You shouldn't have to cook two separate meals every day to make sure the children eat! On this page I've gathered for you 66 of my favorite kid-friendly vegan recipes that even adults will love. Guided by years of cooking for my son Jay, it includes breakfasts, satisfying lunches and family dinners, wholesome snacks, and irresistible desserts.
From fluffy pancakes to cheesy casseroles to creamy pastas and divine chocolate chip cookies, these are practical, nourishing recipes designed to please picky eaters and bring everyone to the table.
For your convenience I've included allergy information with each recipe. Be sure to bookmark this page and your favorite recipes!
Breakfast Recipes
Vegan Whole-Wheat Pancakes
These are not just delicious but no one will guess they are also whole wheat! The pancake batter comes together quickly.
Uttapam
This fluffy South Indian pancake is made with a healthy batter of rice and lentils and studded with colorful veggies. Eat with chutney.
Cheesy Vegan Breakfast Casserole
Crunchy golden spuds and chewy vegan sausage baked in a bubbly, cheesy cashew sauce. It's irresistible to kids and adults alike!
Crispy Quinoa Patties
These crispy vegan quinoa patties are loaded with veggies and protein and they come together in minutes for a healthy breakfast.
Vegan Oatmeal Pancakes
These delicious pancakes are loaded with yum from oats and cinnamon, and the batter comes together in a food processor.
Vegan Applesauce Muffins
These applesauce muffins are tender and delicious and infused with the flavor of apples and crunchy almonds.
Vegan Waffles
An easy, one-bowl recipe for crispy, fluffy and divine vegan waffles. You can make them wholegrain.
Vegan Omelet
A creamy, fluffy vegan omelet loaded with 27 grams of protein in a single serving! Make the batter in a blender in five minutes.
Aloo Paratha
This whole wheat flatbread stuffed with savory potatoes is the perfect breakfast: filling, nourishing and kid-friendly!
Vegan Sourdough Pancakes
Sneak some healthfulness into breakfast with soft and fluffy sourdough pancakes studded with blueberries.
Vegan Banana Bread
This delicious vegan banana bread is loaded with five bananas and lots of crunchy walnuts. I even have a gluten-free version!
Vegan Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
You can have your cinnamon rolls and eat them too by sneaking in a little healthful sourdough. It adds the best flavor too!
Vegan Chocolate Chip Muffins
These vegan chocolate chip muffins have a sublime hint of orange. Biting into one is like biting into a soft, fluffy cloud!
South Indian Idli (Rice Cakes)
Idlis are a healthy, fermented combo of rice and lentils. Paired with a savory chutney they are very kid-friendly!
Vegan Zucchini Bread
Moist and tender zucchini bread infused with the heady aroma of cinnamon. I have tips for making it gluten-free and oil-free.
Vegan Sweet Potato Pancakes
These vegan sweet potato pancakes are loaded with sunny, orange flavor and health. It's the happiest breakfast!
Lunch and Dinner Recipes
Vegan Lasagna
This lasagna has layers of flavor from creamy ricotta, homemade parmesan, mozzarella shreds, and marinara sauce, all vegan!
Vegetable Fried Rice
Toss rice with a savory, flavorful sauce of rice vinegar and soy sauce, and add colorful veggies for an easy meal.
Vegan Tater Tot Casserole
One-pot casserole with a creamy, savory veggie filling and vegan sausage under a crispy layer of tater tots. A sure kid-pleaser!
Vegan Spaghetti and Meatballs
This simple spaghetti with vegan meatballs was my son's favorite lunch. It's also a terrific lunch-box meal.
Chana Masala
Tender chickpeas in a thick, tangy tomato onion sauce. Make with canned or cooked chickpeas and serve with rice in 30 minutes!
Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles
Noodles wrapped in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce and studded with tasty bits of carrots, cabbage, tofu and peanuts.
Vegan Meatball Casserole
This vegan meatball casserole has a double serving of heart-healthy protein, legumes, and a big portion of colorful veggies.
Cherry Tomato Pasta
This cherry tomato pasta with fresh, juicy, plump cherry tomatoes is ready in minutes and needs just a few ingredients.
Vegan Million Dollar Spaghetti
Layers of spaghetti noodles, vegan cheeses and a veggie-loaded and meaty marinara sauce. What's not to love?
Vegan White Pasta Sauce
Silky, creamy, garlicky, savory - and it's made with white beans! Serve it over any pasta of your choice for a secretly healthy meal.
Lentil Pasta Sauce
Brown lentils are a fantastic meat substitute in this ragu-like sauce. They cook up earthy and smoky, with a full-bodied texture.
The Best Vegan Chili
This hearty chili is loaded with two kinds of beans, veggies and the perfect balance of herbs and spices for smoky, rich flavor.
Vegan Irish Shepherd's Pie
This delicious shepherd's pie has a savory, aromatic base of lentils, tempeh and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Vegan Pot Pie
Push your fork through crackly, crispy golden pastry to reveal an aromatic, herb-laced, creamy and savory stew with chunky veggies.
Vegan Black Bean Burgers
Smoky, spicy burgers loaded with plant protein from simple pantry ingredients, including black beans, brown rice, oats and walnuts.
Vegetable Korma
An aromatic, appetizing curry of chunky mixed vegetables in a mildly spiced but flavorful coconut sauce. Serve with roti or naan.
Chipotle Vegan Burrito
These burritos pack a one-two protein punch with a filling of vegan sausage and tempeh. Dip in a cheesy red pepper sauce.
Chickpea Quinoa Burgers
This hearty burger has a smoky, southwestern flair. It comes together in minutes with canned chickpeas.
Vegan Lentil Tacos
Ten-ingredient, pantry-friendly tacos loaded with flavorful brown lentils. Top with guacamole and salsa for a delicious, filling dinner.
Vegetable Curry
A creamy, one-pot curry with sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans and bell peppers in an aromatic coconut milk sauce.
Indian Yellow Dal
A very simple but creamy and comforting Indian dal with tomatoes, turmeric and aromatic spices. Serve with rice or roti.
Vegan Alfredo Sauce
An eight-ingredient alfredo sauce with roasted garlic, mushrooms and aromatic herbs. Toss with ribbon pasta for an easy dinner.
Pav Bhaji
This Mumbai street food featuring a hot, tangy mishmash of vegetables scooped up with a pav bread roll is a fun family dinner!
Vegan Corn Chowder
A rich, creamy vegan chowder with pockets of juicy corn. It's a pantry-friendly soup that needs fewer than 10 ingredients.
Vegan Irish 'Lamb' Stew
Chunky carrots and potatoes, tender wild mushrooms, and meaty, flavorful soy chunks in a creamy, herb-scented gravy.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Fluffy pizza bread rolls baked in a delicious cheesy sauce and a flavorful marinara sauce. It's a kid-friendly dinner adults will love!
Snack Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
A crunchy and healthy snack of crispy chickpeas spiced with Indian flavors, including turmeric and cumin.
Vegetable Pakora
These pakoras are irresistibly crunchy. Chickpea flour and veggies make this deep-fried snack a little healthier!
Indian Samosa
These authentic Indian samosas have a crispy, flaky crust and a classic, mouthwatering peas-potato filling.
Falafel
Crispy, crunchy Mediterranean chickpea fritters. They make a great snack by themselves or in a pita sandwich.
Air Fryer French Fries
These perfect air fryer French fries can be made with little oil or no oil. They are golden, crispy and delicious!
Vegan Corn Fritters
These vegan corn fritters are extra-crunchy, aromatic with herbs and loaded with sweet, juicy corn kernels.
Vegan Pizza Rolls
These delicious vegan pizza rolls are loaded with veggies wrapped in a simple sun-dried tomato and walnut sauce.
Vegan Sausage Rolls
Tasty seven-ingredient vegan sausage rolls. Golden, flaky puff pastry encloses a savory, herby filling. They are ready in minutes!
Vegan Zucchini Fritters
Healthy fritters made by stirring veggies into a batter of chickpea flour, then pan-frying them to golden, crispy perfection.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
This easy recipe features crispy cubes of tofu tossed in simple seasonings and air-fried to perfection in 12 minutes.
Baked Samosas with Chickpeas
These baked samosas have a filling of chickpeas and potatoes and are a healthier alternative to this classic Indian snack.
Vegan Garlic Pull Apart Bread
A fun and delicious loaf of vegan garlic pull-apart bread. It's soft, fluffy and garlicky and infused with aromatic herbs.
Dessert Recipes
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy and ultra-delicious chocolate chip cookies that everyone will love! I add a secret ingredient for more flavor.
Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
Delicious oatmeal cookies studded with wholesome rolled oats and golden raisins. Just like the ones grandma made!
Vegan Spritz Cookies
Make these yummy spritz cookies in your favorite festive shapes! Decorate them with icing or a simple shower of colored sugar.
Vegan Brownies
These super-chocolatey brownies have no added oil and are wholegrain for a healthy-ish, delicious dessert or snack.
Vegan Chocolate Cake
The perfect cake for birthdays and all occasions! It is moist and fluffy and topped with a dreamy chocolate buttercream frosting.
Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes
These scrumptious vegan vanilla cupcakes are soft as a cloud and topped with gobs of ultra-creamy vegan vanilla buttercream.
Vegan Brioche Donuts
These rise a mile high and have a vanilla glaze that crunches under your teeth before you bite into the soft, fluffy donut.
Vegan Apple Pie
Tender, juicy apples cuddled within a crispy, flaky, golden vegan pie crust. It's the best all-American dessert!
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
You need just nine ingredients to make this scrumptious and classic pumpkin pie! It has a smooth, rich flavor and a crispy, flaky crust.
Vegan Carrot Cake
This fluffy carrot cake has a moist crumb and a creamy, velvety vegan cream cheese frosting. Walnuts add crunch to every bite.
Vegan Lemon Pound Cake
This classic vegan lemon pound cake has a soft, tender and dense crumb and is finished with an intensely lemony glaze.
Vegan Chocolate Pie
A silky layer of chocolate encased in a crispy, flaky crust and topped with clouds of whipped cream. Just six ingredients!
Tips for serving vegan recipes to picky eaters
- Begin with familiar favorites: Recipes like pancakes, tacos, pasta, pizza and creamy casseroles can make unfamiliar plant-based ingredients feel less intimidating.
- Serve a small first portion: A spoonful or two is less intimidating and your child can always ask for more.
- Pay attention to texture. For Jay, texture was everything - more so than even flavor. Slimy mushrooms and even asparagus were not foods he would easily eat. Crispy tater tots over green beans and minced mushrooms and lentils in puff pastry were much better received.
- Don't give up. Just because your child doesn't love a food or vegetable the first time they eat it doesn't mean you should stop serving it to them altogether. Repeated exposure in tiny amounts, combined with a topping or another food they love, can help their palate adjust over time.
- Cook together. Invite your children into the kitchen and assign them small tasks to assist with food preparation. They will be more curious about eating food they helped make.
Want more child-friendly recipes? Here's my collection of delicious and easy vegan school lunch box meals.
Allergen information: The dietary and allergen information in this roundup is provided as a general guide. Some recipes may require specific substitutions to be gluten-free, soy-free and nut-free. Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change, so always check product labels for vegan cream cheese, meat substitutes, vegan sausage, vegan butter, vegan cheese, vegan yogurt, puff pastry, tamari and other packaged products and review the complete recipe before cooking. If you are cooking for someone with allergies, check for possible cross-contact with allergens. For instance, while oats are naturally gluten-free, some oats are contaminated with gluten during farming and processing.
Kim says
Thank you for these recipes! Our family is transitioning from "omnivores" to "vegan with vegetarian exceptions", and inspiring recipes like these make it so much easier for us!
Vaishali says
So happy to hear, Kim!
Ali says
Hi. Did you post a blueberry pie/tart made w banana crust? I saw this about ten days ago and seem to have lost it. If it was you, and it looked delicious, please send or repost. Thanks so much.
TOri says
Hello! Looking to start eating more plant based with my toddler. IS It possible to download all of these recipes at once? Thanks!
Vaishali says
Hi Tori, I don't think so--I've never done it before.
Jessica says
These dishes look so good! I’m sure my [picky] kids will love some of them 🙂
Vaishali says
So happy to hear, Jessica, hope you try!
Michelle says
This is AWESOME! I have been struggling to come up with healthy vegan meals my kids will actually eat, this is perfect! I am going to try every recipe in this list. They all look great!
Vaishali says
So happy to hear!
Karen Laurvick says
Love these recipes and have snagged a few to try on my very picky grand kids .
The masala smashed potato link however takes you to a burger recipe page.
Thankfully Google helped me find the recipe anyway.
Vaishali says
Thanks for pointing that out, Karen. Corrected now.
Mel Michael says
I stumbled on your website by accident and I am just so glad I did. As someone who has been omni all of my life, transitioning to veganism is a bit of a challenge but I know that I do not have the luxury of opting out if I can afford the alternative (since animals generally cannot make choices for themselves). One of my biggest challenges as a single parent, is whether I can provide a nutritious, filling diet for my 5yo child who will ACTUALLY eat it. You have saved me some tears in the kitchen, like literally tears! I'm making it my mission to be able to make every single recipe in your site because they all look so AMAZING and it doesn't require a million ingredients! So thank you again for this website.
Vaishali says
Awww, so happy to hear that!!!
Cozinhar sem Lactose says
Thank you for this list, my baby is 15 months old and is used to vegetarian food, but it's great to have some new ideas!
Vaishali says
That's wonderful your baby's used to veg food.
Janet says
Wow, so excited to try some -- or all! -- of these. Your kid friendly recipe ideas are always a hit around our home and it's so great because you're a mom yourself and know what a kid will eat. I love these tips too -- although the part about the turkey in the backyard made me laugh out loud. Oh Jay!
Vaishali says
Janet, so happy to hear. And yes, Jay's quite the funny guy. 😀