How to elevate classic kid’s meals

June 29, 2022
by Shannon Tips and Tricks Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

    Kids love repetition – especially when it comes to meals!

    If you’ve been around kids during mealtime, you probably know that they’re happy to eat the same five meals on repeat, and have no interest in branching out to try new flavours. As a grown-up, it can be tough to figure out how to switch things up, and add more nutrition, and more new foods. If you’re feeling stuck in a kid-meal rut, we’ve got five options for kid-friendly meals that still deliver on flavour and nutrition. Elevate your typical kid lunches and kid dinners with HelloFresh!

    1. Kid classic: chicken nuggets and french fries

    Chicken nuggets and fries are a staple on almost every restaurant kid menu. Kid’s love the simple flavours of a chicken nugget, and who doesn’t love a great french fry? While you don’t have to remove classic nuggies and fries from the menu, adding some colour and going from frozen to fresh is a simple change that will still have your kids asking for seconds.

    Substitute: Breaded Chicken with Honey-Parsley Carrots and Lemon Mayo

    Kid’s will love the familiar breaded chicken, and rice is a neutral side that kids love. A delicious sweep of honey on the carrots turns them from rabbit-food to kid fuel with a pop of colour, while the lemon mayo adds some zip for kids who love to dip.

    Breaded Chicken with Honey-Parsley Carrots and Lemon Mayo

    Breaded Chicken with Honey-Parsley Carrots and Lemon Mayo

    2. Kid classic: hot dogs

    When your kids are old enough to enjoy hot dogs, it’s like they’re on the menu every day. A summer BBQ staple, there’s a reason they’re so popular. Easy to eat one-handed, they’re fast, simple, and quite frankly, delicious!

    Substitute: The Taco Dog

    An easy way to elevate hot dogs are to add unique toppings. Turn the boring hot dog into a taco dog, Banh Mi dog, Greek dog, or even a mac and cheese dog! Make it a family-style event and have the kids add their own toppings to see what fun combinations they create. Bonus: you’ll get to sit back and relax while they do the prep for once!

    4 Hot Dog Topping Ideas for Summer

    4 Hot Dog Topping Ideas for Summer

    3. Kid classic: mac and cheese

    We’ve all seen the ‘just add hot dogs’ hack to make mac and cheese even tastier. But trust us – it doesn’t stop there! We’ve got veggie-packed options that you can make in just 20 minutes – perfect for nights when you need something quick.

    Substitute: Chicken Mac and Cheese with Roasted Squash and Chives

    A healthy version ready almost as fast as the boxed stuff? Sign us up! This twist on the kid classic mac and cheese has savoury roasted squash and cauliflower, and protein-packed chicken. Fun spiral pasta shapes and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese make this a new kid favourite.

    Chicken Mac and Cheese with Roasted Squash and Chives

    Chicken Mac and Cheese with Roasted Squash and Chives

    4. Kid classic: spaghetti and meatballs

    On nights you need a quick, easy, comforting meal, spaghetti and meatballs is a go-to. Kids love slurping up noodles and meatballs, well, they’re just plain fun to eat! Easy upgrades here are to add fibre-rich lentils and hidden veggies to your pasta sauce. However, if you’re looking for a new twist on this classic, we’re ready for you.

    Substitute: Speedy Sausage ‘Ziti’ with Fresh Penne and Balsamic Spinach Salad

    This easy speedy sausage ziti is a crowd-favourite! The best part is that you can make it in just 20 minutes thanks to the fresh pasta. Or is the best part that it’s broiled with creamy ricotta and rich mozzarella? No matter your favourite part, this recipe is a simple classic the whole family will enjoy!

    Speedy Sausage Ziti with Fresh Penne and Balsamic Spinach Salad

    Speedy Sausage Ziti with Fresh Penne and Balsamic Spinach Salad

    5. Kid classic: grilled cheese

    Even as an adult, who doesn’t enjoy a great grilled cheese now and then? An incredible simple meal, there are countless ways of upgrading this classic – and we don’t just mean fancy ketchup.

    Substitute: Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese with Kale Salad

    With our Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese recipe, boring gets an upgrade. Swap in Brie cheese for those orange squares (you know the ones) and add sweet fig jam to create the ultimate sweet and salty sandwich. A fresh kale side salad adds required texture and crunch, with a seed blend and cranberries that kids will love. Want the homey version? Swap the greens for our Totally Tasty Tuscan Tomato Soup and feel like a kid again yourself!

    Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese with Kale Salad

    Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese with Kale Salad

     

    There you have it! Five totally tasty meals your kids will actually enjoy. Share your other kid classics with us on Instagram (@HelloFresh), and ways you elevate them to more nutritious, adventurous options!

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