Getting my preschooler to eat plenty of produce is often an uphill battle. She’s old enough to be able to reason with me that the jam on her toast is, in fact, fruit (which, technically, it is), and she likes to try to convince me that she should get dessert if she eats her vegetables. I don’t routinely make a big deal of what she decides to eat at dinner and instead I just give her plenty of healthy options to choose from. But still. I know that in order to stay healthy and feel her best, she should be getting lots of fruits and veggies each day.
Chances are if you’re in the same boat, you’ve tried most of the typical veggie-sneaking recipes out there. Sure, you can stir spinach into spaghetti sauce, but even the pickiest kids can sniff that trick out in 5 seconds, flat. For the pickiest of kids, you have to get super stealthy. For me, it’s turning to my daughter’s ultimate favorite meals and desserts to sneak fruits and veggies into—like chocolate chip cookies and alfredo sauce.
I love trying new recipes that are both delicious and pack in extra produce. These recipes hide veggies and fruits in classic kid foods, which means that you can feel good about what you’re serving your family—even if it’s Spaghettios, enchiladas, or brownies.
More Food for Kids:
- 30 Ways to Make Pasta with 6 Ingredients or Less
- 15 Chili Recipes Kids Will Actually Eat
- 41 Kid Friendly Back to School Slow Cooker Recipes
15 Sneaky Ways to Hide Fruits and Veggies
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Veggie Packed Enchiladas
Mexican food doesn’t have to be loaded with cheese to be delicious. These veggie-packed enchiladas from Yummy Toddler Food pack in the veggies…and the flavor.
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Chocolate Avocado Cookies
Pair up the healthy fats in avocado with chocolate and you get these yummy chocolate avocado cookies from Two Peas & Their Pod. Don't forget the milk!
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Veggie Packed Pizza Rolls
These veggie-packed pizza rolls from Super Healthy Kids are a kid's dinner dream. Bonus for parents: They include lots of produce and freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time.
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Sweet Potato Pancakes
Pancake breakfasts just got easier (and more healthful) with these 2-ingredient sweet potato pancakes from Happy Healthy Mama. Top them with a drizzle of real maple syrup, applesauce, or even nut butter.
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Cauliflower Alfredo
Trade the heavy cream for cauliflower in Pinch of Yum’s creamy cauliflower sauce. It’s like Alfredo sauce, only much, much better. And better for you.
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Beet Pancakes
Pink pancakes? Yes, please! Turn a favorite cupcake flavor into these red velvet beetroot pancakes from My Fussy Eater for a princess-worthy breakfast.
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Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
The extra veggies blend right into this cauliflower mac & cheese from My Fussy Eater. (Skip the cherry tomato on top if you think it might alarm the littles!)
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Chocolate Chip Quinoa Bars
Pumpkin pie has nothing on these pumpkin chocolate chip bars from Simply Quinoa. Your family will love this dessert (and you’ll love the extra serving of veggies).
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Greek Frozen Yogurt Pops
Tuck a handful of baby spinach into these Greek frozen yogurt pops from Yummy Toddler Food for a sweet and nutrition-packed treat.
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Homemade Spaghettios
Add extra veggies to classic Spaghettios from Super Healthy Kids for a meal that meets everyone’s approval.
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Sweet Potato Crust
Move over, cauliflower crust! This sweet potato crust from Pinch of Yum has only three ingredients and acts as the perfect base for your family’s favorite pizza toppings.
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Mini Meatballs with Kale
Add some sneaky leafy greens to pasta night with these easy mini meatballs with kale from Yummy Toddler Food.
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Parsnip Fries
Paired up with the forever favorite ketchup, these parsnip fries from Love and Lemons are a sure hit. Try them alongside burgers or chicken for a simple yet yummy side.
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Sweet Potato Brownies
With only four ingredients, these flourless sweet potato brownies from Big Man’s World are decadent and surprisingly good for you. The sweet potato adds natural sweetness, moistness, and a dose of vitamin A.
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Strawberry Beet Fruit Leather
Follow the lead of all of the veggie-loaded fruit leathers that have hit the market recently and try making your own at home. This strawberry beet fruit leather from One Hungry Mama has a super bright color and taste that everyone in the house will love.
