Teach Kids Math, Nutrition & Flavor in the Kitchen!

Are you looking for ways to engage your kids in the kitchen while also teaching them valuable life skills? Look no further! Cooking with your children can be an enjoyable and educational experience for the whole family. Not only does it provide an opportunity to bond, but it also allows you to incorporate math, nutrition, and flavor exploration into your culinary adventures.

Why Cook with Kids?

Cooking is an essential life skill that everyone should learn, and what better way to instill this skill in your children than by involving them in the kitchen from a young age? Not only does cooking with kids promote family bonding, but it also teaches them important lessons about nutrition, food safety, and creativity. Plus, it’s a fun activity that can ignite a lifelong passion for cooking and healthy eating.

Talk About Culture & Cuisines

Cooking with children is a perfect time to talking about your own family culture, with recipes handed down. It is also an opportunity to talk about the cuisines of the world.

The Benefits of Cooking with Kids

Cooking together can be a fantastic way to explore new recipes and ingredients while ensuring everyone’s wants and needs are met. If any of you are following a particular diet, such as low-fat vegetarian or low FODMAP (for IBS), that can be challenging to navigate, but by involving your kids in the cooking process, you can empower them to make healthier food choices and develop a positive relationship with food.

Be Age & Skill Appropriate

Use your good sense. Very young children should not use knives, but once they are old enough to have the dexterity, they can be supervised and taught this skill. The youngest can still participate, stirring with wooden spoons, drizzling dressings, tossing salads and the like.

Getting Started: Kid-Friendly Recipes

Ready to get cooking? Even toddlers can get involved! Here are 24 kid-friendly recipes that are perfect for bringing the whole family together in the kitchen:

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Fire up your instant pot for near instant gratification with this version of a home spun classic: chicken noodle soup. Get the recipe.

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Meatballs and sauce nestled into a roll make a fun and hardy meal that the kids will enjoy helping to make. Those little hands are perfect for rolling the meatballs. Get the recipe.

One-Pan Chicken, Carrots & Potatoes

 A simple and delicious meal that kids can help prepare by whisking together the maple mustard sauce and assisting with food safety practices. Get the recipe.

Turkey Meatballs

Kids will love getting their hands dirty mixing and shaping these flavorful, but lighter, meatballs, while also learning about portion control and cooking techniques. Get the recipe.

The Best One Pot Taco Macaroni And Cheese

Mac & cheese with taco flavors brings the best of many worlds into not only one recipe, but it’s made in one pot! A perfect conversation starter to talk about blending cuisines. Get the recipe.

Everyday Meatloaf

This nutritious twist on a classic comfort food is perfect for teaching kids about incorporating vegetables into meals and pronunciation (hello, Worcestershire sauce!). Get the recipe.

Potato Chip Crusted Air-Fryer Fish Sticks

An alternative to store-bought fish sticks, this recipe lets kids get creative by crushing potato chips for the crunchy coating. Get the recipe.

Viral TikTok One Pot French Onion Pasta

We love this recipe for so many reasons. First of all, kids will get a kick out of the fact that you suggest making a recipe that’s gone viral on social media. Secondly, it’s a great opportunity to talk about how cooking techniques can transform food. A lot of kids say they don’t like onions, but after slow cooking they become caramelized and sweet, and they will be amazed. And learn something at the same time. Get the recipe.

Vegetable, Pasta & Bean Soup

A hearty and versatile soup that provides ample opportunities for kids to learn about different vegetables and cooking methods. Get the recipe.

Leafy Green Salad

Teach kids the basics of salad making while exploring different types of greens and salad dressings. If you have the ability to plant vegetables or visit a farm, that can be incorporated as well. No recipe here, just use your creativity!

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Empower kids to make their own salad dressing from scratch with this simple and delicious recipe. Get the recipe.

Ranch Dressing

Move over, store-bought dressing! Kids will love making their own creamy ranch dressing using fresh herbs – and our version happens to be lactose-free!  Get the recipe.

Fruit Salad

Encourage healthy snacking habits by involving kids in the preparation of colorful and nutritious fruit salads. Your choice!

Omelets

A versatile and customizable dish that’s perfect for teaching kids basic cooking skills like whisking eggs and monitoring heat. Get the recipe.

Oven-Baked French Fries

We have nothing against a good deep-fried French fry, but once you try our version of oven baked, you might never go back. No need to use copious amounts of oil or make the house smell like a fast food joint. Talking points can include discussing different types of potatoes, and why you want russet-style for this recipe. Get the recipe.

Gluten-Free Pizza

Let kids unleash their creativity by topping their own personal pizzas while learning about yeast and gluten-free baking. For a fantastic collection of gluten-free Pizza recipes visit our sister site FODMAP Everyday®.

Banana Bread

This lower-fat and lower-sugar version of a classic favorite is a great way to teach kids about fruit ripeness and baking techniques. Get the recipe.

Gluten-Free One-Bowl Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Kids will love making these easy cookies while learning about measuring ingredients and oven safety. Get the recipe.

Gluten-Free One-Bowl Brownies

Teach kids the art of baking with this streamlined brownie recipe, complete with lessons on cocoa varieties. Get the recipe.

5-Minute Honey Butter Skillet Granola

A quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for teaching kids about portioning and snack preparation. Get the recipe.

Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Sheet Pan Pancakes

Kids and adults get a kick out of the idea that you can make one large pancake on a sheet pan. Kids can learn how to create lemon zest, and you can discuss the differences between pure maple syrup (which we highly recommend) and pancake syrup. Get the recipe.

Chocolate Covered Banana Popsicles

Beat the heat with these refreshing and nutritious frozen treats that kids can help assemble. Get the recipe.

Trail Mix Energy Balls

A satisfying and portable snack that’s ideal for teaching kids about portion control and ingredient selection. Get the recipe.

Happy Birthday Cookie

Celebrate special occasions with a giant cookie that kids can help decorate and personalize. Get the recipe.