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Thanksgiving is a time for family, laughter, and, of course, a delicious feast. But when it comes to feeding your little ones, who might not be so thrilled about cranberry sauce or Brussels sprouts, things can get a bit tricky.
If you’re hosting picky eaters this year, these kid-friendly side dish recipes will make Thanksgiving dinner a breeze for the whole family.
Table of Contents
Morning Snacks
Before you plan your meal, be sure to always have some snacks on hand, because kids (and me) are always hungry. I like to keep cut-up veggies with hummus, fresh fruit, cheese, or a snack mix on hand. (Or, a pumpkin-shaped cheese ball!)
Then we can focus on the rest of the day.
Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Kids
Creamy Mac and Cheese Bites
A Classic, Made Even More Fun
Mac n cheese is a hit with almost every kid, but instead of a big dish, try making bite-sized portions. Use a mini muffin tin to bake these golden, cheesy bites that are perfectly portioned for little hands.
The crunchy, buttery breadcrumbs on top make them irresistible to kids and adults alike.
Glazed Carrots
Sweet and Simple Veggies Even Picky Eaters Will Love
If plain old veggies don’t excite your kids, add a touch of sweetness. Baby carrots glazed with cinnamon and honey are a crowd-pleaser. (You can also use maple syrup if your family likes the taste!)
The natural caramelization from roasting, combined with a hint of warm cinnamon, makes these carrots taste almost like candy – perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
You can make them in a Crockpot, Instant Pot, or in the oven. We also love a plain Butter Roasted Carrot – it is such an easy recipe and everyone loves it.
Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins)
Stuffing, But Make It Kid-Approved
Turn your classic stuffing recipe into muffins! By making individual portions, you’ll cut down on mess, and the crisp edges make these stuffing muffins hard to resist.
You can even customize the ingredients for your family and leave out the things that your kids don’t like.
Here’s my regular Thanksgiving stuffing recipe though, if you would prefer:
Mashed Potato “Clouds”
Fluffy, Fun, and Full of Flavor
Creamy mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but why not take them up a notch? Whip them until they’re extra fluffy and pipe them onto a baking sheet to create mashed potato “clouds.”
These golden, crisp-topped potatoes are fun to eat and a great way to add a playful twist to a classic side.
These are my favorite mashed potato recipes:
Cornbread and Cheddar Bites (Cheesy Cornbread Muffins)
A Savory-Sweet Treat Kids Will Devour
Cornbread is another Thanksgiving favorite, but when you add cheddar cheese to the mix, it really takes it to another level. Bake the cornbread batter in mini muffin tins to make bite-sized portions that are easy for little hands to grab. The combination of sweet cornbread and sharp cheddar cheese is a winner!
Apple Pie Roll-Ups
Dessert Disguised as a Side Dish
Who says dessert has to come last? These apple pie roll-ups are a sweet side dish that’s easy for kids to eat. Using tortillas, spread a layer of apple pie filling, roll them up, and bake until golden. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor.
Crescent Roll “Cornucopias”
A Creative Spin on Dinner Rolls
Make your dinner rolls a little more festive by shaping crescent roll dough into mini cornucopias. It’s a fun way to add a holiday-themed touch to your meal (and you can ask your little helpers to roll them up for you.)
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
A Super Simple Way to Enjoy Veggies
If your kids usually shy away from cauliflower, this crispy, cheesy version might change their minds. Roast cauliflower with olive oil, butter, salt, and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese until golden. The crispy outside and soft inside will win everyone over.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
It’s Basically Applesauce
My homemade cranberry sauce is made from fresh cranberries and orange juice and tastes much better than the canned stuff – it reminds me of apple sauce! It’s an easy side dish that can be prepped ahead of time.
Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sides for Kids
Slow cooker recipes are perfect for Thanksgiving because they free up oven space and can generally be ignored.
Here are some family-friendly slow cooker sides:
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Sweet, Creamy, and Oh-So-Easy
Slow cooker creamed corn is a perfect Thanksgiving side for kids. Just combine frozen corn, cream cheese, cream, butter, and a hint of sugar in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
The result is a sweet and creamy dish that pairs well with all the traditional Thanksgiving flavors. You can also make it in an Instant Pot to make it even faster!
Slow Cooker Green Beans
A Simple, Savory Classic
Green beans are a traditional side dish to make and using a slow cooker makes them even easier. Cook fresh or frozen green beans in a slow cooker with a generous amount of bacon and garlic. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld, creating a tender and tasty side dish.
Slow Cooker Glazed Sweet Potatoes (Candied Yams)
A Sweet Side That Doubles as Dessert
Candied sweet potatoes are always a favorite and using a slow cooker makes cooking them a breeze.
Just before serving, you can add mini marshmallows on top and allow them to melt to really win the kids over.
Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole
A Breakfast Favorite Turned Holiday Side
This cheesy hash brown casserole is creamy, delicious, and full of flavor. Mix frozen hash browns with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheese, and a touch of seasoning, then cook in a slow cooker. It’s the perfect comfort food side for Thanksgiving.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Homemade and Packed with Fall Flavors
This slow cooker applesauce is an easy, no-fuss side that kids will love. Peel and chop a mix of sweet and tart apples, then cook them in the slow cooker with a touch of cinnamon and a bit of sugar until soft.
Mash to your desired consistency for a naturally sweet side dish that’s healthy and delicious.
Thanksgiving Casseroles Kids Will Love
Casseroles are a fantastic option for Thanksgiving because they can be made ahead of time, will serve a crowd, and are usually well-loved by kids.
These casserole ideas are sure to be crowd pleasers for kids and adults alike. They’re easy to make, comforting, and can be prepped in advance to make your Thanksgiving Day less stressful. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious, family-friendly dishes!
Here are some kid-friendly casserole ideas:
Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel Topping
A Dessert-Like Side Dish
Sweet Potato Casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, but the streusel on top makes it even more irresistible. Mash sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon, then top with a crumbly mixture of pecans, brown sugar, oats, and flour. For extra kid appeal, you can add mini marshmallows on top. It’s like having dessert with dinner!
Jiffy Corn Pudding (Corn Casserole)
Sweet, Savory, and Oh-So-Easy and Cheesy
This baked corn casserole is a cross between cornbread and creamed corn, making it moist, slightly sweet, and incredibly delicious. It requires just a few simple ingredients like canned corn, creamed corn, cornmeal mix, and cheese. Pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a golden, fluffy side dish that kids will gobble up in no time.
Cornbread Dressing
A Complete Meal in One Dish
For a simple and comforting option, this cornbread dressing is a winner. It technically isn’t a casserole, but it’s baked in a casserole dish.
Green Bean Casserole
Crunchy, Creamy, and Extra Kid-Friendly
Instead of the traditional green bean casserole, you can make it more kid-friendly by adding a generous handful of shredded cheese and swapping the fried onions for crushed crackers.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
A Veggie Side Packed with Flavor
This cheesy broccoli casserole is a great way to sneak some veggies onto your kids’ plates. Okay, we aren’t really sneaking anything – you can clearly see the broccoli. But there is so much cheese that you can’t even taste the broccoli!
Add some crumbled crackers on top for a crunchy finish. It’s a satisfying and family-friendly dish that pairs well with any Thanksgiving dinner. (This is a family favorite.)
Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Desserts
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without some kid-approved desserts! Here are some fun and easy ideas that even picky eaters will love:
Pilgrim Hat Cookies
A Fun and Educational Recipe
These delicious Thanksgiving Cookies that look like pilgrim hats will look so festive at your Thanksgiving table and they are perfect for kids to help make! They use cookies and big fluffy marshmallows. While making them, you can teach kids the history behind the first Thanksgiving meal.
Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites
A Bite-Sized Twist on the Classic
Traditional pumpkin pie might not appeal to every child, but turning them into mini pumpkin pies often does the trick. Use pre-made pie crusts and a mini muffin tin to create adorable, bite-sized pies. The creamy pumpkin filling and buttery crust are perfectly portioned, making them easy for kids to grab and enjoy. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra fun holiday dessert!
Turkey Rice Krispie Treats
A Fun and Festive Dessert
Transform regular Rice Krispie treats into turkey-themed desserts! Shape the treats into small ovals and decorate them with candy corn for feathers, chocolate chips for eyes, and a small piece of candy for the beak. These are perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen and will definitely put a smile on everyone’s face.
Apple Crisp Bars
Sweet, Crunchy, and Easier Than Pie
Apple crisp bars are a great alternative to traditional apple pie. They have a buttery crust, a layer of cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly oat topping. They’re easier to eat than a slice of pie and are delicious warm or at room temperature.
Dutch Apple Pie
A Classic for Every Holiday Table
Apple Pie is how we always end our Thanksgiving feast, and I love to use cookie cutters to top the pie with fall shapes. Be sure to have vanilla ice cream in the freezer!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie
A No-Bake Dessert Everyone Will Love
For a super easy and kid-friendly dessert, make a chocolate peanut butter cup pie. Use a pre-made Oreo cookie pie crust and fill it with a delicious cream cheese and peanut butter filling.
Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a simple but decadent treat. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream and a great way to keep dessert stress-free.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Creamy, Spiced, and Absolutely Delicious
If your kids enjoy cheesecake, these pumpkin cheesecake bars are a must-try. The creamy pumpkin-spiced filling sits on a buttery graham cracker crust and is topped with a swirl of whipped cream. They’re easy to cut into kid-sized squares and make for a festive and flavorful dessert.
Candy-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
A Sweet Surprise in Every Bite
Take your classic chocolate chip cookies to the next level by stuffing them with leftover Halloween candy. I use my bakery-style cookie recipe – then wrap the cookie dough around mini chocolate bars or Reese’s cups and bake until golden.
The melted candy centers add a fun and delicious surprise that’s sure to make these a hit at the dessert table.
Final Tips for a Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving
Planning a Thanksgiving menu that keeps everyone happy can be a challenge, but with these simple and flavorful side dishes, your kids will be just as excited for dinner as the adults.
From savory snacks to sweet treats, there’s something here for even the pickiest eaters.
Happy Thanksgiving, and may your holiday be filled with laughter, love, and plenty of kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes!
