Anyone who has had to feed a picky eater knows the nightly ritual of creating two different meals: one for the kid, and one for the adults, with a mountain of dishes to wash afterwards. But a picky eater’s plate doesn’t have to be bland, and it doesn’t have to be a different menu entirely than the adults eat. With a few protein-rich pantry staples, quick dinners can please the whole family.
Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Few things clear a picky eater’s plate and make everyone happy than something that can be eaten with your hands. Wellshire’s Oven Roasted Turkey Breast wrapped around a slice of cheese is a five minute fix for the “what’s for dinner” dilemma. Pair with some cucumbers or apple slices on the side, and you have a high protein, easy to customize, quick-to-fix meal that can be swapped out with ham, cream cheese, or turned into pinwheels for little hands. It’s the kind of quick dinner that can also easily be packed cold for a school lunch the next day.
Sheet Pan Ham and Veggie Bake
Sheet pan dinners rule the house for good reason: with only one pan to worry about, you can throw together a meal while attending to other tasks during a busy weeknight. Cubed uncured ham roasted on a sheet pan with diced potatoes and a mild veggie like green beans or carrots provides kids with a mild, recognizable flavor, and a healthy dose of protein, while still filling an adult’s plate with more substantial fare. Simply drizzle with a touch of olive oil and seasoning before roasting.
Uncured Hot Dogs, Reimagined
Hot dogs are a picky eater staple, and there’s no need to feel guilty feeding a whole family them, especially with Wellshire’s Uncured Beef Franks, which offer a similar flavor that kids enjoy, but with cleaner ingredients that adults will also feel good about eating. Cut into a pot of baked beans for a heartier, protein packed dinner, or try wrapping in a tortilla with a side of cheese for a new take on an old favorite.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
For a slightly more upscale (but no more work) twist on dinner, wrap bite size chicken breasts in thick cut bacon and bake until crisp. The bacon adds flavor that kids love, and the chicken keeps the protein high enough to satisfy hungrier adults. Paired with a simple side of rice or roasted sweet potatoes, this family friendly recipe is often requested by kids as the “bacon chicken”.
Deli Meat and Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a win in the picky eater department, because they let everyone customize their own meal, but with the assurance that what’s in there is something they like. Layer smoked turkey or applewood smoked ham and cheese between tortillas, and cook in a skillet until the tortillas are crispy. Cut into wedges and serve with a side of salsa for an easy customizable dinner that will have adults using their own preferred toppings on their half of the plate, while kids scoop up the deli meat and cheese with little hands.
Building a Pantry That Makes Weeknight Meals Easy
The key to a quick, satisfying family dinner that doesn’t involve separate plates for the picky eater is a well-stocked protein rich pantry. Keeping a few high protein staples on hand like deli meats, bacon, and hot dogs means a real dinner is always within reach, even when takeout seems like the only option.
Feeding a picky eater doesn’t have to sacrifice nutrition, either, and feeding the whole family doesn’t have to be twice the work or twice the dishes. With a few protein rich staples on hand, a quick dinner that satisfies both a five year old and an adult can be accomplished with ease.
Looking for more help making quick, high-protein meals the whole family will enjoy? Explore Wellshire’s variety of clean-ingredient meats and find a few new go-to staples for busy weeknights. Find Wellshire products near you today.