06/01/2026
Fun & Easy Vegan Recipes to Try with Kids
Whether you’re dipping a toe into Veganuary or just looking for tasty meals the kids will actually eat, plant-based cooking doesn’t need to be daunting. These recipes come from trusted sites like BBC Good Food, Food Network UK, and Veganuary, and include breakfast, dinner, snacks and treats that are simple, family-friendly, and delicious.
Vegan Breakfast & Brunch ideas
Coconut & Banana Pancakes: Sweet, fluffy pancakes made with coconut milk and banana, perfect for weekend brunch or a lazy school-holiday breakfast.
👉 Recipe: BBC Good Food Vegan Coconut & Banana Pancakes
Egg-less Mayo Sandwiches: Quick and fun for lunchboxes or light bites, plus, kids can help mix the tofu filling!
👉 Recipe: BBC Good Food Egg-less Mayo Sandwiches
Maple Cinnamon Granola: A wholesome breakfast or snack option you can make yourself and let the kids customise with fruit and plant milk.
👉 Recipe: Veganuary Maple Cinnamon Granola
Easy Vegan Dinners for Kids
Vegan Thai Green Curry: Mild, colourful, and packed with tofu and veg. Get the kids involved by having them add toppings or stir the sauce.
👉 Recipe: BBC Good Food Vegan Thai Green Curry
Vegan Mac ’n’ Cheese: A plant-based take on an all-time favourite. From Food Network UK’s kids collection, perfect for picky eaters and a great gateway dish.
👉 Recipe: Food Network UK Vegan Mac ’n’ Cheese
Falafel Burgers: Easy handheld meal that’s fun to build, inside pitta pockets with salad or dips on the side.
👉 Recipe: BBC Good Food Falafel Burgers
One-Pot Linguine with Olives & Sundried Tomatoes: A simple pasta dish that tastes grown-up but is still kid-friendly, with lots of sweetness from the tomatoes.
👉 Recipe: Veganuary One Pot Linguine
Vegan Snacks Kids Will Actually Eat
Vegan Nuggets: A great after-school snack or dinner side dish option. These are bean and veg based but crisp up nicely and come with dipping fun!
👉 Recipe: BBC Good Food Vegan Nuggets
Sweet Potato & Beetroot Crisps: A fun alternative to regular fries and lovely for lunch or an afternoon nibble.
foodnetwork.co.uk
👉 Recipe: Food Network UK Sweet Potato & Beetroot Crisps
Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Slightly healthier than deep-fried chips and great for dipping.
👉 Recipe: Food Network UK Sweet Potato Fries
Family-Friendly Vegan Desserts
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic dessert, crispy on the edges, chewy inside, and dairy-free.
👉 Recipe: BBC Good Food Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan Brownies: Fudgy, rich brownies are always a family favourite and a fun bake with older kids.
👉 Recipe: BBC Good Food Vegan Brownies
Deep-Dish Vegan Apple Pie – A lovely dessert to make together — perfect on colder evenings with vegan ice cream.
👉 Recipe: Food Network UK Deep Dish Apple Pie
Comfort & Family-Style Vegan Meals
Creamy Leek & Potato Soup: Hearty and simple to make with seasonal veg, ideal for cosy nights in.
👉 Recipe: Veganuary Creamy Leek & Potato Soup
Chickpea & Sweet Potato Tikka Masala: Mild spiced but rich in flavour and protein, lovely served with rice.
👉 Recipe: Veganuary Sweet Potato Tikka Masala
Mexican Plate with Black Rice & Refried Beans: Easy to customise with toppings like guacamole, salsa, or vegan cheese, let kids choose!
👉 Recipe: Veganuary Mexican Plate
Tips for Cooking With Kids
👩🍳 Give them jobs: Washing veg, stirring batter, pressing cookie dough; small tasks build confidence
🎨 Make it fun: Let kids choose toppings or shapes (e.g., cookie cutters for pancakes or sandwiches)
🎒 Lunchbox swaps: Many of these recipes double as great lunchbox fillers, like buns, mini burgers, or baked snacks
🌈 Boost of veggies: Curries, sauces and bakes are perfect for sneaking extra veg
Why It Works for Families
- Flexible: You can make these vegan dishes even if the rest of your family isn’t fully plant-based
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with pulses, veg, and whole foods
- Engaging: Fun to cook and adapt based on what your kids enjoy
Whether you're a full time vegan looking for inspiration, wanting to take part in Veganuary, or interested in mixing it up and increasing the veg intake, we hope these ideas really give you food for thought!