Whether you’re encouraging independence or looking for help around the house, these easy recipes will have your teens rolling up their sleeves.
As a busy mom, I know that I’ve needed my kids to help out more around the house as they’ve gotten older. Helping out in the kitchen is a natural step.
I have kids very interested in cooking and baking while I have others that may honestly live entirely off packaged goods once they move out of the house.
Either way, I’ve been concentrating on having them learn some cooking basics such as how to boil rice, how to cook broccoli or even how to grill chicken.
I also believe it’s important to have a few simple recipes up my sleeve to offer them a chance to make dinner for themselves or for the family in a pinch.
Today I present you with 11 delicious, Mom-approved easy dinner recipes so simple even your teenagers can make them. You can thank me later.
1
Brie Norris
Toaster Oven Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
So simple that you may overlook it yet so satisfying that you’ll surely wonder why, the classic grilled cheese sandwich is an awesome way to start cooking, and a great opportunity for exploring new flavors. Leftovers from the night before, deli meat that needs to be used, sauces and spreads, fruits and veggies, or just multiple types of cheese are all ideas for ways to explore the art of making basic to artisan grilled cheese sandwiches. Novice cooks can pair with a thawed and reheated homemade soup or even a simple canned soup for a complete meal they’ll be proud to serve up as their own. This jalapeño popper grilled cheese is only slightly more sophisticated than the classic and bonus! It’s made entirely in the toaster oven. Easy to the max.
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2
Stacey Mebs
Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders Recipe
These pesto chicken pull apart sliders are never not a huge hit! The best part? They’re ready to eat in under a half an hour and the prep is made even quicker by using a rotisserie chicken you can grab in advance. Likewise, they’re a great way to use up leftover grilled or roasted chicken you might already have on hand. From there it’s just layering pesto, cheese and chicken onto dinner rolls and slathering everything in butter before baking.
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3
Alice G. Patterson
Southwest Veggie Quesadilla Recipe
Quesadillas are very rewarding to make, mostly because they are so customizable and you reap the rewards so quickly! My family loves even the most basic cheese quesadilla, but you can alleviate parent guilt and also take a break for the evening by providing some veggies to add into the mix. From there it’s easy – the kids can layer on their favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, hot sauce or even avocado or a ready-made guacamole.
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4
Meghan Bassett
Microwave Nachos
A great microwave-only starter recipe, these nachos are delicious and filling, and require very little effort and prep time. Using a microwave safe plate, your teenager can make their own nachos in a matter of minutes for a movie night snack, a weekend lunch, or dinner for one. This is a great choice for when they might be babysitting or when you’re busy tending to the schedules of younger siblings. Plus, everyone loves nachos for dinner!
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5
Nora Rusev
15 Minute Caprese Pasta Recipe
The name says it all here – a delicious caprese pasta recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes! This super simple recipe is a great introduction to pasta creations that will make your child feel like a world class chef at dinnertime. Pasta is forgiving and delicious, making it great for beginners and picky eaters alike. I like this one because using fresh tomatoes and mozzarella levels up the flavors and lets teens practice their hand chopping a few simple ingredients.
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6
Jocelyn Brubaker
Banana Pancakes Recipe
We’re a big breakfast for dinner family especially since I am a firm believer that breakfast is good any time of the day or night! This simple yet hearty banana pancakes recipe provides a simple and tasty way to add some nutrients into an otherwise sugary treat, and it’s all but guaranteed that none of it will go to waste. If your teen is so inclined, apple slices or pumpkin make other great additions.
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7
Brie Norris
Zucchini and Hummus Pita Sandwiches Recipe
These zucchini and hummus pita sandwiches make a perfect lunch or an easy weeknight dinner. They’re loaded with healthy vegetables and ready in just 30 minutes – and they’re made entirely in the toaster oven! Teenagers can chop a few simple vegetables to then season and roast in the toaster oven, or you can help them out by prepping the veggies in advance. Then it’s just a simple process of topping soft pita bread with hummus, loading up the veggies and adding a sprinkle of feta cheese.
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8
Olivia Ribas
Black Bean Couscous Salad Recipe
As the mother of a vegetarian, I know how important it is to have a filling, protein-packed alternative to meat to offer at dinner. Have your teenager make this simple black bean couscous salad which can be both a side for other dishes or serve as a simple, delicious and nutritious stand alone dinner. Then can toss in whatever they like to suit their personal preferences and the couscous itself cooks in 5 minutes or less by simply pouring boiling water over top.
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9
Cyd Converse
Hailey Bieber’s Pizza Toast Recipe
While the world of viral videos may see trends come and go, pizza is ALWAYS in, and this pizza toast (originally made famous by Hailey Bieber on TikTok) is no exception. I know my kids love pizza, but frozen pizza can be a pain to store and frankly gets boring fast. This pizza toast has a great homemade flavor and the toast gives it a spin that thin pre-made crusts simply can’t live up to. This is great for impressing friends during a sleepover!
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10
Katie Jasiewicz
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
My oh my, do my boys love Buffalo chicken ANYTHING. Wings, pizza, quesadillas – you name it! These wings are easy to start up, take only 2 ½ hours in the slow cooker, and can be finished off by an adult in 5 minutes on broil in the oven after that. This is a very easy way to make wings at home while allowing your teens to be part of the process. Have them start the slow cooker when they get home and it will be ready to wrap up as you walk in the door.
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11
Rebekah Garcia Kalinowski
Banana Pudding Dessert Recipe
Okay, okay. I know I said “dinner,” but can you really go wrong with a no-bake dessert? I had to add this one to the list because it’s delicious, inexpensive, and easy! Your children can bring a creamy banana pudding to the table to round out the meal they made themselves, and proudly finish every last bite. It’s also a great way to use up any opened graham crackers before they go stale. Reward their hard work and effort in the kitchen with a little treat!
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