Fun Recipes to Try with Kids in the Kitchen

Cooking with kids is a fantastic way to bond, teach essential skills, and spark creativity. These recipes by Chef Abdul are simple, engaging, and fun, making them perfect for little chefs. With a mix of sweet and savoury options, these dishes will turn your kitchen into a joyful culinary classroom.

  1. Mini Pita Pizzas

Ingredients:

  • 4 small whole-wheat pita breads
  • 200 ml marinara sauce
  • 100 g shredded mozzarella or dairy-free cheese
  • Assorted toppings (sliced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)
  • 10 g fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Spread marinara sauce on each pita bread.
  3. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and arrange toppings as desired.
  4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Let kids create their “pizza masterpieces” by choosing and arranging the toppings.

  1. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients:

  • 400 g plain or vanilla yoghurt (dairy or plant-based)
  • 200 g granola
  • 300 g mixed fresh fruit (berries, bananas, mango, etc.)
  • 30 g honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. layer yoghurt, granola, and fruit in clear glasses or bowls. Repeat until the glass is full.
  2. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.
  3. Serve immediately with a spoon.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Use a variety of colourful fruits to make the parfaits visually appealing.

  1. Rainbow Veggie Wraps

Ingredients:

  • 4 large whole-wheat tortillas
  • 100 g hummus
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cucumber, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 50 g spinach leaves

Instructions:

  1. Spread hummus evenly over each tortilla.
  2. Arrange the vegetables in colourful rows across the tortilla.
  3. Roll up tightly and slice into smaller pieces if desired.
  4. Serve immediately.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Encourage kids to “pick a colour” for each row of vegetables.

  1. Banana Sushi

Ingredients:

  • 2 bananas
  • 50 g peanut butter or almond butter
  • 20 g shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Peel the bananas and spread peanut butter evenly over them.
  2. Roll the bananas in shredded coconut, nuts, or sprinkles.
  3. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Offer a variety of coatings so kids can customize their “sushi rolls.”

  1. No-Bake Energy Balls

Ingredients:

  • 150 g rolled oats
  • 50 g peanut butter or sunflower seed butter
  • 30 g honey or maple syrup
  • 30 g chocolate chips or raisins
  • 10 g chia seeds (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
  2. Place the mixture into small balls on a plate.
  3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Let kids mix the ingredients with their hands for extra fun (and mess!).

  1. Decorated Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 100 g sugar
  • 100 g butter or dairy-free alternative, softened
  • 1 egg (or flaxseed substitute)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Assorted sprinkles, icing, or edible decorations

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
  5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely before decorating.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Please set up a decorating station with icing tubes and sprinkles for kids to unleash creativity.

  1. DIY Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients:

  • 8 cookies (store-bought or homemade)
  • 300 g ice cream (dairy or plant-based)
  • Sprinkles or chocolate chips for coating (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Scoop a generous portion of ice cream onto one cookie and top with another.
  2. Roll the edges of the sandwich in sprinkles or chocolate chips.
  3. Freeze for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Use different cookie flavours and ice creams for variety.

  1. Homemade Veggie Chips

Ingredients:

  • 2 sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 zucchinis, thinly sliced
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Toss the vegetable slices with olive oil, paprika, and salt.
  2. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Let cool before serving.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Use a mandoline slicer for uniform chips.

Final Thoughts

Cooking with kids is about more than just making food—creating memories and fostering a love for the kitchen. These recipes are designed to be easy, interactive, and delicious, ensuring everyone has a great time. As Chef Abdul says, “The best ingredient in any dish is the joy of cooking together.”

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