Thanksgiving marks the end of the holiday season and serves as a time to get together with family and friends to eat good food.
And also to be thankful for what you have in life. But what do you know about kids’ Thanksgiving foods?
However, it might be stressful if you have little ones who don’t know how to behave at the table or picky eaters who don’t like certain foods on the menu.
Keep these kids’ Thanksgiving foods on your menu to make this Thanksgiving more enjoyable.
This way, everyone will have something they enjoy eating and can feel thankful about!
1. Mini Pumpkin Pie
Prepare a batch of small pumpkin pies for a fresh take on this time-honored treat.
These treats combine the convenience of eating them with your hands as if they were cupcakes with the flavor of traditional pumpkin pies.
Since the pies are constructed of two parts, the crust, and the filling, you’ll need two sets of ingredients.
In other words, we chose not to use wheat flour because we wanted to make the pies as nutritious and gluten-free as possible for kids Thanksgiving foods.
The crust ingredients are equal parts almond and oat flour, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of butter.
To make the filling incredibly smooth, you’ll need some canned pumpkin, a can of garbanzo beans, maple syrup, cane sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice mix, salt, and coconut whipped cream.
Although the suggested ingredients are sufficient to make a batch of 12 mini pies, we advise that you prepare several dozen instead because your children might try eating the batter before you even put the pies in the oven. Additionally, these mini pumpkin pies will be very popular once baked.
2. Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are a fun addition to any dinner table. They’re kid-friendly and easy to make, perfect for an afternoon of cooking and baking with your kids.
After creating the pies, you’ll likely have a ton of leftover pumpkin puree, so why not turn part of it into some delectable pumpkin dinner rolls?
Given the limited use of sharp objects and the ease with which the ingredients can be combined, these recipes are among the most kids Thanksgiving foods ever.
If you want to give your dinner rolls a more flavorful twist, you can also include all-purpose flour, salt, brown sugar, yeast, milk, sugar, an egg, oil or butter, and ground cinnamon, ginger, coriander, cloves, or nutmeg.
However, in a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
Add the milk if you want the rolls sweeter or if you think they need more moisture.
Moreover, whisk together the flour and baking powder in another bowl before adding them to the wet ingredients one cup at a time.
The dough should be thick but not too dry or sticky – add more flour as needed.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Few things say Thanksgiving more than a plate of steaming mashed potatoes.
A perennial favorite, mashed potatoes are one of the quintessential dishes served on the holiday and are also made as kids’ Thanksgiving foods.
Here’s what you’ll need: 4 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes (chopped) 2 tablespoons Butter 2 tablespoons Flour 4 cups Milk Salt & Pepper to taste 1/4 cup Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt (optional)
Firstly, In a pot, cover the chopped potatoes with cold water, add salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy.
Drain and return them to the pot. Add butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined, then stir in sour cream or yogurt, if desired.
4. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delicious and healthy option for kids Thanksgiving foods.
These tiny cabbages have an understated flavor that kids will love but are still flavorful enough for adults to enjoy.
Nevertheless, Roasting them is easy; toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 425 degrees F until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
They make a delicious side dish or appetizer with some balsamic vinaigrette drizzled over the top.
5. Green Bean Casserole
Another traditional Thanksgiving dish that can be improved with a few inexpensive ingredients is green beans.
Green bean casserole is a kid’s favorite because it combines their preferred vegetables with savory flavors like bacon, onion, and cheese.
Green beans are a nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in numerous ways. They can be boiled, sauteed, or served raw with a delectable dip.
We advise roasting green beans because it brings out their natural tastes and gives the meal more crispness.
Similarly, Green bean casserole is a quintessential Thanksgiving dish, but it can be hard to find the perfect recipe.
This green bean casserole recipe is quick and easy–ready in just 20 minutes!–and it’s perfect for kids Thanksgiving foods.
6. Crispy Roasted Butternut Squash
Crispy Roasted Butternut Squash is an excellent dish to serve at your next gathering of kids’ Thanksgiving foods.
This recipe uses a few simple ingredients, including butternut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
However, the entire process is so easy that you can do it in no time! Plus, it’s healthy, too! Orange Pecan Pie as Kid Thanksgiving Food: Are you looking for the perfect pie for Thanksgiving?
Well, then, look no further than our delicious orange pecan pie. It will be the talk of the party, guaranteed.
Start by making a pumpkin pie crust with some cinnamon sugar mixed in.
7. Yummy Corn Casserole
If it’s covered in cheese, we frequently find that we can get our kids to eat just about everything.
Maybe it reminds them of their favorite food, mac and cheese, but as long as the delicious, melted orange stuff is on it, they don’t mind if it’s a little different.
Get the kids in the kitchen with you and have them chop up some onions, celery, carrots, and parsley. Then, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, mix all of your chopped vegetables in a large bowl with a can of corn, a can of creamed corn, three cups of bread crumbs (the kind you would use for stuffing), and two eggs.
Mix everything until it forms a thick dough. Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray and put your mixture in it.
Nevertheless, Pour an additional two tablespoons of butter over the mixture (or, if you want to be more healthy, use olive oil), then bake for 40 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top and cooked through!
8. Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes
Creamed green beans and potatoes are a classic side dish that can be served alongside turkey, ham, or another traditional fare.
The creamy sauce goes great with hearty vegetables and potatoes.
In addition, this recipe is quick and easy, so it’s perfect for busy families with a lot of cooking! Combine one (8-ounce) can of cream-style corn, one cup of milk, four tablespoons of butter or margarine, and two tablespoons of flour in a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir constantly until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. 2) Slice six red-skinned potatoes into 1/4-inch slices. Thinly slice three cups of green beans in half lengthwise.
9. Stuffing Muffins
Are the children in your family and your circle of acquaintances at the toddler stage? When they’ll gladly snack on almost anything you feed them on the move but make it difficult to get them to sit down and consume a complete meal?
If so, Cook The Story probably has the perfect dish for you! They demonstrate how simple it is to prepare “stuffins,” or stuffing muffins, which are ideal for young hands to hold and eat while interacting with others.
Serve these savory muffins at your kids’ Thanksgiving meals, and watch them disappear.
The only thing that could improve them is a side of gravy! Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, in a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add in the chopped celery and onion and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix all wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and melted butter until combined well (about one minute).
Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and stir with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix! The batter will be thick, like muffin batter, rather than cake batter.
10. Pecan Pie Pumpkin Cupcakes
Pecan Pie Pumpkin Cupcakes are a delicious and cute way to serve dessert at your kids Thanksgiving foods. Not only are these cupcakes delicious, but they’re also really easy to make!
You only need pumpkin puree, canned pears, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and vanilla extract.
You can add some pecans for extra texture and flavor, but it’s unnecessary.
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners. Combine the eggs with the sugar in a bowl until light yellow.
Then mix in the pumpkin puree until no lumps remain. Add the spices one at a time while stirring with a spatula, then add vanilla extract last.
11. Turkey Shaped Cheese Ball
The Turkey-shaped cheese ball is one of the most kid-friendly foods you can serve at Thanksgiving.
It is easy and quick to make, not too spicy for little taste buds, and a yummy addition to any appetizer table.
The ingredients are 8 oz cream cheese, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
Combine cream cheese, honey, cranberries, and black pepper in a bowl until blended. Stir in cheddar cheese with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until well mixed.
Cover the surface with plastic wrap or wax paper and refrigerate for up to two days before serving. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before rolling into the desired shape.
12. Soft Cranberry Crescent Rolls
Soft and easy to make, cranberry crescent rolls are the perfect choice for any kid’s Thanksgiving food that requires something sweet.
The dough is made from scratch and baked in a can with a lid, which means you don’t need a rolling pin or cookie sheet. The result is a soft, chewy roll that is fun for little hands to eat.
They’re also great for adults looking for a quick dessert option too. Meltable Cheddar Biscuits: Everyone loves cheesy biscuits, but these come together in just 15 minutes with a simple blender cheese sauce. It’s so fast!
13. Homemade Mac n’ Cheese
Of course, sometimes it’s impossible to resist how irresistibly creamy and delicious mac & cheese is to kids.
We’d much rather give the youngest diners at the dinner table a lovely homemade mac and cheese that we at least know is created with real ingredients.
Because it’s a little bit healthier and more substantial than the boxed variety, have them not eat anything! One of our favorites is this recipe from Dinner With The Rollos.
This macaroni and cheese recipe is easy, kid-friendly, and delicious. You can serve it hot or cold or as a side dish for kids’ Thanksgiving foods.
The best part about this recipe is that you can make it and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
14. Pumpkin Ravioli Inspired Mini Pies
Pumpkin Ravioli-Inspired Mini Pies are a great dish to serve at your next kids Thanksgiving foods gathering.
These mini pies are a fun twist on the classic ravioli and can be prepared in under an hour. They make a great appetizer, dessert, or even a quick snack for kids.
Plus, they’re adorable and easy to make! Let’s take a look at how you can make them yourself…
First, Gather all the ingredients you’ll need: pie crusts, canned pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Then, Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the dough and press it into mini tart pans with removable bottoms. Press firmly onto the bottom and sides of each pan.
If any excess dough is left over, use it as glue to seal gaps between the crust and pan. Bake crusts for 10 minutes before removing them from the oven to cool slightly.
15. Slow Cooker Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
Making some of their favorite foods is a great way to get the kids involved.
Kids often don’t want to eat what everyone else is eating, so finding something they will enjoy can be challenging.
Luckily, we have your back and have compiled a list of kids’ Thanksgiving foods you can serve this season.
16. Veggie Pizza Leaves
This recipe is a great way to get your kids excited about veggies. They will enjoy the pizza crust, tomato sauce, and cheese. And, of course, they can add any toppings they like!
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. 2) Spread 1/4 cup tomato sauce on the bottom of a round pie plate or another shallow baking dish.
Place five tortilla rounds on top of the sauce in an overlapping pattern, creating five sections; spread 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce in each section.
More so, Top with one-quarter of the zucchini slices and cover with another round, repeating until all 5 rounds are used up.
Also, top with 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh oregano leaves (or use dried if you don’t have fresh ones).
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top. 5) Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes before removing the foil for another 10 minutes to brown nicely.
17. Fluffy and Delicious Pumpkin Fruit Dip
This kid-friendly, sweet, savory dip is perfect for any kid’s Thanksgiving food.
Whip a batch of pumpkin puree, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Then, stir in some cream cheese and sour cream until the mixture is creamy.
Fold in whipped cream and chopped pecans for a little bit of crunch.
Then you can also serve it chilled with apple slices, graham crackers, or whatever else your heart desires!
18. Sweet and Savory Sage Chicken Drumsticks
The aroma of these chicken drumsticks alone will make you want to take them out of the oven.
Wrap each drumstick in bacon strips lightly sprinkled with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika.
19. Irresistible Cheese Potato Puffs
These delicious cheese puffs are easy to make and fun for the kid’s Thanksgiving foods.
This recipe is a take on the classic potato soufflé, but we’ve added some gooey cheese. These will disappear in no time!
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Grate potatoes (skin on) in the large holes of a box grater into a bowl of cold water.
Also, Drain well, pressing out excess moisture if desired, then place potatoes in a large pot over high heat and add enough water to cover them by 1 inch.
Add salt and pepper and bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until tender, occasionally stirring for about 10 minutes.
20. No-bake Pumpkin Pie
Making a no-bake pumpkin pie is fun for kids to get into the holiday spirit. The best part is that it’s just as delicious for adults!
Here are the ingredients you’ll need: 2 cups of oats, 1 cup of flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 3/4 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter or margarine (1 stick), 2 egg yolks.
However, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine oats and butter until fully mixed, and then add flour while stirring.
Once this mixture cools, you’ll need to mix it with egg yolks, salt, and baking powder before mixing in the brown sugar.
21. Pumpkin and Fruit Turkey Muffins
Pumpkin and fruit turkey muffins are among the best Kids Thanksgiving foods to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering.
These holiday treats are a delicious way to get kids excited about eating healthy, and while they taste good, they’re also much healthier than most snacks.
These pumpkin and fruit muffins are easy to make; you’ll need a handful of fresh or canned fruits, pumpkin puree, eggs, flour, sugar, and baking powder.
Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes in an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the muffins to cool before frosting them with the recipe.
