Welcome to the Kid Zone!

Get ready for some serious kitchen fun! Here at A Yummy Dish, we believe cooking together is a fantastic way to make memories. Our Kid Zone is packed with easy, delicious recipes that children and adults will love to create and eat. Let’s get cooking!

Fun for the whole family

Discover recipes designed for fun, easy cooking, and delicious results. Our Kid Zone recipes are perfect for spending quality time together in the kitchen, helping your little chefs learn new skills, and enjoying yummy meals as a family.

Pigs in a blanket

These classic, kid-friendly treats are always a hit! With just a few simple ingredients, you and your little ones can whip up a batch of savory pigs in a blanket that are perfect for snacks or a fun meal. Don't forget, adult supervision is always important when cooking!

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 10 small cocktail sausages or hot dogs
  • Optional: ketchup or mustard for dipping

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
  3. Cut each triangle lengthwise into 3 smaller triangles.
  4. Place one cocktail sausage at the wide end of each small dough triangle.
  5. Roll the dough tightly around the sausage towards the narrow point.
  6. Place seam-side down on an ungreased baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Stuffing chicken casserole

A comforting and delicious meal that's easy enough for kids to help assemble! This stuffing chicken casserole brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy stuffing topping. It's a fantastic way to get kids involved in making dinner. Remember to always supervise children in the kitchen!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 (6-ounce) box chicken flavored stuffing mix
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, and mixed vegetables. Mix well.
  3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In another bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the melted butter until well mixed.
  5. Sprinkle the buttered stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the stuffing is golden brown.
  7. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Hawaiian sliders

Sweet, savory, and super simple to make, these Hawaiian sliders are a family favorite! Kids can help layer the ingredients, and everyone will love the warm, cheesy, and slightly sweet taste. A delicious idea for any meal! Always keep an eye on children when cooking.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 1 pound deli ham, thinly sliced
  • 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple rings, drained
  • 6 slices Swiss cheese, cut in half
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. Layer the ham evenly over the bottom rolls.
  4. Place a pineapple ring on top of each ham slice.
  5. Top with the halved Swiss cheese slices.
  6. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds (if using).
  8. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  10. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.
  11. Slice and serve warm.

Quick and easy quesadillas (chicken optional)

Quesadillas are a super versatile and quick meal that kids can customize themselves! Fill them with cheese, add some chicken for extra protein, or throw in some veggies. They're fun to make and even more fun to eat! Always ensure adult supervision, especially when using the stove or microwave.

Ingredients:

  • 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
  • Vegetable oil or butter for cooking
  • Optional: salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly coat with oil or butter.
  2. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
  3. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of cheese over half of the tortilla. If using, add some shredded chicken.
  4. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the cheese and chicken, creating a half-moon shape.
  5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Remove from skillet, cut into wedges, and repeat with remaining tortillas.
  7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Terrific taco pizza

Combine two kid-favorite meals into one amazing dish: taco pizza! This recipe is a blast to make, allowing kids to customize their toppings and create their perfect pizza. It’s a guaranteed win for dinner or a party. Always remember to supervise children in the kitchen!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-baked pizza crust (thin or thick)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven according to pizza crust package directions (usually 400°F/200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced. Remove from heat.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Spread this mixture evenly over the pre-baked pizza crust.
  5. Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the cream cheese mixture.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from oven and top with your favorite cold toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and crushed tortilla chips.
  9. Slice and serve immediately.

Foil Packet Meal

The "hobo dinner" is a fun and easy way to cook a complete meal in a foil packet – perfect for the oven, grill, or even a campfire! Kids will love helping to assemble their own packets. It's a fantastic hands-on cooking experience. Remember to always supervise children, especially around heat sources!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef, ground turkey, or sausage
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • Aluminum foil, heavy-duty

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or prepare grill for medium heat. If using a campfire, ensure coals are hot but not flaming.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well. Form into 4 patties.
  3. Tear off 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 18x18 inches each).
  4. On each piece of foil, place one meat patty in the center.
  5. Divide the sliced onion, carrots, and potatoes evenly among the four packets, placing them around and on top of the meat.
  6. Pour 2 tablespoons of beef broth or water over the ingredients in each packet.
  7. Bring the opposite sides of the foil together and fold down tightly to seal, then crimp the ends to create a well-sealed packet.
  8. Place packets on a baking sheet (for oven), directly on the grill grates, or on hot campfire coals.
  9. Cook for 45-60 minutes, turning halfway through if on grill or campfire, or until vegetables are tender and meat is cooked through. Cooking times vary based on heat source.
  10. Carefully open packets (steam will be hot!) and enjoy.

Safety first in the kitchen!

Cooking with kids is incredibly rewarding, but it’s essential to keep safety in mind. Always supervise children when they are in the kitchen, especially when using knives, hot stoves, or ovens. Teach them about kitchen safety and make it a fun learning experience together!