17 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes That Kids Surprisingly Enjoy
Thanksgiving might be about gratitude, but parents will be extra thankful for these 17 turkey ideas that even picky eaters can’t resist. Kids enjoy them without complaint, rare magic during the holidays. The secret? Each version feels familiar but tastes special enough to keep everyone curious. Suddenly, turkey isn’t the grown-ups’ food anymore.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Parents who want quick leftovers for picky eaters always look for easy options. Air Fryer Turkey Breast comes out juicy with a crisp outside so it works well on small plates. It can be sliced thin so even little hands handle it easily. The golden color pops on the table and draws attention. One round will vanish fast if it’s cut small and stacked up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Turkey Sliders

Having small sandwiches on the tray means there’s less mess and more fun at Thanksgiving. Turkey Sliders are bite-sized so nobody needs a fork or knife for them. They are handy for grabbing between runs to the toy room or TV. You can stack a bunch and have them gone before you refill drinks. These win for simple eating with quick cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders
Turkey Soup

Bowls filled with warm comfort are always welcome at the feast. Turkey Soup makes everyone happy with its mild flavor and soft chunks. Each spoonful feels easy on the palate so even the younger ones handle it. It looks inviting with a splash of color and clear broth. Leftovers are perfect for next-day snacking after the big meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup
Turkey Tetrazzini

Plates fill up quickly when there’s a fun noodle dish near the main bird. Turkey Tetrazzini is great because it mixes classic dinner taste with creamy pasta. The familiar texture keeps people asking for more each time. It’s easy to portion out onto a plate for sharing seconds. Bring extra napkins because this one gets scooped up fast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Pinwheels

Keeping snacks small is smart when appetites are unpredictable. Turkey Pinwheels show off spiral cuts with a festive look and simple flavors. They are a hit at big tables because you can stack them high. Each piece gets picked up before more are sliced for extras. Doubled up on the serving tray works well during the rest period.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels
Turkey Meatloaf

Savory options with smooth texture make for easy eating at any table gathering. Turkey Meatloaf brings a familiar comfort dish with soft slices for easy serving. It fits well in meal boxes or on wide platters for buffet style. The rich color helps draw attention when plates start to empty out. No scraping or fussing with this hearty option.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf
Roasted Turkey

All eyes go to the centerpiece when carving up the main event at the table. Roasted Turkey delivered whole or in slices is a go-to for family meals. It’s easy to portion out with no fuss beside a big group. You get both light and dark cuts so everyone finds something they like. Leftovers from this are perfect for next-day sandwiches or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey
Thanksgiving Casserole

Putting together a dish with layers and lots of texture makes big gatherings easier. Thanksgiving Casserole combines fun side tastes plus turkey in one scoop. It’s best when the plate gets filled high in each helping. Each bite has a mix of soft and chewy with a warm finish. This one always draws a crowd without much effort in serving.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole
Turkey Pot Pie

Pies filled with hearty ingredients look fun to eat during celebrations. Turkey Pot Pie gets all the good stuff packed inside a golden crust. A single slice holds together on the plate and keeps spills from happening. The top layer breaks easily into bite-sized pieces for quick bites. Seconds go fast so more pie means more happy guests.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie
Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Tables go quiet when a tray full of colors arrives for big meals. Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner puts turkey beside all the sides in one easy pan. Everyone scoops up what they want for quick seconds and less mess. It’s easy for hosts because there isn’t much cleanup afterward. Guests enjoy picking their favorites right from the tray.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner
Turkey Meatballs

Round shapes make any meat snack more fun to eat especially during celebrations. Turkey Meatballs are soft with a gentle texture perfect for small bites. They work well paired with dipping sauces or just plain. You can stack a ton without worry of breaking apart. They’re always gone first from the snack plate during the party.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs
Turkey Gravy

When dishes need a boost for extra comfort there’s an easy helper found at Thanksgiving feasts. Turkey Gravy covers mashed sides or warm slices for extra flavor. It works for soaking up stray bites left around the plate. Pour it onsides or main cuts for extra richness each time. There’s always a scramble for the last scoop when serving finishes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Sweet meets savory in a golden brown showstopper fit for big gatherings. Maple Glazed Turkey Breast offers a sticky-sweet finish with a bold serving style. Each slice feels special without making plates heavy. It’s easy to refill once guests ask for more, since it cooks fast. Leftovers always stand out with a unique twist from this option.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

When snacks need to be a bit different people reach for fun handheld bites. Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) uses small cups as a delivery for turkey plus crisps. Parents like it for easy cleanup and fewer dishes. The layers look colorful and pop beside bigger plates on the spread. These are usually left empty after only a few passes.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)
Turkey Casserole

Busy tables mean fewer spoons and forks passing around during the main meal. Turkey Casserole is all about creamy texture plus an easy finish. Simple serving from the dish makes life easier for hosts. Leftovers are perfect for quick meals in the days after the party. It fits any big tray with minimal work for those refilling plates.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole
Turkey Chili

Some holiday guests want a little warmth in their bowl while resting from big plates. Turkey Chili stands out with chunky bites perfect for spoonfuls. It works well for those avoiding heavy foods and more sauce. Quick scoops go far when serving up extras. This bowl is easy to pack up and heat again for another round later on.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Large gatherings get more attention when carving is done fast and easily. Perfect Spatchcock Turkey cooks evenly and breaks down well for sharing across plates. A bit of crisp plus juicy flavor shows up in every cut. It’s a winner for hosts who want quick seconds with less fuss. Big platters fill up fast after the first few servings go out.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
