82 Kids Birthday Party Food Ideas

Amazing Mac & Cheese Pizza

I love pizza, and I love macaroni and cheese. After lots of experimenting, I figured out a wonderful way to combine the two. The pizza is a big hit among my colleagues, friends and family! —Martha Muellenberg, Vermillion, South Dakota

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Read up on these ideas for a superhero birthday party.

Birthday Cake Fudge

This decadent birthday cake fudge is the perfect thing to make your big day special. It makes a wonderful alternative to those who aren’t crazy about cake. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Fill out your party agenda with these fun birthday party games for kids of all ages and check out the top store-bought cakes.

Bacon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes

Turkey and bacon give the classic sloppy joe a tasty new spin. I serve it almost every other week! —Janine Smith, Columbia, South Carolina

Easy Chicken Strips

I came up with these crispy strips one night when I was looking for a fast new way to serve chicken. The crushed cornflakes really take it to the next level. They make delightful appetizers, especially when served with barbecue or sweet-and-sour sauce for dunking. —Crystal Sheckles-Gibson, Beespring, Kentucky

Slow-Cooker Monkey Bread

I often take this slow-cooker monkey bread to parties—children and adults love it! The rum extract is optional and is easily omitted. —Lisa Leaper, Worthington, Ohio

Cake Batter Ice Cream

It’ll feel like your birthday came early when you bite into this quick dessert. The crunch of the rainbow sprinkles adds a great texture to the birthday cake-flavored ice cream. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

Taco Pasta Casserole

Taco and pasta come together in this hearty taco pasta casserole filled with nourishing ingredients like taco-seasoned ground beef, loads of shredded cheddar cheese and al dente pasta.

BB-8 Cake

This BB-8 cake is easy to assemble and decorate. A cake mix gives you a jump-start so you can spend more time arranging the decorations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Delightful, isn’t it? Check out more fun food ideas to jazz up the table.

Taco Mac

This taco mac and cheese recipe is a match made in food heaven. You'll only use six simple ingredients, from bulk pork sausage to cheesy pasta shells and taco seasoning. Dinner will be whipped up in only 30 minutes.

Ice Cream Tacos

Ice Cream Tacos look just like the real thing—but they're stuffed with chocolate ice cream and topped with cherries and coconut instead of tomatoes and lettuce. These are as much fun to make as to eat. —Karen Oney, Fort Worth, Texas

Bacon Cheeseburger Buns

This is a fun way to serve bacon cheeseburgers without all the fuss of assembling the sandwiches to serve a gang. These convenient packets can be dipped into ketchup or barbecue sauce as you eat them. —Marjorie Miller, Haven, Kansas

Baby Shark Cake

It doesn't take much to add a fun theme to a birthday party. This delightfully decorated baby shark cake, plus a few colorful frills, will bring the theme to life. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chicken Bites with Apricot Sauce

Satisfying a hungry crowd is simple with these oven-baked morsels. The bite-sized chicken pieces are served with an incredibly easy sauce that combines apricot preserves and mustard. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Redondo Beach, California

Mac ‘N’ Cheese Soup

I came across this recipe a few years ago and made some changes to suit my family's tastes. Because it starts with packaged macaroni and cheese, it's ready in a jiffy. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio

Slushy Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad can take some time to prepare and needs last-minute assembly. That's why I often rely on this make-ahead frozen fruit salad when entertaining a crowd. —Judy McHone, Springfield, Illinois

Kool-Aid Pickles

Kool-Aid pickle are an essential summer treat in the South. Here's how to make a batch of Koolickles!

Puppy Dog Cake

Just a glance at this tasty canine confection is bound to get guests' stomachs growling! This cake is surprisingly simple to prepare, too. You can easily "groom" this baked treat into a pooch by adding chocolate and a fruit snack to make a friendly face. —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia

Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

For a new spin on a classic casserole, try my easy version. For a fun twist, just add your family’s favorite pizza toppings! —Sharon Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Oreo Rice Krispies Treats

These Oreo Rice Krispies Treats are chewy on the inside with a crispy, crunchy cookie top. Not only are they tasty, but the crumbled cookies make for a sweet presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Gluten-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches

These chilly gluten-free ice cream sandwiches are perfect for hot, sunny days. The gluten-free chocolate cookie is so tasty you could eat it plain…but you won't want to miss out on the ice cream! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mini Burgers with the Works

I started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont

Discover more tasty birthday dinner ideas.

Marshmallow Fruit Dip

You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Here are a few spring birthday party recipes that everyone will love.

Unicorn Cake

This magical unicorn cake tastes as good as it looks. Baking in smaller pans creates impressive height, and a few simple decorating tricks turn it into a showstopping dessert. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa

Homemade Pizza

When you want something better than takeout that’s still simple to make, a homemade pizza is the answer.

Princess Toast

I made these sparkly treats for my daughter's Brownie troop and they're great for princess parties. Sometimes I use lemon curd in place of the jam. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Speaking of princesses, learn how to plan a princess party for your little royal!

Sloppy Joe Dogs

There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all! —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

Magic Wands

These fun and colorful wands don't need to be made by a magician to be magical. You can change the colors to fit any party theme. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota

Cola Burgers

A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. -Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania

Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich Minis

My husband absolutely loves ice cream sandwiches and snickerdoodles, so I combined them into one fun treat. Here’s how we build this cool dessert. —Heather Pilon, Winslow, Maine

Taco Pinwheels

Extra taco meat makes these appealing appetizers easy to assemble. I add the seasoned meat to a cream cheese mixture and roll it up in tortillas. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Root Beer Cookies

When it's too difficult to take along root beer floats on a picnic, take these cookies instead! I've found the flavor is even better the next day. The hard part is convincing my family to wait that long before sampling them.—Violette Bawden, West Valley City, Utah

Aloha Pizza

This pizza came together on the fly. I had to take something to a gathering, but had no time to shop. I raided the fridge for inspiration and discovered this happy combo. —Wendy Huffman, Bloomington, Illinois

Fair-Favorite Corn Dogs

Bring the county fair home to your kitchen with these corn dogs. A tip for dipping: Pour the batter into a tall Mason jar and dunk your dogs for an even all-over coating. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Chances are, serving these ice cream cone cupcakes to kids will create a core memory for them. They mimic the look of a cone of ice cream but—surprise!—are filled with all the delicious components of a cupcake.

Trail Mix Slices

With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of treats you can take anywhere.—Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey

Chicken Fries

Kid-friendly and quick, these crunchy oven-baked chicken fries are coated with a mixture of crushed potato chips, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip them in ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or honey-mustard sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Vanilla Ice Cream Cake

For my kids' birthdays, I like to top this ice cream birthday cake with jimmies. —Becky Herges, Fargo, North Dakota

Nutty Rice Krispie Cookies

My mom and I used to prepare these Rice Krispie cookies for Christmas every year. Making them with just the microwave means they're super easy and fun to mix with the kids. —Savanna Chapdelaine, Orlando, Florida

Frozen Banana Cereal Pops

When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

Chocolate-Glazed Doughnut Cookies

My little nieces love to help decorate these doughnut-shaped cookies. They top them with sprinkles, chopped pecans or crushed candy canes. —Jolie Stinson, Marion, Indiana

Chili Dog Pizza

My girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri

Rainbow Cupcakes

I’ve been making these colorful cupcakes with my mom since I was in high school. The cheery sweets are as fun to make as they are to eat. —Tammy Quinn, Lynden, Ontario

Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad

Want a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin

Cereal & Milk Ice Cream Sandwiches

Go ahead and buy those sweet cereals you normally stay away from. This is dessert! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Deluxe Walking Nachos

This slow-cooked potluck chili makes an awesome filling for a little bag of walk-around nachos. Cut the bag lengthwise to make loading your fork easier. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is the perfect summer treat. Pureed strawberries, cream cheese, two types of cream, and graham cracker crumbs give this recipe its fresh flavor and rich texture.

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

We give traditional pizza a twist by rolling up the usual toppings in egg roll wrappers, then deep-frying them. Yum! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Deep-Fried Cookies

My kids love this delicious, indulgent treat. I like to give the batter a kick by adding a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. — Margarita Torres, Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Garlic-Cheese Flatbread

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

Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich

I created this giant peanut butter cookie cake for my husband, adding light and low-fat products to the cookie dough. It was so fantastic that I fixed it with conventional ingredients for guests. Since it can be made ahead of time and frozen, it cuts stress for busy hostesses. And really, who doesn't love peanut butter ice cream? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida

Popcorn Cookies

It's so much fun to surprise people with the crushed popcorn in these yummy cookies. They're definitely a distinctive cookie on the holiday tray.—Leigh Anne Preston, Palmyra, Indiana

Fruit Skewers

Fruit skewers made with fresh fruit, cheese and a cinnamon yogurt dip will become a regular snack for every potluck, barbecue and game-day party.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Here's a recipe for white cheddar mac and cheese that's better than any box. The secret: a dash of garlic powder and chipotle powder for a savory kick.

Birthday Cake Freezer Pops

On my quest to find birthday cake ice cream—my favorite flavor—I came up with these easy ice pops. Now, instead of going to the store whenever a craving hits, I just head to my freezer. —Dawn Lopez, Westerly, Rhode Island

Waffle-Iron Pizzas

These little pizza pockets put together using the waffle maker are a fun mashup. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Marshmallow Pops

Making these pops is a fun activity for a children's party because any age can participate. Customize them for holidays or special occasions by rolling them in coordinating colored sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

I’ve always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma

Peach Crisp Parfait Pops

My little ones love fruit crisps and ice pops. I created a healthy and delicious treat that combines the two. For a sweet addition, use cinnamon sticks in place of the wooden pop sticks. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah

Fresh Strawberry Tacos

When our son was growing up, this was one of his favorite breakfasts. I've used low-fat ingredients in the past with good results, too.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Pinwheel Pops

My mom used to make pinwheels every Christmas, and I still love them. They are so colorful, and perfect for sharing in gift boxes.—Jill Heatwole, Pittsville, Maryland

One-Bite Tamales

Clever little meatballs deliver the flavor and rich sauce of a traditional tamale in a bite-sized portion. They’re a delightfully different addition to a holiday spread. —Dolores Jaycox, Gretna, Louisiana

Chewy Caramel-Coated Popcorn

When I was a kid, my mom made this recipe often. I've adapted it to make it more chewy and gooey than her crunchy, nut-loaded version. I get requests to make this for every event that I host, and have never had a single leftover! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

Glazed Doughnut Holes

Here's a simple recipe to create a colorful and fun breakfast—or snack! For the glaze, use any type of juice you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Broccoli-Cheddar Beef Rolls

My grandma's recipe for beef rolls is easy to change up. Load them with ham, veggies, or even olives, as you like! —Kent Call, Riverside, Utah

Party Animal Snack Mix

A colorful and fun snack mix does't get any easier than this. Mix and match with your sweet and salty favorites. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Quick and Easy Stromboli

Sandwich fixings get rolled into this dinner favorite, thanks to refrigerated pizza dough. Use any combo of cheese, deli meat and veggies that you like or whatever you have on hand. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Potato Chip Banana Bread Cookies

My 5-year-old wanted to bake a cake with potato chips and bananas. I couldn't quite manage that, but I did combine two cookie recipes to create these. They are stunningly delicious, and everyone tells me they are addictive! —Rebecca Emmons, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Rainbow Strawberries

Dip fresh strawberries in melted candy-coated discs to create a rainbow of color. Or get adventurous and make a unicorn. The creative possibilities are endless. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Easy Confetti Pie

Sugar cone crust makes a pie that tastes like birthday cake when you add a dreamy, creamy no-bake confetti filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ice Cream Wafflewiches

A wafflewich is a masterpiece of textures with chewy waffles, smooth ice cream, gooey caramel syrup and crunchy pecans. This is cold storage comfort food. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Jimmy’s Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

I simmer chicken thighs in a spicy-sweet sauce, shred them and then pile 'em high on pretzel buns to create an incredibly addictive party food. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares

I combined a couple of recipes to create these crunchy, chocolaty bars that burst with peanut butter flavor, marshmallows and pretzel pieces. The bars could also pass for fudge! —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake

Years ago, I added some zucchini to a peanut butter bar I had created, and this time I wanted to try adding it to a cake. The zucchini makes the cake super moist but doesn’t get in the way of the chocolate and peanut butter goodness. —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin

S'mores Monkey Bread Muffins

When it comes to mini versions of anything, I'm sold! These muffins are ooey-gooey individual-sized monkey breads made with frozen dinner roll dough, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. They couldn't be easier to make, and kids just love them. —Tina Butler, Royse City, Texas

Rainbow Cake with Clouds

Some cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario

Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese

This extra-meaty mac and cheese is easy to make in the slow cooker. Kids love it, and I like that I can sneak in some veggies. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

S'mookies

S'mores are one of my favorite desserts. I wanted to create a cookie to replace the graham cracker—that's when my s'mookie was born. Just as delicious as the classic.—Maria Davis, Hermosa Beach, California

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes

My husband's love for classic peanut butter and jelly inspired this recipe. The strawberry buttercream and peanut butter frosting are a delicious combination. —Kelly McCrea, North Kingsville, Ohio

Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells

I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida

Pizza for Dessert

At first glance, people might think this colorful "pizza" is a savory snack. But truth comes in the tasting! Kids get a kick out of the fun candy toppings.—Sandy Gibbons, Ocean Park, Washington

Birthday Cake Waffles

These super fun waffles—soft on the inside, crisp on the outside—taste just like cake batter! They are quick to whip up anytime but would make birthday mornings feel even more special. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin

Pasta Pizza

My family often requests this meatless main dish. It's a tempting cross between pizza and spaghetti. —Andrea Quick, Columbus, Ohio

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