Simple dishes you can cook with kids

Let children participate in cooking

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all sorts of snacks—these simple recipes are perfect for kids who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty in the kitchen. Adult supervision is mandatory, of course!

Kid-Friendly: Mini Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

These are perfect sandwiches for young cooks, and the flavors are sure to please both kids and adults. For younger children, have them measure out the vegetables. For older kids, help them stir the meat and assemble the sandwiches.

Kid-Friendly: Crispy Breakfast Tacos

Make a crispy breakfast of egg-filled tacos. Kids of all ages can help measure out the ingredients, and older ones can help make the scrambled eggs.

Cheeseburger flavored taco

Two kid- (and adult!) favorites in one dish. For younger kids, they can help tear the cheese and measure out the salsa. For older kids, let them shape and season the beef patties and shred the lettuce. Everyone can assemble their own tacos. The rich seasoning in the patties, plus the cast-iron skillet cooking method, ensures a crispy, delicious crust.

Waldorf Salad Boats

Kids will love this salad, which is so fun to assemble and eat. For kids of all ages, have them whisk the dressing and spoon it onto the lettuce leaves.

Pizza on skewers

This recipe turns pizza into grilled kebabs. For younger children, let them place the ingredients in a bowl and stir, then tear the basil leaves over the skewers. For older children, let them measure out the ingredients, roll out the dough, and thread the appetizer onto the skewers.

Kid-Friendly: Crispy Tofu Sticks

These tofu sticks are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with the sweet and savory sauce from the recipe or any other condiment you have on hand. Kids of all ages can help measure and bread the tofu (make sure they handle the wet and dry ingredients with different hands when breading).

Turkey, Cream Cheese, and Basil Rolls on Sticks

These colorful pinwheels can be made in the morning and stored in the refrigerator for a simple lunch or afternoon snack. For younger children, they can wash the lettuce and press it in the dehydrator. For older children, let them layer the ingredients and roll them into rolls.

Oatmeal Cookie Flavored Smoothie

This smoothie combines milk and cookies into one delicious treat, making it a perfect summer breakfast or afternoon snack. For younger kids, let them help press the buttons on the blender. (Blend for a full minute before adding ice to ensure the oatmeal-raisin mixture is as smooth as possible.) For older kids, let them measure the ingredients—a great way to teach them the difference between measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients.

Cheese fondue

This cheese fondue, whether as an appetizer or a main course, is a fun and dynamic recipe that kids can help with. Suitable for kids of all ages, have them grate the cheese and stir it into the simmering apple juice, as well as select and prepare the dipping ingredients.

Raspberry and Cream Cheese Brownie

Who doesn't love the classic chocolate and raspberry duo? Add a little sweetened cream cheese and you've got the perfect miniature brownies. Kids of all ages can measure, mix, and fill. For a bittersweet version for adults, try strawberry or orange jam.

Watermelon split

Cold watermelon slices covered in ice cream are the perfect dessert for a hot summer day. Young children can help mash the berries and sugar. Let older children help measure out the ingredients. Everyone can assemble the finished dessert together.

Toast with ricotta, blueberries and grapes

These cute toasts are easy to make. Kids of all ages can help measure out the ingredients and spread the ricotta on the bread. Older kids can help cut the grapes in half.

Making homemade bread with kids

Baking fresh bread with kids is chaos and fun, plus the wonderful smell of the kitchen. Kids of any age can measure out the ingredients and place them in a zip-lock bag. Let them take turns kneading the dough, and then practice their patience while they wait for the bread to rise, bake, and cool.

Portioned lasagna

This genius mini lasagna recipe uses an unexpected ingredient: ravioli! They fit perfectly into muffin tins and provide an extra helping of cheese. Little ones can help measure the ingredients, while older kids can make the sauce. Both kids and adults can help fill the tins.

Chocolate Marshmallow Mug Cakes

Kids will love these microwave-safe cupcakes, not oven-baked.

Chicken nuggets

Prepare the breading mixture in a plastic bag, then cut the chicken breasts into small pieces. Once the chicken is in the bag, have the children shake it to coat each piece.

Simple shaped shortbread cookies

What's this: black, white, and sweet all at once? Chocolate vanilla cookies! This is the perfect baking recipe for kids—they'll help you lay out and roll out the dough. Dip the cookies in a glass of cold milk.

Crispy Apple Stacks

As Ree says, this snack is "so fun to make and even more fun to eat." Core the apples and slice them into rings, then let the kids top each slice with peanut butter, granola, and cinnamon sugar. Once the slices are done, stack them and enjoy!