According to one study, caring for grandkids even one day a week can keep the mind sharper and the body more active. When you have the little ones over, they need to eat. There are tons of recipes you and the children will enjoy.
Whether you want to make a delicious meal or are searching for a dessert to share, there is something for everyone. Most are so easy that the grandkids, depending on their age, will be able to help pull everything together. Let’s jump into ten of our favorite meal selections for your grandchildren.
1. Homemade Pizza
The one food everyone can agree on is pizza. Homemade pizza takes it to the next level, providing a delicious meal your grandchildren can customize. It’s a comfort food that is shapeable for any diet.
Consider toppings like meatballs, peppers, olives, pineapple, spinach, and more. Set up little stations and allow the grandkids to have a section to cover in their toppings. You can also customize if there are any allergies or sensitivities.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Protein-packed, low-fat, optional gluten-free, optional dairy-free, veggie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Recipe Link: Homemade Pizza
2. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food and a dish my grandkid will love. Like pizza, it’s also a meal you can make better with veggies, protein, and other mix-ins. Every grandkid loves a classic hot dog in their mac and cheese.
You can have the meal as the main dish or a side for something else. A hint of nutmeg is the big secret that pulls out the flavor.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Vegetarian, veggie options, protein options, dairy-free option, gluten-free option
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Link: Mac and Cheese
3. Spinach and Feta Pastries
Spinach is one of the veggies linked to better brain power, which benefits aging senior minds and growing children. These spinach and feta pastries are full of flavor and won’t take long to create.
These could work as a full meal or could be frozen to have on hand whenever the children come over. Feta is a complex cheese, so these might be best for older kids.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Veggie-filled, vegetarian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Link: Spinach and Feta Pastries
4. Baked Spaghetti
Spaghetti is already delicious, but baked spaghetti adds more cheese and infuses all the flavors in a wonderful gooey dish. It’s comforting and can be made ahead of time for easy cooking.
One of the best parts of this meal is that it’s filling and can easily be mixed with other veggies for more health benefits. There are always leftovers, which you can save for an easy meal later.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Protein-packed, vegetarian optional, veggie-packed, spice-adjustable
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Link: Baked Spaghetti
5. Lemon Chicken and Rice
Lemon chicken and rice is simple, flavorful, and comforting. It pulls together with classic pantry staples and is all cooked in one pot to lower the dishes at the end of the meal. Plus, it’s pretty healthy.
If you don’t like the flavor of this recipe, it’s simple to add staples like cumin and chili powder. Seniors who love experimenting in the kitchen can also have fun with whatever they like, as this recipe takes well to flavor experimentation.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Protein-packed, spice-optional, low-carb optional with cauliflower rice
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Link: Lemon Chicken and Rice
6. Butterhorn Rolls
If you don’t want a full meal and want a delicious snack, these butterhorn rolls are mouth-watering and unforgettable. They’re simple to make, freezable, and look like they came from a professional chef.
Butterhorn rolls are fun to make with your grandchildren and can be topped with everything from butter to sandwich fillings. You can even make them in other shapes for a creative time with the kids.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Vegetarian, customizable
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Recipe Link: Butterhorn Rolls
7. Banana Bread Pudding
Bananas are filled with beneficial potassium and taste incredible, perfect for this banana bread pudding. This delicious dish is gooey, warm, and perfect for breakfast or a delicious dessert.
Banana bread pudding can be served warm or cold, so it’s simple to provide at a moment’s notice. It also has bananas, which offer health benefits to you and your grandkids.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Optional low sugar, optional nut-free
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Recipe Link: Banana Bread Pudding
8. Hot Dog Roll-Ups
Hot dog roll-ups are pigs in a blanket taken to the next level. They’re an incredible lunch and even make for an excellent craft – grandkids can attach the crescent roll exterior in any way they want.
If you want to stick with a vegetarian diet, substitute the meat dogs for vegetarian versions. You can also use vegan cheese or whole-wheat rolls for a healthier option.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Protein-packed, vegetarian optional, whole-wheat optional
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Link: Hot Dog Roll-Ups
9. Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
Grandparents who want to provide their grandchildren with a well-rounded meal will love these cheeseburger stuffed peppers. All the delicious cheeseburger toppings you’re used to go right inside a roasted pepper for a healthier twist on the popular meal.
If you want to be a little healthier, substitute the rice for quinoa and use lean meat to remove some of the fat. You can even use veggie meat! The cheesy goodness is sure to be a hit.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Vegetarian and vegan optional, protein-packed, veggie-based, low-carb optional
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Link: Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
10. Avocado-Ranch Chicken Wraps
Wraps are always easy to make and taste incredible, which is the case with these avocado-ranch chicken wraps. They are high in protein thanks to the chicken and packed with veggies, all covered in ranch perfection.
The tortilla and all insides are customizable. Add more veggies of your choice, or swap out the tortilla with whole-wheat for a twist.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Vegetarian, vegan optional
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Recipe Link: Avocado-Ranch Chicken Wraps
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