Feeding toddlers can evoke fear in strongest of moms and dads, but coming up with toddler food ideas doesn’t need to be a nightmare. You don’t have to make everyone in the family a different meal, either. Leading nutrition and pediatric feeding experts all agree that short-order cooking be reserved for restaurants, not for the family table.
Let’s explore meals that are tasty enough for the whole family!
Start the Day With a Good Breakfast
Keep breakfast simple, but nourishing enough so you don’t have a “hangry” toddler on your hands two hours later. It may seem easier to pour a bowl of cereal, but a protein-focused breakfast will get things off on the right foot.
- Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal. Use whole milk.
- Cheesy Egg Puffs. These egg muffins can be made with whatever vegetable you have on hand. Little hands love something to hold and eat, so egg muffins are a great alternative to scrambled eggs.
- Morning Glory Pancakes. Toddlers love pancakes. You can take your favorite pancake recipe and blend in cottage cheese or nut butter to give these traditionally starchy favorites a healthful boost. If you add in nuts, be sure they are finely chopped, as whole nuts are a choking hazard.
- Green Breakfast Smoothie. If you find yourself on the go in the morning, consider some blended options like this smoothie.
- Lemon Chia Seed Parfaits. Stirring in chia seeds adds in a healthy dose of fiber and omega-3 fats, which are important for toddlers.
Pack a Healthy Lunch
No need to take a class on the art of bento boxes, I promise! Yes—fun shapes, textures and color can help with picky eaters, but you don’t always have to resort to those efforts. Let’s instead focus on toddler food ideas that fit in a lunch box. You can pick and choose as you see fit.
Build a better lunch box with 2-3 fruits and/or vegetables + a protein + healthy fats + complex carbohydrates.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Julienned bell peppers (any colors)
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Grated carrots
- Quartered or halved berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or cherries—remove pits)
- Banana fingers (sliced lengthwise and rolled in crushed cereals or almond meal if too slippery)
- Mango bites (be sure it is very ripe and in small bites or fingers)
- Watermelon fingers
- Steamed green beans
- Cucumber spears
- Roasted sweet potatoes (spears or fry-shaped)
- Vegetable soup
- Applesauce or vegetable/fruit pouches
Protein-Focused
- Bean fritters (like these chickpea fritters—without the spicy sauce)
- Bean dips (like this hummus recipe or this garbanzo bean spread)
- Cottage cheese
- Cheese sticks
- Chicken salad
- Tuna salad
- Ground meat
- Lentil soup
- Peanut butter toast (thinly smeared on bread)
Healthy Fats
- Avocado spears
- Whole fat yogurt
- Nut butters (thinly smeared on foods)
- Tofu
- Whole fat cottage cheese
- Cheese sticks
Complex Carbohydrates
- Cooked whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, couscous, bulgur or millet)
- Mashed or roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes or squash
- Oatmeal
- Whole grain tortillas (quesadillas or mini soft tacos)
- Whole grain English muffins
- Muffins
- Beans (lentils, kidney, pinto, black beans, soy beans or cannellini)
- Breakfast cookies
Bonus: Lots of these lunch components can make great snacks for bringing along to a playdate. Here are even more ideas to help your wee one’s social hours go smoothly.
Serve a Balanced Dinner
Here are 10 meal ideas that fit the whole family. As a standard side dish, and something to prep in advance (for early snacking), cut up raw fruit and vegetables to balance out the plates at dinner. Our family favorites include halved grapes, baby cucumbers and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Grilled Steak. Serve steak in bite-sized pieces based on toddler’s chewing skill, plus grilled corn on the cob and grilled sweet potato wedges.
- Veggie Macaroni and Cheese. Load the pasta with vegetables and serve with crispy chicken tenders for protein.
- Mom’s Swedish Meatballs with Snappy Green Beans.
- Hot Dog Roll-Ups with Roasted Carrot Fries and Dill and Chive Peas. Slice the hot dog lengthwise for toddlers and then into bite sized pieces.
- Parmesan Fish Sticks with Mini Mac and Cheese Bites and steamed broccoli.
- Tacos. Note that crunchy taco shells or chips are not appropriate for small children due to choking risks, so serve toddlers a “deconstructed” taco—soft tortilla, ground meat, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and avocado.
- Sloppy Joe Pasta served with sautéed spinach.
- Make Over Lil’ Cheddar Meat Loaves served with mashed cauliflower.
- Chicken Pot Pie served with sautéed green beans.
- Lunch Box Pizzas served with Sautéed Orange-Glazed Carrots and Oven-Roasted Asparagus.
Quick Tips to Remember
Keep food safety in mind—educate yourself on choking risks—and carefully prep foods that pose a greater choking risk in young children, such as grapes, nuts and marshmallows.
Toddlers need regular, positive exposures to food. Try not to assume that they dislike a food when they’ve only just been introduced to it for the first time. Give them time, stay positive and keep introducing new foods regularly!
Fun Recipes Even Your Toddler Will Love
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Veggie Macaroni & Cheese
This creamy mac 'n' cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone saying, "More, please!" —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
I first made this fresh, fruity salsa for a family baby shower. Everyone wanted the recipe. Now, someone makes this juicy snack for just about every family gathering—and I have to keep reminding everyone who introduced it! —Jessica Robinson, Indian Trail, North Carolina
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Lemon Pepper Roasted Broccoli
Fresh green broccoli turns tangy and tasty when roasted with lemon juice and pepper. A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Patriotic Gelatin Salad
Almost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a "bang" at our July Fourth meal. It's exciting to serve, and our guests loved the cool fruity and creamy layers. This salad really added to my patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Mom's Swedish Meatballs
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Herbed Grilled Corn on the Cob
I'd never grilled corn until last summer when my sister-in-law served it for us. What a treat! So simple, yet delicious, grilled corn is now a must on my summer menu. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
I love when an entire meal can be cooked outside on the grill and I don't need to heat up the kitchen. These grilled sweet potatoes meet that requirement and are healthy, too! —Natalie Knowlton, Kamas, Utah
Makeover Li'l Cheddar Meat Loaves
My husband goes wild for my mini meat loaves, but this family-favorite recipe wasn’t very healthy when I first received it. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen experts slashed the calories and fat while keeping the original’s tender and delicious qualities. —Jodie Mitchell, Denver, Pennsylvania
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green color, too. They're so good, you might want to make extra. This is how to cook asparagus in the oven. —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
On-the-Go Breakfast Muffins
My muffins are a frequent request from everyone in the family. I usually make them on Sunday nights, so when we're running late on weekday mornings, the kids can grab these to eat on the bus. —Irene Wayman, Grantsville, Utah
Pizza in a Bowl
On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip
These fruity kabobs are so refreshing on a warm day. They're also a quick and easy meal for get-togethers. —Kathleen Hedger, Godfrey, Illinois
Broccoli Cheddar Squares
For many years, I’ve made these cheesy broccoli squares for tailgate parties, book club and other events. They’re excellent served warm or hot, but we enjoy them cold, too. —Veronica Downen, Crystal Beach, Florida
Chocolate Chip Elvis Pancakes
I'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This one was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup
Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It’s quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Sauteed Orange-Glazed Baby Carrots
Here's a wonderful accompaniment to just about any main dish, whether for a holiday or not. The carrots are sauteed in a sweet orange butter sauce with a unique blend of spices. —Angela Bartow, Cato, Wisconsin
Movie Theater Pretzel Rods
My kids and all of their friends clamor for the large, chewy pretzel rods. They are fantastic fresh from the oven. —Lisa Shaw, Burnettsville, Indiana
Chocolate-Hazelnut Fruit Pizza
You can prepare this snackable pizza in just 10 minutes! It's a great way to sneak in those daily servings of fruit. —Dalynn Dowling, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
Crispy Sage Chicken Tenders
One of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
PBJ on a Stick
I always try to come up with new ways to serve lunch to my kids. This recipe was a hit! —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Snappy Green Beans
This streamlined side dish is a great way to serve fresh beans from the garden. It's simple yet looks elegant. With its mild seasonings, it complements most any dish. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa
Special Strawberry Salad
This berry-filled salad may take some time to prepare, but one taste and you'll agree it's worth the extra effort. I treat family and friends to this dish on special occasions. —Linda Goulet, Hadley, Massachusetts
Cheddar Creamed Corn
I brought this super easy recipe to a school potluck once and it was gone in no time. I’ve been asked to bring it to every function since. —Jessica Maxwell, Englewood, New Jersey
French Toast Fingers
Bite-size french toast "fingers" are great for a buffet—and kids love them. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa
Mini Mac & Cheese Bites
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. Instead, the adults devoured my mini mac and cheese. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Wagon Train Pasta
Our three kids just love the fun wagon wheel shapes in this easy recipe. The mildly seasoned sauce is something that even the pickiest eaters enjoy. For variety, try it with Italian sausage instead of ground beef. —Janine Freeman, Blaine, Washington
Hot Dog Roll-Ups
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-and-bacon filled hot dogs, but they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution to a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Dill & Chive Peas
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Lunch Box Pizzas
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Roasted Carrot Fries
Turn carrot sticks into fun "fries" with a happier health profile by popping them in the oven and serving them fry-style. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cheesy Quesadillas
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Fluffy Scrambled Eggs
When our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping, too. —Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota
Roasted Winter Vegetables
A few simple touches and a blast of heat enhance the natural sweetness of fresh veggies. —Donna Lamano, Olathe, Kansas
Chicken Pesto with Pasta
Prepared sauce accents this warm chicken pesto pasta. Keep pesto in the freezer for the next time you have leftover chicken. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chunky Mango Guacamole
When serving a crowd, double or quadruple this guacamole. The onion, tomato and mango can be chopped in advance. Add avocado just before serving. —Diana Nienberg, McComb, Ohio
Parmesan Fish Sticks
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Satisfying Tomato Soup
After craving tomato soup, I decided to make my own. My sister Joan likes it chunky-style, so she doesn't puree. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich. —Marian Brown, Mississauga, Ontario
Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels
I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Garlic-Cheese Flat Bread
Unless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flat bread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Apple and Peanut Butter Stackers
The best way to get kids interested in cooking and eating right is to let them help. These apple and peanut butter "sandwiches" are one fun way to pique their interest and kitchen creativity. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Pigs in a Pool
My kids love sausage and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternativee. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina
Kid-Sized Classic Pizza
This down-sized pizza tastes just as good as its bigger counterpart. Frozen dinner rolls make a time-saving convenient crust that still provides delicious, from-scratch flavor. Your child can help roll out the dough, spread the sauce and sprinkle on the toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad
Want a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin
Ham Noodle Dinner
Whether I'm cooking for company or my own brood of five children, this delicious casserole is always well-received. —Eileen Nilsson, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Watermelon Shark
Take a bite out of summer boredom with this kid-friendly food project. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
The post Toddler-Friendly Meal Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner appeared first on Taste of Home.
Wendy Jo Peterson