I know a lot of adults who say they can’t cook. I realized, that even though I’m no master chef, I didn’t want my kids growing up not being able to make a meal for themselves… that’s when my 8 year old son has started cooking dinner for our family.
Aside from just learning a useful skill, read all about what kids can learn from cooking, here.
When I started looking up recipes for kids, I mostly found things like pita pizzas and ants on a log… yummy, sure, and kid friendly, but we were looking for something that required a little more effort. I found that crock pot and one pot recipes were an easy place to start.
Here are a few recipes for beginners and interested chefs. Most of these are ideal for kids who have learned a few kitchen basics and can handle some chopping (we use some slightly dulled knives)
Of course, adult supervision is required although the kids can do most of the work.
There is no age recommendation because these skills are more about maturity and development, not age.
Crock Pot Recipes
Crock pot recipes are great for kids who aren’t ready to handle hot stoves or ovens. They are also perfect for early-risers and if evenings are a bit hectic and busy.
2-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Gimme Some Oven
Easy
It’s as simple as dumping it all into the crockpot.
Crock Pot Vegetable Ziti
Weelicous
Easy
Lots of shredding in this one, watch out for little fingers. This one will also be done in 3 hours so you can make it in the afternoon.
Crock Pot Fettuccine Alfredo Raining Hot Coupons
Easy (parent needed for cutting chicken)
Not exactly healthy, and if you’re avoiding processed foods you might want to skip right along… but kids (and adults) can’t usually resist creamy alfredo sauce I had to add it in there.
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Jo Cooks
Easy – just dump it.
Easy peasy and a bit healthier than alfredo sauce, no?
Garden Minestrone
Good Thymes and Good Food
Easy/Moderate -chopping involved.
This one is for kids who are ready to start chopping food, for kids who aren’t ready use frozen precut carrots. Also, the recipe goes from microwave to crockpot so there is no need for the stovetop. Since it’s a minestrone, you can omit the vegetables that will make your kids turn their nose up at the whole meal.
One Pot Pastas
Once again, this fairly easy for kids because you just dump it all in one pot. There is usually chopping involved and the moderate comes when recipes call for sautéed onions –this is definitely parent-supervised. There is the question of the stove top so it’s slightly more advanced than crock pot recipes where you can put it all into a cold pot.
Spinach Artichoke Wonderpot
Budget Bytes
Easy
My 8 year old son makes this one and it’s a family favorite. I’m also obsessed with Budget Bytes. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Tortellini and Sausage in Cream Sauce
Yellow Road Bliss
Easy/Difficult (see below)
Sautéing is challenging. Skip the sautéed onions if your child isn’t ready (we do this frequently in our house as there are a few members of our family who won’t touch onions)
One Pot Chicken Rigatoni
Top Ate on Your Plate
Easy with parent help
The chicken in this recipe borderlines on difficult. Keeping things sanitary comes into play as well as the difficulty of cutting raw meat -this is a parent involved process. The rest is an easy recipe for kids to do.
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