Life

Simple recipes to make right now — plus some that are perennial kid favourites

A roundup of quick and easy breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas — plus snacks cuz we need 'em.

A roundup of quick and easy breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas — plus snacks cuz we need 'em

(Photo: David Bagosy, Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

Sometimes there is so much going on, it's helpful to keep everything else as simple as humanly possible. With that in mind we did a deep dive of our recipe archives and surfaced some easy recipes, ones that allow you to make yourself something nice for dinner without feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen, including some kid-friendly picks. We didn't forget to throw in some delicious desserts and snacks to whip up too. Below are 21 recipes that are sure to make the table smile — whether breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Savoury Margherita Dutch Baby

This one-pan wonder is perfect for a quick supper. It's sort of a pizza pancake that's fun to make and serve.

(Photo: David Bagosy, Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

Skillet Lasagna with an Easy Everyday Tomato Sauce

A comfort food meal that's quick and easy.

(Photo: David Bagosy, Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

Beaton's Mac & Cheese

Make this quick, classic mac & cheese recipe for a meal with leftovers to spare.

A cast iron skillet with mac and cheese in it.
(Photography by Lindsay Anderson and Dana VanVeller)

Meat Lovers' Pizza

Once all your toppings are good to go, this meat pizza can be assembled and baked off in under half an hour.

Overhead shot of a circular pizza with meat, cheese and fresh basil on top. It's sitting on a wooden cutting board and one of its slices is next to it on a white plate. A pizza cutter and a bowl of Parmesan cheese are next to the pizza.
(Photo: David Bagosy, Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

Jamie Oliver's Jumbo Fish Fingers

Salmon coated in golden crispy breadcrumbs, the humble fish stick just got a freezer-friendly makeover. Small hands will love the chance to help with the breading.

(Photography by Jamie Oliver)

Vegetarian Meatloaf

Full of fibre, protein and most importantly flavour — it's the perfect weeknight dish.

Paneer Makhani

This dish is such a marvellous main — and it comes together quickly.

Closeup on a serving dish of paneer makhani. Pink and purple floral arrangements sit on the left and a plate of naan sits on the right.
(Photography by Betty Binon)

Thai-Style Chicken Laksa with Mildly Spiced Noodle Squash Broth

This dish is about using ingredients from your cupboard and creating something really special.

(Credit: David Loftus)

Kale Stem Pesto

This recipe is simple, easy and vegan too. Use this pesto to flavour soups, couscous, eggs or rice, to season meat, or simply swirl it into pasta.

(Photography by Leila Ashtari)

Fish and 'Chip' Sheet Pan Dinner

A sheet pan meal for four, no deep fryer necessary.

(Photo: David Bagosy; Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

Quiche Lorraine with Gruyère Cheese and Onions

A cheesy twist on a classic quiche lorraine is a twist we can get behind.

Overhead shot of a quiche made with bacon in a glass pie plate. It's sitting on a striped kitchen towel on top of a grey wooden table. A bowl of salad greens sits in the top left corner. Plates and forks sit in the bottom left corner.
(Photo: David Bagosy; Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

Sloppy Joes

The ultimate kid friendly dinner that will leave you feeling like you're back at summer camp.

Kid-Approved Taco Cups

Super healthy and ready in a snap, this dish is perfect for picky eaters.

Individual Baked Eggs

An easy breakfast your kiddos can make themselves.

Closeup on a child's hands using a spoon to scoop into a baked egg in a white ramekin.
(Credit: Kyla Zanardi)

Half-Made Homemade Penguin Cake

A kid-approved sweet that warms our hearts.

(Photo credit: Zac Williams)

Beef Barley 'Dragon' Soup

It's a hearty soup that's sure to be a hit with the kids; with plenty of veggies, it's incredibly nourishing and the alphabet pasta is fun to eat.

Nadiya's Apple Rocky Road

These squares were one of the first recipes Nadiya ever made with her kids. 

(Credit: Hungry Gap Productions Ltd.)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Say goodbye to chocolate chip cookies that turn out like hockey pucks.

Mardi Michels' Mixed Berry Galettes

The perfect kid-friendly pastry recipe (and no, that's not an oxymoron).

(Credit: Kyla Zanardi)

Buttermilk Pancakes

With tangy flavour and airy texture, these buttermilk pancakes are the ultimate; serve simply with butter and maple syrup.

(Photo: David Bagosy, Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Is there a better combo than rich, melty chocolate with fluffy banana bread? We think not — and these chocolate chip banana muffins back us up big time.

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

From life's little projects to its big questions; the latest in food, style, relationships, work and money, home, wellness, pets and travel delivered directly to your inbox each week.

...

The next issue of CBC Life Newsletter will soon be in your inbox.

Discover all CBC newsletters in the Subscription Centre.opens new window

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.