This who are you feeding dinner decision tree matches you with a delicious family-friendly recipe based on who is around your table: little kids, picky eaters or hungry teens. Walk through the questions to find your match!
Today, we're finding a dinner to match who we are cooking for. Cause let's face it, that can radically change our options.
(Do I wish my kids would eat ALL the things that my wife and I would happily eat? Sure. Is that likely to happen before they leave my house? No.)
Who Are You Feeding Dinner Decision Tree
Follow the path and answer the questions to find a delicious and do-able dinner recipe that's perfect for whoever you're serving.
Here are your recipe results in a quick view-and-click format. Read on below for more details and some bonus recipes to consider.
Feeding Little Kids
Keep it simple, keep it easy for little hands to grasp and try to always include something familiar on their plate.
For the simple plates: find tons of ideas for building a finger foods plate with healthy, age-appropriate foods.
All of these recipes below are freezer friendly so you can cook once and have items to pull out over several weeks.
Meatloaf muffins are a fun and healthy dinner and great for both kids and adults. These delicious muffins are topped with ketchup and ready in less than 30 minutes.
These easy baked broccoli tots are just 5 ingredients and make a great healthy veggie side dish or finger food for kids to serve with Ranch, ketchup or honey mustard for dipping!
Cheesy chicken meatballs are so juicy and full of flavor! They are easy to make with just a few basic ingredients, easy to bake in the oven and can be served as an appetizer or for a family dinner!
Whole wheat veggie pancakes with shredded squash and zucchini are an easy, fun way to get kids to eat their vegetables! They're great for lunch or dinner and are extra delicious dipped in Ranch dressing!
Feeding Picky Eaters
I use one of two approaches to picky eaters: Either I make a component meal where every piece is separated - protein, carb, veggie and any extras - so there's no mixing and "contamination." Or I make a meal that's already meant to be customized for each person so everyone gets just what they want.
And either way, it helps to incorporate familiar flavors and textures so there's something that will be a yes.
Easy baked paprika chicken uses on-hand ingredients and is ready in just 30 minutes! It's perfect for a weeknight dinner with big flavor and a scrumptious sauce.
Cheesy chicken breasts have two kinds of cheese and a crunchy breadcrumbs exterior and are baked in the oven for an easy weeknight family dinner.
Chicken quesadillas are a warm and cheesy, quick and delicious meal you can make it under 10 minutes. Get the how-to and 9 different variations!
How to make a baked potato bar for a large group, including the best ways to prep the potatoes, a variety of fillings options and tons of topping ideas.
Feeding Hungry Teens
Busy, active and hungry teens need plenty of protein, but it's gotta still be in a form they will eat! Plus, we usually either need something that's ready in 30 minutes or less after activities OR something I can prep ahead so we can eat as soon as we finally walk in the door.
Easy mozzarella baked chicken has just a few simple ingredients but BIG flavor! It's warm and cheesy, requires just 6 ingredients and is ready in 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner everyone will love!
Skillet pork chops with gravy are tender, creamy and seriously comforting! This easy one-pan recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and is ready in only 25 minutes!
Healthy white turkey chili with ground turkey, white beans, wild rice, corn and green chilies comes together in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Add your favorite chili toppings and dive in!
Easy baked chicken spaghetti is a cheesy casserole with spaghetti noodles, juicy chicken pieces and a creamy, delicious sauce! Easy to make (and make ahead) and sure to satisfy, this is perfect for a hearty, comforting family dinner!
Bonus Recipes
None of these feel quite right? Here are a few additional family-friendly recipes to consider:
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken - just a few ingredients, simple to make, familiar flavors and a long-time favorite
Air Fryer Chicken Bites - these work for toddlers, picky eaters AND hungry teens!
Baked Ranch Chicken - simple and very kid-friendly
One-Pot Turkey Chili Mac - an all-in-one recipe the whole family will love
You might also be interested in this energy-level dinner decision tree based on how much energy you have tonight. Or try this time-based dinner decision tree that matches you with a recipe based on how much time you have to spend on cooking. Or maybe you want a dinner based on how you want to cook.
You've got this. 🙌
Happy cooking!
XO,
Kathryn
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