Toddler Food Recipes

Toddlers are sometimes picky eaters, and feeding them can be a challenge. Below are a few healthy and nutritionally balanced recipes that can interest your toddler.

Cooking for your toddler should be fun and exciting, as you enjoy watching your child try new tastes and textures. However, it can be difficult to think up new recipes for kids that will keep your toddler interested, as well as being healthy and balanced nutritionally.

As your toddler might still like to use his hands to feed himself, finger-shaped, easily graspable toddler food will save on mess, but you should still continue to try ‘wetter’ toddler meal ideas like our ‘extra-veg bolognese’ to encourage him to practice using cutlery.

If you’re looking for some toddler dinner ideas and inspiration, we’ve got three easy and healthy recipes for kids for you, and your toddler, to try.

Please note: When trying any new toddler meals with your child, you should keep an eye out for any signs of allergies, such as skin rashes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or swelling of the lips or tongue. In which case you should consult your doctor immediately. You should also be sure to supervise your child when they’re eating, to help minimize any choking risk.

1.SALMON FISH FINGERS WITH POTATO WEDGES

Salmon is a great source of brain-boosting omega-3, and a brilliant example of healthy food for kids. Plus, the shape of these homemade fish fingers and potato wedges makes them great finger foods for your toddler.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

This recipe makes enough for one toddler portion:

• 1 thick salmon fillet, cut into three strips
• Breadcrumbs made from day-old bread
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 small potato, cut into wedges
• Oil

METHOD:

• Heat oven to 180℃

For the potato wedges:

• Arrange the potato wedges on a baking tray, drizzle with oil and toss to coat
• Cook for 20 mins, turning halfway

For the fish fingers:

• Brush a baking tray with oil
• Dip the fish strips into the egg before coating in the breadcrumbs
• Arrange on a baking tray.
• Bake for 25 minutes until golden
• Serve with your child’s favorite vegetables.

2. CAULIFLOWER-CARROT CHEESE CAKES

Toddler lunch ideas can be hard to think up, but these patties make a great alternative to sandwiches. They also make it easy to sneak vegetables into a toddler – something that can often be a tricky task!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

This recipe makes eight patties:

• Half a cauliflower, cut into florets
• One carrot, chopped into small pieces
• Breadcrumbs made from 1 slice of day-old bread
• 1 egg
• 50g grated cheddar
• Oil

METHOD:

• Heat oven to 160℃
• Line a baking tray with foil and brush with oil
• Steam the cauliflower and carrot until tender (approx 8 mins)
• Put the cauliflower, carrot, egg and cheese into a food processor and pulse to a chunky consistency
• Form into patties
• Arrange on the tray and bake for 20 mins

This recipe works well with a variety of different vegetables, so experiment with broccoli, butternut squash, sweet potato, peas and other vegetables to see which combinations your child likes best.

3. EXTRA-VEG BOLOGNESE

Kid friendly recipes should include lots of lovely vitamins, and the cleverest toddler recipes are nutrient-rich and delicious. It’s easy to sneak vegetables into a tasty bolognese. Just chop them finely and your toddler will never know! This recipe is also one of the kids meal ideas that provides great practice for using a spoon and fork.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

This recipe makes enough for several portions (which you can freeze):

• 250g lean beef mince
• Small can of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 handful frozen peas
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Their favorite pasta to serve

METHOD:

• Heat the oil in a pan
• Add the onion and carrot, and cook until soft
• Stir in the garlic (pressed)
• Add the mince and brown, tipping out any excess fat
• Add the red pepper and zucchini, and cook until soft
• Stir in the tomato puree
• Stir in the chopped tomatoes
• Add the peas
• Simmer for 20 mins
• Served over cooked pasta with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese, this is one of the best toddler meal ideas for hidden vegetables.