12 Kid-Loving Recipes to Get Little Ones Excited About Dinner

By Jenn Segal

If cooking for picky, unenthusiastic kids isn’t your jam, give one (or many!) of these kid-loving recipes a try. From spaghetti pie to chicken fingers, these dishes practically guarantee big smiles and clean plates all around.

Gail Simmons’ Epic Spaghetti Pie

This creative take on pasta is a big affair, impressive in both stature and ingredients — perfect for a hungry, spaghetti-loving family.
Chicken Tacos

Who doesn’t love taco night? These tacos are a healthier spin on the traditional beef version — and they’re just as good, if not better.
Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fingers

Tilapia fillets lightly coated with panko, pan fried to crispy perfection, and served with a tangy garlic and lemon mayonnaise.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

One of my most popular recipes, these chicken tenders are marinated in seasoned buttermilk and pan-fried to crispy, crunchy perfection.
Steakhouse Burgers

These are the ultimate burgers. They are packed with flavor and reliably juicy, even when cooked to well-done.
Baked Ziti

This is a MAJOR family pleaser. It’s similar to meat lasagna but without the fuss, easy enough for a weeknight, but also special enough for company.
Ham and Cheese Sliders

These Southern-style sliders are doused in a tangy butter, mustard, and poppy seed sauce. It’s impossible to eat just one!
Spaghetti and Meatballs

This universal family-pleaser is easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Mac and Cheese

Ultra-creamy and topped with crispy panko and herbs, this my favorite version of homemade mac and cheese.
Chili Mac

This one-pot dish is comforting, quick, and kid-friendly. It’s an updated take on the retro version of your childhood.
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Parboiled, spiced, and roasted in a high-heat oven, these chicken wings are crispy and packed with flavor.
Sloppy Joes

These smoky, spicy sandwiches are made completely from scratch — no ketchup or seasoning packets — and they make an easy weeknight dinner.