Kids who go to BBQs tend to request one of two dishes: hot dogs or hamburgers. Although their palates may not be quite mature, they can easily be introduced to a world of new flavors. In fact, parents everywhere are discovering some kid-friendly grilling recipes.

Have a picky eater or a youngster who hesitates at trying new foods? Gradually introduce some of the nutritious family BBQ recipes below into your meal rotation.

Tips to Make BBQ Recipes More Likeable for Kiddos

Before diving headfirst into our kid-friend cookout side dishes and entrees, keep a few pointers in mind.

First, start with a few foods at a time. If you host a BBQ, make sure you have some tried and true options for young people who may not be willing to eat an entirely exotic (to them) entree.

Second, opt for recipes that are twists on foods they already like. For instance, if a child tends to love hot dogs, they may be open to taste-testing a sausage sandwich that looks similar.

Third, add some grilled desserts into the mix. Grilling a dessert gets kids more excited about the whole concept of trying something they have never tasted before.

Finally, ask children to help. Just be very safety-minded and never allow youngsters to use the grill, even if they are supervised. Teens may be able to handle some higher-level grill responsibilities, but only under the watchful eye of an adult pitmaster.

Kid-Friendly Recipes for the Grill

As you explore the world of kid-friendly BBQ recipes, try these favorites from Grilla Grills.

• BBQ Meatloaf: Most kids have encountered meatloaf at some time during their upbringing. Barbecuing the meatloaf just adds a new element of flavor. You can easily switch up this popular dish by changing the type of ground meat, as well as the spices and condiments. It makes awesome school lunch meatloaf sandwiches thanks to the smoky charcoal flavor infused within the dish.
• Grilled Pork Tacos: It may be a Mexican staple, but the taco has taken over the hearts and minds of Americans, too. Kids are familiar with the concept of a taco, so they will likely be less hesitant to chow down on these grilled pork versions. Look for other types of Grilla Grill taco recipes made from seafood and other ingredients, especially if you want to create a “street taco” dinner night with a variety of taco options.
• Smoked Mac and Cheese: What could be more quintessentially kid-friendly than macaroni and cheese? This recipe smokes the whole meal, making it even more delicious. Expect to get a lot of requests for seconds after your brood taste tests this marvel. Oh, and just to be clear, the adults in your family will love it, too.

• Smoked Chocolate Bacon Pecan Pie: This isn’t our only dessert recipe, but it is truly a gem. If your kids can handle pecans and chocolate, give them this treasure as a reward for cleaning their grilled meal plates.

Forget about hearing that you never make anything new. Every meal can be an adventure for you and your kids when you fire up your Grilla Grill.

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