5 toddler-certified quick and easy recipes
These toddler recipes tick all the boxes: quick, easy and nutritious! They all have the right balance of tastiness, wholesome ingredients and simplicity. Try them out and leave a comment below - we’d love to hear how your little one likes them.
Zucchini & corn fritters
These toddler-friendly corn fritters are a twist on the classic recipe, with the addition of greens. Cheddar adds that cheesy goodness that toddlers love, and wholemeal flour will help fill them with fibre.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups wholemeal self raising flour
- 1 grated zucchini
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup corn kernels
How to make
Mix all ingredients together and cook by the spoonful in frypan set to medium heat.
Mac and cheese bites
These cheesy bites include all-important veggies, plus ham and eggs for protein to keep their little tummies satisfied. Try to use wholegrain macaroni and flour for added fibre.
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 300ml milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup grated tasty cheese
- ½ cup grated zucchini
- ½ cup shredded ham
How to make
Cook the macaroni and drain well. Melt butter and mix in flour over a low heat until it forms a paste, then whisk in milk and heat until thick. Mix in cooked pasta, shredded ham, eggs, cheese and zucchini. Spoon into a muffin tray and bake at 180°C for 25 minutes.
Salmon potato cakes
Have you heard salmon referred to as “brain food”? Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, which are important for brain development and cognitive function. The addition of cheese makes these fish cakes toddler-friendly, and they’re super simple to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potato
- 1 x 440gm can of fork mashed salmon
- ½ cup cheese
- 2 eggs
How to make
Mix well and form into little patties. Cook in a non-stick frypan on moderate heat until each side is golden. Serve with steamed broccoli, carrots, or beans.
Mini frittatas
These frittatas for toddlers are a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Just whisk, mix, dollop and bake.
- 2 cups of leftover or frozen vegetables – even roast vegetables will work for this one
- 5 eggs
- ½ cup of grated cheese
- Splash of milk
How to make
Whisk eggs with milk. Mix vegetables and cheese through. Spoon into sprayed or buttered muffin tin and bake at 160 degrees for 25 minutes.
Healthy dipping platter
A few different types of veggies and dips are ideal for meals on the go or summer snacks. Feel free to substitute different types of vegetables, depending on what’s in the fridge.
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 mini cucumber
- 3 cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup of hummus*
- ½ cup tzatziki*
How to make
Chop the veggies into sticks, and the cherry tomatoes in half. Serve with the dips – and add a few wholemeal crackers if they are extra hungry (or you’d like to share!)
*These can be purchased commercially, but if you’d like to make your own, you’ll need:
Hummus
Smooth, creamy hummus is a great addition to any veggie platter. Made from chickpeas, the dip is packed with protein and fibre. You can also use leftovers as a spread on sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 600g canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp tahini paste
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
- 100ml olive oil
How to make
Place the chickpeas, a pinch of salt, cumin, tahini paste, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor and process until combined. Add the water and process again. Drizzle in the olive oil and process until quite smooth.
Tzatziki
Such a fresh tasting dip with a Greek yoghurt base, adding
tzatziki to your dipping platter will add a hit of protein to your little one’s meal.
Ingredients
- Three massive spoonfuls of Greek yogurt
- 1 large cucumber, grated
- ½ teaspoon garlic
How to make
Put all ingredients into bowl and stir gently until combined.
These recipes all work well served warm or cold – and are a great option for ‘take a plate’ mornings or play dates.
Bonus tip: Dipping platter aside, you can make extras and pop them in the freezer for extra snacks for when little guests pop around or you don’t feel like cooking.
Have you got a fussy eater at home? Ask a Blackmores naturopath for their expert tips to help you support your little one’s nutrition.
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