Have you ever been cooking dinner and thought to yourself, “What if my kid could help?” Not only would it distract them from their screens, but it might also unleash a culinary genius in them. Cooking can be a delightful adventure, even for the littlest chefs. Besides bonding over garlic and pasta, teaching kids to make easy dinner ideas boosts their confidence and piques their interest in healthy eating. So, grab the aprons and let’s whip up some tasty meals together.
Benefits Of Cooking With Kids
Cooking with kids isn’t just about making dinner: it opens up a world of benefits. It fosters creativity, enhances motor skills, and might even improve math skills through measuring ingredients. Think about it: when they count out the teaspoons of sugar, they’re practicing math without even realizing it. It’s a wonderful way to boost their confidence when they see a meal come together thanks to their efforts. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to show off their kitchen skills to their friends? These moments create lasting memories and teach them essential life skills they’ll carry into adulthood.
Simple Pasta Dishes
Pasta is a perennial favorite among kids, and it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Here are a couple of simple dinner ideas:
One-Pot Cheesy Pasta
In a single pot, boil pasta and add a couple of cheese slices in the last few minutes. Stir until melted. Voila. You have creamy, cheesy goodness. Kids will love helping with the stirring, and they’ll feel like mini chefs.
Sauce It Up
How about a simple marinara sauce? Let kids pour the canned tomatoes into a pot, and they can mash them for extra fun. Spice it up with some oregano and salt. By the time dinner is served, they’ll take pride in their creation, even if it started from a can.
Fun Sandwich Creations
Who said sandwiches have to be boring? Here are a few creative ideas:
Sandwich Faces
Using slices of bread, kids can spread cream cheese, peanut butter, or hummus on their bread. Then, let them decorate their creations with fruits and veggies. Cucumber slices can be eyes, strips of bell pepper can make lovely mouths, and maybe a grape or two for a nose. It’s edible art.
Roll-Ups
Tortillas can be fun. Kids can lay down deli meat, cheese, and their favorite veggies, then roll it all up tight. Slice into pinwheels for a fun presentation. It’s a colorful, nutritious bite everyone will enjoy.
Colorful Veggie Skewers
Veggie skewers are perfect for little hands to help with. This dinner idea makes eating vegetables fun:
Skewer Assembly
Kids can choose their favorite veggies, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers are great choices. Hand them a wooden skewer (with supervision.) and let them thread the veggies onto the stick. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning before grilling or roasting for a tasty side or main dish. Kids love the colorful variety and they might just eat more veggies, if they’ve made them.
Quick and Easy Tacos
Taco night is always a hit, and it’s super simple to set up. Here’s how to get the kids involved:
Taco Assembly Line
Prepare all the toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and taco meat (or beans if you want a vegetarian option). Allow kids to build their tacos as they like. This provides a hands-on way for them to customize their meal. Just be sure to have some napkins ready for the inevitable mess.
Creative Pizza Making
Everyone loves pizza, and that’s a fact. Here are two simple ways to make it:
Personal Pizzas
Using English muffins or pre-made dough, kids can spread pizza sauce and sprinkle cheese. Let them add toppings like pepperoni, olives, or diced peppers. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Build-Your-Own Pizza Party
Set up a pizza station with dough, sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Kids can create their masterpieces, learning to negotiate and share along the way. It’s a fun, interactive dinner that surely won’t end with leftovers.
Healthy Snacks and Sides
Dinner isn’t complete without sides. Here are some healthy but fun options kids can help prepare:
Fruit Salad
Kids will enjoy washing and chopping various fruits. Let them choose a mix of their favorites like berries, bananas, and apples. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate this healthy treat.
Yogurt Parfaits
Layers of yogurt, granola, and fruits in a cup make a delicious side. Kids can do the layering, and they’ll love digging in just as much as creating.