat-chicken-pot-pies/18954/" target="_blank"><strong>Mini Whole Wheat Chicken Pot Pies</strong></a></p>
  • Waffle Maker Pizza
     
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    Waffle Maker Pizza

    <p>Pizza dough and your usual toppings are what you'll find in this fun and tasty recipe perfect for eating lunch or dinner on your lap. Start with store bought dough, cheese and customize your fillings to fit your family's favourite toppings.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/waffle-maker-pizza/18309/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Waffle Maker Pizza</strong></a></p>
  • Pizza Cones
     
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    Pizza Cones

    <p>Kids will love these savoury cones that wrap up all the flavours of their favourite dish in a hand-held dinner. Customize their cones with their favourite toppings to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/pizza-cones/18635/" target="_blank"><strong>Pizza Cones</strong></a></p>
  • Grilled Chicken Sticks with Plum Sauce
     
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    Grilled Chicken Sticks with Plum Sauce

    <p>Juicy pieces of grilled chicken are dipped and coated with homemade plum sauce made from sweet plum jam, tart lime juice and garlic for an unforgettable barbecue flavour perfect for an appetizer or main. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-chicken-sticks-with-plum-sauce/9210/" target="_blank">Matt Dunigan's Grilled Chicken Sticks with Plum Sauce</a></strong></p>
  • Grandma Mary's Perogies
     
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    Grandma Mary's Perogies

    <p>You can thank Eastern European immigrants for popularizing perogies across Canada. While this recipe, like every family recipe, is rife with tradition, the addition of cheddar cheese gives it a Canadian twist. Perogies are such a part of Canadian culinary history, they were honoured with a statue in Glendon, Alta.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/grandma-marys-perogies-with-potato-cheese-filling/16335/" target="_blank"><strong>Grandma Mary’s Perogies<strong></a></p>
  • Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese
     
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    Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese

    <p>Combine comforting, creamy mac and cheese with the addictive flavour of Buffalo wings, and you're got yourself a winning Sunday night meal the whole family will love.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/buffalo-chicken-mac-n-cheese/17915/" target="_blank"><strong>Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese</strong></a></p>
  • Easy Skinny Skillet Lasagna
     
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    Easy Skinny Skillet Lasagna

    <p>Forget thinking of lasagna as a day-long, multi-pot event and make it in a skillet. This bow-tie lasagna reheats beautifully, so you can spend more time enjoying the warm weather.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/easy-skinny-skillet-lasagna/17248/" target="_blank"><strong>Easy Skinny Skillet Lasagna</strong></a></p>
  • Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
     
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    Slow Cooker Pork Tacos

    <p>Pulled pork tacos pair well with buttery avocado, sweet mango and yogurt. It’s far healthier than takeout and just as easy.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-pork-tacos/17854/" target="_blank"><strong>Slow Cooker Pork Tacos</strong></a></p>
  • Crunchy Cereal Chicken Fingers
     
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    Crunchy Cereal Chicken Fingers

    <p>Use your favourite cereal to make a crispy coating for kid-approved chicken fingers. Coat the fingers then place on a tray and store in a freezer bag for up to one month.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crunchy-cereal-chicken-fingers/18529/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman’s Crunchy Cereal Chicken Fingers</strong></a></p>
  • Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas
     
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    Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

    <p>Red and green bell peppers spiced with cumin and chili powder gives these easy chicken quesadillas some tasty Southwestern flair.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/southwestern-chicken-quesadillas/13497/" target="_blank"><strong>Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas</strong></a></p>
  • The Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Carbonara
     
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    The Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Carbonara

    <p>Treat your noodles to a creamy, Parmesan-filled sauce paked with pieces of crispy, smoked pancetta in every bite. With only six pantry and freezer-friendly ingredients, this pasta dish will be your weeknight go-to.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-spaghetti-carbonara/18454/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Carbonara</strong></a></p>
  • Chicken Spaghetti
     
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    Chicken Spaghetti

    <p>Canned cream of mushroom soup becomes a creamy instant sauce that pulls this delicious <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/make-ahead-meals-freezer" rel="noopener" target="_blank">make-ahead casserole</a> together. With spaghetti, chicken and lots of sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is a real winner.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-spaghetti/15518/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti</strong></a></p>
  • Spaghetti-and-Meatballs Casserole
     
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    Spaghetti-and-Meatballs Casserole

    <p>A <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/cooking-with-kids/photos/kid-friendly-dinner-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kid-friendly dinner</a> casserole that makes the most of pasta night leftovers. Serve this spaghetti bake by the slice and throw in some leftover Italian sausage for extra flavour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spaghetti-and-meatballs-casserole/19098/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Spaghetti-and-Meatballs Casserole</strong></a></p>
  • The Pioneer Woman's Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad
     
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    The Pioneer Woman's Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad

    <p>Chock-full of tomatoes, cheddar, green onions and bacon, this creamy pasta salad can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/kid-friendly-pasta-salad/16010/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad</strong></a></p>
  • Giant Italian Meatballs
     
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    Giant Italian Meatballs

    <p>Little hands can help form the meatballs once the mixture is complete. The recipe makes four large meatballs or 40 small meatballs, so you’ll appreciate the extra help.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giant-italian-meatballs/15133/" target="_blank"><strong>Giant Italian Meatballs<strong></a>
  • Southern Sloppy Joe Sliders
     
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    Southern Sloppy Joe Sliders

    <p>For a quick-fix meal, whip up these tasty sloppy Joe sliders next time your kids (or you!) are craving something messy and satisfying.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/southern-sloppy-joe-sliders/17712/" target="_blank"><strong>Damaris Phillips' Southern Sloppy Joe Sliders</strong></a></p>
  • Chicken Nuggets
     
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    Chicken Nuggets

    <p>Simply seasoned with salt and pepper, these finger-lickin' good chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside with a tender and juicy centre.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-chicken-nuggets/16509/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Nuggets</strong></a></p>
  • Rigatoni with Chicken Thighs
     
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    Rigatoni with Chicken Thighs

    <p>Chopped chicken thighs are cooked in a sauce featuring garlic, onions, chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, served over large rigatoni noodles and finished with grated Parmesan cheese.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rigatoni-with-chicken-thighs/18159/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Rigatoni with Chicken Thighs</strong></a></p>
  • Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
     
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    Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

    <p>You don’t need noodles to make pasta night a success (<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/low-carb-weeknight-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here is more proof</a>). Swap in baked spaghetti squash for a fresh and seasonal take. Just top with sauce and meatballs, and enjoy!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spaghetti-squash-and-meatballs/18015/" target="_blank"><strong>Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs</strong></a></p>
  • Grilled Fish Tacos
     
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    Grilled Fish Tacos

    <p>If you're looking for a delicious way to spice up dinner, Bobby's crispy fish tacos topped with avocado relish, tomato crema and cabbage slaw are sure to do the trick.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-fish-tacos/16102/" target="_blank"><strong>Bobby Flay's Grilled Fish Tacos</strong></a></p>
  • Fast Not-Fried Rice
     
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    Fast Not-Fried Rice

    <p>Back away from the take-out menu! You can get a fake-out fried rice dinner on the table that cuts way back on the fat and sodium, but still tastes like the real thing. Top with a fried or poached egg, and a complete meal is served.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fast-not-fried-rice/12711/" target="_blank"><strong>Fast Not-Fried Rice</strong></a></p>
  • Sausage and Broccoli Pizza
     
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    Sausage and Broccoli Pizza

    <p>Broccoli finds a welcome home alongside fresh herbs, Italian sausage and Parmesan on this tasty homemade pizza. And don't toss those broccoli stems! Here are <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/blog/delicious-ways-with-broccoli-stems/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">five creative ways to use them</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/-sausage-and-broccoli-pizza/17005/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Sausage and Broccoli Pizza<strong></a></p>
  • Donair Kebabs
     
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    Donair Kebabs

    <p>If there’s one thing kids love more than food on a stick, it's dip! This colourful skewers filled with lettuce, pita, tomato and cubes of seasoned ground beef make snacking a fun affair. Opt out of the pearl onions for an onion-free meal and slice the tomatoes before skewering for little ones.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/donair-kebabs/18639/" target="_blank"><strong>Donair Kebabs</strong></a></p>
  • Tamale Pie
     
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    Tamale Pie

    <p> Corn, ground beef, beans and peppers are simmered together in a scrumptious mix of spices. The finished product is topped with a crispy masa crust that will have your guests asking for seconds.</p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/tamale-pie-/18531/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman’s Tamale Pie</strong></a></p>
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