The First 10 Recipes to Teach Your Kid to Cook
Helping your kids develop cooking skills is a great way to boost their confidence and, over time, empower them to be self-sufficient in the family kitchen and beyond. We've gathered recipes that cover a range of skills that can serve as the building blocks for getting them comfortable in the kitchen — from learning how to pour, measure, and stir, to more complicated skills like working with a stove or oven.
The first few recipes start with very simple skills, then increase slightly in difficulty as you progress. That said, every child works at their own pace — and you know your child best — so just use your best judgement for when you believe your child is ready to take on each recipe.
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ABC Pudding - Avocado, Banana, Chocolate Delight
What they'll be learning about: working with a blender and pouring.
"My kids really liked this recipe," says Melissa Goff. "I waited until they were completely done to tell one of the kids that they were eating avocados! Easy-peasy, nice and healthy—a great afternoon snack for my kiddos."
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Tuna Fish Pea Salad
What they'll be learning about: measuring and stirring. (And also assembling a sandwich if that's what you decide to use this for!)
"In my continued quest to get my family to eat peas," says Gadget, "this worked wonderfully! I had to improvise and use frozen peas instead of canned and then I used a little more mayo than the recipe asked for, but it worked well. Nice, easy recipe!"
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Whole Wheat Chocolate Banana Bread
What they'll be learning about: measuring, stirring, and working with a hot oven.
"I just made this bread and my eight-year-old daughter and I can't stop eating it," says Masty. "I made it in a bundt pan and baked for 30 minutes and it was perfect. What a treat!"
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Peanut Butter Cocoa No-Bake Cookies
What they'll be learning about: measuring, stirring, portioning out cookie batter, and working with a hot stove.
"I can't say enough about this recipe," raves Karen Knox. "It's delicious, fast, and if you make them tiny, you can get over 100. My three-year-old son helps me stir up the batches and the whole thing lasts about two days. I dare you to eat just one!"
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Gobble Up Granola Snacks
What they'll be learning about: measuring, stirring, and working with a hot stove.
"Okay, I have made these three times in five days and my kids are asking me when I am making them again," says ANDRABETH. And turns out they are a family favorite: "My DH has also asked for them in his lunch. I guess everyone in my house loves them!"
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
What they'll be learning about: measuring, stirring, and working with a hot stove.
"This is a fantastic, delicious and healthy breakfast," says Kristal, who also had a great healthy swap idea: "I used applesauce instead of juice. My husband loves sweets, and given the choice of pancakes, french toast, or this recipe, he said he wanted the oatmeal!"
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Whole Wheat Pancakes from Scratch
What they'll be learning about: measuring, stirring, pouring batter, and working with a hot stove.
"These are excellent! Very healthy and very good," says Amasue. And they are also toddler approved: "Even my one-year-old daughter loves them. So glad to have found this!"
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Southwestern-Flavored Ground Beef or Turkey for Tacos & Salad
What they'll be learning about: using measuring spoons, working with a hot stove, cooking meat.
"This was great! I'm trying to incorporate more ground turkey in our diets," says Scotdog.
"I used regular chili powder and chipotle chile powder. Since we can't eat salt, we really have to up the other spices. I let this simmer for several hours before adding the cornmeal. We made tacos and it was great!"
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Garden Fresh Tomato Soup
What they'll be learning about: using measuring spoons, working with a blender (or immersion blender), and working with a hot stove.
"Best tomato soup I've ever had," says Carey Cox. And Carey has some tips for punching up the flavor even more: "I added two cloves of crushed garlic, an extra bay leaf, and whole peppercorns along with the cloves. I also used vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. Top each bowlful with a handful of garlic croutons, and enjoy!"
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Herbed Chicken Nuggets
What they'll be learning about: using a knife, handling raw meat, and cooking meat.
"My whole family loves this recipe," says Linzbaker. "My two year old cleans his plate every time I make these!"