Do you need a recipe recipe to make buttered noodles for kids? Obviously not. But you may well need one to make buttered noodles for kids that you, the occasional grown-up, will also want to eat. This is that one. If defaulting and/or resorting to buttered noodles for dinner is giving up, the recipe that follows is leaning in–to flavor, without the need for any additional work.
The secret here is in the sauce–you’ll pair both oyster and hoisin sauces with the butter, matching the dairy’s richness with a slightly sweet unctuousness; the addition of sesame oil and parmesan brings all the umami notes. It will instantly remind you of whatever you conjured up in your parent’s kitchen at 12, or in your own when stoned in college or your twenties: familiar, different, better. Your kiddo will like it, too.
Best of all, you can make this with basically any noodle. The photo for the recipe uses udon; elbow macaroni would work just as well. Do note: the size and shape of the noodle may affect how much of each ingredient you’ll need to fully flavor the dish–but just start with the default measurements below and add liberally of this and that until the noodles are coat but not saturated in sauce. Hey, it is a recipe, after all, but it doesn’t require you to follow and/or treat it as such–definitely go with your gut on what (and how much) to add.
Check out our other great pasta recipes!
Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters? These buttered noodles for kids start with a comfort-food classic and add just enough personality to make them irresistible to adults, too. A touch of hoisin and oyster sauce gives the buttery base a light umami kick, while a grating of Parmesan ties everything together in rich, savory balance.
This recipe keeps things simple—just a few quality ingredients make a big difference:
(See the full ingredient list and measurements below.)
That’s it. Dinner in 15 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—store in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat with a splash of water or butter to revive the texture.
Is this recipe okay for toddlers?
Absolutely. The sauces are mild, and you control the salt content. For younger toddlers, chop noodles into shorter pieces for easier eating.
What goes well with buttered noodles?
Try pairing them with steamed broccoli, roasted chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
Can I skip the Parmesan?
Yes—though it adds richness, the noodle base is flavorful enough on its own.
These buttery noodles for kids get a flavor boost from hoisin and oyster sauces, then finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a perfect sweet-savory balance. Quick, comforting, and toddler-approved, it’s an easy weeknight twist on a classic.
If your child does better with small pieces of noodle, or if you’re just looking for some good scissor practice, have your child cut the noodles after they are cooked but before you return to the pot. Feel free to add more cheese and/or even a bit of tomato sauce if your child can’t do noodles without either (or both)--neither will affect the taste.
If you have one of the two sauces but not the other, you’re fine–just make sure you increase the amount of the sauce you do have to cover what’s missing. You can also mix in a scoop of tomato paste to both thicken the sauce and add familiar color and flavor.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
