31 Kid-Friendly Recipes Every Thanksgiving Table Needs This Year

Thanksgiving is all about family, but keeping the kids happy at the table can be its own challenge. These kid-friendly recipes make the holiday easier with fun, familiar flavors that even the pickiest eaters will love. They’ll keep little hands busy, big smiles on faces, and make mealtime a lot more peaceful for everyone.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are the kind of warm, gooey treat that makes kids run to the table before you even call them. The soft rolls, melty cheese, and buttery glaze come together into bite-sized comfort that works for both lunch and dinner. They’re effortless to make in batches, making them a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Sausage Rolls

Sausage rolls are the ultimate party finger food that never lasts long once they hit the table. The golden, flaky pastry wrapped around savory sausage makes them irresistible to kids and adults alike. Easy to grab, easy to eat, and full of flavor, they’re a must for stress-free entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Stuffed Meatloaf

Stuffed meatloaf brings a cozy, nostalgic touch that even little ones can’t resist. With juicy beef, gooey cheese in the center, and a sweet BBQ glaze on top, it turns an everyday classic into something special. It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes the whole meal feel a bit more fun and family-focused.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf

Air Fryer Shrimp

Air fryer shrimp adds a touch of fun to dinner with crispy, golden bites that kids can dip and devour. The light seasoning and quick cook time make them perfect for keeping everyone happy without slowing down meal prep. It’s an easy, tasty win that brings restaurant-style flavor straight to the family table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Cheese Bread

Cheese bread is that warm, cheesy comfort food that disappears faster than anything else on the table. Each slice is buttery, fluffy, and loaded with melted cheese that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It’s easy to bake ahead, slice up, and serve alongside any Thanksgiving favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Bread

Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs bring big flavor to the Thanksgiving table while keeping everyone, kids included, completely hooked. The sweet, sticky glaze and tender meat make every bite fun and finger-licking good, no fancy ingredients or fuss required. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing option that feels special enough for the holiday but approachable enough for even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs

Applesauce Muffins

Applesauce muffins bring soft, cozy sweetness to the holiday spread without being over-the-top. The warm cinnamon flavor and tender crumb make them a hit with kids, especially when served warm from the oven. They’re simple to make ahead and just as delicious for breakfast as they are for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Muffins

Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls add a playful touch to Thanksgiving, combining sweet, buttery goodness with a chewy texture everyone loves. They’re fun to make, easy to decorate, and a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Colorful, nostalgic, and tasty, they’re a guaranteed conversation starter at the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Balls

Applesauce Bread

Applesauce bread brings a soft, fragrant sweetness that fits right in with the fall flavors of Thanksgiving. The cinnamon and vanilla aroma fills the kitchen, making it feel extra festive and homey. It’s moist, simple to bake, and perfect for kids who love a touch of sweetness in their meal.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Bread

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

Bacon-wrapped pineapple bites strike the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and crispy in every bite-sized piece. They’re simple to make, fun to eat, and disappear faster than anything else at the table. Perfect for kids and grown-ups alike, they bring just enough flair to make any holiday gathering feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

Chili’s Baked Potato Soup

Chili’s baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food that wins everyone over at first spoonful. Loaded with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives, it tastes like restaurant luxury with homemade warmth. It’s hearty, creamy, and guaranteed to keep even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chili’s Baked Potato Soup

3 Ingredient Shortbread

Three-ingredient shortbread cookies are the easiest way to add a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat to the holiday dessert lineup. They’re crisp yet tender, perfect for little hands to grab and munch on between courses. Simple, timeless, and always a hit, they’re the kind of cookie that makes Thanksgiving feel extra special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Shortbread

Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Cheese and bacon cob loaf is the showstopper no one expects but everyone remembers. Warm, crusty bread filled with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream goodness makes it an instant hit with guests of all ages. It’s interactive, shareable, and perfect for turning snack time into a little Thanksgiving party moment.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

Puff pastry apple pie pockets are bite-sized perfection for dessert lovers who don’t want to wait for a full pie. The flaky pastry holds soft, spiced apples in a buttery, handheld treat that feels both fancy and familiar. They’re easy to make ahead, serve warm, and guaranteed to be a kid favorite at the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Pie Pockets

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole sneaks in veggies under a blanket of creamy, cheesy comfort that kids actually enjoy eating. The buttery cracker topping adds that crispy crunch that makes every bite irresistible. It’s the easiest way to serve something wholesome that still feels like a cozy family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

3 Ingredient Fudge

Three-ingredient fudge brings pure chocolate nostalgia to the Thanksgiving dessert table, and the best part, it’s foolproof. Each creamy, rich bite melts in your mouth like childhood favorites, but it’s made with just butter, condensed milk, and chocolate right in your own kitchen. It’s the ultimate kid-approved treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Fudge

Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is the ultimate centerpiece for little hands to tear and share. Each golden piece is loaded with melty mozzarella and garlicky butter that stretches beautifully as it pulls apart. It’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, a surefire hit for both kids and adults at any holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Bacon and cheddar biscuits bring a savory twist to the bread basket that kids love as much as adults. Each warm, fluffy roll is packed with gooey cheese and crispy bacon bits for irresistible comfort in every bite. They’re easy to make, even easier to eat, and guaranteed to disappear by the dozen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Pumpkin Brownies

Pumpkin brownies take everything loved about fudgy chocolate and mix it with the warm, cozy flavors of fall. Each bite blends rich cocoa with a swirl of pumpkin spice that makes dessert feel extra festive. It’s a simple, indulgent treat that keeps everyone reaching for just one more square.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies

Apple Cinnamon Cake

Apple cinnamon cake fills the air with cozy fall aromas that make everyone drift toward the kitchen. Each bite delivers warm, spiced apples, a crumbly cinnamon topping, and a drizzle of glaze that feels straight out of a bakery. It’s the perfect family-friendly dessert for kids and adults who love something sweet, soft, and a little nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots bring a pop of color and natural sweetness that make veggies fun again. The glossy honey-butter coating turns simple carrots into a candy-like side that even picky eaters can’t resist. Easy to make and elegant to serve, it’s the perfect bridge between kid comfort and grown-up flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Bacon Cheddar Dip

Bacon cheddar dip turns snack time into an instant hit with its creamy, cheesy texture and smoky bacon flavor. Whether served warm or cold, it pairs perfectly with crackers, veggies, or chips. It’s one of those quick, no-fuss recipes that disappear the moment they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Dip

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin dump cake delivers all the flavor of pumpkin pie with half the effort, and kids love it just as much as adults. Creamy pumpkin filling meets buttery cake crumble for the ultimate fall dessert shortcut. It’s warm, golden, and the perfect “oops-I-forgot-dessert” save that no one will ever suspect.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Parmesan Potatoes

Parmesan potatoes combine crispy edges, buttery centers, and a cheesy crust for a side that always gets devoured first. They’re easy to make, fun to dip, and flavorful enough to rival the main dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering, they strike that perfect crispy-cheesy balance everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes

Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin and cream cheese muffins are a delightful blend of sweet pumpkin spice and tangy creaminess in every bite. Each muffin bakes up soft, moist, and swirled with a luscious cream cheese filling that tastes straight from the bakery. Festive, easy to make, and impossible to resist, they’re the kind of treat that disappears as soon as they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins

Potato Skins

Potato skins are the crispy, cheesy appetizers that bring big flavor and instant comfort to any gathering. Each piece is loaded with bacon, green onions, and melted cheese, creating a snackable combination that’s impossible to resist. Easy to prepare ahead and bake fresh before serving, they’re sure to disappear the moment they hit the plate.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Mashed cauliflower potatoes bring all the creamy, buttery comfort of traditional mashed potatoes but with a lighter, veggie-powered twist. They look and taste so close to the classic version that even picky eaters will be fooled. Wholesome, filling, and easy to prepare, they’re the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition for any cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter fudge is pure melt-in-your-mouth magic with a creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor. It’s the homemade candy that reminds everyone of childhood, only better. Each bite feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, making it a no-brainer for busy holiday prep.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge

Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread

Bread machine pumpkin bread fills your kitchen with the warm, cozy aroma of fall spices without requiring any extra effort. The soft, tender loaf is perfectly spiced and makes an ideal breakfast, snack, or dessert for family and guests alike. With its hands-off baking process and homemade flavor, it’s a must-have recipe for hectic autumn days.
Get the Recipe: Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread

Simple Pecan Pie Recipe

Simple pecan pie delivers all the buttery crunch and gooey filling you’d expect from a true Southern classic. The no-roll crust makes it simple enough for beginners to bake while still achieving bakery-level results that impress. Nostalgic, sweet, and irresistibly rich, this pie is the perfect way to wrap up a family feast or holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pecan Pie Recipe

Cheese Curds

Cheese curds add a playful touch to the table with their gooey centers and golden, crispy coating. Whether pan-fried or baked, they deliver that irresistible cheese pull everyone loves in just minutes. Bursting with flavor and fun to eat, they make the ultimate snack to share while waiting for the main course.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Curds