11 School Recipes Even Your Pickiest Eater Will Try This Back-to-School Year

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Cheesy Veggie Quesadillas

Cheesy Veggie Quesadillas are a perfect solution for picky eaters who need a tasty yet nutritious meal. These quesadillas are easy to make and can be customized with different vegetables, making them appealing to even the fussiest of eaters. Plus, the gooey melted cheese ties everything together, ensuring that children will enjoy every bite.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced bell pepper and corn, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they soften.
3. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Take one tortilla and sprinkle half of it with shredded cheese, then add the sautéed veggies on top, and sprinkle more cheese before folding the tortilla in half.
5. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Remove from heat, cut into wedges, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Mini Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

Mini Turkey and Spinach Meatballs are a delicious and healthy option for picky eaters. Packed with protein and nutrients, these bite-sized meatballs blend ground turkey, chopped spinach, and flavorful herbs, making them an appealing choice for kids. They can be served on their own, with a dipping sauce, or added to pasta for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or on top of pasta!

Colorful Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Colorful Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits are a fun and healthy option for picky eaters, providing a visually appealing and delicious way to enjoy fresh fruits and creamy yogurt. Layers of vibrant fruits and yogurt create a delightful treat that can serve as breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Kids will love the customization, as they can choose their favorite fruits and toppings.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a cup or small glass, start by adding a layer of Greek yogurt.
2. Follow with a layer of mixed berries and banana slices.
3. Add a layer of granola for crunch.
4. Repeat the layers until the cup is filled, finishing with a layer of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola on top.
5. Drizzle honey or maple syrup if desired and garnish with mint leaves.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment!

Homemade Pizza Rolls

Homemade Pizza Rolls are a tasty and fun finger food that even the pickiest of eaters will love. These bite-sized snacks are packed with cheesy goodness and savory toppings, all wrapped in a crispy dough. Perfect for lunches, after-school snacks, or parties, these pizza rolls offer a customizable option where kids can pick their favorite fillings.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into squares (about 3×3 inches).
3. Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce, cheese, and any desired toppings (like pepperoni and diced bell pepper) in the center of each square.
4. Fold the dough over to create a pocket, sealing the edges with a fork.
5. Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Let cool slightly before serving with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a delicious and nutritious option that caters to picky eaters. These tacos are packed with flavor and feature soft, roasted sweet potatoes combined with protein-rich black beans. The sweetness of the potatoes and the savory beans create a delightful balance, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner while also allowing for easy customization with various toppings.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
2. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a skillet, heat the black beans over medium heat until warmed through. Add salt if needed.
4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing roasted sweet potatoes and black beans on each tortilla. Top with avocado, salsa, and cilantro if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for picky eaters. This dish combines tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and rice all enveloped in a creamy sauce, making it both filling and appealing with its mild flavors. It’s an easy one-dish meal that can be prepared ahead of time and is great for leftovers.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and milk; mix well. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. If desired, add bread crumbs for a crunchy topping.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats are a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that are perfect for picky eaters. This easy-to-make dish combines rolled oats, creamy yogurt, and sweet apples with a hint of cinnamon, making it a delightful way to start the day. The best part is that it can be prepared the night before, allowing for a quick grab-and-go meal in the morning.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, diced apple, cinnamon, and honey or maple syrup.
2. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. If using, add chia seeds and nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
4. Divide the mixture into individual jars or containers, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
5. Serve chilled in the morning, and enjoy your delicious apple cinnamon overnight oats!

Zucchini and Corn Fritters

Zucchini and Corn Fritters are a delightful and versatile dish that even picky eaters will enjoy. These savory fritters combine fresh zucchini, sweet corn, and a blend of seasonings, making for a delicious side dish or snack. They can be quickly pan-fried to achieve a crispy texture on the outside and a soft interior, perfect for dipping in yogurt or salsa.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine grated zucchini, corn, flour, eggs, chopped green onions, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly to form fritters.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dip. Enjoy!

Easy Pasta Salad With Veggies

Easy Pasta Salad With Veggies is a revitalizing and colorful dish that is perfect for picky eaters. This simple pasta salad is loaded with a variety of vegetables, making it not only healthy but also visually appealing. The dish can be served cold, making it an ideal option for lunchboxes, picnics, or as a side dish for family gatherings.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and grated carrot.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the pasta salad and toss until all ingredients are well coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Banana Sushi

Peanut Butter Banana Sushi is a fun and nutritious snack that makes the perfect meal for picky eaters. This creative dish features whole wheat tortillas spread with creamy peanut butter and wrapped around fresh bananas, making it not only tasty but also a great way to incorporate fruit into their diet. It’s easy to make, portable, and is sure to please even the pickiest of palates!

Cooking Steps:

1. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter evenly over each whole wheat tortilla.
2. Place a banana at one end of the tortilla and roll it up tightly.
3. If desired, drizzle honey and sprinkle cinnamon over the banana before rolling.
4. Slice the rolled tortilla into bite-sized pieces or serve whole.
5. For added flair, sprinkle chocolate chips on top before serving. Enjoy!

Whole Wheat Pancakes With Berries

Whole Wheat Pancakes With Berries are a wholesome and delicious breakfast option that caters to picky eaters. These pancakes are fluffy and made with whole wheat flour, providing additional nutrients and fiber. Topped with fresh berries, they add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the plate, making the meal both appealing and satisfying.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and honey or maple syrup.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; avoid over-mixing.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake and cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve pancakes topped with fresh berries and additional honey or syrup if desired. Enjoy!