Now Is the Time to Cook with Kids (And 5 Recipes to Use)

These are unprecedented times. Due to COVID-19, many of us are experiencing significant disruptions to our everyday lives: Schools and daycares are closed, restaurants and coffee shops are shuttered, events are canceled. And, along with many of you, our team at America’s Test Kitchen is working from home, in the company of our spouses, partners, and kids.

One way to regain a sense of normalcy in these uncertain times? Cook or bake with your kids. You’ll spend quality time together, away from any screens. You’ll feel good about what you’re doing, what you’re teaching your kids, and what they’re learning through osmosis—there is a great deal of science, math, and even social studies inherent in cooking. Plus you’ll end up with something delicious to eat. In this article, we've collected five of our favorite pantry-friendly recipes to get you started—a mix of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sweets.

And there’s lots more where those came from: You can now access our entire library of 150+ kid-tested and kid-approved recipes, experiments, hands-on activities, and quizzes for free. Show us what you and your kids make by sending photos to kids@americastestkitchen.com or tagging us on social media at #atkkids. You'll also find even more home-cooking resources from America's Test Kitchen, updated daily, on this page. 

A simple, satisfying (and vegetarian) dinner for the whole family. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce means more flavor and fewer dishes. Everyone wins! [GET THE RECIPE]

What You’ll Need:2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 onion1 teaspoon salt4 garlic cloves,1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes¼ teaspoon sugar3¾ cups penne pasta3 cups water¼ cup chopped fresh basilGrated Parmesan cheese

Brining the chicken for just 30 minutes not only seasons it inside and out, it also makes the meat especially tender. If you have fresh parsley and cilantro on hand, make the Chimichurri Sauce—and save any extra to drizzle on eggs, veggies,and more. Leftover chicken is perfect for sandwiches, salads, tacos, or a Buffalo Chicken Lavash Flatbread. (If you’re starting with frozen chicken breasts, thaw them first.)[GET THE RECIPE]

What You’ll Need:2 quarts water½ cup table salt4 (6- to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts¼ teaspoon pepper2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Breakfast tacos aren’t just for breakfast—they’re great for quick, filling lunches and dinners, too. And there’s lots of flexibility in this recipe. No scallions? Omit them. Vegetarian? Skip the bacon. No Monterey Jack in the house? Cheddar is a great swap. [GET THE RECIPE]

What You’ll Need:4 large eggs⅛ teaspoon saltPinch pepper1 slice bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces1 scallion, sliced thin4 (6-inch) flour or corn tortillas½ cup tomato salsa (jarred or homemade)¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese1 lime, cut into wedges

Got any ripe bananas hanging around? Turn them into a loaf of banana bread for tomorrow morning’s breakfast or this afternoon’s snack. If you’re feeling fancy, dress up your loaf with chocolate chips or toasted nuts. [GET THE RECIPE]

What You’ll Need:Vegetable oil spray2 cups all-­purpose flour¾ teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt3 very ripe bananas ¾ cup sugar2 large eggs6 tablespoons unsalted butter¼ cup plain yogurt1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Let them eat cake—without turning on the oven! This recipe makes two individual gooey, chocolaty cakes in the microwave. We love making them for movie nights or a sweet afternoon snack. [GET THE RECIPE]

What You’ll Need:¼ cup all-purpose flour½ teaspoon baking powder4 tablespoons unsalted butter3 tablespoons bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips2 large eggs¼ cup sugar2 tablespoons cocoa powder1 teaspoon vanilla extract⅛ teaspoon salt

For more tips on cooking and baking with kids, check out these articles:

• 5 Ways to Spend Quality Time with Kids in the Kitchen
• Safety Tips for Kids in the Kitchen
• 7 Essential Techniques All Kid Cooks Should Learn