If cranberry sauce and gravy aren’t up your kiddo’s alley, we totally get it! Thanksgiving can be tough for little ones, particularly picky eaters. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some yummy, healthy, kiddo-friendly Thanksgiving side dishes you can try this year and for years to come!
1| Simple Roasted Apples with Cinnamon Sugar
Does your child have a sweet tooth? Satisfy their desire for sweets while providing extra nutrition with Amy Gorin’s baked apple dish, starring lots of cinnamon. Yum!
2| Cheesy Cauliflower Tots
Registered dietitian Julie Harrington packs lots of nutrients into every child’s favorite package: the tater tot. She uses whole wheat panko for extra crispiness.
3| Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Chocolate Slopes knows how to turn vitamin-dense sweet potatoes into a smooth, creamy delight that kids will crave. The secret ingredient? Non-fat plain yogurt.
4| Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto
Adults and kids alike love the smooth and satisfying texture of risotto, but it often takes a ton of care and time to make. With an Instant Pot, it can be easy! Try this earthy, cheesy risotto this Thanksgiving.
5| Green Beans with Brown Butter and Toasted Almonds
How can you get your picky eater to enjoy vegetables this Thanksgiving? Nutty brown butter and crunchy toasted almonds are a great start. Best yet, these beans come together in 25 minutes.
6| Herbed Wild Rice and Quinoa Stuffing
Onion, tart apples, garlic, wild rice, quinoa, pecans … once you read the ingredient list, you’ll be satisfied that this recipe has the taste and texture kids will be interested in (and the nutrients you’re looking for).
7| Sweet Pumpkin Buns
These buns from Lands & Flavors are just too cute, and they’re great as a dipper for soup and other sides. Kids will fall in love with the clever pumpkin shape!
8| Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Simple ingredients, easy prep, and a delish outcome. These potatoes have a 5-star rating on Food Network, and your kids will agree with the reviewers.
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