19 Mom’s Secret Recipes For Picky Eaters

Finally, some recipes that won’t leave you begging your little ones to take just one more bite. These 19 dishes are the product of years of mom ingenuity and a deep understanding of what makes picky eaters tick. With these recipes, you’ll be able to whip up meals that even the pickiest kid won’t be able to resist.

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When kids turn up their noses at traditional salads, introducing them with familiar flavors, like those found in Pizza Pasta Salad, can be a game changer. It combines the comfort of pizza with the ease of pasta in a way that’s sure to please. This is one dish that not only gets everyone to the table on time but keeps them coming back for seconds. Moms know it’s a clever way to sneak in some veggies.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Picky eaters can be quite the challenge, but Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is a recipe that meets them head-on. This comforting classic brings a familiar and enjoyable taste from a favorite restaurant into the home. It’s got that ‘made with love’ feel that only mom’s cooking can provide. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Transforming last night’s dinner into today’s lunch is a strategy many moms use, and Leftover Steak Quesadilla does just that. This meal turns surplus steak into something special and is particularly good at making sure nothing goes to waste. It’s quick, easy, and packs a flavorful punch for those with selective tastes. That’s practical magic in the kitchen, right there.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For the seafood lover in the house, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is a guaranteed hit. It replicates the creamy, indulgent experience that families can relish right at their dining table. It proves that mom’s version of restaurant favorites can be a huge win, even for the pickiest. This meal serves up comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s something timeless about a classic diner dish, and Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings that nostalgia home. It’s a tried-and-true meal that wins over picky eaters with its simple yet hearty approach. This dish is all about getting those plates cleaned without fuss. It’s the sort of meal that asks for a high five to the chef.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the biggest hits with kids; Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries is just that. It’s a bright and nutritious start to the day that even skeptical young eaters enjoy. It strikes a balance between sweetness and healthiness. This dish serves up a morning smile along with its wholesome goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

A closeup of Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup.`
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Nothing says ‘homemade’ like a warm bowl of soup, and Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup is as comforting as it gets. It’s a hug in a bowl for those days when even the pickiest eater needs a little coaxing. This recipe is mom’s secret weapon for cold days and picky palates. Plus, it’s a great way to make a meal feel like a gesture of love.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Repurposing leftovers is a crafty trick, and Leftover Steak Soft Tacos are the perfect encore. This dish breathes new life into the remains of a previous meal, making it exciting again. It’s a casual, hands-on dinner experience that encourages even picky eaters to dig in. Mom knows best when it comes to making leftovers feel like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When craving something snacky, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots steps up to the plate. This recipe turns an appetizer into a mouthwatering main dish that’s hard to resist. It’s a savvy way of getting picky eaters excited about mealtime. Every bite is a nod to mom’s creativity in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Moms looking to add a bit of diversity to the dinner rotation often reach for Chinese Chicken Salad. This dish offers a fantastic way to introduce new flavors in a familiar format. It’s a refreshing alternative to the routine and one that tends to win over skeptical diners. It’s an around-the-world trip without leaving the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots on parchment paper, topped with Alfredo cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of white sauce, placed on a dark rectangular slate plate.
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing together the best of two worlds, Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots is a union that picky eaters can get behind. This dish cleverly combines the heartiness of a cheesesteak with the fun of tots. It’s equal parts innovative and irresistible. Mom’s menu just got a little more adventurous.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Wild Rice Salad is a way to weave complex carbs into a meal without kicking up a fuss. It emphasizes nature’s own flavors and textures in a way that simple white rice can’t match. This is a dish that champions good eating habits without sacrificing taste. It’s mom’s answer to ‘what’s for a healthy side?’
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s a soul-warming quality to Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins that reminds everyone of grandma’s cooking. It’s one of those legendary recipes that succeeds where others fail, especially with picky young diners. This dish melds simplicity with flavor in a way that feels both new and deeply familiar. It’s old-fashioned comfort without the need for a time machine.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a touch of the exotic, Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a vibrant pick. This dish combines the appeal of fresh ingredients with an array of colors and textures that can intrigue even the most hesitant eater. It’s a way to take a mundane meal and inject it with the sunny taste of the Mediterranean. This salad is a testament to the variety that mom adds to the usual fare.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Striking a balance between sweet and delicious, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are a gateway to loving veggies. This dish takes a familiar side and turns it into something special. It’s a simple strategy for enhancing the dinner plate’s appeal. Moms leverage this recipe to brighten up the meal and the mood.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Moms know that Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is the double agent of the cooking world, combining fish with pasta for a no-complaints dinner. It’s a smart mix of nutrition and flavor in a form that’s familiar to kids. This dish is a strong ally in the quest to keep dinner time peaceful and pleasant. Not to mention, it’s a breeze to pull together on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a taste of Italian dining at home, Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers is a foolproof recipe. It brings a festival of flavors to the plate without intimidating the picky eater. It’s a hearty and rewarding option that’s as much fun to eat as it is to prepare. This is one of those meals where mom really knows what she’s doing.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs become a family favorite because they’re low effort with a high reward. This recipe allows for a set-it-and-forget-it approach that culminates in a delicious offering for dinner. It caters to those who are particular about texture and taste. Slow cooking is mom’s secret to infusing flavor without the rush.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When the family feels like indulging in some hearty cuisine, Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips does not disappoint. This dish is a representation of mom’s ability to recreate restaurant-quality meals at home. It’s one of those recipes that make everyone forget they’re picky in the first place. It’s home cooking with a twist of southern charm.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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