15 Recipes Easy Enough for Kids to Make on Their Own (2024)

Taco in a Bag

This recipe is not only fun for kids to eat, it's easy for them to make. A little parent assistance may be needed to drain the ground beef but older kids can certainly handle cooking it. The rest of it is easy for even young kids to do — crushing the tortilla chips and layering lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and salsa for the ultimate taco on the go!

• 21 Deliciously Different Things to Do with 1 Pound of Ground Beef

Yogurt Parfait

This no-cook recipe is as simple as they come, and even young kids can put this one together. Older kids (5+) can chop up their own fruit while everyone can put together layers of fruit, yogurt, and granola. This flexible recipe allows even the pickiest eater to make something they like.

• Fantastic Breakfast Recipes for When You're Eating on the Go

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Smoothies are a great easy meal or snack for kids to make, and who doesn't love the combination of peanut butter and banana? Kids 5 and up can do this recipe that has no cutting, just scooping peanut butter, breaking bananas into chunks. Add ice, milk and honey and blend. Mom or dad, just be sure to stress the top needs to be on the blender first before pressing the button.

• 10 Make-Ahead Smoothies, Customized for Family Fun

Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake

This quick baking dessert still lets kids measure and mix, but they'll get instant gratification from their dessert after less than two minutes cooking time in the microwave. Parents may want to supervise the cooking part to help ensure cake perfection in the end result.

• See more mug cake recipes.

Oatmeal-Banana Pancakes

Pancakes are a good starter recipe for kids 8 and up. They can easily whip together the batter and try their hand at flipping the perfect pancake. If your kids are cooking, let them have fun with different mix-ins or toppings.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Learning how to make grilled cheese is a rite of passage for any kid, and once you feel comfortable enough to let your kid in front of the stove top, this recipe couldn't be simpler. Three ingredients (bread, butter and cheese) are all you need for this super simple sandwich.

• 5 Mistakes That Could Be Ruining Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Easy Guacamole

Mashing, chopping, and squeezing citrus are all great building blocks for cooking. Why not make something delicious while learning? Guacamole, it is! Kids under five may need a little help with the cutting, but they can certainly be tasked with mashing. Older kids can make the whole dip from start to finish.

• See even more guacamole recipes.

Veggie Pita Pizza

This is a great, simple recipe for kids, especially if you have more than one kid that wants to cook. Everyone makes their own pizza on a piece of pita bread and can choose their toppings. Parents may want to assist with the grilling part, but the masterpiece is all theirs.

No Bake Energy Balls

This no-bake recipe is a great way to get even small kids in the kitchen with no worry about hot surfaces or sharp cutting. Simply mix together peanut butter, ground flax seed, chocolate chips, oats, honey, and vanilla to make a dough. Refrigerate before turning it into balls and devouring.

• 8 Energy Bite Recipes That Are Easy and Flavorful

Muffin Pan Frittatas

Muffin pan frittatas are an easy task for kids of all ages, and they can choose the vegetables and cheese they want to include in them. Younger kids may need a little help to soften the vegetables. Nibbler Dynamite says, "I like how easy and versatile this recipe is... family loved them, and I'm freezing them for quick breakfasts."

• 10 Kid-Friendly Meals You Can Make in a Muffin Pan

Easy Banana Muffins

Muffins are a great way for kids to start getting used to baking in the kitchen. These aptly named "easy" banana muffins are made by just sifting, mixing, and scooping. Easy enough for little kids to do with a little help from a caregiver to help with scooping and baking. Elisa Drewes says, "My kids can't get enough."

• How to Make Bakery-Style Muffins From Scratch

2 Minute Cheese Quesadillas

There isn't much true cooking involved in these quesadillas, but they are certainly a great starter meal for kids learning to make their own meals. Sprinkle one tortilla with cheddar cheese and top with another. Amandak23K loves these because "you don't dirty up a pan making the kids a snack, just the plate they are eating from! I have taught my 7 year old how to make these for herself and little sister." Older kids can graduate to making quesadillas in the pan!

• Why Do Some Cheeses Melt Better Than Others?

No-Cook Overnight Oatmeal

Overnight oats is an easy dish for kids to make because it's almost like a science experiment! Combining a bunch of stuff in a jar that turns delicious overnight. Like Msgiang says, "You can alter this recipe in so many different ways so it never gets old!" Kids over five should be able to whip these up with minimal help.

• 12 Ways to Make Easy Overnight Oats

Marshmallow Treats

These perennial favorite cereal treats are not just loved by kids, they are easy enough for kids to make. As the rice cereal marshmallow mix starts to thicken they may need some adult manpower, but otherwise this should be simple enough for them to make on their own. Kelly offers a great tip, especially for kids, "Wet your hands before transferring the rice crispy treats to the pan. It prevents a lot of sticking and mess."

• Next try Fruity Krispy Treats.

Restaurant Style Mac and Cheese

Who needs the prepackaged stuff when your kids can make their very own mac and cheese? This version keeps it super simple. If your kids are proficient in the kitchen, let them boil water (parents can help drain) and mix in processed cheese, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and salt.

• 8 Quick Dinners That Start with a Box of Mac and Cheese

More Inspiration

Try one of our favorite Easy, Healthy Snacks Kids Can Make. Plus, check out our entire collection of Kid-Friendly Recipes.

• Healthy Peanut Butter Fruit Dip
• Ants on a Log
• Fruit Skewers with Apple Cinnamon Dipping Sauce