reading time – 8 min

Dinner for kids: 15 ideas based on how much time you have

Between school pickup, homework, bath time, and everything else, figuring out what to make for dinner can quickly become a headache. Especially when 7 p.m. is approaching and no one really wants to spend an hour at the stove.

Good news: a dinner for kids can be simple, delicious, and quick to make. Whether you have 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes, here are 15 easy ideas to choose from!

10 minutes: speedy meals for busy evenings

Some evenings, even ten minutes in the kitchen feels like a lot. You’re starting to feel tired, and you don’t necessarily want to pull out three pots and pans. When that happens, there’s no need for an elaborate recipe: a few simple ingredients can be enough to make a dinner the kids will enjoy.

1. A loaded omelet

Eggs, shredded cheese, and a few vegetables: it’s hard to get much quicker. Tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, cooked zucchini… choose your fillings based on what you have on hand.

And if vegetables still get skeptical looks at the table, check out our tips for getting kids to eat vegetables, too.

2. Make-your-own grilled ham and cheese sandwiches

Ham and cheese for the classic version, or tomato and mozzarella, chicken and zucchini, or goat cheese and spinach for a change: grilled sandwiches are easy to customize. Tuck everything between two slices of bread, cook for a few minutes in a sandwich maker or the oven, then cut into small triangles.

3. Quick baked eggs in ramekins

Crack an egg into a ramekin with a little cream, some diced ham, and cheese. Cook for a few minutes until the white is set and the yolk is still runny.

Serve with strips of bread for dipping: they usually don’t stay on the plate for long.

15 minutes: easy ideas for something a little different

With just five extra minutes, your options open up. It’s a chance to make a quick meal for kids that’s a change from the usual standbys, without pulling out every pot and pan.

4. Build-your-own family fajitas

Cook a few pieces of chicken with mild spices, then set out tortillas, raw vegetables, cheese, and sauce on the table. Everyone can fill their own however they like. Especially handy when not everyone likes the same ingredients.

5. Vegetable patties

Carrots, zucchini, potatoes, sweet potatoes… grate whatever vegetables you have, add an egg, a little flour, and a few mild spices, then brown small patties in a pan. The recipe is easy to adapt with the seasons and, above all, helps use up vegetables still waiting in the fridge drawer.

6. Crispy quesadillas

Place cheese, chicken, and a few pieces of bell pepper or tomato between two tortillas. Cook in a pan for a few minutes, then cut into triangles. Serve in the middle of the table with a little yogurt sauce or guacamole.

7. Risotto-style small pasta shells

Small pasta shells can go beyond the usual ham-and-butter version, too. Cook them directly in a little broth, then add peas, ham, and Parmesan toward the end. The result is a creamy dish made in just one pot and familiar enough not to shake up little ones’ routines too much.

20 minutes: recipes to make with the kids

When the evening isn’t quite so rushed, why not invite the kids into the kitchen? Mixing, adding toppings, and shaping are all little jobs they can do depending on their age.

8. Homemade mini pizzas

Use pita bread or small pizza crusts as a base, spread on tomato sauce, then add mozzarella, ham, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes… or even pineapple for the more adventurous among you. For this recipe, kids can take charge of the toppings. It’s the perfect time to get out their personalized apron and let them decorate their pizza before it goes in the oven.

9. Parmesan chicken meatballs

Mix ground chicken with Parmesan, a few herbs, and an egg, shape into small meatballs, then cook them in a pan. Serve with couscous, vegetables, or a mild tomato sauce—whatever you’re in the mood for.

10. Homemade chicken nuggets

Cut the chicken into pieces, dip them in egg, then coat them in lightly seasoned breadcrumbs before baking or pan-frying. Kids can help with the breading while you prepare a side dish. And unlike store-bought nuggets, this recipe is easy to switch up: use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or Parmesan.

11. Savory muffins

Ham and cheese, zucchini and feta, tomato and mozzarella… the base stays the same, but the fillings change depending on what’s left in the fridge. Baked in individual muffin cups, they’re easy to serve, and any that survive can be saved for the next day.

30 minutes: family-style dishes to share

Have half an hour? It’s time for hearty dishes you can set right in the middle of the table. Another plus: several can be made in larger batches to get ahead on another dinner.

12. A quiche with whatever’s left in the fridge

Pour a mixture of eggs and cream into a pie crust, then add your chosen filling: zucchini and goat cheese, tomato and mozzarella, ham and cheese, or spinach and salmon. And if there’s a slice left over, even better! Once it’s cooled, tuck it into a Petit Picotin snack box, pack it in their lunch bag, and don’t forget the trusty water bottle.

Tomorrow’s lunch is almost ready!

13. Baked pasta

Baked pasta is probably one of your best friends at the end of a busy week! For a change from pasta served straight after cooking, mix it with tomato sauce or a creamy sauce, some vegetables, and ham or chicken. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until golden.

14. Quick shepherd’s pie

Mashed potatoes, a ground meat filling, and a few minutes in the oven: shepherd’s pie is still an easy family dish to adapt. For a change, replace some of the potatoes with sweet potatoes or try a lentil version.

15. Savory vegetable and Parmesan crumble

Zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, or squash, depending on the season: arrange the vegetables in a baking dish, then cover them with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and Parmesan. You get the crispy topping of a sweet crumble, this time in a savory version to serve straight from the dish with a spoon.

A few tips for saving time in the evening

Having some vegetables already chopped, portions in the freezer, or a couple of dinners planned ahead helps you avoid that familiar question: “What’s for dinner?” You can also make bigger batches of quiches, muffins, patties, or shepherd’s pie for another meal. 

For even more variety, check out our healthy, balanced meal ideas for kids and our healthy savory recipes for kids.

Dinner’s ready!

Once dinner is ready, all that’s left is to get everyone seated. For the littlest ones, the Petit Picotin bib protects clothes from little spills; older kids can use their personalized napkin. And for everyday mealtimes, explore our full Petit Picotin mealtime collection.

Things your little ones say

“Mom, I’m going to put my stuffed animal in the washer
so you can do the slobber”
– Kelyan, age 4

“Valentine, stop talking over my words! (interrupting me)”
– Ferdinand, age 3

“Mom, what’s that card? It’s my blue card. But no, Mom, it’s green!”
– Camille, age 3