Getting a toddler to eat dinner can feel like you are trying to feed a mini food critic. I’ve received both rejections for my “favorites meals” and standing ovations for peas and ketchup. Most families choose food that is simple to chew, not overly spicy, and something the adults will enjoy. Below are 38 dinner ideas that add some fun for the grown-ups too.
1) Buttered Pasta
I’ll admit that I’m not above using buttered pasta as a meal option, and I’m not ashamed in the slightest. If you chop the veggies small enough, they won’t even be considered “vegetables” anymore, and kids will be more inclined to eat them as they will blend in with the noodles instead of getting pushed to the side. Certainly, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan would enhance the dish even more. If you think your child will be suspicious, serve the veggies on the side and “mix” them in at a later point.
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2) Turkey Meatballs
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3) Mini Quesadillas
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5) Scrambled Eggs And Toast
6) Mac And Cheese
8) Chicken And Rice
9) Pasta With Marinara
10) Salmon Cakes
11) Sweet Potato Nachos
12) Mini Pita Pizzas
As small as they may be, mini pizzas on pitas can be a real morale booster for the whole family.
You can assemble the most basic toppings, which kids love: cheese and sauce. Bake until the cheese has melted and the edges begin to crisp. For an adventurous option, you can make a ‘grown-up slice’ with mushrooms. Just be ready for it to be yours.
13) Beef Rice Bowls
My ground beef is simple because it’s already in kid-friendly chunks. I cook a small zucchini and carrot, dicing them until they are soft, and mixing them so it doesn’t look like a questionable piece. I serve it over rice so they can scoop the whole bowl up. If your child likes ketchup, this is one time I’ll not argue.
14) Baked Potato Bar
Baked potatoes are great blank canvases for customizable toppings. Include some butter and a little cheese. Broccoli and mild chili are available as toppings for the rest of the group to add (or not). For toddlers, I recommend mashing the insides a little so it is easier to eat. I once saw a kid eat a plain potato for 10 minutes. It was eerily silent, and he wore a look of pure happiness. They are just like a little monk.
15) Peanut Noodles
If your toddler likes gentle, mildly sweet flavors, these could be a big win. For the sauce, it’s easy: just some peanut butter, a bit of warm water, a splash of soy sauce, and maybe honey if there are older kids. Use short noodles or cut long noodles so that they don’t slide around. Allergy note: in a pinch it works well.
Chicken Alfredo
I’m not trying to start a controversy with Italy here; it’s weeknight survival. Spoon a little unflavored Greek yogurt into your sauce after it’s warmed (but not boiling) to get a creamy texture (without a ton of heavy cream). It is warm, soft, and tends to go away quickly. Add some finely diced chicken and peas if your household is okay with peas.
17) Veggie Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of my favorite ways to make a real dinner out of leftovers without anyone realizing what I’m doing. Rice that is a day old is ideal, however, for fresh rice, just let it steam a little before using. Kutt opp og myk opp grønnsakene. For toddlers, go easy on the soy sauce; you can add more at the table for adults.
18) Chicken Curry
This is up to the child, but the coconut milk may help tone down the flavors in a way that is more approachable. Maintain a low level of spice/heat. Instead of hot, think warm, mellow and fragrant. All the ingredients should be able to become tender and spoonable, so carrots, chicken, and potatoes ought to be simmered together. If your toddler refuses to eat this, don’t be disheartened. You’ve made excellent food for leftovers.
**19) Cheeseburger Sliders**
Sliders can be less intimidating than regular sized burgers, and keeping toppings simple is always an option. Some toddlers consider the difference between eating, and protesting, to be whether you serve the bun, patty and cheese, deconstructed. Be sure to fully cook the patty while preserving juiciness. A small amount of ketchup on the side might just do the trick.
20) Broccoli Cheddar Rice
If your child usually doesn’t eat broccoli, try cutting it into smaller pieces, and cook it until it is soft and no longer crunchy. The entire pot will smell enticing when you stir in the cheese. This is a good dinner for the “I don’t think I can wash another pot” type of night. I can’t even count how many times I’ve eaten it standing up at the counter.
21) Buttered Tortellini
For a grown-up’s perspective, it is little effort, while to a toddler, cheese tortellini is fancy. The sauce is really simple here, it’s just butter, parmesan, and maybe a touch of pasta water to help it coat. If you want to add something green to the table, you can serve cucumbers or peas as a side dish. The faster I cook something, the better, and this recipe is no exception!
22) Snack Plate Dinner
Some evenings, a toddler favors autonomy over novelty. A snack plate allows them to snack without having to make a large commitment to a Big Bite. Ensure that the pieces are small and soft enough for your child’s ability to chew. I’ve seen more kids eat this way, as they feel they are in control.23) Fish Sticks And Peas
Packaged or homemade are fine; just bake them until they are fully cooked and crunchy.
Pair them with peas, corn, and a dip that your child already likes. Fish can be divisive, so keep quantities small and don’t apply pressure. If it’s a no, then it’s still a splendid adult meal with a hint of lemon.
24) Mini Pancakes
25) Chicken Noodle Soup
26) Pasta Primavera
27) Baked Ravioli
If you want a lasagna-like experience without all the work, baked ravioli is perfect for you!
All you need to do is add sauce and cheese to the layers of ravioli and bake it. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. You could bake some ravioli and then rinse them and serve them with butter if your child likes pasta.
28) Meat Sauce
29) Cottage Pie
30) Bean And Cheese Burrito
For convenience, warm a tortilla so that it is easier to fold.
Then you can stuff it with refried beans and cheese. For easier handling and eating, cut the wrap into pieces. For the toddlers, you can skip the spicy salsa, and for the adults, you can keep it on the side. This works well for those “I forgot to thaw dinner” nights.
31) Chicken Teriyaki
Don’t make the sauce too sweet. Prepare the chicken until it is soft. Broccoli ought to be soft enough to not annoy picky eaters. For some, broccoli’s texture may be a dealbreaker. The consumers’ meal is protected and aided in scooping by rice. For the adults, sesame seeds or chili crisp are optional, but do not place those on the kids’ plates.
32) Veggie Omelet
33) Veggies And Sausage
34) Creamy Polenta
35) Tofu Stir Fry
36) Mini Shepherd’s Pies
Kids seem to get especially enthusiastic about eating anything that’s been made in a muffin tin.
For these, I do a basic mixture of meat and vegetables, place some mash on top, and throw them in the oven. They’re incredibly simple to separate and put in the freezer. I packed these into daycare lunches and felt organized for a whole five minutes.
37) Chicken Drumsticks
38) Breakfast Burrito
Although scrambled eggs, cheese, and a soft tortilla seem like it would be too easy to qualify as a meal, it still works. Keeping it simple and not overstuffed will avoid an explosive situation. An optimal grip design for toddlers is to cut the wrap in half and then make thick pinwheels. During picky eating phases, try not to negotiate and instead offer this option, as it is safe and, plus, not up for discussion.
