If you're anything like me, finding quick, delicious, and toddler-friendly recipes can feel like striking gold. Well, today's your lucky day! I'm sharing five of my son Leo's all-time favorite recipes. They're not just a hit with him, but I love them too – they're easy to whip up and perfect for storing in the freezer for those hectic days. I've tweaked these original recipes a bit, so let’s dive in!
First up, we have these irresistible zucchini tater tots. Start with panko crumbs, eggs, and a blend of shredded cheeses (I recommend low-sodium options like mozzarella or Parmesan, but any cheese blend works). For a flavor kick, I add garlic and onion powders. Grate some fresh zucchini and carrots, squeeze out the moisture (don’t forget to save the juice for a healthy shot!), and mix it all up. Shape them into cute little tots and bake until they're crispy golden brown. They're perfect for the fridge or freezer and super handy for a quick snack or side dish.
Leo absolutely adores these! Mix ground rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, blend an egg, maple syrup, unsweetened almond butter, grated carrots, and melted coconut oil. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, fold in blueberries, and bake in a lined pan. These bars are a delightful treat, either cold or warmed up, and they store beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
This one's a game-changer for busy mornings. Mash a ripe banana in a jar, add peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, chia seeds, and your choice of milk. Let it sit in the fridge, and voila – a nutritious, delicious pudding ready to go! It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or a healthy lunch, and you can jazz it up with some compote for extra flavor and digestive benefits.
This is my go-to for a fun and easy breakfast. Mash a ripe banana and mix in ground oats, eggs, baking powder, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Cook in a waffle maker until slightly soft. These waffles are not just tasty but also great for helping your little ones practice their hand-eye coordination and pincer grasp. Plus, they freeze wonderfully!
Last but certainly not least, we have these nutrient-packed muffins. They're a bit more involved but so worth it. Blend carrots, cucumber, apple, and banana, then mix with eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Add ground walnuts and cranberries for texture. Combine with a mixture of almond flour, gluten-free baking flour, coconut flakes, baking soda, and cinnamon. Bake in a lined muffin tin and enjoy the delightful aroma and taste. They're perfect fresh but also freeze well.
There you have it – five easy, delicious recipes that are sure to win over your toddler (and you!). Don’t forget to let me know if you try them out – I’d love to hear how your little ones enjoy them. For more fun and family-friendly recipes, check out my other videos. Happy cooking!