Game Over Leftovers: 21 Meals Kids Will Inhale

Let’s face it, getting kids to try new things can sometimes be a mission. This approach is our little secret weapon: It’s practical, reduces waste, and turns meal prep into an adventure. So, next time you’re staring down a fridge full of leftovers, remember it’s an opportunity to whip up something unexpectedly awesome.

Corn Casserole

A side dish that often steals the show. Creamy, sweet, and impossible to resist, it’s a guaranteed kid-pleaser. Corn casserole is the perfect way to elevate leftover corn into something special. Plus, it pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Hashbrown Casserole

It’s cheesy, it’s hearty, and it turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Hashbrown casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast or dinner. Kids love the crispy top layer and creamy inside. It’s a surefire hit for a family meal.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Scalloped Potatoes

They’re creamy, cheesy, and layered to perfection. Scalloped potatoes are a classic dish that’s all about comfort. It’s a side dish that often outshines the main course, especially with kids. Plus, it’s a great way to make a meal feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Turns a humble vegetable into a cheesy masterpiece. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a delicious way to sneak more veggies into your kid’s diet. With its creamy sauce and golden topping, it’s comfort food that packs a nutritious punch. A win-win for parents and kids alike.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

This Egg Casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings. It’s a make-ahead breakfast that’s loaded with flavor. Just pop it in the oven, and you’ve got a warm, hearty meal that the whole family will love. It’s customizable and a great way to start the day on a good note.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A healthier take on the classic that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna is packed with greens and cheese, making it a sneaky way to get kids to eat their veggies. Each layer is a delight, and it’s a great meal to have leftovers of. Comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Transform your leftover carrots into a sweet and savory side that kids can’t resist. The air fryer brings out their natural sweetness, making them a hit. Perfect for a quick addition to any meal, these glazed carrots promise to disappear from the plate in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Eggplant Casserole

Leftover eggplant? No problem. Turn it into a comforting casserole that’s both hearty and nutritious. It’s a great way to introduce eggplant to kids in a familiar and delicious context. This dish is a cozy meal idea for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Mississippi Mud Pie

It’s rich, chocolatey, and has a deliciously crumbly crust. Mississippi Mud Pie is a decadent dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. This pie is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion or just a special family treat. And it’s a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Egg Bites

Packed with protein, they’re a great way to start the day on a nutritious note. Egg bites are the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast for those mornings when time is a luxury. Kids love them because they’re fun to eat and customizable with their favorite add-ins. Plus, they make mornings a bit easier on everyone.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, dreamy twist on the classic that incorporates leftover pumpkin puree. It’s a guilt-free comfort food that packs in the nutrition while keeping things deliciously interesting for the kids.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Chickpea Nuggets

These nuggets are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a hit with kids and adults alike. Chickpea nuggets are a fantastic way to repurpose leftover chickpeas into something fun and kid-friendly. They’re perfect for dipping and packed with protein.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets

Waffles

They can be a sweet treat or a savory meal, depending on what you’ve got in the fridge. Waffles aren’t just for breakfast anymore. Kids can’t get enough of their crispy edges and fluffy insides. And let’s be honest, they’re pretty fun to make, too.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Leftovers get a plant-based makeover with these vegan chicken nuggets. Made from staple ingredients, they’re crispy, satisfying, and bound to be a favorite among kids. They offer a fantastic way to enjoy a familiar favorite while sticking to a plant-based diet.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Breakfast Potatoes

They’re savory, satisfying, and the perfect companion to eggs or on their own. Breakfast potatoes turn a simple ingredient into a morning feast. With a mix of spices, they’re a flavorful start to the day. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those leftover spuds.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potatoes

Breaded Mushrooms

Give those leftover mushrooms a crispy makeover with a breaded twist. They turn into a delicious snack or side dish that even the pickiest eaters will love. It’s a fun way to sneak in some veggies and perfect for dipping into your kids’ favorite sauces.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Pineapple Casserole

It’s a comfort dish that’s perfect for using up leftover bread and cheese. Pineapple casserole might sound unusual, but it’s a hit with kids thanks to its sweet and savory flavors. Surprise and delight at the dinner table are guaranteed with this one. A great way to introduce new flavors in a familiar format.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Easy Banana Pudding

This pudding is always a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas. Easy Banana Pudding is a no-fuss dessert that’s big on flavor. It’s creamy, sweet, and full of that classic banana taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

With a creamy filling and rich flavor, it’s a dessert that turns any meal into a celebration. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is a dream come true for peanut butter lovers. It’s surprisingly easy to make, which is a bonus. A real treat that brings smiles all around.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Think of waking up to the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls, made from dough leftovers. These sweet, fluffy treats are the perfect way to start a weekend morning. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, turning any ordinary breakfast into a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Hash Browns

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, they’re irresistible. Hash Browns are a breakfast staple that can easily become a favorite part of any meal. They’re versatile, easy to customize, and a hit with ketchup or as a side to just about anything. A simple pleasure that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns