When planning a holiday meal, it’s easy to focus on impressing adult guests. But what about the little ones running around and playing at the party? It’s time to think of kid-friendly appetizers that both children and adults will enjoy. We’ve rounded up 21 mouth-watering options that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From cleverly disguised veggies with a crispy crust to sweet treats like Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, there’s something for everyone.
And who knows, you might just find your new favorite recipe in this list! So, get ready to embark on a tasty mission: making mealtime fun for kids with these delicious appetizers.
Mac & Cheese Bites
Indulge in the delightful Mac & Cheese Bites that will revolutionize your family’s mealtimes! These bite-sized treats boast a satisfying crunch on the outside and a creamy, chewy centre. The perfect solution to get kids excited about dinner, these Mac & Cheese Bites are surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the clever use of hard cheese instead of an egg as a binding agent.
What’s more, they’re ideal for meal prep, allowing you to prepare extras for a quick and satisfying snack or lunch the next day.
Spaghetti & Meatball Cups
Imagine a world where you can devour spaghetti in one effortless bite. It’s not just a fantasy – Spaghetti and Meatball Cups make it a reality! By transforming spaghetti into crispy, baked bites, messy sauce stains and tangled noodles become a thing of the past. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these convenient cups offer a stress-free meal solution that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Simply serve with a fresh salad and garlic bread on the side, and you’ll be enjoying a fantastic meal without the hassle of spaghetti sauce sprawl.
Pepperoni Pizza Twists
Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional pizza fare with these irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Twists. Perfect for game day gatherings or casual social events, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike. The secret lies in cutting the dough into strips, twisting them into fun shapes, and filling them with melted cheese and savory spices. With a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a mouthwatering snack that’s equal parts playful and delicious.
So go ahead, get rolling with the dough, and start baking – your taste buds will thank you!
Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
Indulge your little ones in the delightful world of Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies, a delectable appetizer that effortlessly wins over even the most discerning young palates. By wrapping toothpicks with sweet and savory bacon strips, you’ll create a treat that’s both visually appealing and bursting with flavors! The added honey brings out a depth of sweetness, while baking to perfection yields an irresistible crunch.
Prepare for these bite-sized morsels to fly off the plate – be sure to make double or triple batches, as they’re likely to disappear quickly!
Homemade Dunkaroo Dip
Whether you’re seeking a way to entertain your kids on a chilly weekend or looking for an activity to enjoy together indoors, this Dunkaroo Dip recipe is the perfect solution. Not only will it add excitement to your home gathering, but it’s also a delicious way to get creative with snacks and treats. With its irresistible flavor, this dip can be paired with a variety of items, including vanilla wafers, cookies, pretzels, and even fresh fruit slices.
Spinach Roll Appetizers
These Spinach Roll Appetizers can elevate your family’s outdoor picnics to an unforgettable level, as they seamlessly blend the earthy sweetness of spinach with the rich flavors of parmesan and mozzarella. The harmonious combination will leave even the most discerning young palates in awe, making them a standout at any gathering.
Zucchini Fries
Are you struggling to get your kids to enjoy their veggies? One clever solution is to transform those nutritious veggies into a snack they’ll love. Take zucchini, for instance. When breaded with panko and parmesan, then baked until crispy, it becomes a delightful treat that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And let’s not forget the added bonus of a flavor boost from its unique spice blend – it’s a game-changer!
The tender interior and crunchy exterior make for an irresistible combination that will have your little ones asking for more.
Cheesy Taco Sticks
Indulge in the irresistible charm of Cheesy Taco Sticks, a delightful treat that’s sure to captivate kids of all ages. These buttery breadsticks are packed with flavorful taco meat and generously loaded with an abundance of cheesy goodness. As soon as your little ones sink their teeth into these crispy, savory bites, you can expect their curiosity to be piqued and their taste buds to start tingling in anticipation. Serve them alongside their favorite taco toppings for a match made in heaven!
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces, especially the kids’, when you serve these scrumptious Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. The combination of pillowy softness, moistness, and a medley of flavors will have everyone wanting more. The subtle coconut undertones add to the donuts’ airy texture, making them a joy to bite into. Meanwhile, the maple syrup and vanilla extract work in harmony to amplify the donuts’ natural sweetness.
And let’s not forget the star of the show: ground cinnamon, which adds a warm, inviting aroma that makes these treats impossible to resist.
Bacon Cheeseburger Monkey Bread
While this recipe may not feature a literal monkey, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face. In fact, the Bacon Cheeseburger Monkey Bread is an incredibly fun and delicious dish that’s perfect for a casual gathering or family dinner. The combination of savory bacon, melted cheese, and soft bread is already a winner, but the real magic happens when you add your favorite toppings. Think crispy onions, tangy ketchup, spicy mustard, or crunchy diced pickles – the possibilities are endless!
Simply toss everything together and get ready to delight in this tasty treat.
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Looking for a snack that’s both fun and flavorful? Try Loaded Tater Tot Skewers, a kid-friendly treat that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe takes the humble tater tot to new heights by topping it with crispy bacon and melted cheese, all of which is perfectly complemented by a side of tangy sour cream for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleaser, through and through, requiring little in the way of convincing – just serve and enjoy!
The combination of textures and flavors makes for a satisfying snack that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a quick after-school treat.
Peanut Butter & Oat Bites
With these bite-sized treats, your entire household is sure to declare you the ultimate mom champion. The combination of peanut butter’s rich, velvety texture and its subtly sweet flavor beautifully balances out the earthy undertones of the oats. For an added layer of indulgence, consider incorporating semi-sweet chocolates into the mix.
Regardless of whether you shape them into neat little disks or spheres, we’re willing to wager that your extra batch will be devoured before it even has a chance to cool.
Broccoli Bites
Transforming your child’s perception of vegetables is as easy as baking Broccoli Bites that will surely win their hearts. The key ingredients include broccoli, spring onions, an egg, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings. By incorporating the sweetness of spring onions, you can bid farewell to the slightly bitter taste of broccoli and hello to a delightful twist on this popular vegetable.
Serve these bite-sized treats with ketchup or their favorite sauce for a snack time they’ll love.
Cheesy Cauliflower Tots With Zesty Yogurt Dip
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with Baked Cheesy Cauliflower Tots, a culinary masterpiece for cauliflower enthusiasts. When paired with a tangy Greek yogurt dipping sauce infused with lemon juice, this scrumptious appetizer is elevated to new heights. The harmonious balance of creamy cheese, soft centers, and crispy exteriors creates an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more.
Apple Nachos
Imagine the unexpected delight of indulging in nachos that just so happen to be made with apples! Yes, it’s entirely possible, and we’re excited to share a fantastic recipe that’s sure to impress your kids. While Apple Nachos may have a slightly different hue compared to traditional yellow nachos, this treat is guaranteed to leave you craving more.
To prepare this tasty surprise, start by cutting the apples into wedges and then drizzle them with melted chocolate, nut butter, seeds, raisins, and coconut flakes. A helpful tip: adding a splash of lemon juice to the apples will help maintain their crisp texture and prevent browning. With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable snack that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Hot Dog Nuggets
The next gaming session with your friends at home is sure to be just as enjoyable and memorable as the previous ones. The secret ingredient? Hot Dog Nuggets, which require only two simple components: dough and hot dogs. For an added layer of flavor, you can also incorporate cheese into the dough or substitute Little Smokies for the traditional hot dogs. The result is a deliciously unique snack that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
For those in a rush to whip up something quick and delicious, this recipe is an ideal choice. The no-guilt air fryer onion rings are not only easy to make but also pair perfectly with a tangy onion dipping sauce. If you’re wondering whether using a batter in an air fryer is possible, the answer is a resounding yes! The key lies in leveraging the creamy power of buttermilk.
Classic Pickle Ham Roll-Ups
When you serve these timeless pickle, ham, and cheese roll-ups, they’re sure to be a hit from the get-go. A key to their success lies in draining the pickles before assembling the rolls, which prevents sogginess and allows the cream cheese to soften just enough for easy spreading. Take it up a notch by pairing them with a tangy ranch dip that will leave your taste buds doing the happy dance!
Ranch Pretzels
The moment you take a bite of these pretzels, you’ll understand why they’re so addictive. The combination of their natural salty flavor and the savory seasoning coating creates an unbeatable taste experience. Trust us, once you start munching on them, it’s hard to stop – the deliciousness is simply irresistible!
PBJ Balls
A game-changer in the world of plant-based snacking is this junior ball recipe that’s sure to impress. The unique combination of freeze-dried strawberries, creamy peanut butter, mashed white beans, pitted dates, and wholesome oats creates a flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. What’s more, these bite-sized treats are incredibly convenient – they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days without sacrificing their deliciousness.
No-Bake Granola Bars
Imagine letting your kids take the reins in creating their own scrumptious No-Bake Granola Bars, infused with a delightful mix of Rice Krispies, oats, chocolatey goodness, and sweet treats. Allowing them to get creative by combining these ingredients will surely result in a chocolatey masterpiece that they’ll devour. For an added touch of indulgence, consider drizzling the finished bars with M&Ms and semi-sweet chocolates for a delightful surprise.
The bottom line
We’ve reached the end of our list of 21 kid-friendly appetizers, and it’s been a treat to share these recipes with you. With so many options to choose from, we’re confident that your kids will find at least one dish that they’ll love – and ask for more! Whether you’re looking for something simple or a little more adventurous, our roundup of easy kid-friendly appetizers has got you covered.
We hope that you’ve found some inspiration in this list, and that both kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious flavors on offer.
