Keep the kids away from your jalapeno poppers or super-saucy buffalo wings with this collection of winning recipes.

Mac and Cheese Cups

via Damn Delicious

Pint-sized servings make this irresistible take on the ultimate kid food that much more shareable. Bonus points for a little portion control, too.  

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbows pasta

  • 2 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs

  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup milk

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Total time: 55 minutes

Makes 12 servings

For the full recipe, click here. 

The Pizza Play

via Food Network

This main dish combines a playful aesthetic with store-bought ease. Score! 

Ingredients:

  • Frozen cheese pizza

  • Pepperonis

  • String cheese

  • Chopped spinach or herbs

Total time: 20 minutes

Makes 4-8 child-size servings 

For the full recipe, click here. 

Individual Seven Layer Dip Cups

via Six Sisters Stuff

We love how this flexible recipe allows busy parents to pick and choose which ingredients to make from scratch and which to just grab at the store. 

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces refried beans (canned or homemade)

  • 1 package taco seasoning

  • 2 cups guacamole (store-bought or homemade)

  • 8 ounces sour cream 

  • 2 cups salsa or pico de gallo (jarred or homemade)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 2 tomatoes, diced 

  • 1/2 bunch of green onions, sliced

  • 2.25 ounce can of sliced olives, drained

  • 9 ounce plastic tumblers

  • Tortilla chips or veggies for dipping 

Total time: 30 minutes

Serves 8

For the full recipe, click here. 

Kid-Friendly Football Fruit Dip

Sneak in some nutrition with a tempting combo of fruit and dip. Serve dip in a football shaped bowl for extra style points. 

via Chef Mom

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces skim-milk ricotta cheese

  • 8 ounces Neufchatel cheese

  • 3 tablespoons honey or more to taste

Total time: 5 minutes

Makes about 2 cups of dip 

For the full recipe, click here. 

Football Rice Crispy Treats

Cute meets tasty in this fun twist on classic treats. 

via Divine Lifestyle

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 10 ounces marshmallows

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (you can skip this or use Nutella)

  • 6 cups Cocoa Rice Krispies® (no knockoff brands)

  • Tube of white frosting

Total time: 30 min

Serves 12

For the full recipe, click here.