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    Home » Trending

    25 Meals Nobody Thinks Are Kid-Friendly but Always Win

    Published: Jan 13, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Some meals may not seem kid-friendly at first, but they always turn out to be favorites. Simple flavors and fun ideas make them a hit at the table. These dishes prove that great meals can please everyone.

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate.
    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Combining the sweetness of pineapple with the salty crunch of bacon, this dish is an unexpected treat. It's a delightful blend of flavors that can persuade kids to try fruit in a new way. Quick to make in an air fryer, it's a fun snack or side.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Halloumi Salad

    Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Halloumi cheese brings a satisfying texture to salads that might just win over the young ones. Tossed with fresh veggies, it's a colorful and nutritious option. The salty cheese and crunchy vegetables make a great pair, introducing kids to more sophisticated salads.
    Get the Recipe: Halloumi Salad

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    Bombay Sandwiches

    Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
    Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

    This street-food staple from Mumbai offers a unique take on the sandwich. Packed with vegetables and chutney, it's a flavorful vegetarian option that proves sandwiches don't need to be boring. Kids will enjoy the different textures and vibrant flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

    Avocado Pesto Pasta

    Avocado Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    This dish combines creamy avocado with classic pesto for a rich and nutritious sauce over pasta. It's a simple way to get kids to enjoy their greens, with the creamy texture of the avocado making it a hit. You might be surprised at how eagerly they dig in.
    Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These are not your ordinary onion rings. Wrapping them in bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the sweet onion. It's a fun twist on classic finger foods that kids won't be able to resist diving into.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

    Stacked taquitos on a plate.
    Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Crispy on the outside and filled with a creamy chicken mixture, these taquitos are a hit. They're another fun, finger food that kids can enjoy without the mess. The air fryer ensures they're deliciously crispy without being greasy.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

    Easy Childa Recipe

    Easy Childa Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A simplified version of a traditional dish, this childa is approachable for kids and packed with flavor. It’s an excellent way to introduce new spices in a mild and comforting dish. Plus, it's versatile enough to add any of their favorite ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Childa Recipe

    Aloo Gobi Masala

    Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
    Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This vegetarian dish combines potatoes and cauliflower in a spicy tomato-based sauce. It's a flavorful introduction to Indian cuisine for kids, showing them that vegetables can be the star of a dish. The spices are warm, making it comforting for any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

    Potato Soup

    Potato Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Creamy, comforting, and perfect for any season, potato soup is a hit with kids for its smooth texture and simple flavors. It's like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some vegetable servings.
    Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

    Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

    Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
    Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Bringing the flavors of the Middle East home, these wraps are both nutritious and packed with flavor. The chicken is perfectly spiced and the wrap includes fresh veggies for a balanced meal. Kids will love the hands-on experience of assembling their own wrap.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

    Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

    Mediterranean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A refreshing and crunchy salad that's easy to make and packed with flavors. The fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs might just surprise kids with how tasty healthy eating can be. It's a light side dish that pairs well with any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

    Air Fryer Carnitas

    Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
    Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    These carnitas get a crispy edge from the air fryer, making them irresistible. The juicy, tender pork is a hit with kids, especially when wrapped in a soft tortilla. It’s a simple way to make a traditionally long-cooking dish in a fraction of the time.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

    Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

    Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    This salad is a cool, crisp, and has a spicy kick that’s surprisingly addictive. It's a great side dish to introduce kids to Korean flavors in a fresh and approachable way. Despite its spice, it's refreshing and pairs well with milder dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

    Char Siu

    Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
    Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    This Cantonese barbecue pork has a sweet and savory flavor that's hard to resist. The glossy, red exterior is not only appealing to the eye but delicious to taste. It's a fantastic way to make pork more exciting for kids.
    Get the Recipe: Char Siu

    Best Roasted Potato Salad

    Best Roasted Potato Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Taking the traditional potato salad up a notch, this version includes roasted potatoes for an added depth of flavor. It’s still the creamy, comforting salad kids love but with a satisfying crunch. It's a side that will have them asking for seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Potato Salad

    Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
    Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A luxurious twist on pasta night, this dish pairs tender steak with a creamy Alfredo sauce. It's a way to introduce a more sophisticated palate to kids in a familiar format. The combination of steak and pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Camarones a la Diabla

    Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.
    Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    These shrimp are coated in a spicy sauce that packs a punch. It's a fiery dish that might surprise you with how much kids enjoy the challenge. Balanced with some rice, it's a hearty meal that brings the heat.
    Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

    10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

    10-Minute Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Quick and packed with flavor, these noodles use the Korean chili paste, gochujang, for a mix of spice, savory and slight sweetness. It’s an easy way to introduce kids to Korean flavors through a familiar medium - noodles. The preparation is quick but the taste is memorable.
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

    Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

    Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
    Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Shrimp cooked in a garlicky sauce offers a delicious way to enjoy seafood. It's a simple dish with flavors that are bold but not overpowering, perfect for introducing kids to new seafood dishes. The garlic sauce makes it irresistible.
    Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

    The Best Baked Feta Recipe

    The Best Baked Feta Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Baked feta, with its creamy and tangy flavor, can be a game changer for pasta or salads. It's surprisingly simple to prepare but adds a rich taste that can elevate a dish. Even kids will be curious to try this melting pot of goodness.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta Recipe

    Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    Pasta chips in a white bowl.
    Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Pasta in a whole new light - these chips are crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. It's a novel way to serve pasta that will intrigue and delight children. Plus, they're quickly made in an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought chips.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    Air Fryer Empanadas

    A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
    Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Crispy on the outside, filled with flavorful meat or cheese on the inside, these empanadas are a fun hand-held meal. Using the air fryer makes them a healthier option that doesn't skimp on taste. Kids will love the novelty of these mini pies.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

    Yellow Tempeh Curry

    Yellow Tempeh Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A vibrant dish, this tempeh curry combines the hearty texture of soy-based tempeh with a rich, flavorful sauce. Kids might be surprised by how much they enjoy the combination of spices and creamy coconut milk. It's a comforting meal that introduces them to international flavors gently.
    Get the Recipe: Yellow Tempeh Curry

    Baked Lemon Butter Fish

    Baked butter fish on a plate with green beans.
    Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A light and flaky fish dish that's simple yet packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon butter sauce. It’s an easy way to get kids to enjoy fish without a strong ocean taste. The lemon adds a fresh zing that can win over even picky eaters.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

    10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

    10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    An easy and quick side dish that brings a flavorful green to the table. Bok choy, with its mild taste, is sautéed with garlic for a simple yet deliciously fragrant dish. It introduces children to new vegetables in a familiar and appetizing way.
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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