7 ideas · Dinner Ideas & Plans
7 Build-Your-Own Dinners for Picky Family Nights
Taco bars, rice bowls, mini pizzas, baked potato bars, pasta with two sauces, wraps and noodle bowls: everyone builds their own plate.
When one child wants plain pasta, another hates anything green and the adults want flavor, a build-your-own dinner keeps the peace. You cook once; everyone chooses what goes on their plate.
Tips that help picky eaters
- Serve components separately rather than mixed together.
- Include at least one familiar "safe" food on the table.
- Let children help set out the toppings; people are more likely to eat what they helped make.
- Offer sauces on the side.
Taco bar
- Seasoned beef or chicken
- Shells and soft tortillas
- Cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, beans
- Mild salsa and sour cream
Set everything out in bowls and let everyone assemble their own.
Rice bowl bar
- Rice
- Chicken or tofu
- Cucumber, carrots, corn, edamame
- Two sauces, one mild
A great use for Sunday prep.
Mini pizza night
- Naan, pita or English muffins
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella
- Pepperoni, peppers, olives, pineapple
Everyone tops their own, then bake at 425°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Baked potato bar
- Baked potatoes
- Butter, cheese, sour cream
- Bacon bits, broccoli, chili, green onions
Microwave or oven-bake the potatoes and set out the toppings.
Pasta with two sauces
- 1 pound pasta
- Butter and Parmesan
- Marinara
- Meatballs or grilled chicken on the side
Cook the pasta plain and let everyone choose a sauce.
Wrap and sandwich bar
- Tortillas and bread
- Deli meats and cheeses
- Lettuce, tomato, cucumber
- Sauces and spreads
Follow the layering order for sandwiches that do not go soggy.
Noodle bowls
- Egg noodles or spaghetti
- Shredded chicken
- Steamed vegetables
- Soy sauce, peanut sauce or butter
Toss noodles simply and serve the rest on the side.
