Thanksgiving Sides for Kids: Delicious and Nutritious Options for Picky Eaters

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Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. While the turkey is often the star of the show, the sides can be just as important. When it comes to kids, it can be challenging to find Thanksgiving sides that they will enjoy. However, with a little creativity, it is possible to create dishes that are both kid-friendly and festive.

One classic Thanksgiving side that kids love is mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and comforting, mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser for all ages. To make them more kid-friendly, consider adding some fun toppings like shredded cheese, bacon bits, or even a dollop of sour cream. Another option is to make sweet potato mash, which is a healthier alternative that kids will still enjoy.

Green bean casserole is another Thanksgiving staple that can be made kid-friendly. While the traditional version may not be a hit with all kids, there are ways to make it more appealing. For example, try using crispy fried onions instead of the canned variety, or add some diced bacon for extra flavor. Another idea is to serve roasted green beans with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, which is a simple yet delicious side that kids will love.

Why Kids Love Thanksgiving Sides

Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and enjoy a delicious meal. For kids, it’s a time to indulge in some of their favorite sides that they may not get to eat on a regular basis. Here are a few reasons why kids love Thanksgiving sides.

Variety

Thanksgiving sides offer a wide variety of options that kids can choose from. Whether it’s mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or green beans, there’s something for everyone. Kids love being able to pick and choose what they want to eat, and Thanksgiving sides give them that opportunity.

Comfort Food

Many Thanksgiving sides are considered comfort food, which is why kids love them so much. Mac and cheese, stuffing, and gravy are just a few examples of comfort food that kids can enjoy during the holiday season. These dishes are warm, filling, and remind kids of home.

Fun Flavors

Thanksgiving sides offer a range of flavors that kids may not get to experience on a regular basis. Cranberry sauce, for example, is a sweet and tangy side that kids may not eat often. Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is another fun flavor that kids love. Thanksgiving sides provide a chance for kids to try new things and expand their palates.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving sides offer a variety of options, comfort food, and fun flavors that kids love. It’s no wonder why they look forward to this holiday every year!

Easy and Fun Thanksgiving Sides

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy delicious food and spend time with loved ones. Kids love to be involved in the cooking process and what better way to get them excited than by making easy and fun Thanksgiving sides? Here are two ideas that are sure to be a hit with the little ones.

Mac and Cheese Bites

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that kids love. These mac and cheese bites are a fun twist on the traditional dish and are perfect for little hands.

To make these bites, cook your favorite mac and cheese according to the package instructions. Once the mac and cheese is cooked, let it cool slightly before adding an egg and mixing well. Spoon the mixture into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy.

Thanksgiving Pizza

Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser and this Thanksgiving version is no exception. Kids will love helping to assemble the toppings and it’s a great way to use up any leftover turkey.

To make this pizza, start with a pre-made pizza crust or make your own using your favorite recipe. Spread a layer of cranberry sauce over the crust, then add shredded turkey, stuffing, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

These easy and fun Thanksgiving sides are sure to be a hit with the kids. They’re simple to make and are a great way to get the little ones involved in the cooking process.

Healthy Thanksgiving Sides

When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, many options tend to be high in calories and fat. However, there are plenty of healthy alternatives that kids will love. Here are two great options:

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, and are lower in fat and calories than regular fries. Here’s a simple recipe to try:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Peel and slice sweet potatoes into thin strips.
• Toss with a small amount of olive oil and seasonings of your choice (such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder).
• Spread the fries out on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Baked Green Beans

Green beans are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but they are often served smothered in butter and fried onions. Instead, try this healthy baked green bean recipe:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Trim the ends off of fresh green beans.
• Toss with a small amount of olive oil and seasonings of your choice (such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder).
• Spread the green beans out on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.

By incorporating these healthy sides into your Thanksgiving meal, you can ensure that kids are getting the nutrients they need without sacrificing taste.

Creative Thanksgiving Sides

Looking for some creative and fun Thanksgiving side dishes that kids will love? Look no further than these two ideas:

Turkey Shaped Sandwiches

Kids will love these turkey-shaped sandwiches, which are as cute as they are delicious. To make them, simply use a turkey-shaped cookie cutter to cut out bread slices, turkey slices, and cheese slices. Then, assemble the sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, and serve them up for a fun and festive side dish.

Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup is a great way to get kids to eat their veggies, and it’s perfect for Thanksgiving. To make it, simply sauté some onions and garlic in butter, add canned pumpkin, chicken broth, and cream, and simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve it up with some crusty bread for a warm and comforting Thanksgiving side dish.

That’s it for these creative Thanksgiving sides! Give them a try and watch your kids gobble them up.

Thanksgiving Side Ideas

• Brown Sugar Carrots
• Ranch Twice Baked Potatoes
• Turkey Graham Crackers (really, a cute snack that is “turkey” inspired)

In conclusion, Thanksgiving sides for kids should be tasty, healthy, and easy to make. Parents can choose from a variety of options such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. These sides can be made in advance and reheated on the day of the event, making it easier for parents to focus on the turkey and other main dishes.

It’s important to involve kids in the cooking process, as it can help them develop an appreciation for food and cooking. Parents can assign simple tasks such as washing vegetables or stirring the mashed potatoes. This can also be a great opportunity to teach kids about nutrition and healthy eating habits.

When it comes to presentation, parents can get creative by using fun and colorful plates, napkins, and utensils. They can also use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of the mashed potatoes or create a veggie turkey using carrots, celery, and olives.

Overall, Thanksgiving sides for kids should be enjoyable and memorable. By following these tips and tricks, parents can create a fun and healthy Thanksgiving meal for the whole family to enjoy.