30 Fun Meals You Can Prepare with Toddlers

Cooking with your toddler can be a delightful adventure, filled with fun and learning.

These 30 meal ideas are simple, healthy, and perfect for little hands to help, making mealtime a bonding experience that fosters creativity, fine motor skills, and a love for nutritious food.

Table of Contents

Breakfast

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients:

Yogurt (Greek or regular)
Assorted fruits (berries, bananas, etc.)
Granola

Steps:

Wash the fruits: Let your toddler help wash the fruits under running water.
Layer the ingredients: In a clear cup, take turns with your toddler to layer yogurt, fruits, and granola.
Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the colorful, tasty parfait together.

Tip: Let your toddler choose the fruits they want to include to make it more fun and personalized.

Mini Pancakes

Ingredients:

Pancake mix
Water or milk
Butter or oil for cooking
Optional toppings: berries, chocolate chips, syrup

Steps:

Mix the batter: Help your toddler measure the pancake mix and liquid. Let them stir the mixture.
Cook the pancakes: Pour small amounts of batter onto a heated, greased skillet. Use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Flip and serve: Once bubbles form on the surface, flip the pancakes. Serve with your toddler’s favorite toppings.

Tip: Use non-stick cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, hearts, or animals.

Smoothie Bowls

Ingredients:

Frozen fruits (berries, mango, banana)
Yogurt or milk
Toppings: granola, nuts, seeds, fresh fruits

Steps:

Blend the smoothie: Let your toddler add frozen fruits and yogurt/milk into the blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour and decorate: Pour the smoothie into bowls. Let your toddler sprinkle their favorite toppings.
Enjoy together: Serve with spoons and enjoy a nutritious, colorful breakfast.

Tip: Use a powerful blender to ensure a smooth consistency. Toddlers love decorating their own bowls!

Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

Rolled oats
Milk or yogurt
Sweeteners: honey, maple syrup
Toppings: fruits, nuts, seeds

Steps:

Combine ingredients: Help your toddler measure and add oats, milk/yogurt, and sweeteners into a jar.
Shake and refrigerate: Secure the lid and let your toddler shake the jar. Refrigerate overnight.
Add toppings and serve: In the morning, add favorite toppings and serve cold.

Tip: Prepare multiple jars for a quick, easy breakfast throughout the week.

Egg Muffins

Ingredients:

Eggs
Milk
Chopped vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes)
Shredded cheese
Salt and pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
Mix ingredients: Crack eggs into a bowl and let your toddler whisk them. Add milk, vegetables, cheese, salt, and pepper.
Pour and bake: Pour the mixture into the muffin tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes until set.

Tip: Customize with your toddler’s favorite veggies and cheese for a personalized touch.

Cooking breakfast with your toddler not only makes mornings more exciting but also helps instill healthy eating habits from a young age. Enjoy these delightful and easy breakfast ideas together!

Lunch

Mini Sandwiches

Ingredients:

Whole grain bread
Deli meats (turkey, ham, etc.)
Cheese slices
Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers
Spreads (mustard, mayonnaise, hummus)

Steps:

Cut the bread: Use fun-shaped cookie cutters to cut the bread into shapes that your toddler will love.
Assemble the sandwiches: Let your toddler help layer meats, cheese, and veggies on the bread.
Add spreads: Allow your toddler to spread mustard, mayo, or hummus on the sandwiches.

Tip: Involve your toddler in picking out their favorite sandwich fillings to make them more excited about lunchtime.

Veggie Wraps

Ingredients:

Whole wheat tortillas
Assorted veggies (bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, spinach)
Hummus or cream cheese
Grated cheese (optional)

Steps:

Prep the veggies: Let your toddler help wash and, if appropriate, cut the veggies into strips.
Spread the hummus: Have your toddler spread hummus or cream cheese on the tortilla.
Add the veggies: Encourage your toddler to place the veggie strips and cheese (if using) on the tortilla.
Wrap it up: Roll up the tortilla and cut into manageable pieces.

Tip: Creating colorful wraps can be a fun way for your toddler to learn about different vegetables and textures.

Pizza Bagels

Ingredients:

Mini bagels
Tomato sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, etc.)

Steps:

Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble the pizzas: Let your toddler spread tomato sauce on each half of the bagels.
Add cheese and toppings: Have your toddler sprinkle cheese and arrange their favorite toppings.
Bake: Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tip: Allow your toddler to be creative with their toppings, making faces or patterns on the mini pizzas.

Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

Whole wheat tortillas
Shredded cooked chicken
Shredded cheese
Salsa or chopped tomatoes
Optional: corn, black beans, bell peppers

Steps:

Layer the ingredients: On one half of a tortilla, let your toddler help layer chicken, cheese, and optional toppings.
Fold and cook: Fold the tortilla in half and cook on a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
Cut and serve: Cut into triangles and serve with salsa or guacamole.

Tip: Use pre-cooked chicken to make the process quicker and easier for your toddler to participate.

Homemade Lunchables

Ingredients:

Whole grain crackers
Cheese slices
Deli meats
Fruits (grapes, apple slices)
Veggies (carrot sticks, cucumber slices)

Steps:

Arrange the items: Provide your toddler with a variety of items and let them assemble their own lunchable tray.
Cut the cheese and meats: Use small cookie cutters to cut cheese and meats into fun shapes.
Serve: Let your toddler arrange the crackers, cheese, meats, fruits, and veggies in a divided tray.

Tip: This interactive lunch is perfect for toddlers who love to mix and match their foods.

These lunch ideas are not only delicious and nutritious but also provide a wonderful opportunity for you and your toddler to bond and enjoy making meals together.

Encourage your toddler to be as hands-on as possible to foster a love of cooking and healthy eating!

Snacks

Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

Assorted fruits (grapes, strawberries, melon, pineapple)
Wooden skewers or kid-safe skewers

Steps:

Prep the fruits: Wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the kabobs: Let your toddler slide the fruit pieces onto the skewers, creating colorful patterns.
Serve: Enjoy these vibrant and healthy snacks immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tip: Use a variety of colorful fruits to make the kabobs more appealing and fun for your toddler.

Ants on a Log

Ingredients:

Celery sticks
Peanut butter or cream cheese
Raisins

Steps:

Prep the celery: Wash and cut the celery into 3-4 inch sticks.
Spread the filling: Let your toddler spread peanut butter or cream cheese into the celery sticks.
Add the raisins: Place raisins (“ants”) on top of the filling.

Tip: For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or another alternative.

Cheese and Crackers

Ingredients:

Assorted crackers
Cheese slices or cubes
Optional: sliced veggies, deli meats

Steps:

Arrange the items: Provide your toddler with a variety of crackers and cheeses to arrange on a plate.
Optional additions: Add sliced veggies or deli meats for extra variety.

Tip: Let your toddler create their own cheese and cracker combinations, encouraging creativity.

Energy Balls

Ingredients:

Rolled oats
Peanut butter or almond butter
Honey
Mini chocolate chips or raisins
Optional: shredded coconut, chia seeds

Steps:

Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, let your toddler help mix oats, peanut butter, honey, and optional ingredients.
Form the balls: Roll the mixture into small balls using your hands.
Refrigerate: Place the energy balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.

Tip: These no-bake snacks are perfect for little hands and can be customized with your toddler’s favorite add-ins.

Popcorn Mix

Ingredients:

Plain popped popcorn
Mix-ins: pretzels, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, dried fruit

Steps:

Pop the popcorn: Pop the popcorn and let it cool.
Mix in the goodies: In a large bowl, let your toddler add their favorite mix-ins to the popcorn.
Serve: Enjoy this tasty and customizable snack mix.

Tip: Use a large bowl for mixing to prevent spills and make it easier for your toddler to participate.

These snack ideas are not only nutritious but also easy and fun to prepare with your toddler. They provide perfect opportunities for your little one to practice their fine motor skills and enjoy some hands-on time in the kitchen.

Dinner

Mini Meatballs

Ingredients:

Ground beef or turkey
Bread crumbs
Egg
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley
Salt and pepper
Optional: minced garlic, onion powder

Steps:

Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, let your toddler help mix the ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Form the meatballs: Show your toddler how to roll the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Tip: Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic meal.

Homemade Pizza

Ingredients:

Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Tomato sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.)

Steps:

Preheat oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out the dough: Let your toddler help roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
Add the sauce: Spread tomato sauce over the dough.
Top the pizza: Allow your toddler to sprinkle cheese and add their favorite toppings.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Tip: Create personal-sized pizzas so each family member can customize their own.

Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

Bell peppers
Cooked rice
Ground beef or turkey
Tomato sauce
Shredded cheese
Salt and pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Prep the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
Mix the filling: In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, ground meat, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Let your toddler help with the mixing.
Stuff the peppers: Fill each pepper with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Tip: Use colorful bell peppers to make the dish more appealing to your toddler.

Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:

Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Flour
Beaten eggs
Bread crumbs
Salt and pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Set up the stations: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
Coat the chicken: Let your toddler help dip the chicken pieces first in flour, then in egg, and finally in bread crumbs.
Bake: Place the coated chicken pieces on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Tip: Serve with your toddler’s favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

Elbow macaroni
Butter
Flour
Milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper

Steps:

Cook the pasta: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and drain.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
Combine: Let your toddler help stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
Serve: Serve immediately or transfer to a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake until bubbly.

Tip: Add steamed broccoli or cooked chicken for a more complete meal.

Cooking dinner with your toddler can be a rewarding and educational experience. These recipes are designed to be simple yet delicious, ensuring that your little one can actively participate in preparing and enjoying a wholesome meal.

Desserts

Fruit Popsicles

Ingredients:

Assorted fruits (berries, mango, kiwi)
Fruit juice or yogurt
Popsicle molds

Steps:

Prep the fruits: Wash and cut the fruits into small pieces.
Fill the molds: Let your toddler help fill the popsicle molds with the fruit pieces.
Add liquid: Pour fruit juice or yogurt over the fruits in the molds.
Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until completely frozen.

Tip: Use clear molds so your toddler can see the colorful fruits inside.

Mini Cupcakes

Ingredients:

Cupcake mix or homemade batter
Frosting
Sprinkles and decorations

Steps:

Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix the batter: Let your toddler help measure and mix the ingredients.
Fill the liners: Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Decorate: Provide your toddler with frosting, sprinkles, and decorations to top the cupcakes.

Tip: Use different colored liners and decorations for a festive touch.

Chocolate-Dipped Fruit

Ingredients:

Assorted fruits (strawberries, bananas, apples)
Chocolate chips or melting chocolate
Optional: toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles

Steps:

Melt the chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Dip the fruit: Let your toddler dip the fruit pieces into the melted chocolate.
Add toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with nuts or other toppings.
Set: Place the dipped fruits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let the chocolate set in the fridge.

Tip: Use skewers or toothpicks to make dipping easier for little hands.

Banana Bread

Ingredients:

Ripe bananas
Flour
Sugar
Eggs
Butter
Baking soda
Salt
Vanilla extract

Steps:

Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
Mash the bananas: Let your toddler mash the bananas in a large bowl.
Mix the batter: Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and mix until well combined.
Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Tip: Add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

Rice Krispies cereal
Marshmallows
Butter
Optional: food coloring, sprinkles

Steps:

Melt the butter and marshmallows: In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
Mix in the cereal: Remove from heat and let your toddler help stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
Shape the treats: Press the mixture into a greased baking dish. For fun shapes, use cookie cutters to cut the treats after they have set slightly.
Cool and serve: Let cool completely before cutting into squares or shapes.

Tip: Add food coloring to the marshmallow mixture for colorful treats, or sprinkle with fun toppings.

Desserts are a delightful way to end a meal, and involving your toddler in making these sweet treats can make them even more enjoyable. These recipes are designed to be simple and safe, ensuring a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your little one. Happy baking!

Tips for Making Cooking Fun and Educational

Incorporating Learning

Cooking with your toddler is a fantastic opportunity to incorporate learning into everyday activities. Here are some ways to make the experience educational:

Counting and Measuring:

Count ingredients: Have your toddler count items like eggs, spoonfuls of flour, or pieces of fruit.
Measure ingredients: Teach them how to measure out ingredients using cups and spoons. This helps with math skills and understanding quantities.

Identifying Colors and Shapes:

Color recognition: Point out the different colors of fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches, pancakes, and other foods into various shapes. Ask your toddler to identify each shape.

Following Instructions:

Step-by-step: Encourage your toddler to follow simple instructions, helping them understand the sequence of steps in a recipe.
Reading recipes: For older toddlers, show them the recipe and help them follow along with the written instructions.

Learning About Nutrition:

Healthy choices: Talk about the nutritional benefits of different ingredients and why they are good for their bodies.
Balanced meals: Teach them about the food groups and how to create a balanced meal with proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables.

Making Cleanup a Part of the Process

Teaching your toddler to clean up as they go is an essential skill that will help them in the kitchen and beyond. Here are some tips:

Wipe Up Spills:

Immediate cleanup: Encourage your toddler to wipe up spills as soon as they happen. This prevents messes from becoming overwhelming.
Child-friendly tools: Provide small sponges or cloths that are easy for little hands to use.

Organize Ingredients and Tools:

Put things away: After using an ingredient or tool, show your toddler how to put it back in its proper place.
Label shelves and drawers: Use labels or pictures to help your toddler know where things belong.

Wash Dishes Together:

Rinse and wash: Let your toddler help rinse dishes and load them into the dishwasher or wash them by hand with your supervision.
Dry and put away: Teach them how to dry dishes and put them away in the correct spots.

Encouraging Creativity

Cooking is a creative process, and encouraging your toddler to experiment and have fun will foster a love for cooking. Here’s how:

Choosing Ingredients:

Personal preferences: Let your toddler choose some ingredients for recipes, like which fruits to include in a salad or which toppings to put on a pizza.
Flavor experiments: Encourage them to try different flavor combinations and see what they like best.

Decorating and Presenting:

Food art: Use fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients to create fun shapes and designs on their plates.
Colorful presentations: Arrange foods in a visually appealing way, using a variety of colors and textures.

Creating Their Own Recipes:

Inventing dishes: Allow your toddler to come up with their own simple recipes or variations of existing ones.
Naming creations: Let them name their creations, making them feel proud of their culinary inventions.

Cooking with your toddler is not only about preparing meals but also about teaching them valuable life skills, making memories, and having fun together.

By incorporating learning, making cleanup part of the process, and encouraging creativity, you can turn cooking into an enjoyable and educational experience for both you and your little one.

Concluding The Best Meals To Prepare With Toddlers

Cooking with your toddler can be a joyful and enriching experience that fosters a love for food, creativity, and learning.

By involving your little one in meal preparation, you’re not only teaching them valuable life skills but also creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.