16 Cheesy Dinner Recipes Kids Will Actually Finish and Love

Are you tired of throwing away uneaten meals? Do you want to make dinner time a happy and stress-free experience for your kids? You’re searching for meals that kids will eat, dishes that won’t be wasted, and recipes that are easy to make.

We’ve got you covered with our list of 16 cheesy dinner recipes that kids will love, including cheesy chicken quesadillas and creamy pasta bakes.

These yummy meals are perfect for kids of all ages and are easy to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. Your kids will be asking for seconds, and you’ll be happy to serve them!

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas are a kid-friendly dish with shredded chicken and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 large tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the chicken breast to the skillet and cook until it is fully cooked and shredded.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Place one of the large tortillas in the skillet and sprinkle half of the chicken and cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
6. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Repeat the process with the second tortilla and the remaining chicken and cheese mixture.
9. Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy macaroni and cheese baked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and whisk to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
7. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
8. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
9. Top with additional grated cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake

A classic comfort food dish with a delicious blend of pasta, broccoli, and cheese.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cheese sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Steam the broccoli florets until tender.
4. In a large saucepan, combine the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce.
5. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and dried basil.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with additional mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Ham and Cheese Frittata

A delicious breakfast or dinner option, ham and cheese frittata is a kid-friendly meal.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onion and bell peppers until tender.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and season with salt and pepper.
4. Add diced ham and shredded cheese to the bowl and mix well.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the sautéed onion and bell peppers in the skillet.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the eggs are set.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cheesy Taco Casserole

A delicious and easy-to-make casserole filled with ground beef, cheese, and tacos.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 8-10 taco shells
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 cup of shredded lettuce
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the taco seasoning to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Arrange half of the taco shells in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Spoon the ground beef mixture over the taco shells.
6. Top with diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and black beans.
7. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining taco shells, then the ground beef mixture, and finally the cheese.
8. Pour the milk over the top of the casserole.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and top with shredded lettuce.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken and Cheese Sliders

Tasty chicken and cheese sliders perfect for kids’ meals.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices of cheese
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup of sliced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
2. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
3. Brush the grill or grill pan with olive oil and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble the sliders by spreading mayonnaise on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked chicken strip, a slice of cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
6. Place the top bun on the slider and serve immediately.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

A classic comfort food, creamy tomato pasta is a kid-friendly dish made with penne pasta and a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the cherry tomatoes, cooking until they release their juices.
3. Add the canned diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the cherry tomatoes.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce, tossing to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

Roasted Veggie Cheese Pizza

A delicious and healthy pizza recipe featuring roasted vegetables and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1 cup roasted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, onions)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza crust and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Spread the roasted vegetables over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the vegetables.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the pizza and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cheesy Meatball Subs

Cheesy Meatball Subs are a kid-friendly twist on a classic Italian dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Use hands to mix the ingredients until just combined.
4. Form the mixture into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
6. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
7. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
8. Slice the sub rolls in half and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
9. Assemble the subs by placing a few meatballs on each roll, followed by a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
10. Place the subs under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Breakfast for Dinner Cheese Omelets

Quick and easy cheese omelets perfect for a fun dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork.
2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat and add the butter.
4. Once the butter has melted, pour in the eggs.
5. Let the eggs cook until the edges start to set.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over half of the omelet.
7. Use a spatula to gently fold the other half of the omelet over the cheese.
8. Cook for another minute, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through.
9. Slide the omelet out of the pan and serve hot.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Creamy spinach and cheese filled pasta shells baked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
3. In a blender, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg, blend until smooth.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach and cheese mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce and more mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Chicken Cheese and Veggie Kabobs

Colorful kabobs with chicken, cheese, and veggies make a fun meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast
• 1 cup mixed veggies
• 1 cup cheese cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken, veggies, and cheese onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
4. Grill for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cheesy Beef Tacos

Tacos filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 8-10 taco shells
• Salsa and sour cream for topping

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent.
3. Add the taco seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted.
6. Warm the taco shells according to the package instructions.
7. Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into the taco shells.
8. Top with salsa and sour cream.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

A comforting casserole made with mashed potatoes, cheese, and a crispy topping.

Ingredients

• 3-4 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with milk and butter.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
4. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange a layer of mashed potatoes.
5. Top the potatoes with the cheese mixture and crushed crackers.
6. Repeat the layers one more time, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

A creamy and satisfying casserole perfect for kids.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound cooked chicken, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions using chicken broth.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Soup

A classic comfort food combination that kids love, grilled cheese sandwiches paired with a warm bowl of soup.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 1-2 slices of cheese
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 2 cups of chicken or tomato soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a pan over medium heat.
3. Place one or two slices of cheese on top of the bread in the pan.
4. Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the cheese.
5. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the sandwich over and cook the other side until it is also golden brown.
7. Serve the grilled cheese sandwich with a warm bowl of chicken or tomato soup.

Conclusion

You’ll love watching your kids devour these cheesy dinners! Take Emma, a picky 7-year-old who finished an entire cheesy chicken quesadilla in one sitting – a miracle for her mom! With these recipes, you’ll have a house full of happy, full tummies and requests for seconds.