Cooking with kids can be a delightful and educational activity, especially during the summer when fresh ingredients are abundant. If you followed our tips for gardening with kids, you might even have some of the ingredients in your own garden. Cooking together with your kids is a great way to teach them about healthy eating, kitchen safety, and the joy of creating something delicious together. Here are some easy summer recipes that are perfect for cooking with kids. We even let the baby help with some steps.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a healthy, colorful, and easy-to-make treat that kids will love assembling.
Ingredients: Greek yogurt, honey, granola, mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), and bananas.
Instructions: In clear cups or small bowls, layer yogurt, honey, granola, and fruit. Repeat the layers until the cups are full. Let the kids choose their favourite fruits and help with the layering process. Emily prefers to have 2 repetitions of layers, but puts the different fruits in the second layer to mix it up. Top with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Mini Pita Pizzas
Mini pita pizzas are a fun, customizable, and quick meal option for kids. This is our secret trick whenever we have an unexpected playdate and it is always the first food to disappear at birthday parties. It is a perfect easy summer hit with adults and with kids.
Ingredients: Whole wheat pitas, tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and various toppings (pepperoni, ham, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, corn, etc.).
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Let the kids spread tomato sauce over the pitas, sprinkle cheese, and add their favourite toppings. Place the pitas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Make sure it cooled a bit before serving to avoid burning your mouth. I am totally not speaking from personal experience.
Veggie and Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas are simple to make and can be filled with a variety of healthy ingredients. This is also our go-to lunch snack when we are feeling peckish but not hungry enough for a whole lunch.
Ingredients: Whole wheat tortillas, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack), bell peppers, onions, corn, and black beans.
Instructions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Let the kids help assemble the quesadillas by sprinkling cheese and veggies on one half of a tortilla, then folding it over. Cook the quesadillas in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole. Sometimes for extra protein, we prepare it with scrambled eggs.
Pro tip: you can also make them in those panini press or sandwich maker machines.
Frozen Banana Pops
Frozen banana pops are a refreshing and healthy summer treat.
Ingredients: Bananas, Greek yogurt, honey, and various toppings (crushed nuts, granola, mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes).
Instructions: Peel and cut bananas in half, then insert a popsicle stick into each half. Let the kids dip the bananas into Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey, then roll them in their favourite toppings. Place the banana pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 2 hours. I find this as a great replacement for the ice cream during the summer, but if given to a baby younger than a year please remember to skip the honey.
Rainbow Veggie Wraps
All of us love these wraps that are packed with nutrients. Kids because they are colorful and fun and we because they are easy to make.
Ingredients: Whole wheat tortillas, hummus, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, spinach leaves, corn and cucumber slices.
Instructions: Spread hummus over each tortilla. You can let the kids arrange the veggies as they wish, but for the wow effect try to instruct them to arrange them in rows so they can create a rainbow effect. Roll up the tortillas tightly and slice them into pinwheels or leave them whole for a wrap. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or snack vegetables and hummus.
Watermelon Popsicles
These homemade popsicles are a hydrating and delicious way to beat the summer heat.
Ingredients: Seedless watermelon, lime juice, and a touch of honey (optional, if your child is under 1 year old, please skip the honey).
Instructions: Blend the watermelon chunks in a blender until smooth. Add lime juice and honey to taste. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid. Let the kids help pour the mixture and insert the sticks. We often mix up the popsicle recipes by adding different fruits. Emily’s goal is to create a rainbow popsicle. I prefer to freeze the fruit before blending, the mixture looks more creamy.
No-Bake Energy Bites
These energy bites are a perfect snack for active summer days.
Ingredients: Rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, and flaxseeds. ( For baby we skip honey and chocolate chips but we add raisins.
Instructions: In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined. Let the kids help roll the mixture into small balls. We tried to do rectangles so the baby could grip it more easily, and that also worked well. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet and refrigerate for about an hour. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tips for Cooking Easy Summer Recipes for Kids
- Be Patient: Cooking with kids can be messy and slow. Embrace the process and enjoy the time together.
- Teach Safety: Use this opportunity to teach kids about kitchen safety, such as proper knife handling (with kid-safe knives), using oven mitts, and hygiene. We have given Emily freedom in the kitchen quite early, but even before that, we have been educating her about the importance of caution and vigilance in the kitchen.
- Age-Appropriate Tasks: While these easy summer recipes are perfect for kids to make, you should still assign tasks based on your child’s age and abilities. Younger kids can help with mixing and assembling, while older kids can take on more complex tasks like chopping and measuring. The baby can add the ingredients and lick the spoon after you are done.
- Make It Fun: Turn cooking into a fun and educational experience by discussing the ingredients, where they come from, and their nutritional benefits.
Cooking with your kids gives them good basics for an independent life and creates cherished memories. Best of all, you can immediately get the results of your valuable life lesson – delicious food. These easy summer recipes are perfect for teaching your kids cooking basics and spending quality time together in the kitchen.