If your kids are picky or you're simply running out of good kid-friendly meal ideas, it can be tempting to turn to simple standbys like macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. That's fine sometimes, but if that's what you serve up all the time, your kids palates might start to change in some not-so-good ways.
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Turning to your roots may help you avoid falling into that picky-eater trap. There are lots of kid-friendly Latin dishes you can make for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
You can even take Latin flavors and use them in some American "kid food" favorites. Click through our gallery of 40 kid-friendly Latin-inspired recipes to get some inspiration.
This soup combines two kid favorites.
Kids seem to love meatballs in any form and my kids, at least, absolutely love soup and slurping up a tasty broth. This albondigas soup is sure to be a winner.
Get the full recipe from Jo Cooks.
Arroz con pollo is a simple classic.
A lot of kids like simple straightforward foods like chicken and rice, but it doesn't necessarily have to be bland. Try Puerto Rican-style arroz con pollo.
Find the full recipe at MamasLatinas.
These Mexican-inspired meatballs are full of flavor.
These small meatballs are a great kid-friendly finger food and they're full of flavor from peppers, spices and cheese.
Get the full recipe from Chili Pepper Madness.
Crispy quesadillas are always a good choice.
Quesadillas are always on kid menus for a reason. Jazz them up with black beans and avocado.
Find the full recipe on MamasLatinas.
Add Mexican toppings to hot dogs.
Kids love hot dogs, but you don't have to serve them the same way every time. These Baja-style tacos are topped with cilantro, avocado and mayo-ketchup.
Get the full recipe from Girl and the Kitchen.
Empanadas are a versatile option.
To kids, empanadas might look a lot like the frozen foods they see on TV commercials, but they can be very nutritious.
Get the full recipe from My Nourished Home.
Flautas are easy to eat.
When I was a kid flautas were one of my favorite Mexican foods. This sweet potato and bean version is healthy and delicious.
Get the full recipe from Peas and Crayons.
Noodles are an all-time favorite.
Noodles, cheese and meat make for a quick and kid-friendly meal that can be spiced up with taco seasonings.
Get the full recipe from Dinner Then Dessert.
Try this twist on taco night.
These crispy black bean tacos with avocado lime dipping sauce are so much better than takeout.
Get the full recipe from Food Love.
Make your burgers better with Cuban flavors.
Your kids will love this epic Cuban-inspired burger that is topped with cheese, tostones and a crispy slaw.
Get the full recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Your kids won't be able to pass up these ham and cheese croquettes.
What kid doesn't love fried food? These ham and cheese croquettes are full of Latin flavors from adobo, sazon cumin and other seasonings and served with mayo-ketchup.
Get the full recipe from Latina Mom Meals.
Dominican spaghetti is a childhood favorite.
A spaghetti dinner is made even easier by swapping out a typical meat sauce or meatballs for cubed salami in the classic Dominican version.
Get the full recipe from Dominican Cooking.
This creamy, cheesy vegetarian tortilla soup is irresisitible.
This vegetarian tortilla soup is full of healthy ingredients, but kids will love its creamy texture and have fun adding toppings.
Get the full recipe from Peas and Crayons.
Sheet pan nachos are so easy to make.
Your kids will think they've hit the jackpot when you present them with a dish of homemade loaded nachos.
Get the full recipe from Love From the Oven.
Breakfast burritos are great any time of day.
These make-ahead breakfast burritos are an awesome kid-friendly breakfast on-the-go, but they would also be great for lunch or dinner.
Get the full recipe from Damn Delicious.
Who needs the frozen food section?
With the help of your slow cooker you can make a big batch of taquitos that you can freeze for your kiddos to warm up whenever they're hungry.
Get the full recipe from Yellow Bliss Road.
Add french fries to anything and your kids are sure to enjoy.
Lomo saltado is a traditional Peruvian dish that pairs hand-cut French fries with flavorful stir-fried beef that your kids are sure to love.
Find the full recipe on MamasLatinas.
Serve this saucy Cuban meatballs over rice.
Cumin, garlic and oregano give these meatballs some Cuban flare. Serve them over rice for a kid-friendly dinner.
Get the full recipe from Cook 2 Eat Well.
Try making burgers with a Mexican twist.
Topped with pico de gallo and guacamole, these Mexican burgers are an awesome take on a family favorite.
Get the full recipe from Dessert Now Dinner Later.
Chicken empanadas are sure to appeal to any kid.
These Mexican-inspired empanadas are stuffed with chicken, beans and cheese. Definitely kid favorites.
Get the full recipe from Real Housemoms.
Give your chicken nuggets some Latin spice.
Chicken nuggets are so much healthier when you make them at home, and even tastier when you spice them up with Latin flavors.
Get the full recipe from Pretend It's a Donut.
You can't go wrong with creamy, saucy noodles.
This creamy chicken and pasta dishes is loaded with Mexican flavors from cumin, chili powder and cheese. It's sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Get the full recipe from Julia's Album.
Next time your kiddo is sick try this Mexican chicken soup.
Every kid knows that chicken soup is the best cure for a cold. Next time try whipping up this Mexican-inspired version for your little one.
Get the full recipe from The Weary Chef.
Make meatloaf more interesting with this Mexican version.
This Mexican-inspired meatloaf is anything but typical. It has tortilla chips, cheese and salsa in it!
Get the full recipe from Simply Stacie.
This flavorful pasta salad is delicious!
This Tex-Mex pasta salad is loaded with roasted corn, avocado and cilantro, and is super kid-friendly.
Get the full recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron.
Kids don't turn down tots.
A few simple changes like adding cumin and chili powder to homemade cauliflower tots give them some Latin flavor.
Get the full recipe Cupcakes & Kale Chips.
These Mexican chicken pinwheels make a great lunch.
Combine rotisserie chicken with cheeses, salsa and green onions for a fun Mexican-inspired lunch.
Get the full recipe from Super Healthy Kids.
One-pot Mexican rice and beans is a simple and kid-friendly meal.
One-pot Mexican rice and beans is the perfect quick and easy dinner for kids, served alongside some aguacate and fruit.
Get the full recipe from Teaspoon of Spice.
Try a Mexican version of this kid-classic sandwich.
Every kid in America has probably had a sloppy joe at some point. Add a Latin twist by using some chorizo and Mexican spices and topping with avocado.
Get the full recipe from Rocky Mountain Cooking.
These healthy quesadillas look delicious.
Homemade multigrain tortillas, mashed beans and plenty of veggies make these crispy quesadillas very nutritious.
Get the full recipe from Little Food Junction.
This three-cheese mac and cheese has nacho cheese in it!
Nacho cheese and colby jack cheese give this creamy macaroni and cheese a Tex-Mex vibe.
Get the full recipe from Our Mini Family.
This enchilada/quesadilla mashup looks amazing!
This open-face quesadilla is assembled like a tostada and flavored like enchiladas. How could you go wrong?
Get the full recipe from Sarah Remmer.
This noodle casserole features Puerto Rican flavors.
This casserole is a lot like baked ziti, but it's full of Puerto Rican flavors from sofrito, sazon and adobo.
Get the full recipe from Latina Mom Meals.
Kids will love a classic Cuban sandwich.
Sandwiches are a go-to when it comes to feeding kids, and this classic Cuban is no exception.
Get the full recipe from Creole Contessa.
Turkey tacos are simple and tasty.
Tacos are a family favorite in most households. This turkey version is healthy and a little different too.
Get the full recipe from Family Food on the Table.
Try a new take on chicken fingers.
No more boring chicken fingers! This homemade version is seasoned with taco spices and coated in tortilla chips. Yum!
Get the full recipe from Rachel Cooks.
My kids love when we have rice bowls.
Rice bowls are family favorite in our house. Just top any sort of rice with whatever you like. Taco fillings would be perfect for Taco Tuesday!
Get the full recipe from Our Life Tastes Good.
Get creative with this Cuban-inspired pizza.
Homemade pizza night is always so much fun. Get creative by topping your pie with all the fixings for a Cuban sandwich.
Get the full recipe from Erica's Recipes.
Arepas are the perfect kid food.
Arepas are so versatile they are perfect for picky eaters. You can fill them with almost anything.
Get the full recipe from Mommy's Home Cooking.
Kids love small food like these taco cups.
Kids go crazy for fun-sized food. These taco cups are just whole wheat tortillas baked until crispy and filled with taco toppings. So cute!
Get the full recipe from Baking with Blondie.
