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Home » Dinner

34 Fun Meals That Will Finally Get Picky Eaters Excited for Dinner

Published: Jan 3, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Fun meals are the key to turning dinnertime into something everyone looks forward to, especially when you’ve got picky eaters at the table. These recipes are simple, quick to make, and great for kids who might not be so excited about what’s on the plate. From cheesy bites to easy one-pan dishes, these meals are perfect for busy nights when you need something everyone will love—without the stress. Whether you’ve got little ones who are hard to please or just want a go-to meal that everyone can enjoy, these recipes are a game-changer for any family.

An overhead image of paccheri al forno in a pyrex glass dish.
Paccheri al Forno. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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, creamy, and made in minutes, this microwave mac and cheese is perfect for busy nights. Packed with cheesy goodness, it’s an easy dinner that picky eaters will adore.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

A close up view of a cooked asparagus casserole in a baking dish.
Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tender asparagus baked in a rich cheese sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs make this casserole a crowd-pleaser. It's a comforting dish that’s simple enough for weeknights and elegant enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

A close up image of cheesy potatoes in a casserole, garnished with parsley.
Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Funeral potatoes bring creamy layers of real potatoes and melted cheese topped with crispy cornflakes. This comforting side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and casual family dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes in a Dutch oven, with wooden spoon.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fluffy mashed potatoes blended with melted cheese and a hint of butter create a classic, comforting side. Quick to prepare, they’re a perfect pairing for nearly any family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

An image of corn casserole with cream cheese, ready to be served.
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This corn casserole combines sweet corn, cream cheese, and buttery goodness into an irresistible side. Its creamy texture and simple prep make it a go-to for holidays and weekday meals.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan.
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked gouda mac and cheese is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish with a rich, smoky flavor. Easy to make, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or satisfying a cheesy comfort food craving.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Paccheri al Forno

An overhead image of paccheri al forno in a pyrex glass dish.
Paccheri al Forno. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Paccheri al Forno is a hearty baked pasta dish with a savory marinara sauce and layers of gooey cheese. Ready in under an hour, it’s a family-friendly favorite for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

An image of a white plate with a serving of cheesy green bean casserole with a fork on the side, and the casserole behind it.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green beans smothered in a rich cheese sauce and baked to perfection make this casserole a standout dish. Topped with crispy onions, it’s a comforting side that picky eaters will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

An overhead image of baked cauliflower with cheese with a serving missing at the bottom.
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy baked cauliflower with a golden cheese topping offers a low-carb alternative to mac and cheese. This hearty dish is a delicious, crowd-pleasing side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

An image of two stuffed spaghetti squashes on a white plate with a fork slicing a part of one of the squashes.
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed spaghetti squash is filled with a blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and melted mozzarella. This creative dinner option is a nutritious and flavorful choice for picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Close-up image of Chicken and Queso Rice Bake garnished with fresh chopped parsley on a plate.
Chicken and Queso Rice Bake. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Chicken and queso rice bake combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and seasoned rice for a one-dish meal. It’s a simple, flavorful option that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

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

Homemade Margherita pizza, topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, is a simple yet flavorful classic. This 20-minute recipe makes it easy to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Maple Dijon chicken sheet pan pairs juicy chicken with roasted vegetables in a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s a quick, no-fuss dinner that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells are packed with tender beef, sautéed peppers, and creamy cheese. These hearty, flavorful pasta shells are sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer cheesy bacon Hasselback chicken features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with crispy bacon and cheese. This quick, flavorful dish feels fancy without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Pasta al Forno

Pasta al forno in a white dish.
Pasta al Forno. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pasta al Forno is a baked pasta dish layered with marinara, cheese, and flavorful seasonings. A family-friendly dinner choice, it’s a comforting option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Pasta al Forno

Easy Cowboy Casserole

Easy Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy cowboy casserole layers seasoned ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. Perfect for feeding the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cowboy Casserole

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Cabbage beef casserole inside cast iron.
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Cheesy cabbage beef casserole combines tender cabbage, ground beef, and melted cheese in one skillet. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for fall dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy hashbrown casserole layers shredded potatoes with melted cheese and a crispy topping. Perfect for breakfast or dinner, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade scalloped potatoes are baked to perfection with layers of creamy cheese and tender potato slices. This classic side dish is a must-have for any comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Crispy Beef

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This homemade version of crispy chilli beef brings tender strips of beef fried to perfection, then tossed in a sweet, spicy, and sticky sauce. It’s a takeout-inspired dish that’s quick to prepare without the need for a deep fryer.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This cheesy vegetable casserole combines frozen veggies, cream soup, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with almost any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cheesy chicken broccoli orzo brings tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese together in one skillet. This hearty dish is an easy way to keep dinner stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Air Fryer Pizza

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

Air fryer pizza makes dinner fun and easy with crispy crusts and melty cheese in minutes. Customizable toppings make it a surefire hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Country fried steaks on a platter smothered in white gravy.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Copycat Cracker Barrel country-fried steak, topped with creamy gravy, recreates the comfort of a classic restaurant meal. It’s a satisfying dinner option the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Crispy Baked Salmon Bites

A white plate with salmon bites next to small bowl of creamy honey mustard yogurt dipping sauce.
Crispy Baked Salmon Bites. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

These crispy baked salmon bites are an easy-to-make dish that’s both a kid-friendly dinner and a tasty appetizer. Baked, not fried, they offer a healthier twist on crispy seafood and pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Salmon Bites

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and bake pork chops deliver a crispy, seasoned coating and juicy interior in just 25 minutes. They’re a quick, delicious option for busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

One-pot cheesy taco pasta combines bold taco flavors with creamy pasta for a quick, delicious dinner. It’s a kid-approved recipe that turns dinner into a fun, flavorful experience.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Cowboy Sliders

Cowboy Sliders. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

hese cowboy sliders pack all the BBQ flavors you crave, with juicy beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a touch of chilies. Perfect for a fun family meal, these sliders are a crowd-pleasing option that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

Air fryer chicken tenders, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, are a healthier twist on a favorite classic. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re a perfect dinner choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Cheesy crack chicken casserole blends shredded chicken, creamy ranch, bacon, and cheese into a comforting one-pot meal. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto-friendly chicken nuggets, coated in a flavorful almond flour crust, offer a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Quick to prepare, they’re perfect for dinners even picky eaters will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Chicken broccoli casserole on a white plate next to a green side salad.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Chicken broccoli rice casserole blends creamy flavors with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice. This easy casserole is a comforting dinner option the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic butter chicken bites, cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce, are a quick and delicious dinner option. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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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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