"These days, I’m more open to hands-on help in the kitchen since we have more time and I don’t need to factor in commute time or schedules when planning out our meals. I often include my kids in cooking and baking as long as it’s a relatively simple, easy-to-follow recipe. And they are usually eager to help.
My sister-in-law has a rule that any “craft” she does with her kids must involve food. So, I tapped her expertise to help come up with this list. She said her daughter even enjoys (safely) peeling vegetables like carrots and cucumbers. Depending on the age of your children, they can probably help with measuring, pouring, sprinkling, stuffing, or assembling. Bonus fun if you can roll it, dip it, or decorate it!
Enjoy this roundup of delicious recipes —from full meals to treats—you can make or bake with a little help from little hands after they’ve been washed for 20 seconds, of course.
Meals
1. Wonton Pizza Cups
Have kids help place wontons into cupcake holders and adding the toppings.
Source: Peas and Crayons
2. Alphabet Vegetable Soup
Have kids help measure and pour in ingredients, then look for letters and words while they’re eating.
Source: Sally’s Baking Addiction
3. Baked Chicken Tacos
Have kids help place the taco shells in the pan and after baking, add dollops of the cold toppings.
Source: Eazy Peazy Mealz
4. Homemade Pigs in a Blanket
Have kids help wrap up the hot dogs and sprinkle on the seasoning.
Source: Lovely Little Kitchen
5. Pizza Stuffed Shells
Have kids help stuff the shells after the filling cools and sprinkle on the cheese.
Source: Dinner at the Zoo
6. Cuban Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Have kids help stuff the sweet potatoes.
Source: A Sassy Spoon
7. Peanut Butter Toast on a Stick
Have kids help assemble the skewers.
Source: Peas and Crayons
8. Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Have kids help spoon in the stuffing and sprinkle on the cheese.
Source: Barefeet in the Kitchen
9. Homemade Potstickers
Have kids help place wonton wrappers on the baking sheet, add the filling, and pinch the edges.
Source: Chungah Rhee
10. Sheet Pan Nachos
Have kids help spread out the chips and sprinkle on the toppings.
Source: No. 2 Pencil
Snacks & Treats
11. Pretzel Bites
Have kids help measure ingredients, brush the pretzels with egg wash, sprinkling on the salt or seasoning. Call it a science lesson by watching the yeast in action.
Source: Gimme Some Oven
12. Tahini Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Kids will love mashing the bananas. Have them also help measure ingredients.
Source: Lively Table
13. Sugar Cookie Fruit Tarts
Have kids help fill the tarts and top with berries.
Source: Chelsea’s Messy Apron
14. Chocolate Covered Pretzels for Any Occasion
Kids will love dipping, decorating, and taste testing.
Source: Neighbor Food Blog
15. Almond Joy Energy Balls
Have kids add ingredients and help roll out the balls.
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
16. Lucky Rice Krispie Treats
Have kids help measure out the cereal (and taste test the marshmallows).
Source: Brown Sugar Food Blog
17. Fruit Kabobs
Have kids suggest the fruit, shapes, and help assemble the kabobs.
Source: Dinner at the Zoo
18. Puppy Chow
Ingredients:
- 9 cups rice or corn cereal (like Chex, Crispix, or store brand comparables)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (or sunbutter)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Have kids help measure out cereal into a bowl and set aside
- Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe dish. Start at 1 minute on high and stir until smooth.
- Add vanilla to mixture and stir.
- Slowly add the chocolate mixture to cereal and stir so cereal is covered.
- Add to large, sealable bag.
- Add powdered sugar and shake until cereal covered in powdered sugar (have kids help shake the bag, but make sure it’s fully sealed!)
- Chill (and store) in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Enjoy eating like a kid again!
This article was originally published on May 2, 2020.
