As back-to-school season looms, it’s important to soak up as much quality time with your family as possible before summer ends. To make sure it goes smoothly, we’ve rounded up seven kid-friendly dinners to cook this week that are simple, seasonal and picky eater-proof. Read on for ideas, ranging from tater tot nachos to breakfast for dinner.
Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (August 21 – 27)
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Published Aug 19, 2023
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Shopping List
Produce
2 English cucumbers
4 avocados
3 limes
6 tomatoes
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 large sweet potatoes
1 red onion
2 garlic cloves
2 bunches parsley
1 bunch mint
2 bunches basil
2 bunches scallions
1 bunch cilantro
Meat
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 chicken thighs
½ pound fresh chorizo sausage
4 eggs
Dairy
12 ounces Greek yogurt
1 stick unsalted butter
6 ounces shredded Asiago cheese
6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
3 ounces crumbled blue cheese
3 ounces sour cream, plus more for serving
6 ounces milk
3 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
6 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
9 ounces ricotta cheese
Grains
1 baguette
12 ounces spaghetti
12 yellow corn tortillas
12 pull-apart Hawaiian rolls
Canned and Packaged Goods
9 ounces basil pesto
One 14-ounce can black beans
1 packet ranch seasoning
One 32-ounce bag tater tots
Salsa verde, for serving
2 sheets store-bought puff pastry dough
Pantry Ingredients: kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, all-purpose flour, dried oregano, sugar, vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup
Tuesday: Baked Caprese Chicken Skillet
Wednesday: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos with Blue Cheese Crema
OK, so blue cheese crema might be too adventurous for some little ones out there. But if you serve it on the side (or let them drizzle it on themselves), these tacos will be right up their alley. You can also substitute ranch dressing, sour cream or store-bought queso.
Thursday: Parmesan-Ranch Chicken Thighs
Friday: Tater Tot Nachos
Because we know you’ve been looking for an excuse to have fries for dinner. These tots are topped with red onion, two types of cheese, scallions, cilantro, avocado and all the fixings. If chorizo is too spicy for your little ones, substitute ground beef, ground turkey or grilled chicken.
Saturday: Savory Tomato Tart
Before they turn down their plate, remind them that this heirloom tomato tart is not too different from pizza. Store-bought puff pastry is slathered with garlic-herb ricotta before being topped with the prettiest produce of the season.
Sunday: Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pro tip: You can *never* go wrong with breakfast for dinner when it comes to picky kids. They’re basically guaranteed to ask for seconds of this eight-ingredient, beginner-friendly spin on French toast, starring pillowy soft rolls instead of challah or white bread. Serve with scrambled eggs for a protein boost.
