The Benefits of Serving Family-Style Meals
Have you tried serving family-style meals yet?
Serving meals family-style—where all the components are set out in individual bowls for everyone to serve themselves—is one of my favorite ways to serve dinners and my girls favorite way to enjoy dinners!
Here is how each person in my family chose to create their own grain dish.
Why Family-Style Meals Are a Game-Changer
1. Encourages Interaction and Food Exploration
When food is placed in the middle of the table, it creates opportunities for conversation and interaction. Kids get to see, smell, and touch a variety of ingredients, helping them become more comfortable with new foods. It’s an easy way to expose them to different textures and flavors in a low-pressure setting.
2. Fosters Autonomy
Family-style meals allow children to take ownership of their plates. They can decide what to eat, how much to serve themselves, and how to arrange it on their plates. This autonomy not only builds confidence but also helps them listen to their hunger and fullness cues—essential skills for developing a healthy relationship with food.
3. Reduces Mealtime Stress
With family-style dinners, each person builds a plate that suits their preferences. This means fewer arguments about what’s on the menu and more focus on enjoying the meal together.
How to Set Up a Family-Style Meal
The beauty of family-style meals is how easy they are to set up. Here’s how to make it work for your family:
1. Use Individual Bowls for Each Ingredient
Whether it’s taco night, burger bowls, or a pasta bar, separate each ingredient into its own bowl or dish. This makes it easy for everyone to see their options and choose what they like.
2. Let Kids Get Involved
Make it fun by letting your kids decide if they want a bowl or a plate. Giving them this small responsibility helps them feel more involved in the process. You can also encourage them to help with meal prep, such as setting the table or placing toppings in bowls.
3. Keep Cleanup Simple
One of my favorite hacks is using glass Tupperware for serving. Once the meal is over, you can pop the lids on and store any leftovers directly in the fridge—no need to transfer food to another container. This minimizes dishes and keeps cleanup quick and easy.
A Flexible Solution for Every Family
Family-style dining is incredibly versatile. From big salads and grain bowls to taco spreads and pizza nights, the possibilities are endless. Family-Style meals are my go to for big family gatherings or when we have guests over. It is a great way to meet everyone’s dietary needs and preferences while still keeping it easy and simple.
What’s your favorite meal to serve a family-style meal? I’d love to hear from you!
Looking for more tips on raising healthy, happy eaters?
Check out our Raising Healthy Eaters Audio Course designed for busy parents to listen and learn on the go. Our goal is to help you increase your child’s variety while decreasing your stress in the kitchen! Sound good? Check it out here!
