14 Fun & Tasty Vegetable Toddler Recipes

When it comes to toddlers, feeding them can be a bit tricky specially when it’s vegetables but I’ve got you covered with 14 fun and tasty vegetable recipes that are easy to make.

These recipes are designed to ensure your child enjoys mealtime while getting the nutrients they need. Whether you’re serving roasted veggies or creative bites, there’s something for every picky eater.

Plus, these dishes are perfect for babies starting solids, toddlers around one year old, and for parents looking for easy baby food recipes. Let’s dive in and make veggie time enjoyable!

Below, I’ve listed 14 vegetable-based recipes that will ease you out while cooking for your child, Let’s get into it.

1. Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Crispy and flavorful, this roasted asparagus is a perfect side dish for any meal. A great option for healthy baby food and easy toddler meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches asparagus
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: Grated Parmesan, fresh lemon zest, cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Wash and pat dry the asparagus, snap off the ends.
3. Place on the baking sheet, toss with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes (adjust time based on thickness).
5. Serve warm as a side dish or with pasta, ravioli, rice, or salad.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

2. Easy Boiled Beets

These boiled beets are naturally sweet, simple to make, and are perfect for getting your little one to enjoy veggies. Ideal for weaning foods or easy baby food recipes.

Ingredients:

• Fresh beets

Instructions:

1. Wash and peel the beets.
2. Place in a pot of water and boil until tender (about 30-40 minutes).
3. Drain and serve, or cut into pieces for your toddler.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

3. Oven-Roasted Red Peppers

Sweet and slightly charred, these peppers are versatile and delicious. A fun way to introduce veggies for one year olds and perfect for how to get toddlers to eat veggies.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced bell peppers (from 2 medium peppers)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
2. Slice peppers into 1/2-inch thick strips, discarding seeds and stem.
3. Toss with oil, cumin, salt, and chili powder.
4. Bake for 24-26 minutes or until very soft when poked with a knife.
5. Serve as taco fillings, in pasta dishes, or as a simple side.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 24-26 minutes

4. Homemade Broccoli Tots

These homemade tots are a fun, crispy alternative to traditional tater tots, making broccoli more enjoyable for toddlers. A healthy baby food option for picky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets (chopped)
• 1 cup cooked short grain brown rice
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Boil water, pour over broccoli, let sit for 5 minutes, drain well.
3. Blend broccoli, rice, cheese, Parmesan, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning in a food processor until uniform.
4. Shape into 1-tablespoon ovals and place on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-27 minutes or until firm and lightly golden brown.
6. Let cool slightly and serve.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-27 minutes

5. Sauteed Shredded Brussel Sprouts

Tender and flavorful, these sautéed Brussels sprouts are a great introduction to this veggie. A fantastic option for healthy baby food or how to get toddlers to eat veggies.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Grate Brussels sprouts or thinly slice.
2. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add Brussels sprouts and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring often.
4. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and honey.
5. Serve topped with sunflower seeds and Parmesan cheese.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5-8 minutes

7. Easy Baked Carrot Fries

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these carrot fries are perfect for babies and toddlers alike. Great for healthy baby food or a side for easy toddler meals.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 medium carrots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Slice carrots into matchsticks.
3. Toss with olive oil and salt.
4. Spread out evenly on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-24 minutes or until just starting to brown and soft.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes

8. Easy Sauteed Carrots

Tender and slightly sweet, sautéed carrots are a classic side dish that your toddler will love. A simple option for easy toddler meals.

Ingredients:

• Carrots
• Butter or oil

Instructions:

1. Slice carrots into thin pieces.
2. Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add carrots and sauté until tender.
4. Serve as a side dish.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5-8 minutes

9. Quick Steamed Cauliflower

A mild and versatile cauliflower that can be enjoyed on its own or with cheese. A great option for easy baby food or healthy baby food ideas.

Ingredients:

• Cauliflower florets

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower in a steamer basket for about 5-7 minutes or until tender.
2. Serve with a pat of butter or grated cheese.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes

10. Homemade Cauliflower Tots

These cauliflower tots are another great variation for introducing veggies to your toddler. Perfect for picky eaters and ideal for easy toddler meals.

Ingredients:

• Cauliflower florets
• Cooked rice
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Steam cauliflower until tender, then drain well.
3. Blend cauliflower, rice, cheese, eggs, and breadcrumbs in a food processor until uniform.
4. Shape into 1-tablespoon ovals and place on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-27 minutes or until firm and lightly golden brown.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-27 minutes

10. Steamed or Boiled Edamame

A nutritious and fun snack, edamame is a great option for how to get toddlers to eat veggies.

Ingredients:

• Fresh or frozen edamame

Instructions:

1. Boil fresh edamame for about 5 minutes or follow package instructions for frozen.
2. Serve with a sprinkle of salt.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes

11. Boiled Green Beans

A simple and healthy option for green beans that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for healthy baby food or easy toddler meals.

Ingredients:

• Green beans

Instructions:

1. Trim ends of the green beans.
2. Boil for about 5 minutes or until tender.
3. Drain and serve.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes

12. Cheesy Baked Kale Bites

These cheesy baked kale bites are a fun and nutritious way to get your toddler to eat greens. A great choice for weaning foods or healthy baby food.

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches kale
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wilt kale in a skillet with 1 cup of water for 5 minutes.
3. Drain, cool, and squeeze out excess moisture.
4. Blend kale and all other ingredients in a food processor until finely ground.
5. Use a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon to portion out the mixture onto the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until firm and golden brown.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

13. Easy Spinach Pesto

This spinach pesto is a flavorful way to incorporate spinach into pasta or use as a dip. Great for easy toddler meals or healthy baby food ideas.

Ingredients:

• Spinach
• Garlic
• Pine nuts
• Olive oil
• Cheese

Instructions:

1. Blend spinach, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese in a food processor until smooth.
2. Use as a sauce for pasta or as a dip.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: No cooking required

14. Carrot Smoothie

Packed with carrots and fruit, this smoothie is a nutritious and refreshing option for breakfast or a snack. Perfect for how to get toddlers to eat veggies.

Ingredients:

• Carrots
• Fruits like banana, apple
• Yogurt or milk

Instructions:

1. Blend carrots, fruits, and yogurt (or milk) in a blender until smooth.
2. Serve as a breakfast or snack.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: No cooking required

Conclusion

There you have it—14 vegetable recipes that are sure to make mealtime fun and nutritious for your toddler. You can stop wondering how to make your toddler eat veggies, pick out a recipe and start having some fun in the kitchen

With a little creativity and patience, these recipes will help boost your child’s vegetable intake and make healthy eating enjoyable. Happy cooking!