These kid-approved recipes turn everyday meals into stress-free moments. Easy to make and full of flavors kids love, they’re perfect for busy families who want happy plates without the hassle. Simple, tasty, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Sloppy Joe Casserole takes everything you love about the classic sandwich and turns it into an easy, baked comfort dish. It’s hearty, saucy, and cheesy—perfect for feeding a hungry family. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and zero mess make it a go-to weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Breakfast Hot Pockets

Four golden puff pastry breakfast pockets are stacked on a plate, one cut open to reveal a scrambled egg filling—an enjoyable, kid-friendly recipe perfect for mealtime. Two glasses of orange juice and berries sit in the background.
Breakfast Hot Pockets. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These homemade Breakfast Hot Pockets are a warm, satisfying grab-and-go meal. Stuffed with eggs, sausage, peppers, and cheese, they’re a fun upgrade from the frozen version. They freeze beautifully too, so you can have a delicious, hearty breakfast anytime.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Hot Pockets

Banana Protein Muffins

A batch of banana protein muffins on a counter.
Banana Protein Muffins. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These Banana Protein Muffins are soft, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Made with almond flour and a protein boost, they’re great for breakfast or a post-workout snack. Nutty, lightly sweet, and perfectly filling—you’ll want these on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Banana Protein Muffins

Ritz Cracker Chicken

A plate with ritz cracker coated chicken a green beans.
Ritz Cracker Chicken. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Crispy, buttery, and unbelievably easy, this Ritz Cracker Chicken is baked to golden perfection. With just five ingredients, it delivers big flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite. A simple comfort food classic that tastes like home.
Get the Recipe: Ritz Cracker Chicken

Pancake Sausage Bites

Wooden bowl of pancake sausage bites.
Pancake Sausage Bites. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These Pancake Sausage Bites are a fun and portable breakfast idea. Fluffy pancakes meet savory sausage for the ultimate sweet-and-salty combo. Perfect for meal prep, brunch, or busy mornings on the go.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Sausage Bites

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Slow Cooker Chili Mac combines two comfort food favorites into one hearty dish. Rich chili flavors mix with cheesy pasta for a warm, filling meal that practically cooks itself. It’s cozy, kid-friendly, and ideal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Coated Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Chocolate coated peanut butter ball on parchment paper.
Coated Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are the perfect mix of creamy, chewy, and chocolatey. Made with oatmeal for extra texture, they make a delicious snack or lunchbox treat. Sweet enough to feel like dessert but wholesome enough to enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Coated Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut Butter Cup Cakes

A tray of cupcakes topped with caramel and popcorn.
Peanut Butter Cup Cakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Caramel Icing are pure indulgence. Topped with Cracker Jack for crunch and nostalgia, they blend the flavors of peanuts, caramel, and popcorn in one bite. Fun, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress dessert lovers.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Cakes

Funfetti Pancakes

A stack of funfetti pancakes topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Funfetti Pancakes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Start your day with a burst of joy thanks to these Funfetti Pancakes! Fluffy and cake-like, they taste just like birthday cake in breakfast form. Top them with whipped cream and sprinkles for a cheerful morning treat.
Get the Recipe: Funfetti Pancakes

Gluten Free Banana Bars

Overhead image of a batch of freshly baked gluten free banana bars.
Gluten Free Banana Bars. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These Gluten Free Banana Bars are sweet, soft, and studded with dark chocolate chips. Made with almond flour, they’re wholesome enough for breakfast yet delicious enough for dessert. A quick, satisfying treat you’ll love any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Banana Bars

Dragon fruit smoothie bowl

A smoothie bowl topped with sliced strawberries, bananas, dragon fruit, and coconut flakes is placed on a yellow napkin beside a spoon—an enjoyable option perfect for kid-friendly recipes at mealtime.
Dragon fruit smoothie bowl. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Bright, refreshing, and full of tropical flavor, this Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl is a vibrant way to start the day. Packed with 28 grams of protein, it’s as nourishing as it is beautiful. Customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings for a bowl that always feels fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Dragon fruit smoothie bowl

Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

Blueberry muffin on a wooden serving board.
Blueberry Yogurt Muffins. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These Blueberry Yogurt Muffins come out perfectly moist and bursting with juicy berries. Yogurt keeps them tender and flavorful, while a hint of sweetness makes them irresistible. A classic homemade muffin that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

Bacon Waffles with Chocolate Chips

Up close waffle, showing the detail of the bacon.
Bacon Waffles with Chocolate Chips. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These Bacon Waffles with Chocolate Chips are the best of both worlds—sweet, salty, and wonderfully crispy. Perfect for brunch or breakfast, they combine smoky bacon with melty chocolate in every bite. Add a drizzle of syrup for pure comfort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Waffles with Chocolate Chips

Potato Chip Chicken

Chicken crusted with potato chips on a plate with broccoli.
Potato Chip Chicken. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Potato Chip Chicken is crispy, juicy, and unbelievably easy to make. The crushed chips create a golden crust that stays crunchy even after baking. It’s a fun twist on fried chicken with all the flavor and none of the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Potato Chip Chicken

Almond Milk Pancakes

Almond milk pancakes on a plate.
Almond Milk Pancakes. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

These Almond Milk Pancakes are light, fluffy, and completely dairy-free. Perfect for brunch or family breakfasts, they pair beautifully with berries, chocolate chips, or syrup. A simple, satisfying recipe everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Almond Milk Pancakes

Spaghetti Casserole

A red dish of spaghetti casserole with a fork in it, to the side.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food at its finest. Creamy, cheesy, and rich with savory sauce, it’s a baked pasta dish everyone will love. Easy to make and perfect for leftovers, it’s a family favorite in the making.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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