5 Cheesy KidFriendly Dinners Your Kids Will Love

5 Cheesy Kidfriendly Dinners Your Kids Will Love

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice, white or brown
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or boiled
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, half of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
• Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	350
Fat	18g
Fiber	22g

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	American

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Cheese, Please!

Ever feel like you're running a restaurant for picky eaters? Honestly, finding 5 Cheesy Kid Friendly Dinners that everyone loves can feel impossible.

But what if I told you it doesn't have to be? This roundup is packed with cheesy goodness your kids will actually devour.

Brief Overview: Cheesy Dreams

Cheesy dishes? These are pure kid-friendly comfort food . We are talking about happiness! Most of these recipes are super easy meals kids will eat .

They are also designed for busy weeknights. They are also perfect for making weeknight dinners for kids to make fun and easy.

This collection offers yummy family dinner ideas that take less than an hour from start to finish, serving about 4-6 people.

Main Benefits: Happy Tummies, Happy You

Cheese is a good source of calcium, right? Plus, these recipes are a fantastic way to sneak in hidden veggies! Whip these out anytime.

These are also perfect for those nights when you need something quick. Honestly, what makes this selection of cheesy kid dinners special is its adaptability.

Cheesy recipes for picky eaters ? Absolutely. Each recipe can be tweaked to accommodate your family’s preferences.

Alright mate, let's get down to brass tacks! 5 Cheesy Kid Friendly Dinners are on the menu. Getting dinner on the table that everyone will eat can feel like climbing Everest.

Especially when you've got a picky eater or two. I’ve compiled these recipes for you, to take the sting out of it.

They are Easy Meals Kids Will Eat and will make your life so much easier. Honestly, these are lifesavers! Let's dive into what you'll need to whip these up.

Gear Up: Ingredients & Essential Kit

So, you're ready to tackle the Cheesy Recipes for Picky Eaters ? Great stuff! Having your ingredients prepped is half the battle, and makes creating these Quick Family Dinners a breeze.

We're talking about Kid-Friendly Comfort Food , simple things. I promise, nothing too fancy. I want these to be Easy Lunches For Picky Eaters , because lunch can be tough too.

Let's get started!

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. I've included both US and metric measurements, just to be helpful.

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole :

• Cooked Rice: 2 cups (475 ml) . Use your favorite, but long grain works well.
• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups (475 ml) . Leftover rotisserie chicken is a godsend.
• Broccoli Florets: 2 cups (200 g) . Fresh or frozen, just make sure they're not soggy.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.75 oz/305g) . Go for low-sodium if you can.
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Any kind works, even the plant based stuff.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (115 g) . A good, sharp cheddar makes all the difference!
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50 g) . Panko are ace for that extra crunch!
• Melted Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) .

One-Pot Cheesy Pasta with Hidden Veggies :

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
• Onion: 1 small , finely chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 , finely chopped.
• Carrot: 1 , finely grated.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) . Undrained, for that extra sauciness.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950 ml) . Low-sodium is best.
• Pasta: 1 pound (450 g) . Rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni your call!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (115 g) .
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g) .

Mini Chicken Quesadillas :

• Small Flour Tortillas: 8 (6 inch) .
• Cooked Chicken: 1 cup (235 ml) .
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g) .
• Black Beans: 1/4 cup (40 g) . Rinsed and drained, of course.
• Frozen Corn: 1/4 cup (40 g) . Thawed.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .

Cheesy Pizza Muffins :

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g) .
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons .
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Italian Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Milk: 1 cup (235 ml) .
• Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml) .
• Egg: 1 , lightly beaten.
• Pizza Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml) .
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (115 g) .
• Pizza Toppings: As much as you like.

Grilled Cheese Dippers with Tomato Soup Shooters :

• Bread: 8 slices . White, wheat, or sourdough whatever you fancy.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (60 ml) . Softened.
• Cheddar Cheese: 4 slices .
• Tomato Soup: 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) .
• Milk or Cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Optional, for a creamier soup.

Seasoning Notes

Now, onto the good stuff the flavors! A little bit of seasoning can turn these Dinners For Kids To Make from bland to brilliant.

• Essential Spice Combinations: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are your best friends. Italian seasoning is a must for the pizza muffins.
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: A pinch of red pepper flakes (for the adults!) can add a lovely kick. Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the one-pot pasta will make a huge difference.
• Quick Substitution Options: If you don't have garlic powder, use fresh minced garlic. If you are out of breadcrumbs for topping a casserole, use crushed crackers.

Equipment Needed

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make these Weeknight Meals for Kids . Here's what you'll actually need:

• Essential Tools Only:
  • 9x13 inch baking dish (for the casserole)
  • Large pot or Dutch oven (for the one-pot pasta)
  • Large skillet or griddle (for the quesadillas and grilled cheese)
  • 12-cup muffin tin (for the pizza muffins)
  • Small saucepan (for the tomato soup)
• Common Household Alternatives:
  • If you don't have a Dutch oven, any large pot will do.
  • No muffin tin? Use cupcake liners in a baking sheet!

Remember, these Family Dinner Ideas are all about making life easier and getting your kids fed. Don't sweat the small stuff. So get out there and get cooking!

Okay, so let's dive into one recipe, Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole! It's basically the ultimate kid-friendly comfort food .

Honestly, who can resist? Plus, it's a sneaky way to get some broccoli into those little ones.

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole: Easy Dinner Kids Will Eat !

Are you scrolling through endless family dinner ideas , searching for something, anything , that your kids will actually eat? This cheesy casserole is the answer.

Trust me, I've been there! My own little monster used to subsist on air and the occasional goldfish cracker. Then I made this.

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Lowdown

First things first: mise en place. Fancy, right? It just means "everything in its place". Get your 2 cups cooked rice , 2 cups cooked chicken , and 2 cups steamed broccoli ready.

Also, grab that can of cream of chicken soup , 1/2 cup milk , and 1 cup cheddar cheese . Oh, and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter for that amazing crunchy topping.

Honestly? You got this.

Let's Get Cooking: The Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
2. Mix rice, chicken, broccoli, soup, milk, half the cheese, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Pour the mix into a greased baking dish.
4. Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle on top.
5. Top with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 30- 35 minutes until golden and bubbly! You want it bubbling .

Pro Tips for Easy Meals Kids Will Eat

Want to level up your casserole game? Use leftover rotisserie chicken! Boom, time saved. Another tip? Don't overcook that broccoli! You want a little bite.

Also, if breadcrumbs are burning, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. Dinners For Kids To Make are easier than you think!

This casserole is a total lifesaver on busy weeknight meals for kids it is the perfect addition to 5 Cheesy Kid Friendly Dinners.

Seriously, it's like a magic trick for getting kids to eat. You know? It's so simple and satisfying, it’s perfect for toddler meals 4 year olds will adore! It's one of the best cheesy recipes for picky eaters ever.

Forget slaving over the stove after a long day. This casserole has your back and try it for easy lunches for picky eaters

Recipe Notes: Making These Easy Dinner Kids Will Eat

Right then, let's chat about making these 5 Cheesy Kid Friendly Dinners even easier . Honestly, cooking with kids is like herding cats sometimes.

So, a few tips and tricks can be a game changer.

Presentation Power: Plating Like a Pro

You know kids eat with their eyes first. So, presentation matters! With the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole, use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes when you serve it.

For the pizza muffins, arrange them artfully on a plate maybe even with a tiny paper umbrella. Turning everyday Easy Lunches For Picky Eaters into something special! I used to cut my kid's cheese slices into stars and the food would be gone.

Sides & Sips: Completing the Meal

Pair those mini quesadillas with some colorful bell pepper strips. A bowl of fresh strawberries will do wonders. And the Grilled Cheese Dippers? A small glass of apple juice is a perfect match with Dinners For Kids To Make .

These small combinations works with Easy Meals Kids Will Eat .

Storing Like a Boss: Leftovers Sorted

Right, let’s talk about leftovers. The casseroles freeze brilliantly, perfect for Quick Family Dinners on busy weeknights. For the Pizza Muffins, let them cool completely before popping them in a freezer bag.

They're even better when reheated. You can microwave for 15-20 seconds , and enjoy! Cheesy Recipes for Picky Eaters .

Fridge Rules

Keep the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days . Make sure to wrap it properly.

Reheat in the microwave until piping hot that's around 165° F ( 74° C) , just to be safe.

Freezer Fun

The Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole, and even the Pizza Muffins, can happily live in the freezer for up to 2-3 months .

Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you plan on freezing, consider that it will become Kid-Friendly Comfort Food.

Reheating Rescue

Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. For the muffins, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick. Watch them closely.

Switch It Up: Variations & Adaptations

Want a veggie version of the casserole? Swap the chicken for some mushrooms or tofu. Got a gluten free kiddo? Use gluten free breadcrumbs on top.

Easy peasy! Also, consider any Toddler Meals 4 Year .

Seasonal Swaps

In summer, add fresh tomatoes to the quesadillas. In winter, some roasted butternut squash in the One-Pot Cheesy Pasta is lovely.

Remember to have options for Weeknight Meals for Kids and Family Dinner Ideas.

Nutrition Nuggets: Keeping It Real

Right, let’s not get bogged down in calorie counting. But, a heads up these meals are a good source of protein, carbs, and calcium.

The veggies add fiber and vitamins, which is always a bonus. It's food with a decent balance. Plus, they have ingredients that are a hit with picky eaters !

Benefits Breakdown

Cheese is good for bones, protein keeps them going, and a good carb keeps them focused. The best of all the recipes that make up the 5 Cheesy Kid Friendly Dinners , are healthy as well as delicious.

Honestly, don't stress too much about perfection. The main thing is getting your kids fed and happy. Cooking with kids is good.

Now, go create some happy family dinners!