Kid-Friendly Mexican Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Mexican food that kids love

Mexican cooking has a reputation for heat that can scare parents, but much of it is perfectly kid-friendly. In Mexico, children grow up eating quesadillas, rice, beans and soft tacos from a young age. The key is controlling the heat and letting kids customise their plates.

Quesadillas: The Mexican equivalent of a toastie. Tortilla, cheese, fold, cook. Add chicken, ham, mushrooms or beans. Zero heat, 100% kid-approved.

Build-your-own tacos: Set up a bar of ingredients: soft tortillas, shredded chicken (no chilli), rice, beans, grated cheese, lettuce, sweetcorn, avocado, soured cream. Each child builds their own. Interactive and eliminates fussiness.

Mild Mexican rice: Standard arroz rojo without chillies. Kids usually love it for its tomatoey flavour.

Oven nachos: Spread crisps on a tray, top with beans, sweetcorn and cheese. Grill 5 minutes. Serve with mild guacamole.

Churros: Perfect dessert for making together as a family. Simple dough, fried, coated in cinnamon sugar. Served with hot chocolate for dipping.

Tips for cooking Mexican with children

• Omit or reduce chillies until they develop tolerance
• Let them customise (toppings bar)
• Involve them in cooking: making tortillas and churros is fun for all ages
• Start with mild flavours and introduce heat gradually

Mexican food can be the perfect ally for parents looking to expand their children's palates beyond fish fingers and pasta.