31 Healthy Recipes for Kids
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on October 6, 2025
Perhaps the better title for this post would be, โ31 recipes your kids might eat.โ You never know until you try. (Or try again, and againโฆ) Kidsโ preferences can vary widely, but these recipes tend to be well-received. Youโll find wholesome breakfast recipes, snacks and sides, dinners and sweet treats below.
Feeding kids well can be challenging. As a former picky eater myself and the mother to an increasingly particular four-year-old, I can certainly relate! I found inspiration while searching through my recipe archive, and I hope youโll leave this post feeling inspired to try serving something new, too. Patience is key on the path to raising competent eaters!
Maple-Sweetened Banana Muffins
These whole wheat, maple-sweetened banana muffins are so fluffy and moist, I bet no one can guess theyโre healthy muffins. Theyโre easy to make, too, with basic ingredients and only one mixing bowl! Feel free to add mix-ins of your choice, like chocolate chips or toasted nuts. Recipe yields 12 muffins.
3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
These 3-ingredient banana pancakes are healthy and so easy to make. This recipe is family friendly as wellโbabies, kids and adults alike love these pancakes. Yields 8 pancakes (each about 4 inches in diameter, enough for 2 to 4 servings).
Perfect Scrambled Eggs
This recipe makes perfectly fluffy, tender and delicious scrambled eggs. Recipe yields 2 servings and can be doubled in a large skillet, though the eggs will take longer to cook.
Easy Gluten Free Oat Waffles
These light, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside, gluten-free waffles are my favorite waffles! Theyโre heart healthy, too. This waffle recipe requires just one flour, oat flour, which you can easily make yourself (see note). Recipe yields 3 to 4 round, 7-inch Belgian waffles, or 6 small, square Belgian waffles (the size shown here).
Simple Strawberry Smoothie
Make this strawberry smoothie for breakfast (or dessert)! This strawberry smoothie recipe is creamy, luscious and nutritious. It almost tastes like a strawberry milkshake. Recipe yields 2 to 4 servings (about 4 cups); you can easily halve or double the recipe.
Chocolate Chip Muffins
These chocolate chip muffins are fluffy with amazing flavor! This muffin recipe is fully loaded with chocolate chips and easy to make by hand. Recipe yields 1 dozen muffins.
Easy No-Bake Granola Bars
This granola bar recipe is so easy and delicious! These wholesome granola bars are naturally sweetened, gluten free, and the perfect healthy snack. Recipe yields 16 bars.
My Favorite Chia Seed Pudding
This creamy chia seed pudding recipe tastes like a creamsicle! Youโre going to love this healthy gluten-free treatโenjoy as a snack, dessert or breakfast. Recipe yields 1 serving; multiply as necessary or see recipe notes for how to make 4 servings all together.
Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Meet my favorite fall breakfast! Apples and steel-cut oats cook together in the same pot until they are creamy, delicious perfection. Itโs a hearty, healthy and delicious fall breakfast that reheats well for busy weekday mornings. Recipe yields 4 servings.
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
This naturally sweetened baked oatmeal recipe features blueberries (or any fruit youโd like), wholesome oats, nuts and warming spices. You can bake some now and enjoy oatmeal for the rest of the week! Recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.
How to Make Applesauce
Learn how to make delicious homemade applesauce! This easy applesauce recipe can be chunky or smooth. Itโs also naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, to taste. Recipe yields about 4 cups.
Chickpea Tomato Soup
This recipe for tomato soup with chickpeas is hearty, rich and satisfying. Itโs a healthy tomato soup with beans for protein and texture. Recipe yields 4 generous bowls.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This homemade butternut squash soup is the best Iโve ever tasted! This recipe is super creamy (yet cream-less) and full of delicious butternut flavor. Leftover soup tastes even better the next day. Recipe yields about 4 bowls or 6 cups of soup.
Spinach Lasagna
Make this spinach lasagna for a special occasion or just because! This lasagna tastes even better the next day. Recipe yields one 9-inch square lasagna, which is enough for 8 to 9 servings.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Creamy pumpkin mac and cheese will warm you up on cool fall evenings. This easy autumnal pasta recipe comes together in one pot and tastes incredible. Recipe yields 8 servings (quite a lot!) and leftovers are great.
Gabyโs Pasta with Peas and Pesto
This easy pasta recipe features peas and pesto. Itโs made with basic ingredients (frozen peas and store-bought pesto) and tastes fantastic! Keep this recipe in your back pocket for busy weeknights. Recipes serves 6.
Spinach Artichoke Enchiladas
Hearty spinach artichoke enchiladas with a simple homemade red sauce! These lightened-up vegetarian enchiladas include black beans, a modest amount of sour cream and some golden cheese on top. Recipe yields 6 large enchiladas. You might as well make a double batch of the sauce and freeze it for later!
Favorite Veggie Burgers
These sweet and spicy veggie burgers are both vegan and gluten free. You can bake them, grill them, or cook them on the stovetop! For best results when choosing the grill or stovetop method, prepare the burger mixture in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator (you can let it chill overnight or longer if youโd like). Recipe yields 8 patties.
Simple Tortilla Pizzas
So easy. So good. Everyone needs this tortilla pizza recipe.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos with Avocado-Pepita Dip
These roasted sweet potato tacos feature spicy black beans and avocado-pepita dip. This taco recipe is vegetarian (easily vegan) and gluten-free (see recipe notes for details). Recipe yields 8 to 10 hearty tacos, enough for at least 4 servings.
Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables
This amazing baked ziti recipe is lightened up with roasted vegetables. Golden mozzarella, sizzling red sauce and tender pasta make this vegetarian ziti super delicious! Recipe yields 8 servings.
Homemade Ketchup
Make your own ketchup with this easy recipe made from pantry ingredients! It offers classic ketchup flavor with a thick texture, perfect for dunking. Recipe yields just over 1 cup.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Make ranch dressing from scratch with this simple recipe! This creamy ranch dressing recipe calls for fresh herbs and tastes amazing. Recipe yields about 1 cup dressing.
Cheesy Smashed Broccoli
This smashed broccoli recipe is an irresistible riff on regular roasted broccoli! Itโs cheesy and tender, and makes a great snack or side dish. Recipe yields 4 to 6 side servings.
Perfect Roasted Carrots (Three Ways!)
Who knew carrots could be SO good?! Roasted carrots are an easy, healthy and affordable side dish. This is the only roasted carrot recipe youโll ever need! Recipe yields 4 to 6 side servings.
Ultra Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Everyone loves these ultra crispy baked potato wedges! This recipe is easy and turns out perfectly every time. Make these potato wedges whenever the French fry craving strikes! Recipe yields 6 servings.
Roasted Cauliflower (Four Ways!)
Learn how to roast cauliflower, plus three delicious variations! Youโll find Italian, Mexican and Indian-inspired versions within this roasted cauliflower recipe. Recipe yields 4 side servings of roasted cauliflower.
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Learn how to make crispy, oven-baked sweet potato fries! Tossed with olive oil and sea salt, sweet potato fries are an easy and healthy homemade snack or side dish. Recipe yields 4 side servings.
Watermelon Popsicles
Frozen watermelon is the perfect cold summer treat! Make these watermelon popsicles and enjoy them all summer long. The yield depends on the size of your watermelon; make as many or as few popsicles as youโd like.ย
Thumbprint Cookies
These thumbprint cookies offer classic shortbread flavor with dazzling jam centers. Almond flour makes them gluten free and extra delicious! Recipe yields 22 to 24 small cookies.
Monster Cookies
Truly the best monster cookie recipe! These peanut butter, oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies are perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Recipe yields 18 cookies.
Kid-Friendly Categories to Explore
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners.
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