Cooking with a picky eater - what actually works?

My 7yo will eat basically nothing I make but I've noticed if HE makes it, he'll eat it. Started letting him help with actual cooking instead of just measuring stuff. Last week he made quesadillas and ate THREE slices. We did homemade pasta yesterday and same thing. It's more time-consuming but tbh the fact he's eating is worth it. Anyone else notice this? Does it eventually stick or is this just his phase?