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Cooking with your kids can be fun, but once they are able to cook on their own, it's a game changer. Start off with recipes that are no-bake or ones that have only a few steps. These recipes help build the fundamentals of the kitchen. Depending on their skill level, kids can do everything from measuring and mixing to chopping and boiling water. If they are new to the kitchen, start with supervising more difficult tasks, and as they get older you can continue to do less. Here are 15 easy recipes kids can make on their own to gain confidence and cooking know-how.
Taco in a Bag
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Photo by RainbowJewels
This recipe is not only fun for kids to eat, it's easy for them to make. A little parent assistance may be needed to drain the ground beef but older kids can certainly handle cooking it. The rest of it is easy for even young kids to do — crushing the tortilla chips and layering lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and salsa for the ultimate taco on the go!
Yogurt Parfait
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Photo by CC<3's2bake
This no-cook recipe is as simple as they come, and even young kids can put this one together. Older kids (5+) can chop up their own fruit while everyone can put together layers of fruit, yogurt, and granola. This flexible recipe allows even the pickiest eater to make something they like.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
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Photo by magicallydelicious
Smoothies are a great easy meal or snack for kids to make, and who doesn't love the combination of peanut butter and banana? Kids 5 and up can do this recipe that has no cutting, just scooping peanut butter, breaking bananas into chunks. Add ice, milk and honey and blend. Mom or dad, just be sure to stress the top needs to be on the blender first before pressing the button.
Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake
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Photo by
This quick baking dessert still lets kids measure and mix, but they'll get instant gratification from their dessert after less than two minutes cooking time in the microwave. Parents may want to supervise the cooking part to help ensure cake perfection in the end result.
Oatmeal-Banana Pancakes
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Pancakes are a good starter recipe for kids 8 and up. They can easily whip together the batter and try their hand at flipping the perfect pancake. If your kids are cooking, let them have fun with different mix-ins or toppings.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
Learning how to make grilled cheese is a rite of passage for any kid, and once you feel comfortable enough to let your kid in front of the stove top, this recipe couldn't be simpler. Three ingredients (bread, butter and cheese) are all you need for this super simple sandwich.
Easy Guacamole
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Photo by KGora
Mashing, chopping, and squeezing citrus are all great building blocks for cooking. Why not make something delicious while learning? Guacamole, it is! Kids under five may need a little help with the cutting, but they can certainly be tasked with mashing. Older kids can make the whole dip from start to finish.
Veggie Pita Pizza
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Photo by Jaana Smith Bauman
This is a great, simple recipe for kids, especially if you have more than one kid that wants to cook. Everyone makes their own pizza on a piece of pita bread and can choose their toppings. Parents may want to assist with the grilling part, but the masterpiece is all theirs.
No Bake Energy Balls
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Photo by Nicole Skinner
This no-bake recipe is a great way to get even small kids in the kitchen with no worry about hot surfaces or sharp cutting. Simply mix together peanut butter, ground flax seed, chocolate chips, oats, honey, and vanilla to make a dough. Refrigerate before turning it into balls and devouring.
Muffin Pan Frittatas
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Photo by naples34102
Muffin pan frittatas are an easy task for kids of all ages, and they can choose the vegetables and cheese they want to include in them. Younger kids may need a little help to soften the vegetables. Nibbler Dynamite says, "I like how easy and versatile this recipe is… family loved them, and I'm freezing them for quick breakfasts."
Easy Banana Muffins
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Photo by MamaFaMi
Muffins are a great way for kids to start getting used to baking in the kitchen. These aptly named "easy" banana muffins are made by just sifting, mixing, and scooping. Easy enough for little kids to do with a little help from a caregiver to help with scooping and baking. Elisa Drewes says, "My kids can't get enough."
2 Minute Cheese Quesadillas
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Photo by bd.weld
There isn't much true cooking involved in these quesadillas, but they are certainly a great starter meal for kids learning to make their own meals. Sprinkle one tortilla with cheddar cheese and top with another. Amandak23K loves these because "you don't dirty up a pan making the kids a snack, just the plate they are eating from! I have taught my 7 year old how to make these for herself and little sister." Older kids can graduate to making quesadillas in the pan!
No-Cook Overnight Oatmeal
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Photo by France C
Overnight oats is an easy dish for kids to make because it's almost like a science experiment! Combining a bunch of stuff in a jar that turns delicious overnight. Like Msgiang says, "You can alter this recipe in so many different ways so it never gets old!" Kids over five should be able to whip these up with minimal help.
Marshmallow Treats
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Photo by Jessica Costa
These perennial favorite cereal treats are not just loved by kids, they are easy enough for kids to make. As the rice cereal marshmallow mix starts to thicken they may need some adult manpower, but otherwise this should be simple enough for them to make on their own. Kelly offers a great tip, especially for kids, "Wet your hands before transferring the rice crispy treats to the pan. It prevents a lot of sticking and mess."
Restaurant Style Mac and Cheese
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Photo by Christina
Who needs the prepackaged stuff when your kids can make their very own mac and cheese? This version keeps it super simple. If your kids are proficient in the kitchen, let them boil water (parents can help drain) and mix in processed cheese, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and salt.
More Inspiration
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Photo by Mackenzie Schieck
Try one of our favorite Easy, Healthy Snacks Kids Can Make. Plus, check out our entire collection of Kid-Friendly Recipes.
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