Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

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Looking for a kid friendly thanksgiving recipe? It can be tricky to get kids excited about some traditional Thanksgiving dishes or other meals during the holiday season.

But from savory main dishes to sweet desserts, there are many kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes out there to help make your holiday meal a success. To get you started, here are some of our favorite kid-friendly Thanksgiving day recipes that will be sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

1. Sweet Potato Casserole or Candied Yams

These comforting casseroles are a classic Thanksgiving must-have at the dinner table. Top with toasted marshmallows or a buttery crumble topping and the kids will love it. This is one of those favorite Thanksgiving recipes that everyone is familiar with, it’s great for other special occasions too.

2. Turkey Sliders

Transform roasted turkey into a kid-friendly meal by serving it in slider form. Topped with melted cheese and sliced pickles, it’s the perfect way to get get the pickiest eaters to eat Thanksiving turkey.

3. Roasted Veggies

Kids will love getting their hands on this tasty veggie dish. Roast favorites like carrots, green beans, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and sweet potatoes to complete a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving meal.

4. Sweet Potato Fries

Looking for easy recipes with simple ingredients to make for your kids with the rest of your Thanksgiving feast? Kids love fries, so why not switch things up and make sweet potato fries? Serve them with honey mustard or ketchup for an extra special treat.

5. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Kids are sure to love homemade creamy mashed potatoes. Serve them with lumps of butter on top or some delicious turkey gravy and let the kids dig into them. It’s a sure way to get your kids to eat some of your Thanksgiving food.

6. Corn Pudding

Whether made with fresh corn, canned, or frozen, this tasty side dish should be on your Thanksgiving menu. Not only is it well-loved by adults, but it will alsobe a hit with the kids.

7. Mini Pumpkin Pies

Make one of the Thanksgiving classics more fun by making it miniature. Let the kids decorate mini pumpkin pies for a fun and delicious Thanksgiving treat.

8. Apple Hand Pies

Great at the Thanksgiving table, in lunch boxes, and after-school snacks, these oven-baked hand pies burst with sweet apple flavor.

9. Caramel Apple Pie Dip

Dip slices of apples in a yummy caramel dip. The kids will love this special treat! This will be a family favorite, and as an added bonus, it can make a good and really simple dessert.

10. Green Bean Casserole

This classic Thanksgiving dinner staple is sure to be a hit with the kids. Mix canned beans, a savory cream sauce, and tasty fried onions for a delicious side dish.

11. Cranberry Muffins

This time of year calls for classics like cranberry sauce, which might not be a hit for kids. Let the kids help you bake these fluffy and flavorful muffins. They’re sure to be a hit! The best part is, they can eat the leftovers for breakfast the next day. These cranberry crumb bars are another kid-friendly option.

12. Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin desserts are a must for your Thanksgiving desserts spread, and they’re always easy to please the kids with. Once made, your little helpers can lend a hand with decorating the creamy pumpkin roll. Add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkled nuts, and they’ll love it.

13. Macaroni and Cheese

If your kids aren’t a fan of any of the seasonal flavors, you can always call on this comforting classic that never fails to please kids of all ages. Creamy cheddar cheese or a mix of different cheeses gives it even more flavor for those picky eaters. Bake the mac and cheese for a golden brown top that will be irresistible to both kids and adults.

14. Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar

If you want to try serving your kids something a little different, this is a safe option. Not only is this recipe delicious and kid-friendly, but it’s also a great way to introduce kids to different vegetables.

15. Cornbread or Corn Muffins

Not just for Thanksgiving, cornbreads are a great idea for a tea party any day of the year. If you want an easy recipe that kids will love, this is a great option.Want a more savory version for the grownups? Try this bacon jalapeño cheddar cornbread recipe.

16. Bisquick Sausage Cheddar Balls

These were my personal favorite every Thanksgiving as a kid. These bite sized grab and go appetizers are great for kids on the run as the grownups gather in the kitchen! Each bite is the perfect mix of savory sausage and sharp cheddar cheese.

Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the website with Thanksgiving activities for children? ›

18 Thanksgiving Sites For Your Students
  1. Various Thanksgiving websites–BillBear 4 Kids.
  2. Online/Offline Thanksgiving activities–some require a computer, others not so much.
  3. Thanksgiving information–history, poems, and more.
  4. Starfall–Silly Turkey.
  5. Thanksgiving Tic-tac-toe.
  6. Thanksgiving Jigsaw.
  7. Thanksgiving Jigsaw II.

How do you simplify Thanksgiving dinner? ›

These tips, tricks and timesavers can be a Thanksgiving host's saving grace.
  1. Pick the menu early. Don't leave menu planning and shopping to the last minute. ...
  2. Brine your bird. ...
  3. Start prep work a few days before Thanksgiving. ...
  4. Serve batched co*cktails. ...
  5. Create simple centerpieces.
Nov 1, 2023

What to bring for kids on Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Turkey: Most kids like roast turkey, Thanksgiving's go-to dish, especially slathered in gravy. Ham: Kids who don't like turkey may enjoy ham. Bake your ham with a sweet ham glaze to make it even more kid-friendly. Turkey nuggets: Kids love finger foods, especially breaded nuggets.

What is the Thanksgiving Day for kids? ›

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and the second Monday of October in Canada. It is celebrated as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.

What is one thing you can do to make Thanksgiving a day for your family to be thankful for? ›

Make a family contribution

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and count your blessings. One way to show gratitude is by helping others. Pool your money together for an annual contribution to a cause of your choice or simply ask dinner guests to come with canned goods and donate them to a local shelter.

Should there be a kids table at Thanksgiving? ›

Some say a separate Thanksgiving kids' table keeps children from learning proper table etiquette. Others believe a carved-out space for kids is what families need in order to maintain balance in an already chaotic—and sometimes stressful—environment.

What to bring to Thanksgiving cheap? ›

17 more budget-friendly Thanksgiving recipes
  • Roasted Vegan Thanksgiving Feast Platter. ...
  • Roast Chicken and Shallots. ...
  • Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprout, and Bread Stuffing with Apples. ...
  • Easy "Boxes and Cans" Corn Casserole. ...
  • Homemade Citrus Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Easy Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Vegan Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Crispy Sweet Potato Roast.

How do you explain Thanksgiving to a 6 year old? ›

In November 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast. The feast was organized by the colonists to thank the native people for their cooperation. Hence, it is acknowledged as Thanksgiving day today.

What are some Thanksgiving questions for kids? ›

The Best Thanksgiving Trivia for Kids
  • What was missing from the first Thanksgiving feast?
  • How long did the first Thanksgiving last?
  • Where was the first Thanksgiving in the U.S.?
  • What was missing from the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
  • Has Thanksgiving always been the last week of November?
Dec 14, 2022

How do you make Thanksgiving special for toddlers? ›

We share how to make wooden spoon scarecrows, pie soap and confetti-stuffed paper turkeys. Or, use your child's handprint to make owls, turkeys and pumpkin hats. There are even a few food crafts, like turkey lollipops made of chocolate, marshmallows and candy corn.

What am I game for Thanksgiving? ›

One player starts by asking the group a yes or no question. For example, “Am I big?” or “Can I be eaten?” The group replies and the turn passes to the next player. The game ends when everyone can identify his/her assigned Thanksgiving item.

How do you teach kids about the real Thanksgiving? ›

Focus on Gratitude.

You can even kickstart an annual gratitude tradition that's respectful of Native history. Once you learn about the original caretakers of the land you live on, it becomes easy to express thanks for all they've done to preserve its natural beauty as part of Thanksgiving.

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