Getting kids to eat can feel like a battle.
They turn their noses up at new foods, pick at their plates, and refuse anything green.
The secret is to keep it simple and familiar while adding a fun twist.
These simple recipes are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit!
Meal Ideas For Picky Eaters: 13 Kid-Approved Recipes
Feeding picky eaters doesn’t have to be a struggle.
These recipes use everyday ingredients, need minimal prep, and will make mealtime easier.
Here’s a handy table with all the recipe details, including prep time, cook time, and servings.
| Dish Name | Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves |
| 1. Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla | 5 min | 6 min | 2 |
| 2. Mini Pizza Bagels | 5 min | 10 min | 4 |
| 3. Peanut Butter Banana Roll-Ups | 3 min | 0 min | 2 |
| 4. Mac and Cheese Muffins | 10 min | 15 min | 6 |
| 5. Chicken Nugget Wraps | 5 min | 12 min | 2 |
| 6. Apple Sandwiches | 3 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 7. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups | 2 min | 0 min | 2 |
| 8. Yogurt Berry Parfaits | 5 min | 0 min | 2 |
| 9. Grilled Cheese Dippers | 5 min | 6 min | 2 |
| 10. Banana Oat Pancakes | 5 min | 4 min | 2 |
| 11. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels | 5 min | 0 min | 2 |
| 12. Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries | 5 min | 25 min | 3 |
| 13. No-Bake Energy Bites | 5 min | 0 min | 6 |
Recipe 1 – Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavour!
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Mild salsa
- Butter
Instructions
Step 1: Heat a pan over medium heat and spread a little butter on one side of a tortilla.
Step 2: Place the tortilla in the pan, butter side down.
Step 3: Sprinkle cheese, shredded chicken, and a little salsa on top.
Step 4: Place another tortilla on top, butter side up.
Step 5: Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
Step 6: Slice into wedges and serve.
Chef’s Tip: Use ranch instead of salsa if your kid avoids tomatoes.
Recipe 2 – Mini Pizza Bagels
Bite-sized, cheesy, and fun to make!
Ingredients
- Mini bagels
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella
- Pepperoni slices
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Slice bagels in half and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Spread pizza sauce on each half.
Step 4: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 5: Add a few pepperoni slices.
Step 6: Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts.
Chef’s Tip: Let kids customise their toppings for extra fun.
Recipe 3 – Peanut Butter Banana Roll-Ups
A sweet and satisfying snack!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Peanut butter
- Banana
Instructions
Step 1: Lay a tortilla flat on a plate.
Step 2: Spread peanut butter evenly over the tortilla.
Step 3: Place a peeled banana at one end and roll it up.
Step 4: Slice into bite-sized pieces.
Chef’s Tip: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for allergies.
Recipe 4 – Mac And Cheese Muffins
A twist on a kid’s favourite!
Ingredients
- Cooked macaroni
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Egg
- Milk
- Butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin.
Step 2: Combine the macaroni, cheese, beaten egg, milk, and melted butter in a bowl.
Step 3: Spoon mixture into muffin cups.
Step 4: Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Chef’s Tip: Add tiny bits of ham or bacon for extra flavour.
Recipe 5 – Chicken Nugget Wraps
A crunchy and tasty wrap!
Ingredients
- Chicken nuggets
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
Step 1: Bake or air-fry chicken nuggets as directed.
Step 2: Place nuggets in a tortilla with lettuce and a drizzle of ranch.
Step 3: Roll up and slice in half.
Chef’s Tip: Add shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
Recipe 6 – Apple Sandwiches
A fresh and crunchy snack!
Ingredients
- Apple
- Peanut butter
- Granola
Instructions
Step 1: Core an apple and slice it into rings.
Step 2: Spread peanut butter on one slice.
Step 3: Sprinkle granola on top.
Step 4: Place another apple slice on top.
Chef’s Tip: Use cream cheese instead of peanut butter for variety.
Recipe 7 – Turkey And Cheese Roll-Ups
Quick, protein-packed, and no bread needed!
Ingredients
- Sliced turkey
- Cheese sticks
Instructions
Step 1: Lay a slice of turkey flat.
Step 2: Place a cheese stick on one end.
Step 3: Roll it up tightly.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with mustard or honey for dipping.
Recipe 8 – Yogurt Berry Parfaits
A fun, layered treat!
Ingredients
- Greek yoghurt
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries)
- Granola
Instructions
Step 1: Spoon yoghurt into a cup.
Step 2: Add a layer of berries.
Step 3: Sprinkle granola on top.
Step 4: Repeat layers.
Chef’s Tip: Use vanilla yoghurt for added sweetness.
Recipe 9 – Grilled Cheese Dippers
Crunchy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping!
Ingredients
- Bread
- Butter
- Sliced cheese
- Tomato soup (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Butter one side of each bread slice.
Step 2: Place cheese between slices, buttered sides facing out.
Step 3: Grill in a pan until golden brown.
Step 4: Slice into strips for dipping.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with ketchup or soup for dunking.
Recipe 10 – Banana Oat Pancakes
Soft, sweet, and easy to make!
Ingredients
- Banana
- Egg
- Oats
Instructions
Step 1: Mash the banana in a bowl.
Step 2: Mix in a beaten egg and oats.
Step 3: Heat a pan over medium heat.
Step 4: Spoon batter onto the pan.
Step 5: Cook 2 minutes per side.
Chef’s Tip: Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Recipe 11 – Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Bite-sized and perfect for lunchboxes!
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas
- Sliced ham
- Sliced cheese
- Cream cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over a tortilla.
Step 2: Lay ham and cheese slices on top.
Step 3: Roll the tortilla tightly.
Step 4: Slice into bite-sized pinwheels.
Chef’s Tip: Chill 10 minutes before slicing to keep the rolls firm.
Recipe 12 – Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
A healthier alternative to regular fries!
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into thin strips.
Step 3: Toss them with olive oil, salt, and paprika.
Step 4: Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with ketchup or a honey-mustard dip.
Recipe 13 – No-Bake Energy Bites
A quick snack with no cooking needed!
Ingredients
- Rolled oats
- Peanut butter
- Honey
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: In a bowl, mix oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips.
Step 2: Stir until everything sticks together.
Step 3: Roll into small balls.
Step 4: Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: Swap chocolate chips for raisins to make it healthier.
