The 10 Best Meal Train Recipes to Bring to New Parents

Meghan Splawn
Meghan Splawn
Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting — both time and money — and having fun. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the…read more
updated Nov 21, 2023
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Credit: Anna Spaller

So your friend/neighbor/coworker just had a baby, and you signed up for their meal train with no idea what to cook for them. As a woman of a certain age (and a mom of two myself), I’ve been bringing “new baby meals” for almost 10 years! These are my favorite recipes to make and bring to new parents.

Meal Train Ideas for New Parents

1 / 10
Oatmeal Cups

Two reasons to bring oat cups to new parents: They make a one-handed breakfast or quick midnight snack, and oats are reportedly good for producing milk. Plus these can be made in a big batch, frozen, and reheated to last up to a month.

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2 / 10
3-Cheese Frittata Cups
These cups are just the thing for protein-packed lunches, satisfying after-school snacks, or wholesome suppers served with a simple green salad.
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3 / 10
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Spicy, savory, and tender pork shoulder.
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4 / 10
Easy Homemade Granola
A simple easy granola recipe for beginners and seasoned breakfast bakers alike.
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5 / 10
Curried Vegetable and Chickpea Stew

New moms will appreciate the, umm, added fiber in this dairy-free recipe. If you can, portion this out into single servings that can be frozen and reheated as needed.

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6 / 10
Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos
Burritos with eggs, cheese, and potatoes, made ahead and heated up quickly on a weekday morning. Breakfast victory!
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7 / 10
Greek Chicken Grain Bowls
These Greek chicken grain bowls are inspired by classic Greek salad and lemon-herb chicken, and topped with a tangy, 3-ingredient feta sauce.
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8 / 10
Meatballs
Learn how to make classic meatballs with this step-by-step cooking lesson that makes tender and rich meatballs every time.
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9 / 10
Easiest Pasta Salad
This goes-anywhere, has-everything pasta salad is one we think you should know by heart.
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10 / 10
Oatmeal Cookies

New parents deserve cookies! You can make lactation-specific cookies for new breastfeeding mamas, or just make these chewy oatmeal cookies for everyone. They feel like a treat while being filling and boasting more fiber than traditional cookies.

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