10+ Recipes for Special Education Students: Easy and Fun Meals to Make Together

Cooking can be a fun and rewarding activity for special education students. Making simple recipes can help build their confidence and life skills. By learning to prepare meals, they can gain independence and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious.

In this article, you will find a variety of recipes designed for special education settings. These recipes are easy to follow and use common ingredients, making them perfect for both classroom and home settings. You can create tasty snacks and meals with your students, encouraging teamwork and creativity.

1) Pancake Making Adventure

Pancake making can be a fun and tasty adventure. It’s easy to follow along and create something yummy. You can enjoy everyone’s favorite breakfast together!

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk the egg and add milk.
3. Combine both mixtures and stir until smooth.
4. Heat a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Pour batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form. Flip and cook until golden brown. Enjoy!

2) Microwave Mug Cake Delight

Making a microwave mug cake is simple and fun. It’s perfect for a quick treat that you can enjoy. In just a few minutes, you can create a delicious dessert.

You only need a few ingredients. Mix them in a mug, and pop it in the microwave. This cake is soft and fudgy, making it a delightful snack after a long day.

Feel free to add toppings. Chocolate chips or whipped cream can make it even better. You will love how easy it is to customize to your taste.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons milk or milk substitute
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Chocolate chips (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Stir in the milk and oil until smooth.
3. Add chocolate chips if desired.
4. Microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes (1 minute = 1000 watts) or until the cake rises and is set.
5. Let it cool before enjoying.

3) Scrumptious Smoothie Creation

Making smoothies is fun and easy! You can mix different fruits and flavors to create something tasty. This activity helps you practice following instructions while having a great time.

Start with a base, like yogurt or milk. Then, add your favorite fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. You can even toss in some spinach for a healthy boost!

Blend everything together until it’s smooth. If you like it cold, add ice cubes before blending. Pour the smoothie into a cup, and enjoy your delicious creation!

Ingredients

• 1 cup yogurt or milk
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup of blueberries
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Spinach (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Gather all your ingredients.
2. Place yogurt or milk in the blender.
3. Add the banana, strawberries, and blueberries.
4. If using, add spinach and ice cubes.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Pour into a cup and enjoy!

4) Sizzling Chicken Pasta Bake

You’ll love making this Sizzling Chicken Pasta Bake. It’s a simple and delicious recipe that kids enjoy. The combination of chicken, pasta, and cheese makes it a hearty meal.

To start, cook some pasta according to the package directions. Sauté seasoned chicken pieces in a pan until golden. You can add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrients.

Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and a tasty tomato sauce. Pour everything into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 lb chicken, diced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Sauté the chicken in a skillet until golden.
3. Mix pasta, chicken, and tomato sauce in a bowl.
4. Pour into a baking dish and top with cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

5) Tasty Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a simple and delicious dish. It’s perfect for students who enjoy a hearty meal. The flavors blend together nicely, making it a favorite.

To prepare this dish, you will need basic ingredients that are easy to find. Ground beef gives it a rich taste, while tomato sauce adds sweetness. Don’t forget the pasta!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cups (200g) spaghetti
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in ground beef. Cook until browned.
4. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
6. Serve the sauce over spaghetti. Enjoy!

6) Microwave Quesadilla Quickie

Making a microwave quesadilla is a fun and easy recipe for you. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a snack or meal. You just need a few simple ingredients.

To start, take two tortillas and some cheese. You can choose any type of cheese you like, such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Sprinkle cheese on one tortilla and cover it with the second tortilla. Place it in the microwave and heat it for about 30 to 45 seconds, or until the cheese melts.

Let it cool for a moment before cutting into wedges. Enjoy your tasty snack!

Ingredients:

• 2 tortillas
• 1 cup of cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place one tortilla on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Sprinkle cheese on top of the tortilla.
3. Add the second tortilla on top.
4. Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds.
5. Remove and let cool before cutting.

7) Savory French Toast Fun

Savory French toast is a fun twist on the classic breakfast dish. It’s easy to make and can be a hit among students. You can customize it with different ingredients to make it even more exciting.

For this recipe, you’ll need eggs, milk, cheese, and your favorite seasonings. You can use whole wheat or regular bread for a tasty base.

Start by whisking together the eggs and milk in a bowl. Add some salt, pepper, and any herbs you enjoy. Dip the bread slices into the mixture until soaked.

Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) and add a little oil. Cook the bread until golden brown on both sides.

Enjoy your savory French toast topped with cheese or even some sautéed veggies for added flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of bread
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together eggs and milk in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Dip each slice of bread in the mixture.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
5. Cook bread until golden brown on both sides.

8) Chocolate Chip Cookie Microwaves

Making chocolate chip cookies in the microwave is quick and fun. This is perfect for special education students who may enjoy a simple cooking activity. You can create warm, gooey cookies in just a minute!

Gather your ingredients and get ready to mix. You will need butter, sugar, flour, chocolate chips, and a dash of salt. Each step is easy to follow, keeping students engaged.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe mug for about 20 seconds.
2. Add sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Stir in flour and a pinch of salt until combined.
4. Add chocolate chips and mix again.
5. Microwave for 40-60 seconds on high (around 200°F or 93°C).
6. Let it cool slightly before enjoying!

9) No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

No-bake peanut butter balls are a fun and easy treat to make. They require no cooking, making them perfect for special education students. You can enjoy these tasty snacks any time.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need powdered sugar, peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and butter. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Next, roll the mixture into small balls. You can make them as big or small as you like. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

For extra flavor, consider dipping them in melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving. These goodies are delicious and easy to share with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 2 cups peanut butter
• 3 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 stick butter

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Roll into small balls.
3. Place on a baking sheet.
4. Optional: Dip in melted chocolate.
5. Let set before serving.

10) Frozen Yogurt Parfait Party

Hosting a Frozen Yogurt Parfait Party is a fun and easy way to involve special education students in cooking. It’s a simple recipe that allows everyone to customize their parfaits.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You can set up a yogurt bar with different flavors of yogurt, fresh fruits, granola, and toppings. This encourages choice and decision-making.

Have each student layer their yogurt, fruits, and granola in clear cups. This hands-on activity helps improve fine motor skills while being creative.

Don’t forget to enjoy the parfaits together after making them. This can create a joyful atmosphere and a sense of accomplishment.

Ingredients

• 2 cups yogurt (any flavor)
• 1 cup granola
• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients on a table.
2. Let each student choose their yogurt flavor.
3. In a cup, layer yogurt, a handful of berries, and granola.
4. Repeat layers until the cup is full.
5. If desired, drizzle with honey or syrup.
6. Serve and enjoy!