Thanksgiving is all about bringing the family together, and what better way to do that than by getting everyone involved in the kitchen? This year, try some easy and healthy side dishes that are perfect for little ones. These recipes are not only nutritious but also simple enough for kids to help prepare, making Thanksgiving dinner a fun, family-friendly affair.
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but instead of the usual casserole, try making mini sweet potato bites! Slice sweet potatoes into rounds, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar. Bake until soft, and top each bite with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of pecans. Kids will love these sweet, bite-sized treats!
Mushrooms are a great canvas for all kinds of flavors. For a kid-friendly twist, fill button mushrooms with a mixture of breadcrumbs, spinach, and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake until golden and let the kids add the finishing touch with a sprinkle of Parmesan. These mini veggie-stuffed mushrooms are bite-sized and packed with nutrients.
A simple veggie platter can be a colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Arrange carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes in a rainbow shape and serve with hummus for dipping. Kids can help arrange the colors and learn the importance of eating a variety of veggies.
For a refreshing side, try an apple and cranberry salad. Chop apples and toss them with dried cranberries, a handful of walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. This salad is easy for kids to mix together and adds a nice, fresh crunch to the Thanksgiving table.
Brussels sprouts are often a hard sell for kids, but a touch of sweetness can make them more appealing. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until crispy. Drizzle with a little honey or maple syrup before serving to add a hint of sweetness that kids might enjoy.
Transform traditional stuffing into kid-friendly muffins! Use your favorite stuffing recipe, but instead of baking it in a dish, spoon it into muffin tins for individual portions. These stuffing muffins are easy to serve and perfect for little hands.
Store-bought cranberry sauce often has a lot of added sugar, but making it at home is surprisingly easy and healthier. Simmer fresh cranberries with a bit of orange juice and honey until they burst and thicken into a sauce. Kids can help stir and watch the cranberries pop, making it a fun and interactive dish to create together.
Cornbread is a Thanksgiving favorite, and making it in mini muffin form makes it easy for kids to handle. You can add a sprinkle of cheese or chopped herbs for extra flavor. These mini muffins are perfect for little hands and make a tasty addition to any plate.
For a healthy twist on mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower! Steam cauliflower until soft, then blend with a bit of butter, salt, and a dash of garlic powder for flavor. This dish has a creamy texture like mashed potatoes but is lower in carbs and calories.
End the meal with a light dessert by making pumpkin yogurt parfaits. Layer Greek yogurt with pumpkin puree, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of granola. This dessert is low in sugar and a great way to get a taste of pumpkin without too much sweetness.
Once Thanksgiving is over, there’s always the challenge of what to do with all the leftovers. We recently collaborated on a blog post sharing ideas for reusing Thanksgiving leftovers in creative ways, from hearty turkey soups to stuffing waffles. Be sure to check it out to turn your Thanksgiving dishes into delicious new meals!
These easy and healthy side dishes are perfect for kids and add a fun, nutritious twist to the Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re making sweet potato bites or whipping up some homemade cranberry sauce, getting the kids involved in the cooking process makes the meal that much more special. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with great food, family, and lots of fun memories!
Still looking for a cute Thanksgiving Day outfit for your kiddos? Don't forget to check out our Thanksgiving Outfits collection!
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Amber Bowie
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