Best Recipes for Picky Eaters (2024)

Weekly Whisks

  • Chocolate Blackout Cupcakes
  • Loaded Barbecue Chicken and Potato Casserole
  • Easy Pork Stir-Fry
  • Easy Mediterranean Chicken

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By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Created June 6, 2022

This collection of recipes is for the cooks who are trying to keep picky eaters well fed. Of course we know that every picky eater has their own tastes and preferences and what works for one, won’t necessarily work for another. At the same time, we believe in the wisdom of the parents, grandparents, husbands and wives who keep trying and have stumbled upon some successes along the way. So we’ve gathered up their recommended recipes in the hopes that you’ll find some dinner ideas for the picky eaters at your house.

As always, it’s your kitchen, your rules, so we encourage you to take the above recipes and customize them to fit your family’s tastes. And we hope you’ll come back and share your successes, like the home cooks quoted above have.

We know every family has their own tactics for dealing with their picky eater. One of our favorites is to try to turn pickiness into a learning opportunity. If your picky eater has a go-to meal, why not use the preparation of that meal as an opportunity to introduce them to cooking? It can be simple, just pick an age-appropriate task, like asking a little kid to help pull ingredients out of the pantry, an older child might be able to grate cheese, etc. Engaging kids in the preparation of a meal not only helps them develop some basic knowledge about cooking, it offers an opportunity to build positive associations with food and cooking, which may be even more important for kids who struggle at meal times and experience tension at the table. Of course we know that not all picky eaters are children, but who’s to say that helping out in the kitchen can’t benefit adult picky eaters too?

Do you have tactics or recipes for picky eaters? Share your suggestions below.

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Best Recipes for Picky Eaters (2024)

FAQs

What is a good dinner for picky eaters? ›

21 Best Recipes for Picky Eaters
  • Salisbury Steak. "I absolutely loved this recipe. ...
  • Chicken Enchiladas. "These enchiladas were AH-MAZING! ...
  • Crispy Parmesan-Ranch Chicken Breasts. ...
  • Baked Sweet Potato Fries. ...
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Baked Oatmeal. ...
  • Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. ...
  • Taco Salad. ...
  • Chicken & Dumplings.

What foods are good for picky eaters? ›

Healthy Foods for Picky Eaters
  • Banana "Ice Cream" ...
  • Fortified Breakfast Cereal. ...
  • Freeze-Dried Fruits. ...
  • Macaroni and Cheese. ...
  • PB&J Sandwich. ...
  • Pizza. ...
  • Smoothies. ...
  • Vegetable Burgers.
5 days ago

What is an extreme picky eater? ›

While picky eating is a common behavior among children, extreme picky eating can lead to nutrient deficiencies or poor growth. Extreme picky eating is a sign of PFD if a child displays some of the following characteristics: Extreme food selectivity: based on texture, color and taste.

What not to say to a picky eater? ›

To help your child develop a healthy relationship with food, avoid these four toxic phrases:
  • "You can have dessert after you eat your broccoli." ...
  • "If you're quiet, I'll give you a cookie." ...
  • "You have to take one more bite before you can say 'no. ...
  • "It would make me happy if you took three more bites."
Apr 22, 2023

What is the picky eater rule? ›

You may have heard it called the “one bite rule” or the “one polite bite” or the “no thank you bite” or the “try it bite”. Regardless of what you call it, it's the concept that a child (usually a picky eater) should take at least one bite of every food on their plate.

How to deal with extremely picky eaters? ›

The goal for feeding a picky eater should be to try new foods and to keep food from starting a battle.
  1. Share Responsibility. ...
  2. Offer a Variety of Age-Appropriate Foods. ...
  3. Limit High Calorie Drinks. ...
  4. Set a Meal Schedule. ...
  5. Make Meals Pleasant. ...
  6. Respect Eating Quirks. ...
  7. Avoid Being a Short Order Cook. ...
  8. Don't Always Offer Dessert.

What do picky eaters not like to eat? ›

While every kid is different, commonly refused foods include:
  • Odorous vegetables. ...
  • Seafood & Sushi. ...
  • Condiments. ...
  • Spicy Foods. ...
  • Sandwiches.
Nov 4, 2022

How to eat healthy on a budget with picky eaters? ›

Following are five tips for families of picky eaters.
  1. Create a meal schedule. ...
  2. Combine nutrients for snacks and meals. ...
  3. Look for brands with more balanced nutrition labels. ...
  4. Make a meal plan based on what your child will eat. ...
  5. Add some of your child's “safe” foods to family meals.
Mar 19, 2024

Is picky eating a symptom of ADHD? ›

Picky eating is common in children with ADHD — and as a parent, it's probably driving you crazy.

What age does picky eating peak? ›

Do remember that picky eating is often “developmentally normal.” Children across the globe go through a picky eating phase from about age 2 to about age 4.

What is the psychology of picky eaters? ›

Kids are so picky with food for several different reasons. The causes of picky eating can include sensitivity to smells or textures, anxiety, or fear of trying something new.

What food do picky eaters like? ›

For the most part, picky eaters stick to bland comfort foods like french fries, grilled cheese, toast, and crackers. They usually do OK with salty and sweet foods.

How do picky eaters lose weight? ›

Super picky eaters can lose weight by gradually introducing new foods into their diet, practising portion control, and incorporating physical activity into their routine. Customising a weight loss plan to their preferences is key.

What is food neophobia? ›

Food neophobia is generally regarded as the reluctance to eat, or the avoidance of, new foods. In contrast, 'picky/fussy' eaters are usually defined as children who consume an inadequate variety of foods through rejection of a substantial amount of foods that are familiar (as well as unfamiliar) to them.

How do you feed picky eaters on a budget? ›

Budget meal ideas for a picky eater?
  1. carbs.
  2. broccoli/cauliflower/carrots.
  3. pinto/refried beans.
  4. chicken, beef, pork, salmon, eggs.
  5. cheese (except blue cheese)
  6. dairy free milk.
  7. strawberries, blueberries, grapes, honey dew melons, bananas, watermelons and mangos.
Sep 20, 2023

What do picky eaters eat around the world? ›

People Are Sharing What A Common “Picky Eater Meal” Is In Their Country, And It's Fascinating
  • Japan: Omurice. pickledplum.com. ...
  • El Salvador: Fried Plantains and Refried Beans. ...
  • The Philippines: Tocino. ...
  • France: Croque Monsieur. ...
  • South Africa: Mieliepap. ...
  • Finland: Meatballs with Gravy and Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Korea: Gimbap. ...
  • Mexico: Migas.
Feb 4, 2021

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