Here are some easy-to-make recipes that are not only nutritious but also designed to appeal to your little toddlers taste buds. These recipes are quick to prepare and easy to make, while still being nutritious and appealing. Enjoy!
Apple & Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 1 large apple, cored and sliced into rings
- 2-3 tbsp peanut butter (or almond butter for a nut-free option)
- A handful of granola (optional)
Instructions:
- Spread Peanut Butter: Spread peanut butter on one side of each apple slice.
- Add Granola (Optional): Sprinkle granola on top of the peanut butter if using.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Top with another apple slice to create a sandwich. Serve immediately.
Banana and Peanut Butter Roll-Ups
Ingredients:
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 banana, peeled and sliced
Instructions:
- Spread Peanut Butter: Evenly spread peanut butter over the tortilla.
- Add Banana: Arrange banana slices in a line down the center of the tortilla.
- Roll Up: Roll the tortilla tightly around the banana.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Veggie Egg Muffin
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped veggies (such as bell peppers, spinach, and tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add Veggies: Stir in chopped veggies and cheese if using.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the egg is set and lightly browned on top.
Banana & Oatmeal Energy Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 banana, peeled and sliced
Instructions:
- Mash Banana: In a bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Mix Ingredients: Add oats, nut butter, and chocolate chips or dried fruit. Mix until well combined.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into small balls and place on a baking sheet or plate.
- Chill: Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up. Serve chilled.
Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, or a mix)
- 1/2 banana or 1/4 cup granola ( can be used alternatively)
- 1/4 cup milk (any type, or use water for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients: Combine yogurt, frozen berries, banana, milk, and honey in a blender. Add granola if using.
- Blend: Blend until smooth. You can add more milk if the smoothie is too thick.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for a quick, refreshing snack.
Avocado Toast with Veggie Toppings
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Avocado: Mash the avocado in a bowl and mix in a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toast Bread: Toast the whole grain bread slices.
Assemble: Spread mashed avocado on the toasted bread. Top with cherry tomatoes and shredded carrots.
Sweet Potato and Apple Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked)
- 1/2 cup grated apple
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine mashed sweet potato, grated apple, and egg in a bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and milk until smooth.
- Cook Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Pour small amounts of batter to form pancakes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving to your toddler.
Apple and Cheese Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 slices of cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 whole grain bread slices
- 1 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter (optional)
Instructions:
- Assemble Sandwich: Spread almond or peanut butter on one side of each bread slice (if using). Layer cheese slices and apple slices on one piece of bread, then top with the other piece.
Serve: Cut into small, toddler-friendly pieces.
Veggie and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients:
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked spinach
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Cook Shells: Prepare pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: Mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, carrots, and spinach in a bowl.
- Stuff Shells: Spoon the cheese and veggie mixture into each pasta shell.
- Assemble: Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining sauce.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into nugget-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Filling: Mix chopped spinach with mozzarella cheese in a bowl.
- Stuff Chicken: Place a small amount of the spinach mixture on each chicken piece and press to seal.
- Coat Nuggets: Dip each piece in beaten egg, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Serve: Let cool before serving.
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Patties
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley or cilantro
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Cook Sweet Potato: Boil or steam sweet potato cubes until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and mash.
- Mash Chickpeas: In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix mashed sweet potato, chickpeas, onion, parsley, egg, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form Patties: Shape mixture into small patties.
Cook Patties: Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
These recipes are designed to be both healthy and appealing for toddlers, with a bit of creative flair. Feel free to modify them to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs!
Related Read:
Read about toddler’s nutritional needs here
