Recipes: 10 Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

When I hear Thanksgiving, I am excited by the idea of letting loose and shamelessly eating piles of turkey, stuffing, pies, cranberry mold, and all those delicious Thanksgiving plates we slave over every year. However, I’ve noticed that many kids gravitate towards the bowl of pasta that is made for them and passed around the table.

This Thanksgiving menu will hopefully get them out of their “plain-foods-only box” and enjoy the tasty seasonal meal they deserve.

Editor’s note: To further get in the giving spirit this Thanksgiving & holiday season, click HERE to learn about local opportunities to give back by volunteering!

Sparkling Apple Cider
While the grown-ups enjoy wine, the kids' table can enjoy this special Thanksgiving non-alcoholic drink with their meals. Who knows, maybe you'll even pour a glass for yourself! Photo & recipe via echoesoflaughter.ca
Caramelized Brussel Sprouts & Carrots
I find that sometimes all it takes for kids to enjoy eating their veggiesis to add a little bit of sugar. Try caramelizing your brussels sprouts and carrots this Thanksgiving, and watch as your kids gobble them up like candy. Recipe & photo via amberzondotcom
Mashed Cauliflower
This cauliflower mash is one of my favorite culinary tricks to play on kids. Substitute cauliflower for potatoes, and kids won't know they're secretly eating veggies! Recipe & photo via pauladeen.com
Cranberry Marble Mold
My grandmother, Carol, used to make the most delicious cranberry mold for Thanksgiving. It was so good, my cousins and I would often fight over it. Recipe and photo via food.com
Mini Citrus "Pumpkins"
These cute clementine pumpkins will make for a great centerpiece at your Thanksgiving meal. Also, peeling them apart is a great way to keep the kids busy while you eat! Recipe & photo via marthastewart.com
Honey Baked Acorn Squash
Grab your cookie cutters and turn the average acorn squash into a fun treat for the kids! These honey baked acorn squash cut outs are sure to be a favorite for Thanksgiving and beyond. Recipe & photo via passthefresh.com
Stuffin' Muffins
Try putting your traditional stuffing into some cupcake liners. Watch as kids unfold a new treat that you have secretly been making for years! Recipe & photo via supermoms360.com
Mini Green Bean Casserole Cups
One of the best ways to get kids to eat things is making them into something they can wrap their littler fingers around. These mini green been casserole cups will make beans seem like a treat. Photo & recipe via foodfamilyfinds.com
Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk
Try making this deliciously creamy pumpkin soup made with coconut milk from the chefs at the downtown Miette Culinary Studio on Mulberry Street. It makes a great side dish for Thanksgiving that the kids are sure to love! Ingredients: 1 medium onion cut into small dice; 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger; 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree; 1 (14 ounce) can of full fat coconut milk; 2 cups of homemade or good quality vegetable stock; 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon medium spiced curry powder; Generous pinch of kosher salt Method: In a medium saucepan over medium heat add the butter and then the onions. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally. Once the onions begin to become translucent add theginger and stir it in to incorporate. When you smell the ginger becoming fragrant add all the dried spices and stir. Then add the pumpkin and coconut milk. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Recipe courtesy of Miette Culinary Studio for Otterbox
Cherry Pie Pops
What better way to end your Thanksgiving meal than with these adorable cherry pie pops. My only warning is to track how many you steal from your kids. These pops are sure to be addicting for both adults and children! Recipe & photo via cookingwithsugar.com