Are you looking for ways to involve your kids in the kitchen?

We’ve got some fun recipes for kids to make that even toddlers can try! 

The first time you make these recipes, you can demonstrate and work alongside your child. Then, as they grow in confidence, you can even write out the recipe on an index card and let them try making it alone. 

Tips for Cooking with Kids:

Before you dive in, here are a few tips to make the most of cooking with your little one:

• Use a kitchen helper tower so your child can easily (and safely!) reach the countertops.
• Get a wooden knife that’s safe for children to use. Also, use these tips to teach your child to use a knife in just 3 easy steps!
• Involve your child in the kitchen as much as possible so that they grow more and more confident in their cooking skills.
• Encourage your child’s efforts with phrases such as, “You did it!” or “I see how hard you’re working!”
• Make it fun! Turn on some music while cooking if you’d like.   
• Teach your child basic clean-up as you cook. Show your child how to use a kitchen cloth, dustpan, and broom. Also, make sure these items are easy for your child to reach on a low shelf.
• Provide some dishes and utensils that your child can use in a low cabinet or drawer. That way, it will be easier for them to access these items while cooking.

Healthy Recipes for Kids to Make: 3 Fun, Fruity Recipes

Are you ready to cook? Here are a few healthy recipes for kids to make.

Kid Friendly Recipe 1: Fruit Parfait

This fun recipe is easy, fun, and delicious! Children make use of their fine motor skills when spooning and chopping. 

Ingredients:

• Yogurt
• Granola
• Berries: strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries (you may substitute with other fruits)
• Short, fat, transparent glasses

Instructions:

1. Prepare the berries. Chop the strawberries into small pieces. 
2. Spoon a layer of yogurt (about 1 inch) into the glass. Add berries on top. Then, add a layer of granola. Repeat the layers. 
3. Enjoy the beautiful and tasty treat!

Kid Friendly Recipe 2: Fresh Fruit Fondue

This scrumptious fruity recipe is fun to make and even more fun to eat! In this recipe, children can help wash and prepare the fruit, chop the fruit, stir the yogurt, and eat.

Ingredients: 

• 1 banana
• 1 quart of strawberries
• Blueberries
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Toothpicks or kabob sticks

Instructions: 

1. Wash the strawberries and blueberries.
2. Show your child how to carefully cut off the strawberry tops and place them in a bowl.
3. Invite your child to peel the banana and cut it into large chunks and put them in a bowl.
4. Put the blueberries in the bowl.
5. Add about 1 tablespoon of honey (or to taste) into the yogurt. Invite your child to stir it in. (Optional: Divide the yogurt into small bowls for each person being served. Also, add a half teaspoon of vanilla to the yogurt if desired.)
6. Invite your child to use a toothpick or kabob stick to spear a piece of fruit and dip it into the yogurt before eating it. 

 Enjoy!

Kid Friendly Recipe 3: Tortilla Roll-Ups

This kids recipe is versatile. Whether your little one wants a savory or sweet version, tortilla roll-ups are tasty. Most importantly, kids will love making this quick and easy recipe.

Ingredients:

• Flour tortillas
• Fillings such as: refried black beans and sour cream, ham and cheese, cream cheese and jelly, peanut butter and jelly, etc.
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Heat the tortilla if you'd like.
2. Invite your child to spread the ingredients onto the tortilla.
3. Show your child how to roll up the tortilla. Add about 5 toothpicks throughout the tortilla to hold the roll together.
4. Cut the tortilla roll into pieces between the toothpicks, creating little pinwheels.
5. Place the tortilla rolls on a plate. Enjoy!

This recipe comes together in 15 minutes or less, making for a great kid friendly dinner or snack.

Making Kids Recipes Part of Your Routine

Cooking kids recipes with your child brings many benefits. Not only will your child gain many important skills, but you'll enjoy special bonding time together.

As your child gains skills, they can try other kid friendly recipes such as grilled cheese, sloppy joes, or scrambled eggs. Be sure to supervise your child when using the stove or perform that part of the recipe yourself.

Healthy recipes for kids can also include baking. Try making oatmeal muffins, banana bread, or rolls. Kids love molding bread dough into different shapes such as animals.

Traditional dinner ideas for kids such as mac and cheese, chicken pot pies, or breaded chicken breasts with sweet potato fries are also great. In these cases, your kids can still help with sides. For example, have your child help make a fruit salad, veggie board, or biscuits.

We hope you enjoy these fun, healthy recipes for kids to make! 

Do you have another favorite recipe your child can make easily? Share it with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you.