Dealing with picky eaters can make mealtimes challenging. To help, I’ve put together a list of 21 Picky Eater Recipes that appeal to a wide range of tastes, including those with particular food preferences. These dishes combine familiar flavors with subtle twists, making them more likely to be accepted by selective eaters. From simple adaptations of family favorites to creative yet approachable new ideas, these recipes aim to expand food horizons gradually.
Macaroni and Cheese
As a self-proclaimed macaroni and cheese fanatic, I am excited to share my favorite cast iron skillet macaroni and cheese recipe. Tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of three different cheeses, perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice and topped with homemade garlic butter croutons for that irresistible crunch. This cast iron macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food – warm, gooey, and downright delicious.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese
Gigli Pasta with Bolognese Sauce
If you love Italian food, then my homemade Bolognese sauce is a must-try. This classic recipe takes time and patience to prepare but the end result is worth it! When served with Gigli pasta, which is said to be native to Southern Tuscany, this dish creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Gigli Pasta with Bolognese Sauce
Sheet Pan Pancakes
Get ready to discover the mouthwatering world of quick and easy Sheet Pan Pancakes from a Mix with a luscious berry compote swirled in! Say goodbye to standing over a stove, flipping individual pancakes, and hello to fuss-free, oven-baked fluffy pancakes that are the best way to feed a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes
Simple Spinach Salad
Toss together this easy and healthy simple spinach salad in just minutes. With homemade croutons & dijon vinaigrette, it’s a fresh side dish that goes with any meal or enjoy for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Simple Spinach Salad
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs are bursting with flavor and loaded with veggies for a flavorful, low-carb dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Crock Pot Baked Ziti
This easy, cheesy Crock Pot Baked Ziti is made entirely in the slow cooker and takes only 10 minutes to prep! Classic comfort food at its finest, perfect for those busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Baked Ziti
Mango Spinach Smoothie
This healthy mango spinach smoothie tastes like a refreshing, tropical treat but is secretly packed with protein and a generous serving of greens. Just 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients (fresh or frozen) are all you need to make this for breakfast or a quick snack anytime!
Get the Recipe: Mango Spinach Smoothie
Breakfast Burritos with Potatoes
These Breakfast Burritos with Potatoes are really easy to make and freezer-friendly so they’re the perfect savory breakfast to make ahead, defrost, and reheat as needed! They’re filling, satisfying, healthy, and vegetarian!
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Burritos with Potatoes
Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This 4 ingredient easy fruit salad recipe is the perfect spring and summer side dish! A colorful and flavorful array of delicious fruits and berries that comes together quickly and easily.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Chicken Parmesan Subs
A Chicken Parm Sub makes a delicious lunch or dinner and this recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare. The chicken is juicy, the parmesan adds a creamy, tangy flavor and the marinara sauce, Italian bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning add a distinct taste of Italy to these special chicken parmesan subs. You can have these delicious sandwiches on the table in just half an hour and enjoy them while they’re hot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Subs
Crockpot Crack Chicken
Cheerful Cook’s Crockpot Crack Chicken recipe is perfect for busy days when you are short on time but still want to serve an easy-to-prepare yet ultra-delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Crack Chicken
Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is a quick and easy meal option using refrigerated biscuit pieces, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings! Using a few simple shortcut ingredients, this casserole can be oven ready in only a few minutes!
Get the Recipe: Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy and flavorful Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe. This hearty and creamy soup combines the classic toppings of a loaded baked potato with the convenience of a slow cooker, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish that will warm your soul. It is an excellent recipe for soup season.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Instant Pot Italian Chicken Penne Pasta
You’re going to love the flavor and taste of this Italian Chicken Penne Pasta! Not only is it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s a great way to make cooked pasta with tender chicken that everyone in the family will love! This is literally the perfect family dinner – and such an easy recipe to do.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Italian Chicken Penne Pasta
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
These Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are the perfect combination of ribeye steak, gooey cheese, sauteed onions, bell peppers, and on sweet roll slider buns! These tasty sliders are a great choice for game day appetizers or even an easy weeknight dinner!
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Loaded Nachos
Cheesy vegetarian nachos loaded with healthy veggies and black beans are a fabulous easy 25-minute weeknight meal! Baking them on a sheet pan is so simple, and it’s the perfect way to make sure every tortilla chip is crispy – not soggy – and loaded with the goods. A drizzle of bright, flavorful homemade avocado-lime crema finishes off the veggie nachos once they’re out of the oven!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Nachos
Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes
If you’re looking for an Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes recipe like Grandma used to make, this is it! You’ll love this quick and easy recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It uses simple ingredients to make classic sloppy joes your whole family will crave!
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes
Slow Cooker Bacon Barbecue Meatloaf
Classic meatloaf is given a tasty twist in this Slow Cooker Bacon Barbecue Meatloaf recipe. As you may have guessed, cooked bacon and barbecue sauce are the highlight and they bring a flavor that will keep you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bacon Barbecue Meatloaf
Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
These super crispy Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It is super easy to prepare and only requires a few simple ingredients to make. Just cut ’em in half, drizzle with some fresh olive oil, and bake! and Voila!
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
Blackened Fish Tacos
These Blackened Fish Tacos are a great homemade alternative to restaurant fish tacos. They’re served with a delicious homemade coleslaw, pico de gallo and cajun remoulade.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos
Blackened Steak
This pan seared steak is the perfect weeknight meal that tastes just like you’re eating at your favorite steakhouse restaurant. Blackened Steak has a flavorful savory crust packed full of spices and is so juicy and tender.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Steak
