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Easy Ways to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

Introducing your little ones to the kitchen early on is a great way to get them interested in what they’re eating, and will help them as they ultimately transition to cooking for themselves.
Easy Ways to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen
Easy Ways to Get Your Kids in the Kitchen
Beverly Ng at SideChef
Marketer at SideChef. I firmly believe that pastries and spicy food are the keys to my happiness. 🧁🌶
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Beverly Ng at SideChef
Marketer at SideChef. I firmly believe that pastries and spicy food are the keys to my happiness. 🧁🌶
GO TO BLOG

Kitchens, with the myriad of potential dangers lurking, aren’t thought of as the most kid-friendly environments: knives, hot oil, bare burners, high shelves...But instead of relegating kids to the living room every night, try introducing them to the cooking process with fun, easy tasks for them, and worry-free help for you!

Step 1. Groceries

PREMIUM
EASYPEANUT-FREE

Chicken & Broccoli Quesadilla

Step Stool Chef
Kid-Friendly Chicken & Broccoli Quesadilla by Step Stool Chef

Next time you go to the market, have a chat with your child beforehand. Have them brainstorm their favorite eats, and then plan a dish you can cook together. Write out a list of everything you’ll need. At the market, explain how to pick out the best produce or meats.

Step 2. Prep

EASYLOW-FAT

Easy Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas

Campbell's Kitchen
Easy Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas by Campbells

Break the dish down into steps, and have your kid do as many steps as possible. For example, make enchiladas and have them mix and wrap the filling. You can do the chopping until you’re comfortable with them handling knives, and check out kid-friendly knives, too!

Step 3. Assembly and Plating

PEANUT-FREETREE NUT-FREE

Portrait Cookies

Yukitchen

Have your child arrange the plates as they see fit. Encourage different shapes, faces, and ways to layer the elements of the dish.

Step 4. Presentation

Serving can be as exciting as the actual preparation, especially since your child is likely to be proud of what they’ve created. Have them bring the plates to the table and finish with an explanation of the dish and a dramatic flourish, like a bow!

Looking for Some Inspiration?

For tried and true recipes friendly both for the palate and for any age range, give some of these a try!

PREMIUM
EASYLOW-FAT

Taco Buddies

Step Stool Chef

These Taco Buddies are a fun twist on a family favorite.

LOW-FATTREE NUT-FREE

Kid-Friendly Mock Maki

Julie Yoon

No raw fish required. Here's how to make an American-style Bento Box with "mock maki" by using sandwich ingredients!

EASYPEANUT-FREE

Classic Kids Grilled Cheese with Pickled Cucumber

Chef'd

Gooey, salty, crispy, and buttery, the classic grilled cheese is loved by kids of all ages. Butter is the key to achieving the perfect brown, crispy exterior. This simple grilled cheese is served with homemade pickled cucumbers.

FISH-FREEAMERICAN

Ultimate Rice Krispies Treats

Snowflakes & Coffeecakes

Making Rice Krispies Treats is a fun way to get your little ones in the kitchen preparing their own dessert!

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