Tired of the dinnertime battles with your little ones? We understand the challenge of getting children excited about trying new meals, but we have some good news: It’s time to say goodbye to the struggle and hello to culinary creativity with these delicious kid-friendly dinner ideas.

We've curated a collection of easy dinner ideas for kids guaranteed to turn mealtime into adventuretime for the whole family. From hearty bacon cheeseburger sliders to mouth-watering pizza sliders, get ready to transform your kitchen into a playground where even the pickiest eaters will be begging for seconds. Let's dive in!

Kid-Friendly Recipes to Try Tonight

Whether you're looking for easy meals for kids or want to infuse some creativity into your family meals, we've got you covered. With options ranging from wholesome classics to innovative twists on familiar favorites, there's something to satisfy every little palate.

1. Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

Searching for simple weeknight kid dinner ideas? Bacon cheeseburger sliders are the answer. Their compact size makes them perfect for little hands, so your kids can enjoy their meal without feeling overwhelmed by a full-sized burger.

Even if you’re feeding picky eaters, these bacon cheeseburger sliders come with endless customization options to suit individual tastes. Whether it's sneaking in some healthy toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles, or opting for a vegetarian alternative, these sliders can be tailored to accommodate various dietary preferences.

Now, let's talk about leftovers. Bacon cheeseburger sliders are just as tasty the next day, making them a great option for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as a quick snack. The flavors have had time to meld together overnight, resulting in an even more delicious meal. These sliders can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven without compromising on their freshness.

2. Mac N Cheese Bites

When it comes to easy kid-friendly dinners, nothing beats mac n cheese bites. They’re a fantastic option for a kid’s dinner, offering convenience and deliciousness in every bite. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for younger kids, eliminating the need for utensils and reducing dinner table messes.

Mac n cheese bites are quick to prepare, especially if you’re using pre-made macaroni and cheese, which cuts down on cooking time for stress-free meal prep. All you need to do is gather your pre-made mac and King's Hawaiian slider rolls, assemble your sliders, and serve. With minimal utensils needed, cleanup is easy, leaving you with more time to enjoy these delicious bites with your family.

Want to take your mac n cheese bites to the next level? Try adding some extra nutrients into your kid-friendly recipes with vegetables or protein. Whether it's mixing in some pureed butternut squash or adding diced ham or broccoli, these bites offer a convenient way to boost the nutritional content of a kid-friendly favorite without sacrificing flavor.

3. Pepperoni Pizza Muffins

Pepperoni pizza muffins are the ultimate solution for an easy kid's dinner, offering all the flavors of a classic pizza in a convenient and bite-sized format. Unlike traditional pizza-making, which involves dealing with dough and messy toppings, these pepperoni pizza muffins use pre-made ingredients. That means there's no need to fuss with making dough from scratch or dealing with extensive meal prep.

These pizza muffins are surprisingly versatile, so you can customize them to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Kids can get involved in the cooking process by assembling their pizza bites, adding their favorite toppings, and experimenting with different flavor combinations. This way, you’ll make mealtime more interactive and enjoyable while encouraging children to explore their creativity in the kitchen.

Pepperoni pizza bites are just as tasty when enjoyed as leftovers. Beyond easy dinners for kids, these bites are a great option for packing in lunchboxes or reheating for a quick snack. Whether eaten cold or warmed up in the microwave or oven, their flavors remain intact, ensuring they taste just as good the next day. Win-win!

4. Chicken Parm-eroni Sliders

Sometimes, the best kid-friendly dinner ideas are just creative twists on classics. That’s where our chicken parm-eroni sliders can change the game for your next dinner. This dish combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with pepperoni and King’s Hawaiian pretzel slider buns, creating a delicious fusion that’s sure to be a hit with children of all ages.

Chicken parm-eroni is easy and quick to prepare, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time needed for a satisfying meal. If you need to cut down on your meal prep, try using pre-made breaded chicken tenders to eliminate the need for breading and cooking chicken from scratch. Using pre-made chicken tenders helps ensure that the chicken is perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, saving time and effort without compromising on flavor.

5. Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups

What’s even easier than grilled cheese? Grilled cheese roll-ups. These roll-ups take your classic grilled cheese sandwich and transform it into a fun and portable finger food that kids will love. Plus, the roll-up format eliminates the need for utensils, so they’re easy for little hands to hold and enjoy.

Our grilled cheese roll-ups require minimal ingredients and preparation time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you're short on time. All you need is some King’s Hawaiian bread, cheese, and butter, along with your favorite fillings, such as ham, turkey, or veggies. Simply roll up the ingredients, cook them in a skillet until golden brown and crispy, and you've got a delicious meal ready to serve in minutes.

6. Slider Dogs

If you’re looking for simple kid’s dinner ideas, slider dogs are a go-to. They offer the classic appeal of hot dogs in a bite-sized format, making them the perfect solution for smaller appetites. The smaller size of slider dogs also means they cook more quickly than traditional hot dogs, reducing overall prep time for a quick meal.

Slider dogs are a fun and interactive meal that the whole family can enjoy together. Kids can help assemble their slider dogs or even create custom combinations, whether it's with classic favorites like ketchup and mustard or more adventurous options like cheese, chili, or sauerkraut. This customization not only allows children to personalize their meals but also encourages them to explore new flavors and ingredients.

7. PB&J and Banana

Our PB&J and banana sliders feature a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them one of our most popular kid-friendly dinner ideas. The creamy peanut butter paired with the sweetness of jelly, combined with the fresh and slightly sweet flavor of bananas, creates a mouthwatering combination that kids are sure to love.

These sliders require minimal ingredients and preparation time, making them the perfect solution for whenever you need a fuss-free meal in just a few minutes. All you need are some King’s Hawaiian slider buns, peanut butter, jelly or jam, and bananas to transform some simple household ingredients into slider heaven.Thanks to their versatility, these PB&J and banana sliders can be enjoyed as a quick dinner, as a snack, or even as a dessert. They're portable, making them a great choice for on-the-go meals or packed lunches for school or outings. Plus, the combination of protein from the peanut butter and carbohydrates from the bread and bananas provides a satisfying and energizing meal. 

8. Sloppy Joe Sliders

Looking for a meal that the whole family can enjoy? Introducing Sloppy Joe sliders, packing the deliciousness of traditional Sloppy Joes into a convenient, bite-sized meal. To whip them up, you’ll need King’s Hawaiian buns, ground beef or turkey, and some other household ingredients. Simply brown the meat, stir in the sauce (ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard), and spoon the mixture onto the slider buns. In just a few minutes, you'll have a satisfying meal ready to serve.

Just like our other sliders, these Sloppy Joes offer endless possibilities for customization. If you’re making homemade filling, try adjusting the seasoning and spices to suit your children's preferences, making the meal as mild or as spicy as desired. Here, you can also sneak in some extra veggies like grated carrots, diced bell peppers, or minced onions to boost the nutritional content of the meal without compromising on flavor.

9. Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Our toasted ham and cheese sandwiches are a delicious choice for a kid-friendly dinner thanks to their unmatched simplicity. They're incredibly quick to make, so you’ll only need a few minutes to assemble the sandwiches and toast them in the oven. The good news? They’re also a time-tested favorite, even among the pickiest of eaters.

While the classic combination of ham and cheese is always a winner, fillings like apricot preserves or mustard can add an extra layer of flavor and excitement. Whether you’re experimenting with different types of cheese, adding pickles, or satisfying their sweet tooth, these additions not only enhance the taste but also introduce kids to new flavor combinations, expanding their culinary horizons.

10. Pizza Sliders

In the mood for pizza? Pizza sliders are a perfect choice for kid-friendly meals, delivering the beloved flavors of traditional pizza in a fraction of the time. With a baking time of less than 20 minutes, these sliders offer a quick solution for satisfying hungry little ones—perfect for when you’re dealing with busy weeknights or hectic schedules.

One of the main advantages of these pizza sliders is their minimal prep time. Unlike making pizza from scratch, which involves preparing the dough and waiting for it to rise, our pizza sliders use King’s Hawaiian slider rolls as a convenient base. This significantly cuts down on prep time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your family.

Pizza sliders are also highly customizable, allowing children to personalize their sliders with their favorite toppings. Whether they prefer classic options like pepperoni and cheese or more adventurous choices like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers, kids have the freedom to create their perfect mini pizza.

Food for the Whole Family with King’s Hawaiian 

Mealtime with kids might sound stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right dinner ideas for kids at your fingertips, it can become a fun experience for the whole family. From bacon cheeseburger sliders to PB&J and banana, our kid-friendly dinners aren’t only quick and easy to prepare but also sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

But why stop here? King's Hawaiian offers a variety of other mouthwatering recipes and delicious ingredients that are perfect for making mealtime memorable. Whether it's sweet and savory breakfast options, satisfying lunch ideas, or delightful desserts, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.