Have you seen the videos of the Canadian mom, Alex MacLaren, aka @Mac.larena on Instagram, who tricks her kids into eating homemade food by marketing it as takeout, packed up in to-go containers with a brown bag and everything?
Sometimes, a rebrand is all kids need to get adventurous. So whether you are bringing the thrill of take-out home in an attempt to get something non-beige into your kid, needing new menu ideas or just wanting to save money, give these take-out-inspired recipes a whirl.
Quick Butter Chicken
Your local Indian joint will make the best curries, but this one is still pretty good. We love that it uses chicken thighs, which stay juicy, and that any leftovers can be used the next day. Get the recipe: Quick Butter Chicken
Pulled Pork Tacos
At-home tacos don't need to come from a box. We let the slow cooker do most of the work for this pulled pork recipe. Simply shred the tender pork filling with two forks, fill your tortillas, then let the kids choose their toppings. Dinner is done. Get the recipe: Pulled Pork Tacos
Fajita Pizza
If you're looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing weeknight meal, this is it: Fajita pizza takes two popular dishes and mashes them together, resulting in a delicious dish you'll soon be adding to the regular dinner rotation. We also have some handy tips to up your at-home pizza game. Get the recipe: Fajita Pizza
Burrito Bowls
Rice bowls are the utmost in comfort food. And for this one, we're taking the burrito out of the wrap and into the bowl with tender, seasoned meat, fluffy rice and corn salad. You have got to try these burrito bowls! Get the recipe: Burrito Bowls
Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
Prep the ingredients for chicken Caesar salad wraps ahead of time so everything’s ready to go and you'll have dinner on the table in minutes. Tip: There's no need to make homemade chicken if you're short on time (or energy!). Grocery store rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. You can also use frozen chicken tenders to make crispy chicken Caesar salad wraps instead. Get the recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
Flavourful Veggie-Packed Beef Burgers
Have your burger and lots of veggies, too! These beef burgers are full of flavour thanks to grated veg, are gluten- and dairy-free and help the whole family increase their veggie intake for the day. Wrap them up in sandwich or wax paper and serve them with fries, just like take-out.
Baked Buttermilk Chicken Strips
Crispy, juicy and oven-baked to perfection—these buttermilk chicken strips are a lighter take on a comfort food favourite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, they pack tons of flavour without the deep fryer. Get the recipe: Baked Buttermilk Chicken Strips
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Pickle Chips
We see your restaurant favourite Buffalo chicken sandwich with deep-fried pickles and raise you simple, delicious, HOMEMADE Buffalo chicken sandwiches with pickle chips! No deep-fryer necessary. This recipe is also perfect for tucking into a lunchbox. Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Pickle Chips
Peanut Butter Pad Thai
Slurpable broad rice noodles are hard to resist. This recipe for the popular at-home Thai dish is worth the effort. Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Pad Thai
Baked Fish and Chips
Ditch the deep fryer and try a healthy, easy version of baked fish and chips. This family favourite is ready in less than 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Baked Fish and Chips
Dan Dan Noodles
One-pan meals don’t have to rely on a pound of ground beef and a boxed mix. This dan dan noodle recipe proves it. This traditional Sichuan dish comes together even more quickly using ground pork—seasoned with ingredients you likely have in your cupboard—and veggies served over fresh Asian noodles that cook in just a few minutes. If you don't have fresh noodles, go for spaghetti. You're the boss.
