Easy Thanksgiving Recipes For Your Little Ones

Thanksgiving is a time of joy, gratitude, and feasting with loved ones. As you gather around the table to celebrate this cherished holiday, why not involve your little ones in the cooking process? 

Engaging children in preparing Thanksgiving dishes not only creates lasting memories but also helps them develop culinary skills and maybe even find a passion for cooking!

Thanksgiving Recipes For Kids

Having your children be a part of the festivities is sure to make the holiday extra special. Kernodle OB/GYN has put together a list of scrumptious and easy Thanksgiving recipes that are perfect for your little chefs to try.

1. Turkey-Shaped Sandwiches

Turn the humble turkey sandwich into a fun and festive treat! Provide your kids with whole wheat bread, slices of turkey, cheese, and a variety of colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Let them assemble their own turkey-shaped sandwiches using cookie cutters or by carefully cutting out shapes. This creative activity encourages imaginative play while introducing healthy ingredients.

2. Mini Pumpkin Pies

What’s Thanksgiving without a pumpkin pie? Simplify the process by making mini versions. Assist your little ones in creating graham cracker crusts by crushing graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter and a touch of sugar. Then, help them mix a pumpkin puree filling with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Once the mini pie crusts are filled and baked, your kids can enjoy decorating the pies with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

3. Cranberry Turkey Wraps

Transform leftovers into a tasty treat! Set up a wrap-making station with tortillas, leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, lettuce, and cream cheese. Allow your kids to spread cream cheese on the tortilla, layer on slices of turkey, add a dollop of cranberry sauce, and top with fresh lettuce. Rolling up the wraps is a hands-on activity that your little ones will enjoy, and the result is a delicious fusion of Thanksgiving flavors.

4. Apple And Cheese Turkey Snacks

Create adorable turkey snacks using apple slices and cheese. Slice apples and arrange them in a fan shape to create the turkey’s feathers. Add a cheese slice for the turkey’s body, and use raisins or blueberries for the eyes. Encourage your kids to experiment with different fruit and cheese combinations to bring their turkeys to life.

5. Sweet Potato Mash 

Let your little chefs assist in making a classic Thanksgiving side dish – sweet potato mash. After boiling and mashing the sweet potatoes, provide various toppings like mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of honey. Your kids can get creative by designing their own sweet potato masterpieces, adding a touch of sweetness to the holiday table.

6. Fruit Cornucopia

Teach your children about the symbolism of the cornucopia while creating a delicious and nutritious dessert. Provide a variety of fresh fruits such as berries, grapes, sliced melons, and kiwi. Help your kids arrange the fruits in a wicker cornucopia basket or a cone-shaped ice cream cone, creating an edible centerpiece that celebrates the abundance of the season.

7. Harvest Trail Mix

Engage your little ones in assembling a Thanksgiving-themed trail mix. Offer an assortment of ingredients like pretzels, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, mini chocolate chips, and cereal. Let your kids mix and match their favorite ingredients, creating personalized trail mix bags to enjoy as a snack during family gatherings or for on-the-go moments.

8. Cornbread Muffins 

Simplify the cornbread-making process by opting for cornbread muffins. Assist your children in mixing the batter and pouring it into muffin tins. To add a festive touch, encourage them to place a small piece of cooked corn kernel on top of each muffin before baking. These individual servings are a delightful addition to the Thanksgiving spread.

Involving your little ones in preparing Thanksgiving dishes fosters a sense of togetherness and excitement as you celebrate the holiday. Here at Kernodle OB/GYN, we provide full-scope individualized women’s health care, including gynecological care, midwifery services, and low- and high-risk maternity care for women and their families. For more questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website.