Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for Kids
Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for Kids collects cozy, kid-approved ideas that make the holiday table feel fun and low-stress. From finger-food mains to bite-size sides, this lineup turns “I’m not hungry” into “Can I have seconds?”—truly Thanksgiving dinner recipes kids will eat.
These kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes focus on familiar flavors, playful textures, and easy plating. Tuck a few into your menu for guaranteed smiles and a calmer cook.
Oven-baked Bacon-wrapped Chicken Tenders
Handheld, dippable, and wrapped in everyone’s favorite smoky crunch—these belong on any platter aimed at little appetites. They bridge picky eaters to the “big” meal and pair brilliantly with simple dips or a drizzle of honey. Perfect for guests who prefer chicken over turkey.
Crispy Oven Fried Broccoli
A crunchy coating turns “just broccoli” into a snackable side kids reach for first. Serve with ranch or a mild yogurt dip and watch the florets disappear. Great for adding a green veggie without a lecture.
Creamy Potato Salad with Eggs and Sour Cream
Comforting, cool, and ultra-creamy—this side gives kids familiar flavors alongside the turkey. It travels well for potlucks and offers a gentle tang that keeps bites interesting. A smart make-ahead for busy hosts.
Easy Crispy Turkey Breast Schnitzel
Thin, crisp, and cuttable with a fork, this is turkey made friendly for tiny diners. Serve as cutlets or slice into strips for nugget-style “turkey fingers.” Ideal for kids who love a crunchy coating.
Ground Turkey Patties without Breadcrumbs
These juicy patties are simple, adaptable, and great for gluten-light menus. Tuck them into small buns for slider-style bites or serve plain with mashed potatoes. Cheese-stuffed centers feel like a holiday surprise.
Stuffing Balls
All the classic stuffing flavor in tidy, kid-sized bites—no knife required. They bake up with irresistible edges and are easy to portion for little plates. A playful twist that keeps the tradition intact.
Healthy Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce
Bright, gently sweet, and citrusy, this cranberry sauce is the condiment kids actually use. A spoonful perks up turkey, sliders, and even rolls. It’s a fresh take on Thanksgiving recipes for kids who like a hint of sparkle.
Turkey Cranberry Brie Sliders
Leftovers become the star in gooey, bakery-warm sliders kids can hold with one hand. The balance of savory turkey and mellow Brie wins over mini food critics. Ideal for game time or a cozy post-feast snack.
Gouda Mac and Cheese
Silky, melty, and just smoky enough, this mac makes kids and grown-ups equally happy. Serve stovetop-creamy or baked with a bubbly top. It’s the reliable anchor of any kid-approved recipes lineup.
Ultimate Classic Mashed Potatoes
Buttery clouds on a plate—simple, soothing, and endlessly scoopable. Keep the seasoning gentle, then let kids add gravy as they please. The side they’ll measure all future potatoes against.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Layers of tender potatoes and melty goodness deliver guaranteed comfort. Cut into neat squares for easy serving to little hands. A winning choice for kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes that feed a crowd.
Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes
Golden edges, creamy middles—this is cheesy elegance in every slice. Serve with a small spatula so kids can manage their own portions. A side that feels special without being fussy.
Honey Baked Ham Company Copycat Recipe
Sweet crackly crust meets savory slices kids love to nibble. Offer thin slices for easy bites and stash extras for sandwiches. A festive alternative when turkey isn’t the top pick.
Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Juicy, glossy, and a little tropical, this ham makes the table smell like a celebration. The gentle sweetness appeals to young palates. Save extra glaze for dipping—instant crowd-pleaser.
Turkey Roulade with Sausage Stuffing
All the holiday flavors rolled into neat, slice-and-serve spirals—very lunchbox-friendly vibes. Kids enjoy the pinwheel look and balanced savory taste. Great for making ahead so the big day runs smoother.
Turkey Wellington
Crisp pastry outside, tender turkey inside—like a fancy surprise wrapped for dinner. Slice into small portions to keep things tidy for kids. A memorable centerpiece for adventurous eaters.
Brown Butter Garlic Honey Glazed Carrots
Shiny, sweet-savory carrots that taste like candy but still count as vegetables. The gentle garlic note keeps them from tipping too sugary. An easy path to “more veggies, please.”
Corn Fritters
Crispy edges, soft centers, and pops of sweet corn—basically holiday hushpuppies. Serve with a simple sour cream or yogurt dollop. Perfect for tiny fingers and big appetites.
Brussels Sprout Fritters
Shaved sprouts go undercover in a crispy fritter kids actually try. Offer a mild lemony dip to brighten each bite. A clever entry point for a sometimes-intimidating veg.
Broccoli Fritters
These patties turn broccoli into a portable, dunkable main or side. Freeze extras for quick after-school snacks. A solid addition to Thanksgiving dinner recipes kids will eat again later.
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Soft, slightly sweet rolls with a gorgeous golden hue—ideal for mini turkey sandwiches. The pumpkin keeps them pillowy and kid-approved. Expect requests to pack one “for later.”
Thank you to the brilliant recipe developers and bloggers who created and shared these kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes—your kid-approved recipes help families everywhere enjoy stress-free, smile-filled holidays.
