Thanksgiving is all about family, fun, and delicious food — but let’s be honest, sometimes the little ones can be picky.
These 12 Thanksgiving dishes for kids are fun, tasty, and easy to eat.
They include mini versions of classic dishes, simple sides, and kid-approved desserts that will make the holiday meal more exciting for everyone at the table.
1. Mini Turkey Sliders
Bite-sized turkey sandwiches that are fun for kids to hold and eat.
Ingredients:
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Mini slider buns
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Sliced turkey
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Cheese slices
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Lettuce and mayo
Instructions:
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Layer turkey, cheese, and lettuce on slider buns.
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Warm in the oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
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Serve with ketchup or cranberry dip.
2. Mashed Potato Cups
Mashed potatoes baked in muffin cups for easy kid-friendly portions.
Ingredients:
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3 cups mashed potatoes
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½ cup shredded cheese
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1 egg
Instructions:
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Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, and egg.
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Spoon into greased muffin tin and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
3. Mac and Cheese Bites
Creamy mac and cheese turned into crispy, handheld bites.
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked mac and cheese
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½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
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Scoop mac and cheese into mini muffin cups.
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Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until golden.
4. Turkey-Shaped Veggie Tray
A healthy and playful veggie platter arranged like a turkey.
Ingredients:
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Carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips
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Ranch or hummus for dip
Instructions:
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Arrange veggies in a fan shape on a plate to form “feathers.”
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Use cucumber slices for the body and olive pieces for eyes.
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy, sweet, and perfect for dipping.
Ingredients:
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3 sweet potatoes, sliced into fries
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and cinnamon
Instructions:
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Toss fries in oil, salt, and cinnamon.
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Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes until crispy.
6. Mini Corn Dogs
Fun fair-style treats kids love.
Ingredients:
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1 package hot dogs, cut in halves
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1 cup cornbread mix
Instructions:
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Dip hot dog halves in cornbread batter.
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden.
7. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
A creamy, cheesy side dish packed with veggies.
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked rice
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1 cup steamed broccoli
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1 cup cheddar cheese
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½ cup milk
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients together.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
8. Cranberry Jello Cups
Sweet and wobbly cranberry treats kids will love.
Ingredients:
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1 box strawberry or cranberry Jello mix
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½ cup cranberry juice
Instructions:
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Prepare Jello as directed, replacing part of the water with cranberry juice.
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Chill in small cups until firm.
9. Turkey-Shaped Sandwiches
Adorable sandwiches cut into turkey shapes using cookie cutters.
Ingredients:
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Bread slices
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Turkey deli meat
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Cheese slices
Instructions:
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Use turkey-shaped cookie cutters to cut bread and cheese.
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Assemble and decorate with veggie eyes or olive slices.
10. Mini Pumpkin Pies
Tiny pies that fit perfectly in little hands.
Ingredients:
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1 pie crust
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup sugar
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1 egg
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½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
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Cut small circles from crust and place in a muffin tin.
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Mix filling and pour into crusts.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
11. Apple Slices with Caramel Dip
A healthy, sweet snack with a fun dip.
Ingredients:
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Apple slices
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Caramel sauce or yogurt dip
Instructions:
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Slice apples and arrange them on a platter.
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Serve with caramel or yogurt dip in a small bowl.
12. Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats
Festive marshmallow treats shaped like turkeys or pumpkins.
Ingredients:
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3 tbsp butter
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4 cups mini marshmallows
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6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions:
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Melt butter and marshmallows in a pan.
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Stir in cereal and mix well.
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Shape into small turkey or pumpkin forms using cookie cutters.
These 12 Thanksgiving dishes for kids are simple, fun, and sure to bring smiles to the little ones at the table.
From mini pies to turkey-shaped snacks, each recipe makes Thanksgiving more exciting for children while keeping prep easy for parents.
