If you’re looking for ways to get kids involved in the kitchen, then these simple recipes will do the trick. Perfect for little hands and hungry tummies, they’re fun for the whole family to try.

Cooking with kids is an opportunity not only to whip up a yummy meal or snack but to spend quality time together as a family. The key is to keep it simple, safe, and fun. Here are some easy recipes that you can have your kids help with and that will get them excited about cooking!

Mini Pita Pizzas

This simple take on pizza is kid-friendly to assemble and allows them to choose their own toppings. Plus, you can sneak in some veggies while you’re at it.

Ingredients:

• Mini whole wheat pitas
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Assorted toppings: pepperoni, spinach, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Spread a spoonful of sauce on each pita, then sprinkle with cheese and toppings.
3. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Colourful Pancakes

Tasty and easy to make, pancakes are a great choice for cooking with kids. A bit of food colouring will make things even more fun!

Ingredients:

• Your favourite pancake batter
• Food coloring
• Squeeze bottles

Instructions:

1. Divide the batter into a few bowls and add food colouring as desired.
2. Pour the batter into the squeeze bottles.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
4. Let your child squeeze shapes, letters, or doodles onto the pan. Once bubbles form on the surface, flip carefully.

No-Bake Energy Bites

Perfect for little helpers who are eager to use their hands, these small bites are packed with nutritious ingredients. Best of all, there’s no oven required.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version)
• ⅓ cup honey
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup ground flaxseed
• ½ cup shredded coconut
  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
2. Scoop out small portions and roll them into balls.
3. Place on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Veggie Quesadillas

Quesadillas are quick, customizable, and easy for kids to help with. Plus, they’re a sneaky way to add some veggies into the mix.

Ingredients:

• Flour tortillas
• Your favourite shredded cheese
• Finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle half of it with cheese and veggies.
3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
4. Let cool slightly, then cut into triangles.

DIY Trail Mix

Trail mix is a nutritious snack that is easy to make and customize at home, allowing your child to choose their favourite ingredients and proportions.

Ingredients:

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
• Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, banana chips)
• Pretzels
• Cheerios
• Dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Set out bowls of each ingredient with scoops or measuring cups.
2. Let your kids mix their own personalized trail mix in a large bowl.
3. Store in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Cooking with kids isn’t just about making food—it’s about making lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to spend some time in the kitchen!