Thanksgiving can be such a hectic time that it's tempting to send kids out of the kitchen. But involving young chefs in holiday cooking and baking not only creates wonderful—and sometimes hilarious—memories, it also takes some of the work off of your plate. Empower young chefs to take the lead in preparing one of the following recipes, perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations (or any meal!).
ATK Kids
Recipes That Kids Can Make This Holiday Season
Get your kids excited for Thanksgiving dinner by involving them in the kitchen with these kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes!
By Published Nov. 21, 2019
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Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Warm, fluffy biscuits are always a welcome part of the Thanksgiving or holiday menu. With our simple Buttermilk Drop Biscuits recipe, this year the kids can make them. The batter comes together in minutes and, since these are drop biscuits, there’s no messy rolling or cutting dough. Instead, kids use a ¼-cup dry measuring cup to scoop the batter and drop it onto a parchment paper–lined baking sheet. [VIEW RECIPE]
Smashed Potatoes
Making smashed potatoes is so much easier—and more fun!—than making traditional mashed potatoes. Plus, if you use small red potatoes, there's no peeling or cutting needed! Kids will love cooking, smashing (a sturdy wooden spoon is key), and eating this side dish. [VIEW RECIPE]
Roasted Broccoli
Roasted veggies are the best veggies. This roasted broccoli has a crispy, browned exterior that kids will love. Lining your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper is a good idea when baking anything—from veggies to cookies—that might stick. It also makes cleanup a snap! [VIEW RECIPE]
Apple Crisp
Love apple pie but hate the fuss? Kids will love making—and eating—this easy apple crisp that's perfect for the Thanksgiving dessert table. Any sweet, crisp apple works in this recipe, from Golden Delicious to Honeycrisp to Braeburn. Help kids stay safe while baking with oven mitts for kids. [VIEW RECIPE]
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
These golden, crispy potatoes make the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. This kid-friendly recipe uses just four ingredients and is sure to please the whole family. Kids can prep the potatoes using a chef's knife that’s sized just right for small hands. [VIEW RECIPE]
Garlicky Skillet Green Beans
Kids will love making these crisp-tender green beans with garlic and a touch of butter for a holiday dinner (or a weeknight dinner). This speedy recipe—it takes just 30 minutes—cooks in a 12-inch nonstick skillet that cooks and releases food perfectly. [VIEW RECIPE]
Corny Cornbread
For many, Thanksgiving is not complete without cornbread! Whether you use it to make a cornbread dressing or simply enjoy it on its own, this simple, kid-friendly cornbread recipe uses two types of corn—cornmeal and whole kernels—for maximum corn flavor. [VIEW RECIPE]
Introducing the Young Chefs' Club
Every month, young chefs ages 5 and up receive a themed box filled with kid-tested recipes, hands-on activities and experiments, and other creative items, such as art projects, achievement buttons, a kitchen tool or special ingredient, and more.Learn More