Hearty recipe ideas for older babies and toddlers

If you're looking for some inspiration for what to make your little one, we got you. These are all healthy, hearty winter recipes for you and your family to try.

1. Mini Meatballs with Tomato Sauce: Make small meatballs using minced beef or turkey mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Simmer them in a tomato pasta sauce until cooked through. Serve with pasta or as finger food.
2. Cheesy Vegetable Quesadillas: Fill whole wheat tortillas with a mixture of shredded cheese and finely chopped cooked vegetables like peppers, courgette and spinach. Toast them in a pan until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy. Cut into small triangles for easy eating.
3. Turkey/Mince and Vegetable Chili: Prepare a mild chili using minced beef or turkey, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and mixed vegetables such as carrots, sweetcorn, and peppers. Adjust the spices to suit your toddler's taste buds and serve with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese.
4. Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cups: Cook macaroni pasta until al dente, then mix with a creamy cheese sauce made from cheddar cheese and milk. Spoon the mixture into muffin tins, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and crispy on top.
5. Mini Chicken Pot Pies: Use a muffin tin to make individual pot pies filled with diced cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Top each mini pie with a circle of puff pastry and bake until golden and bubbly.
6. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas: Mash cooked sweet potatoes with black beans and a small sprinkle of cumin and chili powder. Spread the mixture onto whole wheat tortillas, top with cheese, and cook in a pan until crispy and golden. Cut into wedges for easy eating.
7. Vegetable and Lentil Shepherd's Pie: Make a hearty filling with cooked lentils, mixed vegetables, and gravy. Top with creamy mashed potatoes and bake until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling.
8. Mini Vegetable Frittatas: Whisk together eggs with diced vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Pour the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake until set. These mini frittatas are perfect for little hands and can be served warm or cold.
9. Creamy Pumpkin Risotto: Cook Arborio rice with chicken or vegetable broth and stir in pureed pumpkin, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. The creamy texture and mild flavors make this a perfect dish for toddlers.
10. Homemade Chicken Nuggets: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, dip them in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake until crispy and golden for a healthier alternative to store-bought nuggets.

We hope these have inspired you to try something new. Don't forget the wipes for easy clean ups!

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