Looking for easy dinner ideas for kids? We know that finding meals with veggies, protein, and taste can feel tricky. But there is no need to worry. We are here to help you with some dishes that bring that ultimate comfort food feeling. There are cheesy meals and fun options made perfect for little hands to hold. Every recipe in this blog gives you food that is simple to make and packed with good things for your family.
10 Easy Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes
Kids like food that tastes good, but it can be hard to get them to eat something healthy. That is why we are here to share these 10 easy dinner recipes for kids:
1. Cheesy White Sauce Pasta
Cheesy White Sauce Pasta
Cheesy vegetable pasta is always loved by little hands and helps make meals easy for parents. This is a good dish if you want to add plenty of vegetables, such as tender broccoli and bell pepper into your family meals. It mixes pasta with different veggies and uses a cheesy white bean sauce to give it a full flavour. The creamy sauce and melted cheese make it the ultimate comfort food that everyone will want to eat.
First, use olive oil to cook your veggies in a pan. Put in a bit of garlic, and wait for the veggies, like broccoli and bell pepper, to get soft. Then, mix them with your cooked pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne). Add a good amount of melted cheese and put this all in the oven to bake. When it comes out golden and bubbly, it will make everyone want to come to the table.
This pasta is also one of the easy recipes for kids to cook for dinner. So if your kid is old enough to cook, let them make this dish for you.
2. Paneer Tikka Kathi Rolls
Paneer Tikka Kathi Rolls
Paneer tikka kathi rolls are a tasty dish that mixes different food styles. They are great for busy days or when you want a meal to go. These wraps use soft chapatis (tortillas), and they are filled with marinated paneer and fresh veggies. This is a good way to add protein-rich paneer cheese to your child’s diet.
Start by grilling paneer with a tikka marinade. Then, put thinly sliced onions, carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes onto the chapatis. Add a creamy dressing or green chutney on top of the fillings to bring more taste to the wraps. For a rich flavour, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top.
Fold the wraps and heat them on a tawa. Let them cook until the outside is golden and a bit crisp. The nice smell and the bright colours of these wraps can make kids want to eat them. If you want a more filling dinner, you can serve the wraps with crunchy chips or salad. This is one of the easy healthy dinner recipes for kids that covers all the basics when it comes to nutrition.
Want a non vegetarian variant of this kathi rolls? Check out this chicken kathi roll recipe.
3. Veggie Pizzas on Chapati Base
Veggie Pizzas on Chapati Base
Vegetable pizzas made on a chapati base are a great spin on the classic pizza. They are easy to hold, so these pizzas work well for little hands. There is plenty of cheese on top, giving you that melted cheese taste everyone loves. These are good for fast dinners or for a party because you can make them quickly.
Use chapati as your pizza crust to keep this meal healthy and still make it fun to eat. Start with tomato sauce. Then add diced veggies like capsicum and corn. Add paneer and finish it with a good layer of cheese. Bake these pizzas or heat them in a tawa by covering them using a lid.
You can also give these pizzas an extra kick by sprinkling on some oregano seasoning before you serve them. They are easy to make and are one of the light Indian dinner recipes for kids.
Want another colourful, healthy twist to the traditional pizzas? Check out this vegetable pizza recipe.
4. Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice brings together juicy chicken thighs, sweet corn, and green peas for a tasty meal.
You can make this in less than 30 minutes. First, cook the chicken thighs in a rice skillet or kadai until they are soft and juicy. Next, add steamed corn, green peas, and cooked rice. Mix in soy sauce and a bit of garlic powder for flavour. You make it all in one pan, so cleanup is easy.
Serve the fried rice warm. Kids love it, and the whole family will eat up this easy dish full of veggies and protein.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food. They give a new taste to the classic sandwich. The melted cheese and bread mix together for a rich and tasty bite every time.
Start by spreading a spicy tomato masala on slices of whole wheat bread. Put plenty of cheese on top. You can also add bell peppers, avocado or corn if you like. Grill the sandwich in a sandwich maker. Let the bread turn golden brown. Make sure the cheese is melted well.
You can eat these sandwiches with some soup or a few chips. It makes a good dinner that does not take much time or work. The crispy bread and soft, gooey filling inside are sure to be a hit with kids, and they will want more. This recipe is not only quick to make, but it is also one of the dinner recipes kids love. It brings together good taste and easy cooking, all in one.
6. Egg Bhurji Rolls
Egg Bhurji Rolls
Egg bhurji rolls are great for little hands. They are tasty, good for you, and easy to eat. Packed with scrambled eggs, lots of veggies, and creamy dressing, these rolls have both good flavour and fresh taste. You get a healthy and filling meal in every bite.
First, make an egg scramble or bhurji. Add a small amount of salt and pepper for taste. When the eggs start to cook, mix in grated carrots, cucumber, and capsicum. Stir them well, so the eggs and veggies come together for a soft and crisp filling. Next, lay the egg and veggie mix onto thin parathas. Add some cheese on top for that creamy and lovely texture. Roll the parathas up tightly, so all the filling stays inside. Toast the rolls in a tawa until they are golden and crispy outside but still soft and oozy in the middle.
These rolls are quick and work as a good dinner meal. They are simple to make and great when you want to use up some extra veggies. Kids and adults can both enjoy this fresh and easy idea.
7. Tomato Macaroni Pasta
Tomato Macaroni Pasta
Tomato macaroni pasta is a simple meal full of comfort and creamy flavour. If you want the ultimate comfort food, serve it with cheesy garlic bread.
You start by cooking tender elbow noodles. Then mix them in a rich tomato sauce with melted cheese that kids will love. This dish is great for small appetites and will please everyone at the table.
You can make it even better by adding plenty of vegetables. Try mixing in peas for some extra nutrition.
Want an Indianised version of this dish? Check out this vegetable macaroni (Indian style) recipe.
8. Stuffed Moong Dal Chilla
Stuffed Moong Dal Chilla
Stuffed moong dal chilla is a fun new take on pancakes. This dish mixes flavour and good nutrition. It uses protein-rich moong dal and works as a base for many tasty fillings.
For making the chilla, grind soaked moong dal with ginger, green chilli, salt, and turmeric. Make it into a smooth batter. Pour onto a hot pan and cook on one side. Then fill the chilla with chopped veggies like capsicum and broccoli. Add a generous amount of grated paneer and a sprinkle of melted cheese to make it even tastier for little hands. Fold the chilla, cook on both sides, and serve.
These Indianised Tacos taste great with a bit of green chutney on the side. The chutney makes them extra good to eat.
9. Sweet Potato Tikki
Sweet Potato Tikki
Sweet potato tikki is a healthy dinner option for kids that combines taste with nutrition. Rich in fibre, vitamin A, and complex carbs, sweet potatoes keep kids full for longer and support their energy levels and immunity. These tikkis are soft, mildly sweet, and easy to chew, making them perfect for younger children.
To make them, mash boiled sweet potatoes and mix with grated carrots, a pinch of cumin, salt, and breadcrumbs for binding. Shape into small round patties and pan-cook with a little ghee or oil until golden on both sides. You can also sneak in finely chopped spinach or peas for added veggies. You can even pair them with burger buns to make it more appealing to kids.
These tikkis pair beautifully with homemade green chutney or sweet curd. The contrasting flavours make it a hit even with picky eaters.
10. Dal Khichdi
Dal Khichdi
Dal khichdi is healthy and simple to make, which is great for those busy nights. It is full of protein and fibre, so it is filling and helps keep kids full.
Pressure cook rice, moong dal, and chopped veggies (if using) with turmeric, salt, and enough water until soft. In ghee, temper cumin, garlic, ginger, green chilli, and a pinch of hing. Add the tempering to the khichdi, mix well, and serve hot with curd or pickle. If you are open to experimentation, you may even serve with sour cream dip.
The blend of spices gives this dish a great flavour, and the presence of dal makes it super healthy. It is the ultimate comfort food. This is also one of the popular dinner ideas for kids among Indian recipes.
Want to make this khichdi healthier? Replace dal with oats. Check out this healthy oats khichdi recipe.
Wholesome Meals, Happy Kids
Adding these dinner recipes can make mealtime more fun for both parents and kids. In this list, there is something good even for picky eaters. Try to use fresh foods, like tender broccoli and plenty of vegetables, to make your meals not just healthy, but also more fun and creative. When you cook together, you can turn busy nights into great family moments. There will be more laughter, and everyone will feel happy after dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Indian dinner recipes are best for picky eaters?
For picky eaters, you can try simple Indian dinner recipes. Creamy tomato macaroni is a good choice. Dal Khichdi is another tasty option. These dishes have good flavour, but they also feel familiar, so kids will like them. Stuffed moong dal chilla has nutrition, and the taste is not too strong.
How can I make dinners more nutritious for kids?
Try to use veggies and whole grains in the meals you make. Pick lean meats for protein, and do not give them a lot of processed foods. You can make meals more fun by using bright plates or having nights with a theme for dinner. Or you can innovate the dish. For example, you can add the white sauce pasta as the filling of hot dogs so that kids will love it even more.
Are these recipes suitable for lunchboxes as well?
Yes, these tasty dinner recipes for kids are great for lunchboxes. They are good for them, easy to make, and they can eat them cold. Kids will like the flavours a lot. This will make lunchtime fun and something to look forward to!
How can I modify these recipes to accommodate common food allergies?
To change these recipes for common food allergies, you can swap dairy with plant-based items like almond milk or coconut yogurt. If you need to avoid gluten, try using gluten-free pasta and bread. For baking, use flaxseed meal or applesauce instead of eggs. It is a good idea to always check ingredient labels closely.
