Ketchup is a legit food group, according to many kids. If you choose recipes based on whether your kid can dip, slather or squirt it on, look no further.
A two-in-one treat for ketchup aficionados, they can dunk their fish sticks and dredge their chips through the good stuff.
Get the recipe: Crispy Baked Fish and Chips
Photo: Roberto CarusoHere’s a clever tip: With enough seasoned beef, creamy mashed potatoes and yes, ketchup, your kids will be virtually powerless to the vegetables that lurk underneath it all.
Get the recipe: Shepherd’s Pie
Photo: Maya VisnyeiWould your kids notice if you switched up their ketchup? This lean, mean turkey burger is delicious when topped with this easy imposter sauce made with frozen cranberries, brown sugar, Dijon and tomato paste.
Get the recipe: Turkey Burgers with Cranberry Ketchup
Clean all the wilting things out of the crisper and throw them at this omelette—there are no wrong veggies here. And don’t worry about your flipping skills—a veg-heavy pan of scrambled eggs pairs equally well with ketchup.
Get the recipe: Kitchen Sink Cheese Omelette
Photo: Roberto CarusoSometimes you eat your latkes with sour cream, sometimes with apple sauce. But most times, only ketchup will do. These fried potato nuggets are perfect for small hands.
Get the recipe: Lacey-Edged Latkes
Photo: Erik PutzThese kebabs are prime dunking material and ketchup is happy to oblige. They’re marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme and garlic, so even without the red sauce, these babies are yum.
Get the recipe: Greek Pork Kebabs
Glazed ham ain’t just for the holidays. Buy a small smoked ham from the grocery store and glaze it with a simple blend of mango chutney and Dijon. Or, you know, you could glaze it in ketchup. We’re only half kidding. You do you.
Get the recipe: Weeknight Mango-Glazed Ham
Photo:Lentils are healthy, hearty (and cheap!) filler in traditional meatloaf. The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of ketchup, but you can treat that amount as a mere suggestion. Get the recipe: Lentil and Beef Mini Loaves
Photo: Roberto CarusoWhat’s special sauce? A blend of ketchup and mayo, obviously, and it’s just what this sandwich calls for. A hybrid of two breakfast faves—waffle and BLT—parents will want to get in on this, too. Get the recipe: BLT Waffle-Wich
Photo: Roberto CarusoA cornflake coating makes gives these baked chicken fingers a fried kind of crunch. Dunking possibilities are pretty broad, but top spots go to ketchup (obviously), plum sauce, honey and ranch dressing. Get the recipe: “Fried” Chicken Fingers
Photo: Roberto CarusoYou’ll love the simplicity of this rich and creamy mac; the kids will love that it’s an easy way to eat ketchup by the spoonful. Add a few peas for good measure. Get the recipe: One-Pot Mac and Cheese
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.