Top Recipes for Kids Birthdays
Planning a child's birthday party can be a lot of fun, but it can easily turn into a chore. The key is to start planning early enough so you can try out new recipes or perfect old ones that kids will love. Keep in mind the age of the children who will be at the party, any theme that your child wants to have, and how much of a mess you are willing to clean up after the party when planning your menu.
We've gathered a list of some of the top recipes for kids' birthdays from start to finish. These can be as easy as setting out some bowls with snacks and veggies to a hands-on project like decorating cupcakes with the kids.
1. Healthy snacks: The starts of most kid parties are crazy. Everyone is saying "hi" and checking out the games, so make their snacks or appetizers something that's easy to move around with. Veggies and trail mix are a great option that kids can just grab a handful of and keep going.
2. No bake cookies: Instead of making a craft or playing another round of pin-the-tail, this recipe keeps the kids busy and it gives them something to take home with home. Have them make these cookies at the beginning of the party and chill them until it's time to leave. Since there's no baking involved, you won't have to supervise too closely.
3. Berry banana smoothie: set out a few bowls with different berries so everyone can make their own concoction. It's also a great way to get kids to try different types of fruit.
4. Layered taco salad recipe: most kids love to dig into a taco salad. The fun colors, the cheese, and the tortilla chips make this a great meal idea, although it can be a bit messy with all those little hands.
5. Finger buffets: forget trying to please everyone with one standard dish, kids are too picky. Instead, put out several easy-to-eat foods that kids like, such as mini burgers, wraps, and onion rings.
6. Pepperoni pizza: you may be tired of it, but the kids never are. Pizza is always a safe bet for any party. This recipe is for pepperoni, but you can try other toppings, like mushrooms, sausage, and extra cheese, on other slices.
7. Birthday cake: the cake is usually the only food that the birthday child is concerned about. A homemade birthday cake is a great chance to get creative and add extra flavors and decorations.
8. Cupcakes: one of the best things about serving cupcakes at a birthday party is that there's no messy cutting and no one complains about not getting an end piece. Set out a few bowls with different color frosting and sprinkles so everyone can make their own.
Tips and Tricks
Once you've decided what to serve, the fun can start. Here are a few tips on how to make everything run smoothly:
- You may be tempted to plan the food around the theme of the party, but an easier way is to work the theme into the dishes. Having a superhero party? Put out small signs letting guests know that you are serving "Powerful Pizza" or "Super Smoothies." A princess theme? Try "Royal Wraps" and "Queenie Cupcakes."
- If the party is for younger children, the parents may be attending as well. Make sure you account for the grown-ups when deciding how much food to have.
- Before making any decisions about what to serve, find out if any of the kids attending the party have food allergies or dietary considerations. You don't want to send anyone home early with an allergy attack when you break out the peanut butter.
- Once you have the party planned, don't forget to ask for help. Moms and dads who are staying at the party are often happy to have a job to do instead of just sitting around watching the kids. They'll feel useful and you'll have a little less stress.
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