35 Easy Toddler Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters

Tired of mealtime battles with your toddler? Wish you had a magic formula to get your little one to eat their veggies without a fuss? While we can't promise miracles, we can offer inspiration. 

This article on toddler dinner ideas is packed with 35 easy and delicious recipes, along with tips for navigating picky eaters. From quick weeknight meals to fun weekend projects, we've got you covered with various dinner ideas for toddlers.

Quick and easy toddler dinner ideas

Let's face it: Getting dinner on the table for your toddler sometimes feels like a race against the clock. These quick and easy toddler dinner ideas are perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a balanced meal in a flash.

1. Pasta with marinara sauce and meatballs

This classic combo is a winner for a reason! Cook your pasta and toss it with your favorite marinara sauce. Add turkey or beef meatballs to your cooked pasta. For picky eaters, try cutting the meatballs in half or offering the sauce on the side.

2. Cheese quesadillas

Quesadillas are a lifesaver for quick and easy dinners. Simply fill a tortilla with any type of cheese and grill it in a pan until golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can also add other fillings like black beans, shredded chicken or finely chopped veggies. Cut the quesadilla into triangles or fun shapes with cookie cutters to make it even more appealing for toddler meals.

3. Chicken nuggets with sweet potato fries

Chicken nuggets are a kid-friendly favorite you can make quickly at home. Opt for baked chicken nuggets instead of fried and serve them with sweet potato fries. Follow this sweet potato fries recipe with a tasty ranch dipping sauce for a delicious side dish.

4. Mini pizzas on English muffins

These mini English muffin pizzas are fun to make and even more fun to eat. Use English muffins as the base and top them with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese and your toddler's favorite toppings, like pepperoni, chicken or veggies. Bake or toast them until the cheese is melted.

5. Shredded chicken tacos

Not sure how to use your leftover rotisserie chicken? The answer: shredded chicken tacos! Simply shred the chicken and warm it up. Once the chicken is ready, let your toddler fill small tortillas with all their favorite toppings, like cheese, shredded lettuce and mild salsa.

6. Breakfast for dinner

Who says breakfast foods are only for mornings? Pancakes, waffles and French toast make a fun and easy toddler dinner your kids will love. Serve breakfast for dinner entrees with fresh fruit and a dollop of yogurt.

7. Grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup

This classic comfort food is always a hit. Make a grilled cheese sandwich with your choice of bread and your toddler's favorite cheese. Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. You can even cut the sandwich into fun shapes with cookie cutters.

Protein-packed toddler dinner ideas

Growing toddlers need plenty of protein to fuel their busy bodies and developing brains. These protein-packed toddler dinner ideas are delicious and easy to make. From chicken skewers to turkey meatballs and everything in between, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

8. Salmon patties with roasted broccoli

Salmon is a good source of protein, which is important for brain development. This salmon patty recipe is easy to follow for quick weeknight meals but still provides high protein. Serve with a side of roasted broccoli to complete the meal. For picky eaters, offer a dipping sauce like ketchup or a yogurt-based dip.

9. Chicken and vegetable stir-fry

Need dinner in a pinch? This chicken stir-fry recipe is a quick and easy way to get a meal on the table. Cook the chicken with your toddler's favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, peppers or snap peas. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.

10. Chickpea burgers

Chickpea burgers are a delicious toddler dinner idea packed with vegetarian protein. Cook your burgers in a pan or on a grill and serve with a variety of toppings, such as avocado, cheese and ketchup.

11. Homemade mac and cheese with hidden vegetables

Mac and cheese is a comfort food for all ages, but you can make it high-protein and sneak in some vegetables. Puree cooked carrots, butternut squash or cauliflower and add it to your cheese sauce. You can also stir in finely chopped broccoli or peas.

12. Chicken and vegetable skewers

These chicken and vegetable skewers are fun to eat and a great way to get your toddler to try new ingredients. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and onions. Grill or bake the skewers until the chicken is cooked through.

13. Deconstructed burger bowls

Deconstructed burger bowls are a fun and interactive way to serve high-protein meals. Cook ground beef or turkey and crumble it into a bowl.  Offer a variety of toppings separately, like cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, avocado and pickles. Let your toddler choose their favorite toppings and build their own burger bowl.

14. Turkey meatballs

Turkey meatballs are an easy and versatile protein option. Combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, grated vegetables (like zucchini or carrots), an egg and seasonings. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and bake or pan-fry them until cooked through. Serve with marinara sauce over pasta, or offer them as a finger food with dipping sauces.

Fun and creative toddler dinner ideas

Turn dinnertime into an adventure with these fun and creative toddler dinner ideas. These playful dishes are designed to engage your toddler's imagination and make eating a joyful experience. From silly faces to colorful creations, you'll find plenty of inspiration to spark your little one's appetite and make mealtime memorable.

15. Ants on a log

This classic snack is a fun way to get your toddler to eat their veggies.  Spread any nut butter your child enjoys onto celery sticks and top with raisins to create "ants." This is a great way to introduce new flavors and textures, and it’s a fun activity to do together.

16. Funny face pizzas

Let your toddler's creativity shine with these personalized pizzas. Use English muffins, pita bread or tortillas as the base. Let your child arrange their favorite toppings, like pepperoni, cheese and veggies, to create a funny face. This is a great cooking activity for kids, making mealtime more interactive.

17. Rainbow skewers

These colorful skewers are a feast for the eyes and an easy treat for your toddler. Thread bite-sized pieces of various fruits and vegetables onto skewers to create a rainbow effect. Try using ripened strawberries, grapes, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and any other colorful produce your child enjoys.

18. DIY taco bar

Turn dinners into a party with a DIY taco bar. Set out a variety of fillings, such as seasoned ground meat (or a meat alternative), shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Let your toddler assemble their tacos, choosing their favorite ingredients and creating unique flavor combinations.

19. Dinosaur chicken nuggets

Transform ordinary chicken nuggets into a prehistoric feast. Use dinosaur-shaped cookie cutters to cut chicken nuggets into fun shapes. Serve them with "volcano" mashed potatoes (with a peak in the center) and "trees" of broccoli florets for an immersive dining experience.

20. Animal sandwiches

Use cookie cutters to create animal shapes out of sandwiches. You can use any type of bread and filling your toddler enjoys. Try peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese or cream cheese and cucumber tea sandwiches. Add details with other ingredients, like carrot sticks for whiskers or cucumber slices for eyes.

Make-ahead toddler meals

As a busy parent, we understand the importance of saving time and energy during the week. These make-ahead toddler meals can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for quick meals on hectic nights. From comforting soups to hearty casseroles, you'll always have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

21. Chicken noodle soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that freezes well. The hearty broth, seasonal vegetables and tender chicken maintain flavor and texture even after spending some time in the freezer. Follow this chicken noodle soup recipe for ease and convenience.

22. Chicken and broccoli casserole

This cheesy broccoli casserole is a winner on all fronts — it's packed with protein and hidden veggies, easy to make ahead of time and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it irresistible.

23. Mini frittatas

These mini frittatas are protein powerhouses. Packed with eggs, veggies and cheese, they're perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make a big batch and freeze them for those mornings or evenings when you need toddler meals in a hurry. 

24. Beef stew

This hearty beef stew is like a warm hug on a cold day. The tender chunks of beef simmered with vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth is a meal that will keep your toddler satisfied. Make a big pot on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week — it’s comfort food at its finest.

25. Slow cooker chicken tacos

Taco night just got much easier with slow cooker chicken tacos. Toss the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you'll have tender, flavorful slow cooker pulled chicken ready to be piled into tortillas. Let your toddler customize their tacos with their favorite toppings for an interactive meal.

Vegan and vegetarian toddler dinner ideas

Nourishing your little one with plant-powered meals can be both fun and easy. These vegan and vegetarian recipes are perfect for toddlers exploring the world of vegetables, grains and legumes. Whether you're fully plant-based or simply looking to incorporate more wholesome options into your family’s diet, these ideas are designed to be enjoyed by everyone.

26. Tofu scramble breakfast burritos

Tofu scramble is a delicious alternative to scrambled eggs. These tofu scramble burritos can be customized with your toddler's favorite veggies. Season with turmeric for a vibrant color and savory flavor.

27. Veggie burgers

Veggie burgers are a fun and convenient option for toddler meals. Whether you buy them pre-made or make your own, they're packed with protein and can be customized with various toppings to please even the pickiest eaters.

28. Vegetable fajitas

Fajitas are a fun and interactive way for your toddler to eat their veggies. Sizzling bell peppers and onions served with warm tortillas and toppings like salsa and guacamole make this a mealtime adventure. Add pinto or black beans for a little extra protein.

29. Veggie stir-fry

A stir-fry is a quick way to get a variety of vegetables into your toddler's diet. Combine colorful veggies with tofu or tempeh for a protein boost, and serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

30. Stuffed sweet potatoes with black beans

These stuffed sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy way to introduce your toddler to new flavors and textures. The sweetness of the sweet potato complements the savory black beans, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal.

31. Avocado toast

Avocado toast is a simple yet satisfying meal packed with delicious ingredients. Top it with everything from tomatoes and cucumbers to a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy days.

32. Vegetable fried rice

Turn leftover rice into a flavor-packed adventure with vegetable fried rice. This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies and introduce your toddler to new flavors and textures. With colorful veggies and protein-packed tofu, it's a complete and satisfying meal that's ready in minutes.

33. Pesto pasta with vegetables

Pesto pasta is a classic that can be easily modified for people who follow a vegan diet. Toss your pasta with dairy-free pesto and add your toddler's favorite vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

34. Chickpea and vegetable curry

This chickpea curry is a great way to introduce your toddler to spices. With protein-rich chickpeas and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish is a flavor explosion that's both comforting and exciting. Serve it with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

35. Lentil curry

This lentil curry is a delicious way to showcase the ingredient’s versatility. With a creamy coconut milk base and a blend of warming spices, this curry is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings. Serve it with brown rice or naan bread for a delightful dining experience.

Tips for feeding picky eaters

Ah, the picky eater. A creature of habit, a master of the side-eye and a champion of "no, thank you!" If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Picky eating is a common phase for toddlers, and it can be frustrating for parents. But don't worry! With a little patience, persistence and a few strategies, you can help your little one explore more foods.

1. Slowly introduce new foods

Don't overwhelm your toddler with a plate full of unfamiliar foods. Instead, introduce new foods one at a time alongside familiar favorites. Offer a small portion of the new food and let your toddler explore it at their own pace.

2. Make mealtime fun

Presentation matters! Cut sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters, arrange food in a colorful pattern on the plate or create a "dipping station" with various sauces. Make mealtime an adventure — your toddler might be more willing to try new things.

3. Get your kid involved

Toddlers may be more likely to try foods that they've helped prepare. Let them help with age-appropriate tasks in the kitchen, like washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, setting the table or choosing their own ingredients. This can give them a sense of ownership and pride in the meal.

4. Don't give up

It can take multiple exposures for a toddler to accept a new food. Don't get discouraged if they refuse it the first few times. Keep offering it in different ways — eventually, they may come around.

5. Be a role model

Children learn by watching their parents. Your toddler will likely follow your lead if you eat certain foods and enjoy your meals.

Stress-free toddler meals with Instacart

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant search for toddler dinner ideas? We've all been there! Between picky eaters, busy schedules and the desire to provide balanced meals, dinnertime can feel challenging.

But what if we told you there's a way to make it easier? Instacart is your secret weapon in the fight against dinnertime stress. Order your ingredients through Instacart and receive them right to your door. 

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out these toddler lunch box ideas for quick meals.