9 Kid’s Favorites With a Latin Twist

When my daughter started eating real food, my head swirled with ideas of delicious meals I would make for our family. After all, I grew up with both my mami’s and abuelita’s cuisine, and some of my favorite memories are enveloped by the sights, the sounds, the smells, and the flavors of their cooking. I wanted to give my own child similar memories. But, I soon learned that a child’s palette can be very, well, picky. My daughter rarely ventures from her favorites. So, I add hints of the Latin flavors I grew up with to the classic kid foods she loves. Here are our go-to recipes:

01 Latin Spiced Chicken Strips

Latin Seasoned Chicken Tenders

I have yet to meet a child who didn’t have a love of chicken strips, nuggets or tenders. This is my personal go-to recipe that is loved by the adults and the kiddo at home. Changing regular bread crumbs for the Latin brand Chef Merito seasoned bread crumbs adds a flavor that’s hard to resist.

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Photo: Sassy Mama in L.A. 

02 Avocado Fries

Avocado Fries

A play on french fries or potato wedges, depending on the cut. Not only does it give a little Latin twist but it’s also a better-for-you snack. Jazz it up with some dip or pico de gallo. 

Get the recipe.

Photo: Sassy Mama in L.A.

03 Mexican Spaghetti

Mexican Spaghetti

One of the first foods most kids eat is spaghetti and it becomes a quick staple item for most. This is just like your regular spaghetti, but with a hint of Mexican flavor. By using some Mexican crema, which makes the sauce just a little bit creamier and a dash queso fresco to top it off, will have your kids begging for seconds.

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Photo: La Cocina de Leslie

04 Sopa-de-Fideo

Sopa de Fideos

Fideos, which means noodles that are short dried pasta typically sold in bags, are a staple in most Latin households because you can do anything with it but most often it is used in a soup. It’s right in between being a chicken soup or tomato, which kids tend to love.

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Photo: Latino Foodie

05 Oaxacan Cheese Pretzel

Oaxaca Cheese Pretzels

I think soft pretzels are a universal snack for people of all ages. This recipes adds a special Mexican cheese that easily transforms this to a must have snack for your kids.

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Photo: Presley’s Pantry

06 mexican-style-hot-dog-with-pineapple-pico-de-gallo

Mexican Hot Dogs with Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Kids and hot dogs go together like ying and yang. Throw on some Pineapple Pico de Gallo and you’ll be transported to the streets of Mexico with your kids. Kids don’t do spicy? You can omit the chiles (or save them for yourself).

Get the recipe

Photo: The Latin Kitchen

07 cilantro-lime-rice-VianneyRodriguez

Cilantro- Lime Rice

Is there any flavor more related to Latin cooking than cilantro? I think not. A little cilantro and lime go a long way to transform your kids rice dish or side. 

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Photo: Sweet Life

08 mexican-corn

Mexican Style Street Corn

Corn on the cob to the nth degree. While most corn on the cob is usually only topped with some butter, Elotes (spanish for corn) are boiled then topped with a variety of ingredients like mayonnaise, crema, cheese, and more. My favorite pairing is chili powder, butter with a hint of lime. MMMM. My daughter asks for many of these, so be prepared- they’re addicting!

Get the recipe.

Photo: Nibbles and Feasts

09 three-cheese-potato tacos

Three Cheese Potato Tacos

Two kid’s favorites, mashed potatoes and tacos, rolled (or folded, as the case may be) into one. Easy and delicious.

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Photo: Muy Bueno Cookbook

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