Christmas Cooking Ideas For Kids

Deck the table with an irresistible pull-apart garlic bread centrepiece. Each dough ball is filled with a delightful melting mozzarella centre, and kids can help fashion these into a stunning Christmas tree design. Served with a simple tomato sauce for dipping, this bread sensation is the perfect festive sharing piece.

Bake up another of our stunning Christmas bread recipes.

2. Mulled cranberry chutney

Mulled cranberry chutney in a jar with gold ribbon and label

Make up a batch of fruity spiced Christmas chutney to enjoy with cheese, or give as a special gift to teachers. Substitute cranberry juice for the mulled wine to make it child-friendly, and enjoy the beautiful festive aromas wafting around the house as you mix up this fragrant concoction.

Check out more of our Christmas chutney recipes.

3. Christmas dinner sausage rolls

Tray of sausage rolls with festive filling

Sausage rolls aren't just for summer picnics! These tasty puff pastry canapés combine all our favourite bits of a Christmas dinner, including chipolatas, turkey mince, stuffing and cranberry sauce. If that doesn't sound mouth-watering enough, then a gravy dipping sauce is sure to tip the balance. Teach older kids some basic pastry skills, such as rolling out and shaping the pastry, before assembling the fillings and cutting up the individual rolls.

Discover more delicious Christmas canapé recipes.

4. Comté & rosemary shortbread

It's not Christmas without a batch of buttery shortbread, and kids can make this to gift to friends, family members and teachers, wrapped up in a box with ribbon. Made using just five ingredients, it's a great baking project for kids, and they can cut the dough into festive shapes.

5. Christmas ham quesadillas

Ham and cheese quesadilla triangles with Christmas pickle

These simple but scrumptious quesadillas are a fun way for children to learn about leftovers. Load up the tortillas with a mixture of leftover ham or shredded turkey, along with any cheese you have around. These tasty bites are even more delicious served with our sweet and punchy onion pickle.

Find more leftover ham recipes.

6. Twisty cheese straws

Twisted cheese straws with pesto and cream cheese

Crispy, cheesy straws are a snacking favourite with kids and adults alike. Twist around puff pastry strips with soft cheese and pesto for some super-simple nibbles to keep everyone's energy levels topped up over the busy festive season.

Try more of our easy snacks for kids.

7. Easy mincemeat

Homemade mincemeat makes a great gift, or you can keep a big jar on hand to use in various festive bakes. This simple mixture is made from dried fruits, citrus peel, spices and suet, but you can customise with extra ingredients, such as stem ginger. Make it non-alcoholic for kids by substituting the brandy with apple juice.

Bored of just making mince pieces? We've thought of 10 new ways with mincemeat to use up your jar.

8. Sprout pasta bake

For any little sprout-haters out there, this comforting family bake is sure to change opinions. For a festive twist on mac 'n' cheese, simple combine crispy roast sprouts with a creamy cheddar sauce and penne pasta. It's totally easy to make, and takes just 5 minutes of prep time before letting the oven doing the rest.

We've got plenty more kids' pasta bake recipes to help them hone their cooking skills.

9. Christmas tree cheeseboard

One Christmas tree cheeseboard for sharing

This assembly-only recipe is great for little hands to get creative. They can layer it up with their favourite cheeses to make an appealing Christmas tree shape, complete with a star on top.

10. Turkey twist pie

All you need is four ingredients to make this simple filo pastry pie. Fill with leftover cooked turkey strips, chargrilled veg and creamy ricotta, then let your kids create their best pinwheel shapes with the pastry. Serve with a hearty winter salad for an easy midweek meal during the holidays.

See more leftover turkey recipes.