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Home » Recipe Collections

27 Fun Meals Kids Will Love Helping You Create

Published: Jan 5, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Fun meals are the perfect way to get kids excited about mealtime, and these recipes will have them eager to jump in and help! From easy prep to interactive steps, these meals let your little ones be hands-on in the kitchen. Whether it's rolling dough, adding toppings, or mixing ingredients, these meals are a great way for kids to learn and have fun while making something they’ll love to eat. With so many simple and enjoyable recipes, mealtime will turn into a fun family activity everyone can take part in!

Roasted unicorn toasts on a plate.
Rainbow Unicorn Toast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Easter Deviled Eggs

Side view of Easter deviled eggs on a wooden platter with a pink towel in the background.
Easter Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These Easter deviled eggs are colorful and fun to make, making them a great option for a family get-together. They’re easy for kids to decorate with food coloring, and the preparation is simple enough for little hands to get involved, making them a perfect addition to your list of fun meals kids will love helping you create.
Get the Recipe: Easter Deviled Eggs

Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon.
Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick and creamy, this microwave mac and cheese is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal. It’s a great choice for picky eaters, and kids can easily assist in mixing the ingredients for a fun and fast cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Nachos

A close-up imag of loaded nachos topped with melted cheese, avocado chunks, black beans, diced tomatoes, green onions, and dollops of sour cream.
Air Fryer Nachos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These air fryer nachos are fast, easy, and full of flavor, making them a hit at any game day or casual gathering. With less than 10 minutes of prep, kids will love adding toppings and watching them crisp up in the air fryer for a fun and tasty snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

Veggie Pinwheels

An image of veggie pinwheels on a serving plate.
Veggie Pinwheels. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Veggie pinwheels combine fresh vegetables and creamy hummus into a light and healthy snack. Their vibrant colors and simple preparation make them a go-to fun meal that kids will enjoy assembling and eating.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels

Strawberry Pancakes

Close-up image of a fork holding a portion of a stack of Strawberry Delight Pancakes with sliced strawberry.
Strawberry Pancakes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Whip up fluffy strawberry pancakes in just 20 minutes! These pancakes are perfect for busy mornings and offer a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, making them a fun and easy breakfast kids will love to help prepare.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pancakes

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Homemade Margherita pizza is a simple classic that’s easy to make in just 20 minutes. Kids can help top the pizza with fresh mozzarella and basil, making this fun meal an enjoyable family activity.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This mango banana smoothie bowl is a refreshing treat packed with tropical fruit. Kids will love helping blend the ingredients and customizing their bowl with toppings, making it a fun meal for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

Rainbow Unicorn Toast

Roasted unicorn toasts on a plate.
Rainbow Unicorn Toast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Easter rainbow unicorn toast is a colorful and fun breakfast or snack for kids. They’ll enjoy decorating the toast with cream cheese and sprinkles, making it a perfect activity for a fun family meal.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Unicorn Toast

Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Flaky, buttery, and filled with savory sausage, these sausage rolls are simple to make and perfect for snacking. Kids can help roll the dough and fill them with sausage for a fun and easy meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

Cowboy Sliders

Cowboy Sliders. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cowboy sliders are packed with BBQ flavors, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. These fun, mini burgers are a hit for any family meal, and kids will love assembling them for a quick, tasty snack.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on parchment paper, with dollops of sauce and sprigs of dill.
Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a great side for any meal. Kids can help mash the potatoes and top them with cheese or herbs for a fun, customizable side dish.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Everything Bagel Beer Dogs with Dipping Sauce

Everything bagel beer dogs with dipping sauce on a stack of small plates.
Everything Bagel Beer Dogs with Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Everything bagel beer dogs are a savory twist on the classic hot dog, topped with everything bagel seasoning. They’re quick and easy to make, making them a fun meal for kids to assemble and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Beer Dogs with Dipping Sauce

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Air fryer bacon wrapped cheeseburger bites with fries.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites are a savory snack that’s perfect for any game day or casual gathering. Kids will love helping wrap the bacon around the cheeseburger bites for a fun cooking project.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Overhead image of air fryer pizza rolls on a plate.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Air fryer pizza rolls are a quick and simple snack that’s perfect for game day or an after-school treat. With minimal prep, kids will love rolling the dough and watching these tasty bites cook up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Baby Chick Mini Cheese Balls

Baby chick mini cheese balls on a stack of plate.
Baby Chick Mini Cheese Balls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Baby chick mini cheese balls are a cute and tasty snack that’s perfect for spring or Easter. Kids will love shaping these mini cheese balls into adorable chicks for a fun and festive meal idea.
Get the Recipe: Baby Chick Mini Cheese Balls

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a side of dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage balls with cream cheese are easy to make in just 30 minutes and are great for any casual gathering. Kids will love rolling the sausage and cheese mixture into bite-sized balls for a fun and savory snack.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Homemade chicken nuggets are a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a busy day. Kids can help bread the chicken, making this classic dish a fun and delicious way to spend time together in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic butter chicken bites are a fast and flavorful dinner option that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Kids will enjoy helping toss the chicken in the rich garlic butter sauce for a fun and tasty family meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cheesy Loaded Potato Skins

Cheesy Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy potato skins are a fun, party-ready dish that’s easy to prepare. Kids can help top the crispy potato skins with cheese, bacon, and herbs for a customizable snack everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Potato Skins

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air fryer pigs in a blanket are a quick and simple snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Kids can wrap the dough around the hot dogs and enjoy a fun cooking experience while making this tasty bite-sized treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

PB&J Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie  topped with strawberries, peanuts, and peanut butter swirl in bowl.
PB&J Smoothie Bowl. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

PB&J smoothie bowls are a fun twist on the classic sandwich, made with peanut butter, jam, and yogurt. Kids will love mixing the ingredients and topping their bowls with fresh fruit for a fun, easy meal.
Get the Recipe: PB&J Smoothie Bowl

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer chicken tenders are a healthier twist on a family favorite, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Kids can help coat the chicken, making this a fun and quick meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air fryer mozarella sticks with a dip on a wooden board.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Mozzarella sticks made in the air fryer are a quick and tasty snack that’s sure to be a hit. Kids can help coat the cheese in breadcrumbs, making this a fun and simple recipe for everyone to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Pizza

A pizza is being cooked in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air fryer pizza is an easy and fun way to make pizza at home. Kids can help top their own pizzas with a variety of ingredients, making it a great family meal to create together.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crescent roll bagel dogs are a fun and easy recipe that’s perfect for dinner or lunch. Kids will enjoy wrapping the dough around the hot dogs and watching them bake up into a tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella .

Homemade mini pizza bagel bites are quick to make and perfect for an after-school snack. Kids will love assembling their own bagel bites with their favorite toppings, making them a fun and customizable treat.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits

Strawberry yogurt parfait in a stemless wine glass with another one in the background.
Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This simple dessert is a refreshing treat made with wholesome ingredients and no added sugar. Kids can help layer the ingredients to create this fun and healthy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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