When you’ve run out of lunchbox ideas or weeknight dinner plans, these 19 recipes step in and do the job. They’re simple to make, easy to eat, and work for picky or distracted kids. Some lean sweet, some lean savory, but all of them get the thumbs-up. If you’re short on options, this list helps.
Argentinian Alfajores Recipe
Soft cookies sandwich a creamy dulce de leche filling and are dusted with powdered sugar. They take about 45 minutes and taste buttery, sweet, and smooth. The texture is tender with just a little crumble. Alfajores are easy to like and hard to stop at one.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Alfajores Recipe
Apple And Hummus Pita Bread
Pita bread gets layered with hummus and crisp apple slices for a fast lunch or snack. It takes 10 minutes and tastes creamy, crunchy, and lightly sweet. The apples balance the savory spread. Apple and Hummus Pita Bread get eaten without much convincing.
Get the Recipe: Apple And Hummus Pita Bread
Argentinian Empanadas
Hand pies filled with veggies and spices bake until golden and flaky. They take about 1 hour and taste savory, soft, and just a bit crispy. The crust holds up without getting soggy. Argentinian Empanadas make a no-fuss, all-hands favorite.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas
Almond Tuile Cookies
Thin almond cookies bake into crisp, golden curves with a delicate crunch. They take 30 minutes and taste nutty, light, and just sweet enough. The texture is airy and snappy. Almond Tuile Cookies vanish fast with milk or on their own.
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Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
A soft almond cake gets topped with spiraled apple slices that bake into gentle curls. It takes 1 hour and 10 minutes and tastes moist, mildly sweet, and slightly nutty. The apples add a hint of tartness. Almond Apple Cake looks impressive, but disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes
Chicken and potatoes roast together in a creamy buttermilk marinade until golden and tender. It takes about 1 hour and tastes savory, tangy, and comforting. The potatoes soak up all the flavor. Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes get picked clean every time.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes
Apple Cranberry Muffins With Streusel Topping
Tart cranberries and apples mix into a soft muffin with a sweet, crumbly top. They take 35 minutes and taste fruity, warm, and just sweet enough. The streusel adds a little crunch to every bite. Apple Cranberry Muffins make snack time easy to say yes to.
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Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip
Roasted carrots blend with feta and spices into a creamy dip for veggies, crackers, or pita. It takes 35 minutes and tastes sweet, salty, and slightly tangy. The texture is thick and spreadable. Roasted Carrot and Feta Dip often doubles as a meal for kids who like to snack.
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Apple Olive Oil Cake
Olive oil keeps this apple-studded cake extra moist with a light golden crumb. It takes 1 hour and tastes sweet, slightly earthy, and comforting. The apples stay soft but not mushy. Apple Olive Oil Cake feels homemade and never gets left behind.
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Traditional Russian Blintzes
Thin crepes are rolled with a sweet cheese filling and lightly pan-fried until golden. They take 45 minutes and taste creamy, mild, and just sweet enough. The outside has a light crispness to balance the soft center. Russian Blintzes always get asked for again.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Russian Blintzes
Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes With Spring Frosting
Light vanilla cupcakes bake up soft and fluffy, then get topped with colorful frosting. They take about 40 minutes and taste sweet, smooth, and bright. The texture stays moist without falling apart. Vanilla Cupcakes are easy to decorate and even easier to finish.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes With Spring Frosting
Homemade Matzo Ball Soup
Soft matzo balls float in light chicken broth with carrots and herbs for a simple, filling meal. It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and tastes savory, cozy, and clean. The broth isn’t too salty, and the matzo balls are tender. Matzo Ball Soup often becomes the go-to when kids are picky or sick.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Matzo Ball Soup
Orange And Date Gluten Free Hamantaschen Cookies
Triangle cookies are filled with date paste and orange zest inside a soft, gluten-free dough. They take about 1 hour and taste sweet, bright, and chewy. The corners stay firm while the center softens. Hamantaschen Cookies keep snack time interesting without being messy.
Get the Recipe: Orange And Date Gluten Free Hamantaschen Cookies
Apple Potato Latkes With Curried Yogurt Sauce
Shredded apple and potato cook into golden fritters with a creamy dipping sauce on the side. They take 35 minutes and taste salty, sweet, and just a little spiced. The inside stays soft with crispy edges. Apple Potato Latkes usually disappear by the second bite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Potato Latkes With Curried Yogurt Sauce
Sweet Potato Hummus
Mashed sweet potato blends with chickpeas and spices for a smooth, lightly sweet dip. It takes 15 minutes and tastes nutty, earthy, and mellow. The texture is thick and easy to scoop. Sweet Potato Hummus often works when plain hummus doesn’t.
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Chocolate Chip Muffins
Soft muffins are dotted with chocolate chips for a quick breakfast or snack that never fails. They take 30 minutes and taste buttery, sweet, and rich. The chips melt into the crumb just enough. Chocolate Chip Muffins are the kind of thing you make and then don’t see again.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins
Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese
Sweet plantains bake with guava paste and cheese for a soft, sweet-savory bite. They take 35 minutes and taste rich, creamy, and naturally sweet. The plantains get soft while the cheese melts in. Baked Plantains usually mean quiet mouths and clean plates.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese
Blueberry Muffins
Juicy blueberries bake into golden muffins with a soft middle and lightly crisp top. They take 30 minutes and taste tart, sweet, and just buttery enough. The berries pop in every bite. Blueberry Muffins rarely stick around long enough to cool.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Muffins
Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos (Hanukkah Honey Puffs)
Soft puffs bake with apple and granola, then get brushed with honey for a warm, sticky finish. They take 40 minutes and taste chewy, spiced, and sweet. The granola adds texture without overpowering the dough. Apple-Granola Bimuelos work for holidays or just a Tuesday.
Get the Recipe: Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos (Hanukkah Honey Puffs)
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