Spinach is just one of those things that my kids absolutely abhor. If they can see it, they don’t want it. I have no delusions that if I just have them eat a little sauteed spinach or spinach salad at a time that they will somehow start getting used to it. Nope. I’ve tried that; It just doesn’t work.
Luckily, spinach is pretty easy to sneak into foods. If they have an aversion to even seeing green in their food, then putting it in darker sauces is the answer. If they have an aversion to the taste, then adding fruits or other flavors they love is the answer. For my kids, adding crunch and cheese is the way to get them to eat spinach. Whatever your kids’ aversion to spinach may be, these spinach recipes for kids are a sneaky way to get this power veggie into your family’s diet. Check them out in the slideshow.
More Kids’ Recipes:
15 Spinach Recipes That Even Kids Who Hate Spinach Will Eat
Spinach Bacon Cheddar Bites
When bacon, cheddar, and spinach come together in these savory snack cakes , smiles are inevitable. Even the pickiest eaters tucked into these with gusto.
from Foodie with Family
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Rice Casserole
Spinach artichoke chicken rice casserole transforms cheesy spinach artichoke dip into a delicious healthy casserole with chicken and rice that is easy to make and the whole family will enjoy.
from Alida’s Kitchen
Healthy Chocolate Strawberry Spinach Smoothie
This healthy chocolate strawberry spinach smoothie is perfect for busy mornings and active little (and big) bodies.
from 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Baked Spinach Flautas
Baked flautas stuffed with seasoned, shredded chicken, spinach, and cheese are crispy but don’t have the greasiness of fried versions.
from Healthy Delicious
Creamy Shells and Ham Casserole
This kid-friendly creamy shells and ham casserole has pasta coated in a creamy sauce plus ham and spinach that adds tons of flavor.
from Taste and Tell
Green Smoothie Chips
These fun homemade fruit chips are a healthy snack (and kids love them!). Major bonus: They hide a ton of spinach.
—from Rachel Cooks
Hidden Veggie Marinara Sauce
Looking for a way to get more vegetables into your family’s diet without a struggle from the kids (or even maybe from some of the adults)? Try packing your pasta sauce full of them. The appearance and taste of the sauce is still great, so no one has to know. This sauce is super healthy and chock-full of veggies & nutrients.
from Mom Endeavors
Quinoa Spinach Mac 'n' Cheese
Have you ever met a kid or adult who does not go crazy for ooey gooey macaroni and cheese? This recipe uses quinoa, spinach and lots of cheese. Don’t worry, your kids won’t know the difference. You smother anything in cheese and they will eat it. I assure you. Spinach is your friend. You just need to sneak it in on the kids.
from Bakeaholic Mama
Spinach Dip Bites
Anything that’s bite sized is fun to eat—especially for kids. They won’t even notice that there’s a vegetable in these spinach dip bites .
from Lil’ Luna
Cherry Lemon Smoothie with Spinach
Your new favorite smoothie? A hidden veggie cherry lemon smoothie . You’ve got your protein (milk and yogurt), veggies (spinach—can’t taste it!), and fruity antioxidants (cherries + lemon). Total win.
from Fannetastic Food
Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta
Cheesy spinach dip chicken pasta is your new favorite dinner. Spinach dip and pasta get together to create one cheesy and creamy dish. You need to make it.
from Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Spinach and Artichoke Mac 'n' Cheese Bites
These bites make the perfect party appetizer or kid-friendly snack. Enjoy the flavor of your favorite delicious dip in a creamy, cheesy mini mac 'n' cheese. So easy and scrumptious.
from The Comfort of Cooking
Berry Green Smoothie
Here's a make-ahead freezer friendly smoothie that is healthy, nutritious, and so refreshing for your mornings.
from Damn Delicious
Strawberry Fruit Leathers
This is a healthier fruit "snack" that will give your body the extra vitamin C to fight off colds. Plus, it's healthy, delicious, and fun for everyone.
from Oh Sweet Basil
Vegetarian Breakfast Egg Spinach Muffins
Vegetarian breakfast egg muffins are a kid-friendly, easy to make breakfast or lunch muffin. With eggs, vegetables, cheese, spinach, and spices you will have a nutritious, flavor-packed meal.
from A Cedar Spoon