A little dinner planning can make the handoff feel easier. Pick a familiar meal, leave clear serving instructions, and give your Sitter more time to settle in with the kids. These recipes work as starting points for a dinner you prepare before heading out.
A little planning helps
- Choose a dish your children already know, and leave portions and serving instructions with your checklist.
- Allow time for cooking and resting before you leave. These recipes have different cooking times; check the full recipe before planning your evening.
- Nana’s casserole can be made ahead and tastes even better that way. Keep prepared food refrigerated until it is time to cook or serve.
Choose a recipe
Curried chicken & broccoli casserole
1 hour
A family-favorite casserole that tastes even better made ahead.
Easy family meatloaf
55 to 70 minutes baking, plus prep and 10 minutes resting
A familiar dinner you can cook before heading out. Allow for baking and resting time.
Baked macaroni & cheese
45 minutes, plus 10 to 15 minutes resting
A comforting baked dinner. Build its resting time into your plan.
Leave the details with your Sitter
Add food preferences, allergies, routines, and parent contact details to your editable babysitter checklist. Agree on the meal and cooking plan before the visit.
Make Sitter nights a little easier
Dinners to make before the Sitter arrives
Plan dinner before your night out with family-friendly casseroles, meatloaf, and baked macaroni, plus a simple handoff checklist.
Dinners your Sitter can make
Find simple family dinners your babysitter can make, including quesadillas, flatbreads, and pasta, with practical prep and handoff tips.
Snack adventures with a Sitter
Turn snack time into a shared activity with apple nachos, homemade hummus, and frozen yogurt bark. Find recipes and simple planning tips.