44 Meals Your Toddler Will Devour

Read Time: 19 mins

44 Meals Your Toddler Will Devour2/43 Veggie Mac and Cheese 20 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Veggie Macaroni & Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn’t come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein. 3/43 Weeknight Skillet Spinach Pie 1 Review Contest Winner Test

Plus, I’m not hovering over an oven for hours

Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 10 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love sneaking extra veggies into my kids’ dinners, especially with this skillet spinach pie recipe. Because of this pie’s flaky crust and extra cheese, the kids never know they’re eating a vitamin-rich dish. Plus, I’m not hovering over an oven for hours. Put the spinach and phyllo sheets in the refrigerator the night before or early in the morning for thawing. —Kristyne McDougle, Lorain, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 334 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol,

649mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein

649mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. 4/43 The Ultimate Grilled Cheese 54 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Recipe photo by Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 5 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they’re really fast to whip up, too. Here’s how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 646 calories, 50g fat (18g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g

sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein

sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. 5/43 Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My kids and I love mac and cheese. We always get it in the bread bowls when we’re at a restaurant, but with three cheeses, these white cheddar shells are filling on their own. —Steven Schend, Grand Rapids, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 538 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g

fiber), 23g protein

fiber), 23g protein. 6/43 Scalloped Potatoes and Ham 106 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 1 hour 35 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This dish is a real crowd-pleaser with its smooth sauce, chunks of ham and potato slices. I always enjoyed it when Mother made it for us. I added parsley and thyme, and now my husband and five children request it all the time. —Wendy Rhoades, Yacolt, Washington Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 549 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1458mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g

sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein

sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein. 7/43 Mini Bagelizzas Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Mini Bagelizzas Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Garlic powder gives these speedy mini pizzas extra pizzazz. Not only are they a snap to put together, but best of all, the ingredient list is easy on your pocketbook. My husband loves them. And my toddler will soon enjoy them as an after-school treat. -Stephanie Klos-Kohr, Moline, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 2 each: 214 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 18g

carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein

carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. 8/43 Swedish Meatballs 59 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Swedish Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 10 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas Nutrition Facts: 6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat

It’s so creamy and delicious!

(14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein. 9/43 Cauliflower Gratin 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Cauliflower Gratin Recipe photo by Perry Santanachote for Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 10 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It’s so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio Nutrition Facts:

3/4 cup: 196 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein. 10/43 Sloppy Joe Pasta 23 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it’s become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 291 calories, 11g fat

Plus, it’s an extra way to get some veggies into their diet

(6g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. 11/43 Pumpkin Alfredo with Chicken 5 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Pumpkin Alfredo with Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love pumpkin and my kids love pasta, so this pumpkin Alfredo recipe is a match made in heaven for us. Plus, it’s an extra way to get some veggies into their diet. Use dairy-free or gluten-free ingredients if needed. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 631

My muffins are a frequent request from everyone in the family

calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 936mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein. 12/43 Sausage Muffins 20 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Sausage Muffins Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 1-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My muffins are a frequent request from everyone in the family. I usually make them on Sunday nights, so when we’re running late on weekday mornings, the kids can grab these to eat on the bus. —Irene Wayman, Grantsville, Utah Nutrition Facts: 1 muffin: 238 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated

Double it to wow at a potluck

fat), 93mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. 13/43 Pizza in a Bowl 20 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: 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 Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 495 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1056mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber),

30g protein

30g protein. 14/43 Over-the-Top Baked Ziti 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Over-the-Top Baked Ziti Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 4 hours 40 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I adapted a ziti recipe to remove ingredients my kids did not like, such as ground beef. The revised recipe was a success not only with my family but at potlucks too. It’s so versatile: You can use jarred sauce, double or triple the recipe, and even freeze it. —Kimberley Pitman, Smyrna, Delaware Field Editor Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 499 calories, 10g fat (6g

saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. 15/43 Chili Cheese Dog Casserole 63 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe photo by Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Kids and adults alike will dive into this hearty, comforting dish. With a crispy cheese topping on a warm cornbread crust, this recipe is a keeper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 638 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 1518mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (17g

sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein

sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. 16/43 Chocolate Chip Elvis Pancakes 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Chocolate Chip Elvis Pancakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 16 pancakes Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I’m one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri Nutrition Facts: 2 pancakes: 291 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. 17/43 Black

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⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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