Easy Side Dishes for Kids

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Looking for easy side dishes for kids that they will actually eat? You’ve come to the right place! Sides can be a great way to get kids to try new foods and add some variety to their meals. They can also be the best way to add some simple foods to meals for picky eaters.

When you want to make sure you have healthy kids, but it’s a challenge to get them to eat anything, you sometimes have to get creative. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a healthy accompaniment to dinner, these kid-friendly side dishes are sure to please.

Even if your kid is hooked on chicken nuggets, you can still add some sides that might entice them to eat some variety. Having a simple list of go-to list of your kid-approved side dishes with simple ingredients will make weeknight dinners so much easier and less stressful.

11 Best Side Dishes for Kids

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and create a delicious side dish. Try roasting a mixture of carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, green beans, or use whatever you have on hand. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a zesty dijon sauce for an extra delicious touch.

You can also try these sweet maple syrup oven-roasted carrots for even more flavorful veggie kids are sure to love!

2. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and baking them into fries makes them even more delicious. Use a bit of oil and your favorite seasoning to create a tasty treat that kids will love. If your kids don’t like sweet potatoes, bake french fries instead!

Baked fries are healthy and filling sides for kids. Add a little cheese sauce as a special treat now and then.

Other great potato options are sweet potatoes casserole bites with marshmallows (what kid would refuse those!) or cheesy garlic mashed potatoes.

3. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is a great way to get kids to eat more fruit. Mix together a variety of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, grapes, and apples, for a colorful and healthy side dish.

You can also serve sliced fruit with a fun dip like this marshmallow dip to entice the kids to eat more.

4. Sliced Vegetables

If you’re looking for something even better than easy recipes, something like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or other raw veggies that can just be prepped and served are super easy and healthy, and kids usually love them!

Sliced veggies like cucumbers are a great source of fiber and make a great side. Slice them up and serve them with a dip like hummus or ranch dressing for a tasty treat that kids will love.

5. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a very kid-friendly side dish that you can customize to fit your kid’s taste. We like this Italian pasta salad but you can easily switch out your favorite cheese, meat, or dressing choices to make it your own.

6. Crispy Baked Onion Rings

These are fun, delicious, and healthy, even though they taste like a treat! When you’re thinking about kid-friendly sides, it helps to imagine how you can make some of their favorite foods in a healthier way. That way, you know they’re getting good nutrition, and they’ll eat it up!

7. Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

I feel like adding cheese to anything automatically makes it kid friendly! This is the perfect side dish to disguise some veggies and get your kids to eat a little healthier. If they don’t like green beans, try parmesan roasted broccoli instead!

8. Italian Broccoli

Sautéed Italian broccoli is a very fast veggie recipe and has the perfect flavor for serving to children. You can adjust the spice of the red pepper flakes to make even your fussiest eater enjoy them.

9. Almost Homemade Mac and Cheese

Even some of the pickiest eaters could enjoy this cheesy comfort food. And, with our “almost homemade” version, you can whip it up quickly to get dinner on the table fast!

10. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a great side dish that kids will love. Top with butter, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. For even more flavor, make your corn on the grill.

11. Cheesy Baked Black Beans and Rice

Adding a healthy dose of cheese makes baked black beans and rice a kid-friendly option. This side dish can even stand alone as a meal for picky kiddos. The protein from the beans makes this a filling side as well.

These kid-friendly side dishes are sure to be a hit with even the pickiest of eaters. From roasted vegetables to baked onion rings, there’s something for everyone.