Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and tasty food. It’s also a great time to let kids help in the kitchen. We have 25 easy recipes that kids can make. These include snacks, sides, and desserts. Each recipe is simple and safe for little hands. Cooking together is fun and creates happy memories. Kids will love making and eating these treats. The steps are easy to follow. The ingredients are simple and fun to use. Kids can stir, roll, and decorate. Even picky eaters will enjoy these dishes. Cooking on Thanksgiving should be easy. Let’s check out these fun recipes!
Appetizers
1. Turkey Veggie Tray
A fun and healthy way to start Thanksgiving dinner is with a colorful veggie platter. Slice bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Arrange them in the shape of a turkey for a festive touch. Use a small bowl of hummus or ranch dip as the turkey’s face. The bright colors make it look fun and inviting. Kids will love helping to arrange the veggies. This makes eating vegetables more exciting. It’s a simple way to add something healthy to the meal. The dip adds flavor and makes veggies tastier. You can use different veggies for variety. Try adding olives for eyes or a pepper slice for a beak. This dish is quick to make and looks great on the table. It’s a perfect way to start Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone will enjoy this fun and tasty appetizer!
2. Cheese & Cracker Turkeys
Make a cute and tasty turkey snack using simple ingredients. Start with round crackers for the turkey’s body. Add cheese slices around the top as feathers. Use olives or raisins to make the eyes. A small piece of carrot works great as a beak. This fun snack is easy to put together. Kids will love helping to make it. The bright colors make it look festive. It’s a simple way to add a fun touch to Thanksgiving. You can mix different cheeses for variety. Try using pretzel sticks for legs. A tiny red pepper piece can be the wattle. This snack is perfect for kids and adults. It’s a quick, tasty, and creative treat. Everyone will love this adorable turkey snack!
3. Mini Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread muffins are a simple and tasty Thanksgiving treat. Use an easy cornbread mix to make things quick and fun. Kids can help mix the batter in a bowl. They can also pour it into mini muffin tins. These small muffins are just the right size for little hands. Bake until golden brown and soft. Serve them warm for the best flavor. Add butter to make them rich and creamy. A drizzle of honey makes them extra sweet. You can also spread jam for a fruity twist. These muffins are fluffy, soft, and delicious. They are a perfect side for Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone will love these bite-sized treats. They are the perfect mix of sweet and savory!
4. Apple Nachos
Slice apples into thin pieces and put them on a plate. Drizzle caramel sauce on top. Add chocolate chips for some sweetness. Sprinkle crushed nuts for a crunchy bite. You can use almonds, pecans, or peanuts. This snack is yummy and healthy. Kids will enjoy adding the toppings. The flavors all mix together really well. Add coconut flakes for extra taste. A bit of cinnamon gives it a cozy touch. If you want, you can use yogurt instead of caramel. This is a great snack or starter. It’s a fun way to eat apples. Everyone will like this simple treat!
5. Deviled Egg Chicks
Turn deviled eggs into cute little chicks for a fun treat. Start by making your favorite deviled eggs. Once they’re ready, add two small black olive pieces as eyes. Then, cut a tiny carrot piece into a triangle shape for the beak. Place the carrot right in the middle of the egg. The olives and carrots make the eggs look like adorable chicks. It’s a fun and easy way to make deviled eggs more exciting. Kids will love helping to add the eyes and beak. The little details make these eggs even more special. These chick deviled eggs are great for parties or as a fun snack. They’re simple to make but look so cute. The combination of flavors makes them tasty and fun to eat. This creative twist will have everyone smiling. It’s a perfect way to make a classic dish stand out. These chick deviled eggs are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Side Dishes
6. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Kids can help make a yummy side dish with sweet potatoes. Start by boiling the sweet potatoes until they’re soft. Let the kids mash them with a fork or masher. Add some butter to make them creamy. Then, sprinkle in cinnamon for a nice flavor. Mix in a little brown sugar to make them sweet. The kids will have fun mashing and stirring. The sweet potatoes are already sweet, so you don’t need too much sugar. The butter and cinnamon make them taste extra yummy. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal. Everyone will love this tasty, sweet dish. The kids will feel proud of what they made. It’s a simple, delicious side dish for any meal!
7. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Let kids help make a sweet cranberry sauce by stirring fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest in a pot. Start by adding the cranberries and sugar to the pot. Then, add a little orange zest for a fresh, citrusy flavor. Let the kids stir the mixture as it heats up. The cranberries will start to pop and burst open. This makes a fun sound and turns the mixture into a sweet sauce. It’s easy for kids to help, and they can see the sauce come together. The sugar makes the cranberries sweet, while the orange zest adds a nice twist. It’s a simple and tasty side dish for any meal. The sauce is perfect for Thanksgiving or just as a sweet treat. Once the cranberries burst, the sauce is ready. The kids will love helping and watching it cook. It’s a quick and fun recipe everyone will enjoy!
8. Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Wrap store-bought crescent roll dough around small pieces of cheese or mini sausages for a quick and tasty side. Start by opening the dough and separating the triangles. Place a piece of cheese or a mini sausage at the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough up around the filling. Once they’re all rolled, place them on a baking sheet. Bake until they’re golden and flaky. The cheese will melt, and the sausages will cook inside. It’s an easy and fun recipe for kids to help with. The rolls are warm, soft, and delicious. These little treats are perfect for a side dish or snack. They’re quick to make and taste great. Everyone will love them!
9. Roasted Carrot Fries
Cut carrots into sticks and toss them in olive oil to coat them well. Make sure the carrots are evenly covered with oil so they roast nicely. Place the coated carrot sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven until they’re soft on the inside and crispy on the edges. The heat will bring out their natural sweetness while making them crispy. You can season them with salt, pepper, or any other spices you like for extra flavor. Roasting the carrots makes them a healthy and tasty side dish. The crispy edges add a nice texture, making them fun to eat. Kids can help by tossing the carrots in oil and spreading them on the baking sheet. It’s a simple and easy recipe that doesn’t take much time. These roasted carrots are perfect for any meal. They’re full of flavor and make a great alternative to regular snacks. The caramelized edges make them even more delicious. Everyone will love these crispy, roasted carrot sticks!
10. Mini Mac & Cheese Cups
Prepare macaroni and cheese as you usually would, making it nice and creamy. Once it’s ready, scoop the macaroni into muffin tins, filling each cup. Press it down gently so it holds together. Bake the mac and cheese in the oven until the edges get crispy and golden. These little bites are perfect for kids or as a fun snack. The crispy outside and creamy inside make them extra delicious. Kids can help scoop the macaroni into the tins and watch them bake. This bite-sized version of macaroni and cheese is easy to make and fun to eat. It’s a great side dish or snack for any meal. The muffin tin shape makes it easy to serve and eat. Everyone will love these crispy, cheesy bites. They’re a perfect way to enjoy a classic dish in a new way!
Main Dishes
11. Mini Turkey Meatballs
Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, an egg, and your choice of seasoning in a bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Once mixed, roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place the turkey balls on a baking sheet, making sure they aren’t too crowded. Bake them in the oven until they’re fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. These little turkey meatballs make a great protein option for Thanksgiving. They’re easy to make and delicious to eat. The seasoning adds extra flavor, and the breadcrumbs keep them moist. Kids can help roll the meatballs and place them on the sheet. These meatballs are a simple, healthy addition to your meal. They’re a great alternative to regular meat dishes. Serve them as a side or snack, and everyone will enjoy them. These turkey meatballs are a tasty and easy protein option for any meal!
12. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Let kids help season a turkey breast with your favorite spices. They can sprinkle salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like onto the meat. Once it’s well seasoned, place the turkey breast in the slow cooker. Make sure it’s in there nicely, with enough room for the flavors to spread. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook for several hours until the turkey is tender and juicy. The slow cooking makes the turkey easy to prepare with no fuss. Kids can help with the seasoning and watch the turkey cook. The meat will come out perfectly cooked and flavorful. It’s a simple way to make a tasty main dish. No need for much hands-on time, making it stress-free. This turkey is a great option for Thanksgiving or any meal. Everyone will enjoy this juicy, flavorful turkey without much effort. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe for a delicious main dish!
13. Thanksgiving Sliders
Layer turkey slices, cranberry sauce, and cheese between small dinner rolls for a tasty sandwich. Start by placing a slice of turkey on the bottom half of each roll. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for a sweet and tangy flavor. Then, layer a slice of cheese on top of the sauce for a creamy texture. Place the top half of the rolls on the sandwiches to complete them. Arrange the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake until they’re warm and the cheese is melted. The rolls will get soft on the inside and a little crispy on the outside. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick meal or a holiday treat. It’s a fun way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in a bite-sized sandwich. Kids can help by adding the ingredients and arranging the rolls. These warm sandwiches are full of flavor and perfect for any meal. Everyone will love the combination of turkey, cranberry, and cheese. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy these classic flavors!
14. Stuffing Muffins
Prepare your favorite stuffing recipe as usual, mixing all the ingredients together. Once it’s ready, instead of baking it in a big dish, scoop the stuffing into muffin tins. Fill each cup to the top for perfectly portioned servings. Bake the stuffing in the oven until it’s golden brown and crispy on the edges. This mini version of stuffing makes it easy to serve, and everyone gets their own little portion. The muffin shape is perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal, making it simple to serve without the mess. Kids can help by scooping the stuffing into the tins. It’s a fun way to enjoy a classic side dish with a twist. The individual servings make it easier to share and eat. The crispy outside and soft inside of each muffin make them extra delicious. It’s a quick, easy way to make stuffing that looks and tastes great. These stuffing muffins will be a hit with everyone. They’re perfect for your holiday table or a casual meal. The small portions also make it easy to pack for leftovers!
[…] cold nights. It has all the good flavors of lasagna—tomato sauce, cheese, and meat—mixed into a cozy soup. The pasta makes it filling. It’s super easy to make, great for busy nights. You can add extra […]