Broccoli-Inspired Dishes for Babies
As parents, we’re always looking for nutritious and tasty meals that our little ones will love. Broccoli, despite its reputation of “gross” food has incredible health benefits and is a fantastic addition to your baby’s diet. It contains essential nutrients like vitamins C, K, and A, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Let’s explore 10 tasty broccoli recipes that your baby won’t be able to resist.
- Starting with the basic, this smooth and creamy Broccoli Puree is perfect for your baby. The sweet potato will add the irresistible taste. It’s simple to make and sweet in flavor.
Broccoli Sweet potato Puree
Difficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1 cup broccoli florets
1 average sweet potato
1/4 cup water
Directions
- Cut the sweet potato into chunks.
- Steam the broccoli florets and the sweet potato until tender in steam basket or food steamer pot.
- Transfer to a blender and add water.
- Blend until smooth and serve warm.
Benefits: Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, which supports your baby’s immune system. It also contains fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Sweet potato has vast amount of antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
2. Cheesy Broccoli Bites are a fun and delicious way to sneak in some veggies. They’re great for finger food and are perfect for on-the-go snacks.
Cheesy Broccoli Bites
Difficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes30
minutes35
minutesIngredients
1 cup cooked broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and put a baking paper.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg and mix.
- Shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let them cool before serving.
Benefits: These cheesy broccoli bites are full with calcium from the cheese, which supports your baby’s bone health and vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision.
3. These Broccoli and Cheese Muffins are a fantastic way to incorporate broccoli into your baby’s diet.
Broccoli and Cheese Muffins
Course: Snacks, BreakfastDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
1 cup cooked broccoli, chopped
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup apple puree
1/4 cup milk (oat, rice, coconut milk)
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix the apple puree, milk, and beaten egg.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add the cooked broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fill each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean).
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- See our recipe for Broccoli Egg Muffins
Benefits: Broccoli and Cheese Muffins are rich in protein from the egg and cheese, which helps support your baby’s growth and development. They’re also a good source of fiber, keeping your little one feeling full and satisfied.
4. Warm and comforting, the Creamy Broccoli Soup is perfect for chilly days.
Creamy Broccoli Soup
Course: LunchDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes25
minutes30
minutesIngredients
2 cups broccoli florets
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
- Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
- Use blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Add the milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Boil for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Serve warm.
Benefits: Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your baby’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.
5. Broccoli and Chicken Stir-Fry
Broccoli and Chicken Stir-Fry
Course: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy2
servings20
minutes10
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1 cup boiled chicken, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, sliced
1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until heated.
- Add the broccoli florets, sliced carrot, and bell peppers to the skillet.
- Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the soy sauce to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
Benefits: This broccoli and chicken stir-fry is a balanced meal that provides protein from the chicken and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
6. This Broccoli and Cheese Omelette is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a nutritious meal for your baby.
Broccoli and Cheese Omelette
Course: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy1
servings10
minutes5
minutes20
minutesIngredients
2 eggs
1/4 cup cooked broccoli, chopped
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and spread evenly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the eggs are set.
- Sprinkle the cooked broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese over half of the omelette.
- Fold the other half of the omelette over the filling and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Benefits: This broccoli and cheese omelette is a great way to start your baby’s day off. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, while broccoli adds a dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, the cheese adds calcium for strong bones and teeth.
7. Broccoli and Spinach Pasta is a great way to introduce some greens. It contains the favorite macaroni and sure will be a hit with your little one.
Broccoli and Spinach Pasta
Course: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy2
servings30
minutes10
minutes40
minutesIngredients
1 cup cooked pasta
1/2 cup cooked broccoli florets
1/2 cup cooked spinach, chopped
1/4 cup cooked peas
1/4 cup marinara/tomato sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, chopped spinach, peas and marinara (tomato) sauce.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Remove from heat and frost with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm.
Benefits: Spinach is rich in iron, which is essential for healthy red blood cells, while broccoli provides a boost of vitamin C for enhanced iron absorption.
8. Creamy and colorful, Broccoli and Sweet potato Mash is a nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.
Broccoli and Sweet Potato Mash
Course: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy1
servings20
minutes8
minutes28
minutesIngredients
1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
1/2 cup cooked broccoli florets, chopped
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp milk
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato and chopped broccoli florets.
- Add the unsalted butter and milk to the bowl.
- Mash until well combined and smooth.
- Serve warm.
Benefits: Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and plays a crucial role in vision and immune function.
9. This salad is light, nutritious, and perfect for picnics or lunchtime.
Broccoli and Quinoa Salad
Course: lunchDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes9
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup cooked broccoli florets
1/4 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, broccoli florets, diced cucumber, and diced tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Benefits: The broccoli and quinoa salad is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which help keep your baby full. Quinoa is also rich in essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
10. Cheesy Quesadillas are a fun way to incorporate broccoli into your baby’s diet.
Broccoli and Cheese Quesadillas
Course: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy2
servings15
minutes5
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1 cup cooked broccoli florets, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 small whole wheat tortillas
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix the cooked broccoli florets and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place one tortilla on a flat surface and spread the broccoli and cheese mixture evenly over half of the tortilla.
- Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before cutting into pieces.
- Serve warm.
Introducing your baby to a variety of nutritious foods is essential for their growth and development. Broccoli, with its incredible health benefits and versatility, is a fantastic addition to your baby’s diet. Whether pureed, steamed, or mixed into a delicious recipe, broccoli is always a good idea for your little one. Try out these 10 tasty broccoli recipes and comment which one is you favorite.