Do you have a preteen that loves spending time in the kitchen? Start off their solo cooking career with these yummy recipes that they'll be able to master in a flash.
31 Recipes Teens Should Know by Heart
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
1/31
Cheesy Quesadillas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 111 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
2/31
Pigs in a Blanket
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. —Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 sandwiches: 516 calories, 39g fat (12g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
3/31
Lunch Box Pizzas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 94 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
4/31
Ranch Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
5/31
Chocolate Cinnamon Toast
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 slice
From the Recipe Creator:
You might want to sit down for this one. Cinnamon bread gets topped with chocolate and fresh berries, then toasted in a skillet. That's real love. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without fruit): 235 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
6/31
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 106 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fruit.
7/31
Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy these frozen yogurt pops because they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 60 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
8/31
Easy Chili Mac
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 422 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
9/31
Pepperoni Rolls
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is a fast recipe that always goes over well at my house. Each bite has gooey melted cheese and real pizza flavor. Try serving them with pizza sauce for dipping. —Debra Purcell, Safford, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 roll-ups: 282 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
10/31
Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Cinnamon Honey Syrup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great breakfast for special days, but it mixes up so fast that it's perfect for busy mornings as well. —LeeAnn Hansen, Kaysville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes with 1/4 cup syrup: 702 calories, 33g fat (15g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 1003mg sodium, 99g carbohydrate (64g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
11/31
Cherry Fruit Smoothies
Total Time
5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You need just four ingredients to blend together these super-fast smoothies for breakfast. Try whipping them up on a hot summer day for a cool and refreshing treat. —Macy Plummer, Avon, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 160 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
12/31
Super Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heat up your indoor grill to make these ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwich recipes. They're delicious served with soup! —Debbie Murray, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 430 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1094mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
13/31
Spinach Tortellini Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple tomato-enhanced broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 164 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
14/31
Blueberry Graham Dessert
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you're short on time but long for cheesecake, try this fruity dessert. Ricotta and cream cheeses give every bit as much flavor as cheesecake without the effort. Instead of making individual servings, you could layer the ingredients in a glass serving bowl. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 430 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
15/31
Turkey Wafflewiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who knew sandwiches could be so fun? This medley from our Test Kitchen will bring smiles to the whole table with its fantastic taste and whimsical fun. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 407 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1179mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
16/31
Mini Chocolate Wafer Cakes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made these cakes for a friend when I lived in the dorms at college and had no access to appliances. Little did I know I would be making them 20 years later for my children! —Lara Pennell, Mauldin, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake: 251 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/31
Turkey Club Sandwich with Chipotle
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re crazy for turkey club sandwiches. A nearby roadside stand carries gorgeous tomatoes every summer. We load up, then stuff our sandwiches with the usual suspects, plus smoked turkey and cheese. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 416 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1265mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
18/31
Pork Chili
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband usually tries to avoid spending time in the kitchen, but he'll frequently offer to prepare this easy chili. Of course, he always eagerly serves as taste tester! —Linda Temple, St. Joseph, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 208 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
19/31
Dogs in a Sweater
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a new twist on an old favorite, try these skewered hot dogs wrapped with breadstick dough and baked. They're fun to dip in ketchup, mustard or ranch dressing. The dressed-up dog recipe comes kid-tested from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 257 calories, 16 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 751 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, General Number g fiber, 8 g protein.
20/31
Pizza Sandwich
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I give grilled cheese a special treatment by using slices of mozzarella cheese and adding delicious extras like pepperoni and fresh tomatoes. Dipped in warm pizza sauce, this will be a fast favorite! —Mary Monaco, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 495 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1121mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
21/31
Refried Bean Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 tostadas
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace, you can substitute purchased tostada shells for tortillas or add more lettuce and use taco salad shells. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 588 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 1250mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 19g protein.
22/31
Cream Cheese & Chive Omelet
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first bite of creamy filling lets you know this isn’t any old omelet. Make it once, and we suspect you’ll be fixing it often. —Anne Troise, Manalapan, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 omelet: 305 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 455mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
23/31
Tomato Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
24/31
Granola Trail Mix
Total Time
5 min
Servings
11 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has always enjoyed this crunchy four-ingredient snack. When we go camping, each person includes one additional ingredient like mini marshmallows, corn chips or cookie pieces. The taste is never the same, and we're often surprised by the combinations. —Shelley Riddlespurger, Amarillo, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 331 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
25/31
Garlic-Cheese Flatbread
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flatbread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 146 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
26/31
Homemade Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
27/31
Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 526 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
28/31
Chunky Applesauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
There's just something extra special about a homemade applesauce recipe like this one. This simple dish is tart and not too sweet. It makes the perfect side, especially with pork chops or a pork roast. —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 157 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 3g fiber), 0 protein.
29/31
Cake Mix Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It's one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 113 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
30/31
Hot Cheese Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy recipe to make for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 201 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
31/31
Chocolate-Hazelnut Banana Crepes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is a simple and delicious treat featuring a thin, tender crepe stuffed with a creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread and bananas lightly sauteed in brown sugar and butter. It tastes elegant but takes so little effort. —Cathy Hall, Lyndhurst, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled crepe: 208 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
