Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (August 21 – 27)

As back-to-school season looms, it’s important to soak up as much quality time with your family as possible before summer ends. To make sure it goes smoothly, we’ve rounded up seven kid-friendly dinners to cook this week that are simple, seasonal and picky eater-proof. Read on for ideas, ranging from tater tot nachos to breakfast for dinner. 

Pair a green main with cheese-encrusted bread and suddenly, it’s kid-friendly. The cold soup is vegetarian and no-cook, so it comes together in the blender in a flash while the Asiago baguette for dipping bakes to gooey perfection.

Spaghetti, chicken breast, tomatoes and melty mozz—all your kids’ safe bets in one main. If they can’t get behind store-bought pesto, feel free to substitute marinara sauce or vodka sauce, or go a plainer route with butter or garlic and oil.

OK, so blue cheese crema might be too adventurous for some little ones out there. But if you serve it on the side (or let them drizzle it on themselves), these tacos will be right up their alley. You can also substitute ranch dressing, sour cream or store-bought queso.

This zesty, savory entree is only seven ingredients away. The thighs are so versatile that they can be served with greens, white rice, orzo salad, buttered noodles and just about any other vegetable or grain under the sun.

Because we know you’ve been looking for an excuse to have fries for dinner. These tots are topped with red onion, two types of cheese, scallions, cilantro, avocado and all the fixings. If chorizo is too spicy for your little ones, substitute ground beef, ground turkey or grilled chicken.

Before they turn down their plate, remind them that this heirloom tomato tart is not too different from pizza. Store-bought puff pastry is slathered with garlic-herb ricotta before being topped with the prettiest produce of the season. 

Pro tip: You can *never* go wrong with breakfast for dinner when it comes to picky kids. They’re basically guaranteed to ask for seconds of this eight-ingredient, beginner-friendly spin on French toast, starring pillowy soft rolls instead of challah or white bread. Serve with scrambled eggs for a protein boost.