This post offers 25 simple recipes teens can cook themselves (post updated November 2024)
We’ve been the primary chef in the family for years… maybe it’s time we pass the spatula over to our teens!
Seriously, I don’t know about you, but I’m a little tired. I absolutely adore cooking and baking – it’s one of my many passions – but, having to come up with breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers, desserts, and crowd-pleasing (budget-friendly) snacks for over a decade has worn me out, which is why I’m handing my apron over to my kiddos. (Figuratively speaking, that is.)
First of all, our kids need to learn their way around the kitchen for their own sake as well as their future family’s sake. Secondly, it’s a life skill everyone should have. And, lastly, if I can teach them to cook a few things on their own I’ll have the comfort of knowing they won’t starve when they move out. (Plus, I really don’t want my future daughter or son-in-law mad at me for producing a husband/father/wife/mother who’s clueless in the kitchen.)
To get our kids enthused about grabbing hold of that spatula, I’ve rounded up a few simple recipes teens can cook themselves. And, who knows? Maybe they’ll have a little fun in the process!
From easy appetizers and yummy desserts to classic dinners and quick, low-cost snacks, it’s all here!
Here are 25 simple recipes teens can cook themselves:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps
When the hunger pangs kick in, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps will satisfy even the hungriest teen’s appetite. They’re creamy, filled with crispy bacon and the best part is they’re super simple to whip up in a jiffy.
Recipe Compliments of I Wash You Dry
Easy Breakfast (Or Anytime) Quesadillas
These yummy quesadillas are filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, green pepper, bacon, and cheddar cheese – all sandwiched between two crisp tortillas. This is an easy go-to breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack recipe teens can easily cook themselves!
Recipe Compliments of Pumpkin ‘N Spice
Recipe Compliments of
To Die For Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is outrageously delicious and easy to make. In fact, chances are you have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now! Tell your teens to grab their friends! This is one recipe they’ll have a blast making together.
Recipe Compliments of A Family Feast
Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese
Every teen needs a go-to Mac and Cheese recipe in their back pocket and this one is easy, ultra-creamy and it’s made on the stove so no baking is required. Plus, the cool thing about Mac and Cheese is you can make it with tons of variations depending on what your tastebuds are calling for.
Recipe Compliments of Inspired Taste
The Lazy Teen’s 4-Ingredient Breakfast Casserole
Just 4 ingredients and they’ll have a deliciously hearty breakfast that’s perfect for big sleepovers or relaxing Saturday mornings. Seriously, even teens who have never stepped foot in a kitchen can master this recipe!
Recipe Compliments of The Lazy Dish
Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets
Teens just love Chicken Nuggets! But, let’s face it, fast-food nuggets aren’t that healthy and, for the most part, they don’t taste that great either. Once your teen gets used to eating these delicious, yet simple, chicken nuggets, they’ll never go back through the fast-food line!
Recipe Compliments of Savory Nothings
Easy Jalapeno Popper Bites
I have to warn you… these Jalapeno Popper Bites are a bit addictive! And, the fact that they are so easy to make (with only 4 ingredients), makes it that much easier to make these in big batches for friends or family.
Recipe Compliments of The Country Cook
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Although this recipe has a few more ingredients, this one-pot-wonder comes together in a jiffy and offers up the perfect hearty blend of flavors any hungry teen would love. Plus, it’s budget-friendly!
Recipe Compliments of Bake At Midnight
Recipe Compliments of
Easiest Pretzel Bites EVER (312K Shares on Pinterest!)
Have you ever met a teenager who doesn’t love pretzel bites? Well, these pretzel bites are so easy and delicious, chances are this could become one of their all-time fave recipes.
Recipe Compliments of Budget Savvy Diva
8-Ingredient Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
These Oven-Baked Chicken Wings are baked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce that’s so delicious you can’t stop eating them. Plus, with only 8 simple ingredients, they’re super easy to make even for teens who don’t know their way around a kitchen… yet.
Recipe Compliments of Simply Stacie
Recipe Compliments of
Healthy Green Bean “Fries”
Who says healthy can’t taste amazing? These easy Green Bean Fries are so freaking good – your teen really needs to give them a try! Plus, what makes these even better is that they’re healthy! Just a few simple ingredients and spices and they might just like them better than french fries. (Okay… maybe that’s a stretch.)
Recipe Compliments of Fit Girl’s Diary
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
When rounding up simple recipes teens can cook themselves, just think pizza. Teenagers are synonymous with pizza! What I love about these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks is that they’re a new twist on a favored classic. With just 6 ingredients and only 10 minutes in the oven, they’ll satisfy any “I’m starving now” teen’s cravings.
Recipe Compliments of I Wash You Dry
5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet
Easy enough for any teen to make in minutes, this 5-ingredient Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe that has more than 2 million shares on Pinterest (yup… 2 million!) has a combined flavor of savory and sweet. They can serve it over their favorite pasta, add a veggie and they’re set.
Recipe Compliments of The Cooking Jar
Recipe Compliments of
Parmesan Garlic Monkey Bread
If your teen is on the hunt for an easy, crowd-pleasing (budget-friendly) appetizer to serve friends when they’re hanging out on a Saturday night, this delicious Parmesan Garlic Monkey Bread recipe is for them! Just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes in the oven and it’s ready to eat!
Recipe Compliments of Spiced Blog
Easy Fried Rice
What is it about fried rice and teenagers? I haven’t met one yet who doesn’t love it! It’s one of my kids’ favorite all-time foods! Once your teen has tried this recipe I doubt they’ll be paying those high prices for take-out anymore. Plus, this recipe is super easy!
Recipe Compliments of The Recipe Critic
Watermelon Fries with Coconut Lime Dip
These easy Watermelon Fries with Coconut Lime Dip are perfect for the health-conscious teen. They’re Gluten-free, Vegan and will make your teen feel like they’re basking in the tropics. (If they’ve never had Tajin seasoning on watermelon, they really have to give it a try!)
Recipe Compliments of Abbey’s Kitchen
Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
This Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is a simple recipe that’s perfect for dinner or a quick after-school snack. Even though it only has five ingredients (four is you skip the Parsley), it’s packed with flavor. Top with meatballs or add a side of garlic toast and your teen will have a hearty meal.
Recipe Compliments of Easy Weeknight
6-Ingredient No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake
With only 6 “no-brainer” ingredients, this No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake whips up in no time! Next time you’re cooking dinner, ask your teen to make this for dessert!
Recipe Compliments of Lil Luna
Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Looks impressive, I know! But this Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is actually really easy to make! Just 6 ingredients and 30 minutes are all you need. Serve it as a side, an appetizer, or a snack. Bring it to a sleepover, tailgate or have your teen serve it to friends when they’re all starving and they’ll knock everyone’s socks off!
Recipe Compliments of Street Smart Kitchen
Ham & Cheese Sliders
If your teen has never tried a Ham & Cheese Slider, they’re in for a real treat! My mom made these all the time when I was a teenager and they’re still one of my favorite easy go-to recipes for my kids. (To cut down on ingredients, you can skip the poppy seeds and parsley although they DO add flavor to the sandwiches!)
Recipe Compliments of Dinner At The Zoo
Recipe Compliments of
5-Ingredient Best French Toast Ever
It’s just that easy… 4 eggs, 1 cup of milk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla make the perfect french toast – easy enough for any teen to make! No special bread required – any bread in your pantry will work!
Recipe Compliments of Recipe Teacher
Recipe Compliments of
Easy Crowd-Pleasing Sheet Pan Nachos
Delicious gooey Sheet Pan Nachos are perfect for those nights when the gang gets together. They’re super easy to make – just a handful of ingredients – and they come together in just a few minutes! Hint: the key to this recipe is the fresh Cilantro.
Recipe Compliments of Princess Pinky Girl
Pizza Casserole
This Pizza Casserole looks far more difficult to make than it actually is. It’s made with Penne pasta, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese, and customized with all your favorite pizza toppings like onions, green peppers, pepperoni, and sausage – make it the way YOU like!
Recipe Compliments of Homemade Interest
Breakfast Egg Muffins
These Breakfast Egg Muffins are the perfect low-carb, Keto breakfast to kick-start your teen’s day. They’re easy to make, freeze well, and fully customizable depending on their taste buds.
Recipe Compliments of A Wicked Whisk
Easy and Delish 6-Ingredient White Queso Dip
If your teen loves restaurant-style white queso dip like Moe’s, they’re going to love this easy and yummy queso dip! Grab the chips!
Recipe Compliments of Mother Thyme
Recipe Compliments of