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Hosting a group of little ones? Try these kid friendly party food ideas featuring nuggets, pastas, cookies, and nachos. They’re sure to keep everyone happy.
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Kids can be hard to impress, so it helps to have plenty of recipes to choose from. This list includes both sweet and savory treats that you can enjoy on any occasion.
Kids will love munching on them while they play or run around with friends.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Make a huge batch of this spaghetti ahead of time. The Instant Pot makes it super easy.
It’s ready in around 20 minutes and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Like the Instant Pot, the Crockpot is also your best friend for making hearty kid-friendly dishes.
This one pairs potatoes with ham, cheddar cheese, milk, and condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Big Mac Tacos
These tacos are ideal for special occasions and weekday movie nights.
They’re much quicker to cook than traditional burgers. Top them with burger sauce and pair with crispy French fries.
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
These sliders are a good option not only for parties and kids’ lunchboxes but also for grown-ups’ grab-and-go work lunches.
You can use leftover turkey for this recipe and experiment with different additions to spice it up.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
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Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
Ever thought of breakfast as pizza? This version will keep you and the kids satisfied throughout the day.
It’s made with turkey bacon, chicken breast, mozzarella, and barbecue sauce.
Get The Recipe: Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Here’s a snack you’ll wish you’d made sooner. These sausage balls are cheesy and meaty, yet made with only four simple ingredients.
Bake them until set and lightly golden, then serve with a honey mustard dip.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Pasta Chips
These pasta chips are seasoned with a delicious mix of herbs and seasonings everyone will love.
They also come with a cheesy dipping sauce, but of course, you can always use other options like marinara or hummus.
Get The Recipe: Pasta Chips
Strawberry Brownies
Want some strawberry brownies but don’t have fresh strawberries? This recipe is for you.
It uses strawberry cake mix and strawberry preserves but is every bit as flavorful. They’re so fun to make, you can enjoy them even as everyday snacks.
Get The Recipe: Strawberry Brownies
Instant Pot Cheesecake Bites
Excited to make this mouthwatering treat? Think cheesecake in bite-size form, made in the Instant Pot!
If your kids love chocolate, why not use chocolate graham crackers for the crust?
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesecake Bites
Italian Zucchini Boats
Encourage the little ones to enjoy more veggies.
These savory boats are made with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and of course, zucchinis.
Get The Recipe: Italian Zucchini Boats
Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese sandwich is exactly what comfort food should be!
Don’t worry, it’s just as cheesy as your traditional favorite, with vegan cheddar cheese and Muenster cheese.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
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Sweet Hummus (Monster Cookie Hummus)
You’ll love how this hummus sneaks dessert flavors into a healthy snack.
Main ingredients include chickpeas, natural peanut butter, cinnamon, and oats. Serve it with mini waffle pieces, apple slices, and fresh fruits.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Hummus (Monster Cookie Hummus)
Vegan Dirt Cups
These dirt cups are made with dairy-free chocolate chips, arrowroot powder, coconut cream, coconut sugar, and other simple ingredients.
Prepping for a big party? You can stir in some vegan whipped cream topping to make them extra fun.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Dirt Cups
Fruit Nachos
Want to make something fruity and healthier for the kids? These nachos feature vibrant fruits like berries, grapes, mangoes, and kiwis.
A drizzle of dark chocolate and a swirl of vegan whipped topping make them even more fun to enjoy.
Get The Recipe: Fruit Nachos
S’mores Muddy Buddies
Combine all of your sweet favorites in one bowl.
This snack features chocolate chips, Nutella, graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and powdered sugar.
Get The Recipe: S’mores Muddy Buddies
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
Meals with bacon are always a great idea. These cheesy bites can be made in the air fryer with six simple ingredients.
You can also experiment with other spices if your kids love bold flavors.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
Little Smokies with Grape Jelly
These little smokies come with a not-so-secret ingredient—grape jelly. Everyone will love them.
They’re made in the slow cooker, but you can also whip them up on the stovetop if you like.
Get The Recipe: Little Smokies with Grape Jelly
Chocolate Chip Funfetti Cookies
See those colorful sprinkles and mini chocolate chips? These cookies are bound to be a hit with both kids and adults.
They’re made with sprinkles, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and almond extract.
Get The Recipe: Chocolate Chip Funfetti Cookies
Cottage Cheese Pizza
Cottage cheese can make pizza more filling and a bit healthier, especially for kids or anyone who needs extra protein.
Top this savory treat with spinach, garlic, cheddar cheese, and plenty of other toppings.
Get The Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pizza
Taco Bell Nacho Fries
These crispy seasoned fries are just like Taco Bell’s famed version! And yes, you can easily make them at home in just 20 minutes.
Try the sauce included in this recipe. It’s made with heavy cream, whole milk, and sharp cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Taco Bell Nacho Fries
Dulce de Leche Chocolate Cake
Challenge yourself and bake an indulgent cake for the little ones.
This one is a rich yet balanced dessert made with cocoa powder, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, coffee, and dulce de leche.
Get The Recipe: Dulce de Leche Chocolate Cake
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Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats
Kids love funfetti treats! Try this one for your upcoming party or movie night.
It offers salty, sweet, and crunchy flavors with every bite. You can pair it with fresh fruit slices or lemonade.
Get The Recipe: Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats
Cheeseburger and Fries Quesadilla
Let me guess, you and the kids love cheeseburgers and quesadillas?
This clever mash-up combines ground beef, mayo, sour cream, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Cheeseburger and Fries Quesadilla
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Who says nuggets can’t be homemade and better?
This easy recipe results in tender chicken bites made from real chicken breast, seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection.
Get The Recipe: Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Pigs in a Blanket
Mini smokies are perfect when you’re serving a crowd of young foodies.
Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes, then serve with ketchup, mustard, or a honey-mustard aioli.
Get The Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket
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These recipes are easy to pull off even on your busiest days.
If you want, you can prep the day before. Wash fruits, shred cheese, or cook the pasta ahead.
Just don’t forget to use colorful touches (sprinkles, fruit, or veggie sticks!) to make the dishes more appealing.
25 Bento Box Ideas for Kids To Take To School
From sandwiches to snacks, these bento box ideas for kids will help you pack them a filling lunch to keep them going throughout the day.
Read it here: 25 Bento Box Ideas for Kids To Take To School
25 After School Snacks That Disappear Before Homework Starts
These after school snacks will disappear quickly and keep the kids satisfied until they’re ready for dinner. From sweet to savory, these snacks will be a hit with the kids.
Read it here: 25 After School Snacks That Disappear Before Homework Starts
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Looking for more kid-friendly recipes? These options bring joy and flavor to every occasion: