Broccoli is bursting with vitamins and antioxidants that are great for little ones and their development. Here are some simple broccoli recipes for babies and toddlers that are a great way of getting in that nutrient-dense veggie!
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Broccoli is that veggie that every parent seems to want their child to eat, but getting them to love it always seems like a challenge. Here are some recipes that may help your little ones to love the veggie a little more! Of course, I can’t guarantee that your little one will develop a newfound appreciation for it, but these are some fun ways to incorporate it into some simple meals!
BROCCOLI FOR BABIES (FIRST FOOD)
Broccoli is a wonderful first food for babies! It was actually the very first food that I offered my son Kai when we began baby-led weaning. To safely serve a piece of broccoli as a first food, steam it until it can easily be smooshed between your fingers. Try to serve a piece with a longer stem that your baby can use as a handle to eat. You can season broccoli pieces with butter and salt-free seasonings to give it a little more flavor for your little one. But if you’re looking for some other fun ways of incorporating it into your little’s one diet, I’ve got you covered with these recipes below!
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE PINWHEELS
These pinwheels come together quickly and make a great lunch or dinner option for the whole family! Puff pastry is a great texture for babies to eat and the combo and you can add in some chicken for some extra protein!
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE BITES
These little bites and the perfect size for small hands. They freeze and reheat well for a quick lunch option during a busy week!
BROCCOLI PATTIES
These patties are crisp on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. They can be made in the air-fryer or oven and can easily be made egg-free!
CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI MEATBALLS
These meatballs are great to snack on as is or simmered into your favorite pasta sauce! They’re moist, tender, and never dry!
BROCCOLI & CHEESE QUESADILLA
Adding broccoli to a classic cheese quesadilla is such an easy way to upgrade it! Just steam a few broccoli florets, finely chop them and sprinkle them on top of some cheese inside of a tortilla. I always say that there’s something magical that happens when cheese is added to veggies and that’s definitely the case with these quesadillas!
BROCCOLI TOTS
These tots are a fun take on classic tots and are one of my favorite ways to use up broccoli florets! Everything comes together in one bowl for a delicious meal that you can pair with your favorite dip!
SAVORY VEGGIE MUFFINS
Who says muffins have to be sweet? These veggie muffins have a savory twist and are a great way of using leftover veggies. I love mixing in some chopped broccoli florets into these muffins that always melt in your mouth with every bite.
BROCCOLI EGG BITES
Egg bites are perfect to batch-make, freeze, and reheat for those busy mornings. This broccoli and cheese combo is delicious and can be paired with some simple sides for a quick balanced breakfast!
CHICKEN NUGGETS WITH VEGGIES
Have a chicken nugget lover? These chicken nuggets with veggies are a fun way to incorporate veggies into the classic! The combination of broccoli and sweet potatoes makes for these juicy nuggets that are egg and dairy-free!
I hope that you found these broccoli recipes for babies helpful and that your little ones love any that you try out!
Looking for more veggie-inspired recipes? Check out this post on my favorite spinach recipes for kids!