Making an easy, family-friendly dinner that pleases everyone’s palate is no easy task! Whether you’re introducing new foods to infants, feeding choosy toddlers, or keeping the adults full, we’re sharing some easy family dinner ideas that everybody will love. Along with some comforting crowd-pleasers, we’ve also included some healthy dishes that pack a nutritious punch. Read on, get out your grocery list, and bon appétit!
Taco Tuesdays Refresh
Refresh your typical taco night with some of these quick and easy dinner ideas. If your preschooler is a budding chef, they can help prep and plate each of these recipes. You can also serve this family-style with a wide variety of toppings and different fillings, which will help your child expand their food interests.
- For a healthy spin on Taco Tuesdays, try making this taco salad that only takes about 20 minutes to put together. You can even let everyone build their own bowl.
- Fish stick tacos are another great quick-fix option to offer up on busy weeknights, and they’re a real crowd-pleaser.
- Toss all the ingredients together in a slow cooker and enjoy this chicken tortilla soup with all your favorite toppings. In the fall or winter, it’s comfort in a bowl.
Breakfast for Dinner
Children of all ages seem to love the idea of eating breakfast for dinner. It’s a break from routine that can make dinnertime feel special. It’s also a great choice from a health perspective: a balanced breakfast also makes for a balanced dinner! Your child will have protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats on their plate. There’s a reason eggs are considered a superfood, they’re high in protein, and the egg yolk contains a significant amount of vitamin D, as well as iron, potassium, and magnesium. Here are a few egg-based specialties you can try:
- An egg scramble loaded with cheese and veggies served up on toast is a great way to use up whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Huevos rancheros are a delicious way to pack on the protein!
- Check out this recipe for a croque madame sandwich that’s big on flavor.
A Twist on the Classics
Whether it’s a flaky pot pie, a warm roast chicken, or a hearty meatloaf, classic homemade meals just hit the spot. If you’re ready to update your childhood favorites, we have a few ideas for increasing the flavor while keeping the comfort. Enjoy your family’s favorite dinners with a fresh new twist!
- This Sloppy Joe casserole takes the best parts of this classic sandwich and makes it a little less sloppy to eat.
- Meatloaf gets a tasty upgrade in this simple recipe.
- Try this twist to a traditional shepherd’s pie recipe on your family’s next meatless Monday.
Homemade Pizza + Shortcuts
Pizza is a guaranteed family favorite, and making it at home gives everyone a chance to pitch in and build their own pie, customized with their favorite toppings. There are plenty of shortcuts you can take to make the process hassle-free.
- Buy your dough from a pizzeria. Call around to local mom-and-pop pizza shops to see if you can score a ball of fresh dough. Your local grocery store may also stock pre-made dough.
- Save time using naan bread, tortillas, or pita pockets as your base.
- Make the sauce ahead of time. If you can find the time, prep a big batch of homemade pizza sauce and freeze it in ½ cup containers. There are also plenty of delicious options that you can pick up on your next trip to the grocery store.
- Roll out smaller crusts and let everyone make their own personal pizza.
- Cook your dough in a skillet on the stove, or use a waffle iron for a fun new spin your children will love.
An Early Start for Healthy Habits
The Gardner School uses a variety of learning tools to help children understand the importance of healthy eating during the school day. We offer cooking enrichment classes and help our students learn about health and nutrition. We are focused on providing your child with healthy choices they’ll love during their school day and always encouraging them to try new experiences. To learn more about why parents and children love The Gardner School, visit our website or schedule a tour today.