Kids Meals Recipe

If using frozen fries: preheat oven and bake according to package instructions until crispy (usually 20–25 minutes at 220°C/425°F) or deep-fry at 175°C/350°F for 3–5 minutes until golden. If using hand-cut potatoes: soak cut potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes, dry thoroughly, then deep-fry at 160°C/320°F for 5–6 minutes to blanch, remove and drain; increase oil to 190°C/375°F and fry 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and immediately season with 3/4 tsp salt.

Portion fries into fry basket lined with paper or parchment (about 2 cups per kids meal). Place basket in serving dish.

If using frozen tenders

Cook frozen chicken tenders according to package — bake at 200°C/400°F for 12–18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C/165°F, or deep-fry at 175°C/350°F for 4–6 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.

If making homemade tenders

Pat 4 chicken tender pieces dry. Season 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper into 1/2 cup flour. In a shallow bowl, whisk 1 egg with 2 tbs milk. Place 3/4 cup bread crumbs in a third bowl. Dredge each tender in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg wash, then coat thoroughly in bread crumbs. Heat 2 tbs vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook tenders 3–4 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature is 74°C/165°F (or shallow-fry in 1/2 inch oil). Drain on paper towels.

Arrange cooked tenders in the fry basket alongside the fries. Add 2 tbs ketchup in a ramekin and place into the basket. Add apple slices and a small cup of ranch if desired.

Form or use a preformed mini beef patty (~3 oz). Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the patty 2–3 minutes per side for medium (longer if well done) until internal temperature reaches 71°C/160°F. In the last 30 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on the patty to melt.

Meanwhile, butter both insides of the slider bun with 1/2 tbs butter and toast on a pan or griddle until lightly golden, about 30–60 seconds.

Assemble the slider: bottom bun, patty with melted cheese, 2 pickle slices, a small smear of ketchup (1 tbs) and mustard (1/2 tsp), then top bun. Place slider in the fry basket beside the fries. Include a ramekin of ketchup or ranch and apple slices as desired.

Butter one side of each of 2 bread slices with 1 tbs softened butter (about 1/2 tbs per slice). Place one slice butter-side-down in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Layer 2 cheese slices (or 1–2 depending on thickness) on the bread in the pan and optional tomato slices. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side-up. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted; press gently with a spatula to encourage even melting.

Remove and let rest 30 seconds, then slice diagonally. Place grilled cheese in the fry basket with fries and a ramekin of ketchup for dipping. Add apple slices if included.

Use a fry basket lined with paper for each kids meal. Portion fries (2 cups) and the chosen main (4 chicken tenders or mini slider or grilled cheese) into the basket so the child can easily pick items.

Include small sauce cups with ketchup and/or ranch, add 4 apple slices, and serve immediately while hot.

Label or note allergens (gluten, dairy, egg, soy) for caregiver awareness.