55 Foods to Make for Kids When Your Pantry Is (Almost) Bare

Pigs in a Blanket

These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. —Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado

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Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

I've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma

Quick Cherry Turnovers

Refrigerated crescent rolls let you make these fruit-filled pastries in a hurry. My family loves these turnovers for breakfast, but they’re so delicious, they’d be welcome any time of the day. Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings as well. —Elleen Oberrueter, Danbury, Iowa

Chicken Nuggets

Packed with flavor and quick to make, this chicken nuggets recipe is so easy, you’ll never grab a bag of frozen nuggets at the store again.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes

It always amazed me that this simple recipe could make potatoes taste so good. Mom liked to make them for Easter because they were more special than ordinary baked potatoes. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa

Glazed Baby Carrots

For a zippy side dish, try this recipe. These brown sugar-glazed carrots come together in no time at all. —Anita Foster, Fairmount, Georgia

Tater Tot Casserole

Thanks to a few ingredients and easy prep, this cheese-smothered Tater Tot casserole will be a recurring star at your dinner table.

Mexican Street Corn Bake

Mexican street corn casserole is easy to make and bursting with fresh flavor and spicy notes.

Garlic Bread Pizza Sandwiches

I love inventing new ways to make grilled cheese sandwiches for my kids. This version tastes like pizza. Using frozen garlic bread is a timesaver. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Cinnamon Apple Pan Betty

I found this recipe soon after I was married decades ago. You'll need just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand. It's super quick to put together and a favorite of ours during fall and winter, when apples are at their best. —Shirley Leister, West Chester, Pennsylvania

Creamy Lemon Rice

This bright rice dish has a creamy texture that's reminiscent of a lemon risotto, but without all the watching and stirring. Keep this one in your back pocket for hosting dinner guests—or a great side any old day! —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia

Chili Dog Pizza

My girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri

Chocolaty Chips

My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet and salty snack that uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin

Baked Beef Tacos

Upgrade your usual Tuesday night taco with this clever (and tasty!) oven baked tacos recipe.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

To make a batch of these three-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal bars to enjoy throughout the week, set aside just 10 minutes on your Sunday. But we make no promises the delicious bars won’t be eaten by midweek.

Chicken & Waffles

My first experience with this dish sent my taste buds into orbit. I first made this chicken and waffles recipe into appetizers, but we all love them as a main course, too. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Avocado Quesadillas

Avocados give quesadillas some nutritional value and, fortunately, my son likes them. Thinly slice the avocado, and add chicken or beef for extra protein. —Debbie Limas, North Andover, Massachusetts

Apple and Peanut Butter Stackers

The best way to get kids interested in cooking and eating right is to let them help. These apple and peanut butter "sandwiches" are one fun way to pique their interest and kitchen creativity. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo

Broccoli and rice casserole tops my family's comfort food list, but when we need something fast, this is the stuff. Chicken and veggie orzo cooked on the stovetop speeds everything up. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma

Pizza in a Bowl

On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio

Grilled Hummus Turkey Sandwich

I created this toasted sandwich last summer using homemade hummus and veggies from our garden. We really can't get enough! —Gunjan Gilbert, Franklin, Maine

Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats

Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These rich bites are nutty and yummy. Just coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Weeknight Chicken Mozzarella Sandwiches

My husband is a big garlic fan, so we use garlic bread crumbs and garlic sauce for our baked chicken sandwiches. They are so comforting on a chilly day. —Bridget Snyder, Syracuse, New York

Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups

My children like these roll-ups so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California

Baked Ranch Chicken

A ranch baked chicken recipe that requires just 10 minutes of prep? Sign us up!

Vanilla French Toast

We discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. —Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas

Easy Salsa Sloppy Joes

I created these sandwiches when I realized I did not have a can of sloppy joe sauce. The sweet brown sugar in this recipe complements the tangy salsa. —Krista Collins, Concord, North Carolina

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Everyone who tries these beloved gems is amazed that they use only five ingredients. Baking cookies doesn't get much easier than this. —Dee Davis, Sun City, Arizona

French Fry Casserole

Cheeseburger-inspired french fry casserole is a playful take on a hot dish. Who wouldn't smile when presented with a toasty platter of fries crowning a cheesy, beefy tumble? As with a burger, you can customize yours with any toppings you like.

Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin Sandwich

Tart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Spinach Ravioli Bake

This entree is unbelievably simple to prepare yet tastes delicious. The fact that you use frozen ravioli—straight from the bag without boiling or thawing—saves so much time.—Susan Kehl, Pembroke Pines, Florida

Cauliflower-Broccoli Cheese Bake

One of the first dishes my mom taught me is a tasty pairing of cauliflower, cheese and broccoli. It's absolutely my best side. —Devin Mulertt, Napa, California

Waffle-Iron Pizzas

These little pizza pockets put together using the waffle maker are a fun mashup. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Hot Pineapple Ham Sandwiches

Your trusty slow cooker lets you make these warm, gooey sandwiches without heating up the house on a hot day. The mustard and brown sugar give them such satisfying richness. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Broiled Pizza Burgers

My mother made Broiled Pizza Burgers when I was growing up. We like them for Sunday supper, and they're even faster to fix if you use pre-browned hamburger from the freezer. We sometimes substitute slices of cheddar for the process cheese. —Mrs. Ann Bailes, Anderson, South Carolina

Turkey Ranch Wraps

Here's a cool idea that's ready to gobble up in no time. It's a terrific use for deli turkey. Just add lettuce, tomato, green pepper, shredded cheese and ranch dressing for a flavorful blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pancakes

With tall, fluffy, golden stacks like these, our pancake recipe might as well be listed under the word “pancake” in the dictionary.

Bean & Cheese Quesadillas

My son doesn't eat meat, so I created this recipe as a way for me to cook one meal for the family instead of two. It's so easy, my toddler grandson helps me make it! —Tina McMullen, Salina, Kansas

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Learn how to make perfect hard-boiled eggs with our foolproof stovetop method. The eggs peel easily and have vibrant centers—no gray or chalky yolks here! If the stovetop isn't for you, we show you how to make hard-boiled eggs in the oven, slow cooker, Instant Pot and air fryer.

Apple-Cinnamon Pudgy Pie

I remember the first time I tasted a pie-iron pie. My sister buttered up two slices of white bread while I peeled a Macintosh apple. She sliced the apple thin, arranged it on slice of bread, and poured liberal amounts of white sugar and cinnamon over top. I couldn't believe the magic that came out of that fire! We did them with raspberry jam too. Mmmm. —Monica Kronemeyer DeRegt, Abbotsford, British Columbia

Grandmother's Corn Pudding

My grandmother always served this pudding for holidays and family reunions. Everyone loves it. Corn pudding is a popular side dish on Maryland's eastern shore. —Susan Brown Langenstein, Salisbury, Maryland

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

When I was a girl, Mama used Texas longhorn cheese in this recipe. After it melted all over the macaroni, I loved to dig in and see how many strings of cheese would follow my spoonful. —Imogene Hutton, Brownwood, Texas

Easy Banana Muffins

Easy to make, easy to transport and easy to love, these easy banana muffins live up to their name. They're naturally dairy-free and perfect for bakers of any skill level.

Garlic Toast Pizzas

Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio

No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bars

These peanut butter energy bars are made with natural ingredients, and there's no baking required! You can substitute sunflower seeds for the walnuts. Want more fiber? Add a little wheat germ. —Amy Crane, Richland, Michigan

Toad in the Hole

American Toad in a hole is one of the first recipes I had my children prepare when they were learning to cook. Much easier than the European version, this fun egg-in-a-hole is sure to please. My "little ones" are now grown (and have advanced to more difficult recipes!), but this continues to be a traditional standby in my home and theirs. —Ruth Lechleiter, Breckenridge, Minnesota

Country Ham and Potatoes

Browned potatoes are a simple but perfect side for country ham. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad and dinner’s done. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia

My Mother's Mac and Cheese

I remember my mother sending me to the store for 15 cents worth of cheese. The butcher would cut off a slice from a gigantic wheel covered with a wax-coated cloth. Mother would then blend that cheese into this tasty dish. Today, the memory of her cooking is like food for my soul. —Phyllis Burkland, Portland, Oregon

Ham and Cheese Pockets

These unique sandwich pockets are filled with ingredients both kids and adults enjoy. —Callie Myers, Rockport, Texas

Oven Parmesan Chips

My husband and I avoid fried foods, but potatoes are part of our menu almost every day. These delectable sliced potatoes get nice and crispy and give our meals a likable lift. —Mary Lou Kelly, Scottdale, Pennsylvania

Cheeseburger Cups

This easy, 30-minute recipe for cheeseburger cups will please kids, adults and cheeseburger lovers everywhere.

Broccoli-Pasta Side Dish

I love to fix new recipes for my husband, Robert, and our children. With garlic and cheese, this broccoli pasta is a tasty way to get kids to eat their veggies. —Judi Lacourse, Mesa, Arizona

Breakfast Potatoes

These cheesy potatoes are a super morning side dish. I prepare them often for my husband and myself. They go great with just about any breakfast main dish. —Judy Dupree, Thief River Falls, Minnesota