Parents win, kids grin: 25 simple dishes

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No need to rely on prepackaged meals when you’re short on time. These recipes are the real deal for busy families—designed to be quick to make while still delivering on taste. The kids won’t just eat; they’ll be asking for seconds, maybe even thirds.

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Flatbread Pizza. Photo Credit: Splash of Taste.

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Imagine the joy on kids’ faces when they find out pizza comes in a roll. A total parent win, these are snackable, dunkable, and disappear off the plate quick. Plus, they’re a breeze to put together.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Swap out the usual dinner side for something with a little more flair. Hashbrown Casserole is that golden ticket. It’s comfort food the kids will be grinning about, and there’s virtually no hassle in getting it ready.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Easy Burrito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tired of tacos? Shake up the routine with an Easy Burrito. Loaded with flavor, they’re perfect for a quick family dinner. The kids will be so busy wrapping and eating, you won’t hear a peep.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Don’t let the ‘vegetable’ part fool you. Even the picky eaters will reach for these fritters. They make for a crunchy, tasty side or snack, and the best part is they’re good for you too.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you thought burgers took ages to make, think again. This Black Bean Burger is quick to prepare and hits all the right notes with the kids. Time-saving and tummy-filling, a true weekday win.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A slice of pecan pie being served on a cake slice.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Picture this: a dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the crunch of pecans. Say hello to happy kids and an even happier you. It’s like a bakery splurge but right in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Air fried cinnamon rolls in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Wake up to the smell of cinnamon and the sound of happy kids. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls are breakfast winners. Quicker than traditional oven-baking, you’ll have the family fed and out the door in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of  pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to hear the sound of silence at dinner? Serve up some Flatbread Pizza. It’s got all the flavors they love, and it’s on the table faster than delivery.
Get the Recipe: Flatbread Pizza

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Forget mashed; try baked. This isn’t your average potato dish. Serve it up with some fun toppings, and suddenly, you’re the coolest parent around. A satisfying meal for everyone and no stress for you.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Got dinner guests? No problem. This Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is elegant enough for adults but kid-friendly, thanks to the gooey cheese. It’s a weekend family dinner, without the weeklong prep.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Apple Pie

A slice of apple pie on a plate with a scoop of ice cream.
Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who can resist the classic goodness of an Apple Pie? It’s timeless and never fails to bring smiles to the table. Perfect for any occasion, or no occasion at all.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Broccoli Casserole

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Give veggies a chance with this Broccoli Casserole. Cheesy enough to win over the kids, yet wholesome enough to give parents peace of mind. It’s a sneaky win-win.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fast food, minus the drive-thru. These Air Fryer Cheese Quesadillas are quick to make and quicker to disappear from plates. Ideal for those nights when time just isn’t on your side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Creamy Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Step up your sauce game with this Creamy Avocado version. Think of it as a universal pleaser that goes well with almost anything. A quick blend and you’re done, making it an instant hit with busy families.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Pumpkin Roll

A slice of pumpkin roll being sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Roll. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Why stick to pumpkin pie when you could have a Pumpkin Roll? It’s unique, it’s delicious, and best of all, it’s mess-free. Kids will love the swirl and you’ll love the simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce spread over a pizza crust.
Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Forget store-bought, this Pizza Sauce is a game-changer. It’s that extra touch that elevates dinner from good to great. And the kicker? It takes no time at all.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sauce

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These aren’t your ordinary eggs. Transform breakfast or snack time with these easy-to-eat Egg Bites. Kids can even hold them in their hands, making mornings that much easier.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Waffles

Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.
Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring the weekend vibe to weekdays with these simple yet delightful waffles. Crisp, yet fluffy, they’re everything breakfast should be. Trust us, kids will be up and ready for school if they know these are on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

A white dish with green bean casserole in it.
Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Green beans in a casserole? Oh yes. Air frying them keeps the crunch while the creamy sauce wins over even the skeptics. It’s a holiday favorite made simple enough for any day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

Cinnamon Pie

A slice of cinnamon pie on a cake slice over the remaining pie.
Cinnamon Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re in the mood to surprise your taste buds, try this twist on the traditional pie. Cinnamon Pie delivers all the sweet, spiced flavors your family loves. No more fussing about dessert choices when you have this ace up your sleeve.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Pie

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet potatoes don’t have to be just for holidays. Turn them into tasty cubes and watch the family dig in. The ease of making these will have you reaching for them as a go-to side dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, you just can’t beat a classic. Spaghetti Marinara is comfort food at its finest and always a hit with the kids. Plus, it’s fuss-free, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Mississippi Mud Pie

A slice of Mississippi mud pie on a plate.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When dessert feels like a victory lap for parents and a jackpot for the kids, you know it’s Mississippi Mud Pie. Imagine the glee when they dig into layers of chocolatey goodness. And you? You’ll relish how easy it was to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Pizza Bagels

Pizza bagels on parchment paper, one with a bite out of it and a jar of BBQ sauce nearby.
Pizza Bagels. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mornings can be hectic, but these Pizza Bagels serve as a quick win for you and a surefire hit for the kids. Breakfast suddenly becomes a non-issue, and those little faces? Yeah, they’re all smiles.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Bagels

Pumpkin Spice Muffin

A stack of cinnamon muffins on a plate.
Pumpkin Spice Muffin. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s like fall, but in muffin form. The scent of pumpkin spice wafting through the air is your parenting win. And the kids? They’ll be grinning with each delicious bite, thinking they’ve hit the snack jackpot.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Muffin

Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes in a serving bowl, with serving spoons and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Start the day off right without the fuss. These Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are so easy you’ll feel like you cheated. Your reward is the sound of crunching and the sight of happy little faces at the breakfast table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

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