It happens every year. Summer wraps up, and before you know it, the holiday season is around the corner, and we’re all working on planning our gatherings and festive family celebrations. Getting your kiddos involved with prep in the kitchen is a great way to keep them occupied and feeling like they’re a part of the holiday magic. Older toddlers (think 3-5-year-olds) can help mix simple ingredients, press cookie cutters, or tear and snap the ends of veggies. The 6-9-year-olds can do various helpful tasks like cracking eggs, measuring ingredients, prepping fruits and vegetables, and even juicing citrus. At the same time, the big kids (10+) can sauté, slice, chop, and even use the oven. Try some of these simply delicious recipes for the holiday season, from brekky bakes to crafty confectionery and twists on traditional dishes.

 

Whip Up This Festive Breakfast Bake to Feed the Whole Family

During the holidays, no one wants to feel like a short-order cook in the morning, especially if you have family visiting and a few extra mouths to feed. We’re big fans of the ease of a large format breakfast casserole, and this colorful and delicious Breakfast Strata is a surefire hit. It’s packed with veggies (hello, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, and fresh basil) and has sausage, too, for a protein boost. Your mini culinary crew can help crack and whisk eggs, tear or cube the bread, and then help to pour the ingredients into a baking dish ready for the oven.

Photo Credit: PARKER FEIERBACH | Delish

 

Dig Into a Decadent Casserole You Can Prep the Night Before 

French toast fans are in for a treat as this delicious family-style Raspberry-Croissant French Toast Casserole combines buttery store-bought croissants with fresh berries and a cream cheese filling. Gather your little helpers the night before and prep your layers of pastry and raspberries before soaking it all in an egg, milk, honey, vanilla, and salt mixture. Pop the entire dish in the fridge overnight and then bake in the oven as everyone is rising for holiday festivities in the morning. It’s a simple dish that more than delivers on presentation and oh-so-good flavor.

 

Try This Kid-Friendly Twist on a Classic Holiday Side

 

 

Roll Up the Bird for a Stress-Free Main Course

For a lot of us, hosting a large group and making a giant turkey for the holidays still may not be a reality this year. That’s why the genius of a Turkey Roulade saves the day for a stress-free (and dare we say, seriously delicious) main course. Turkey lovers still get their tradition, and you can roast up this dish in a couple of hours vs. the all-day affair of a bigger bird. Little helpers can stir and combine the stuffing (soaked figs, cranberries, sausage, and breadcrumbs), while the big kids can try their hand at rolling the turkey breast before it hits the oven.

 

 

These Mini Christmas Trees Are Not Your Average Rice Krispie Treat

If you’re looking for an activity that feels like crafting but just happens also to be edible, then you’re in luck with these Marshmallow Krispie-Christmas Trees. Prep a table or kitchen island with your ingredients and let the fam get creative with decorating. The rice Krispie mixture receives a few drops of green food dye, and the kids can help mold it into cone-shaped trees. Then, with the help of frosting and candies, you’ll add the final touches of garland, lights, and a chocolate trunk. If you plan on gifting these in cellophane bags tied with twine, be sure to let the frosting fully dry for 2-3 hours first.

 

 

These Make-In-Bulk Candies Are Perfect for Holiday Gifting

If you’re not confident in the baking department (or honestly just don’t have the time), these sweet little M&M Pretzel Hugs are seriously easy with only three ingredients. They’re delightfully Christmassy and make a wonderful gift for friends, family, or your kiddo’s teachers. Your littles can lay out the pretzels in lines on a large baking sheet, and then, once the Hershey kisses are slightly soft from 2-3 mins in the oven, can gently press in the M&M’s in the center for the final touch. Don’t forget to pop the trays into the fridge so they can harden before you box them up.