Cooking with children is more than just a fun activity: it's a valuable opportunity to teach them good eating habits while developing their autonomy and curiosity. As a parent, offering simple, quick, and safe recipes makes the experience enjoyable for everyone. And good news: children are often more inclined to taste what they have prepared themselves!
Ready to put on the aprons? Our registered dietitians offer you 12 fun and easy-to-make recipes that require few ingredients and appeal to both young and old.
Breakfasts to Start the Day Right
Breakfast is a key moment to give children energy. These simple recipes actively involve them while ensuring a good start to the day.
1. Overnight Oats to Customize
These overnight oats are an excellent recipe for starting the day with energy thanks to their fiber and protein. Their preparation is simple and requires no cooking, which makes them particularly safe for children. They can pour the ingredients, mix, and especially choose their favorite toppings: fruits, nuts, cocoa, jam, chocolate chips... The possibilities are endless. Let their creativity run wild!
2. Egg Bites with Spinach and Feta
These egg bites are perfect for simplifying busy mornings. Invite the children to crack the eggs, mix the ingredients, and fill the molds: they will be proud to contribute to their own meal. Rich in protein, combine them with a slice of whole wheat bread for a complete breakfast that helps them stay full and focused all morning.
Small tip: vary the fillings depending on what you have in the fridge to keep things interesting week after week!
3. Fluffy Oat Pancakes
What child doesn't love pancakes? It's a great way to start the day with a smile. This fiber-rich version sustains energy and can be served with fruit or yogurt for a perfectly balanced breakfast. Let your children decorate them to make the moment even more special.
Healthy Desserts and Snacks, for a Sweet Touch
Snacks and desserts can be both delicious and beneficial for health. They provide energy and nutrients between meals, while allowing children to discover new flavors in a fun and positive way.
4. Fruit Skewers with Protein Chocolate Dip
These skewers make fruits much more fun to eat. Your children can assemble their favorite combinations and explore different flavors. With a chocolate dip, it makes the experience even more exciting. An excellent strategy to increase their fruit consumption!
5. Soft White Bean Cookies
These cookies are an original way to introduce legumes to your children. Camouflaged in a sweet and soft version, their satisfaction is guaranteed! Invite them to mix the dough and shape the cookies: their pride in contributing will increase their desire to taste them. A great opportunity to introduce them to new foods in a positive and gourmet context.
6. Apple and Cinnamon Energy Balls
These energy balls are a perfect recipe to introduce your children to cooking, as they are easy to prepare and require no baking. Let them mix the ingredients and roll the balls with their hands: they love participating from start to finish. In addition to being practical and allergen-free for school, they help maintain their energy and concentration between meals.
7. Homemade Fruit Sorbet
This homemade sorbet magically transforms simple fruits into a colorful and refreshing dessert. It is an excellent healthy alternative to commercially available frozen desserts so popular with children. Vary the fruits according to their preferences to create new versions that they will be proud to taste.
Revisited Classics that Kids Love
These revisited recipes allow children to get hands-on while discovering more balanced versions of their favorite dishes.
8. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is a comforting classic that lends itself perfectly to family cooking. Let your children assemble their sandwich, choose the cheese, or add their favorite ingredients: this involvement makes the meal even more exciting!
You can slip in vegetables, try different cheeses, or even use different types of bread for a change. Simple, quick, and with a crispy touch thanks to the air fryer, it's a safe bet for a stress-free lunch or dinner.
9. Air Fryer Pizza Pockets
These pizza pockets take a classic that kids love, but in a more nutritious and less fatty version. This homemade version turns lunch into a true creative activity for your children. Everyone can choose their own toppings and assemble their pizza for a meal appreciated by all, without hassle!
Fun Recipes to Tame Vegetables
Introducing vegetables in a fun way helps your children appreciate them, without pressure. By letting them participate in the preparation and playing with shapes and colors, they become curious and enthusiastic about tasting them!
10. Kid-Friendly Broccoli Nuggets
These nuggets transform broccoli into crispy and fun bites that your children will want to taste. Their playful and easy-to-handle format makes them accessible even to the youngest: a simple and tasty way to integrate more vegetables into daily life. Serve them with a homemade yogurt dip to make it even more gourmet and satisfying.
11. Butternut Squash Bites
These bites transform butternut squash into a pleasure to eat for your children. Their slightly sweet flavor and soft texture make them irresistible: a great way to integrate a nutrient-rich vegetable in a reassuring format. They will love shaping and tasting them with their little hands!
12. Protein Veggie Cookies
Ideal for lunch boxes, breakfast, or snacks, these cookies offer a savory alternative to classic sweet treats. By participating in this recipe, your children will discover a surprising and irresistible version of vegetables and won't be able to say "no" to their bite!
Alternate the vegetables according to what you have on hand, for a version that will amaze the children every time!
Cooking with Children: An Investment in Their Health
Involving children in the kitchen helps develop their confidence and a positive relationship with food, while promoting learning and discovery. Each recipe prepared together becomes not only quality time, but also an opportunity to reinforce good habits that can last a lifetime.
And what if you gave a boost to your family meals and your children's diet with personalized advice? For more strategies and recipes adapted to your reality, book an appointment with our registered dietitians.
