5 Easy Kid-Friendly Holiday Recipes for Your Little One

Food is a staple of many holiday celebrations. It’s also a great way to introduce your little one to holiday traditions. We’ve compiled a few healthy, kid-friendly holiday recipes that are a perfect way to include your little ones in the celebrations of the season.

1. Turkey Meatballs for Toddlers and Babies

These simple, delicious turkey meatballs with rice are a nutritious finger food option for babies, kids of all ages, and adults!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. 93% lean ground turkey 
• ¾ c. cooked rice 
• 3 tsp. canola oil
• 1 c. finely minced vegetables (broccoli, carrots, spinach, or whatever you have on hand)
• ½ tsp. garlic powder   

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with oil or line it with parchment paper.
2. Pulse veggies in a blender or baby food processor and pulse until finely chopped. 
3. Heat a teaspoon of canola oil in a skillet. Cook veggies over medium-high heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Place in a large mixing bowl. 
4. Add the rice, remaining oil, and garlic powder, and mix well. 
5. Add the turkey and mix gently using your hands (don’t overmix the meat). Working with wet hands, shape them into small balls. 
6. Place meatballs on baking sheet. Place a small oven-safe dish of water in the oven alongside the meatballs. This adds steam to the oven and helps keep the meatballs tender.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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2. Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Kids love this veggie because it’s naturally sweet. Here’s an easy, delicious recipe that’s dairy-free, so it’s appropriate for kids with dairy intolerances or vegan families.

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes by roasting them or cooking them in a slow cooker.
2. Slice the potatoes open and remove the flesh. Place into a large mixing bowl.
3. Add a bit of lite or full-fat coconut milk. Mash with a potato masher or blend with a hand mixer until very smooth. If it’s not smooth enough, add some additional coconut milk. The consistency depends on how advanced your little eater is – it should be creamy but still easy to eat with a spoon.
4. Serve warm!

Note: Coconut is a type of nut so if you’re concerned about allergens, talk to your pediatrician before offering this dish.

3. Cranberry Orange Sauce

This sweet, delicious cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance of your holiday dinner. Here’s how to do it:

1. Add peeled navel oranges (with as much white pith removed as possible) to a blender and mix until mostly smooth.
2. Pour pureed oranges into a medium saucepan. Add fresh cranberries, a little orange juice, grated cinnamon, and some honey or maple syrup to the saucepan as well. Cook over medium heat.
3. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the berries are softened and bursting.
4. Remove from heat and taste for sweetness. If it’s too tart, add additional honey or maple syrup to taste.
5. Serve as a side dish with your holiday meal or stir it into oatmeal or yogurt.

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4. Potato Latkes

Served hot with sour cream or applesauce or eaten plain, these crispy potato pancakes are simple to cook and a holiday favorite.

Ingredients

• 5 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 onion, peeled and grated
• 5 eggs
• 1 tsp. salt
• Dash of pepper
• Canola oil for frying

Instructions

1. Mix together grated potatoes and onions (kids can help with this part).
2. Add eggs (little ones can help crack them!) and some salt and pepper. Mix with a wooden spoon (let your little one stir).
3. Add enough oil to a frying pan to just barely cover the bottom. Carefully place large spoonfuls of latke batter into the pan.
4. On medium heat, fry latkes for about 5 minutes on each side, until they are brown.
5. Place them on a paper towel to cool and absorb excess oil.
6. Serve warm with applesauce or sour cream.

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5. Easy Chocolate Fudge   

Ok, so maybe this recipe isn't "healthy" -- but it sure is easy and delicious! If you’re looking for kid-friendly holiday baking recipes, look no further. This rich, creamy microwave fudge is doesn’t even require an oven! Let your little one help by adding ingredients into the bowl. Older kids can help stir the heated fudge.

Ingredients                   

• 12-oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips                   
• 14-oz can condensed milk                   
• ¼ c. butter                   
• ¼ tsp. salt                   
• vanilla to taste                           

Instructions       

1. Line an 8” x  8” pan with aluminum foil, then spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place chocolate, condensed milk, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for one minute.
3. Stir together until smooth. Add vanilla and stir again.
4. Pour the fudge into your prepared pan, and smooth it into an even layer.
5. Place the fudge in the refrigerator until set. Cut into 1-inch squares and serve at room temperature.
   

Tips for Enjoying Holidays Meals with Kids

• Level your expectations – everything doesn’t have to be perfect.
• Understand that your kids may not eat all the food. Holidays are a new experience for them, and they probably haven't been previously introduced to all the different types of festive food available this season.
• Focus on gratitude and spending time with the people you love. Holidays aren’t about a single perfect meal or having your kid eat everything on their plate.
• Be sure to store leftovers in airtight containers so that you can enjoy them later. Warm them up in 30-second increments until they’re heated through.