15+ 12 Month Old Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Meals

Your little one is now 12 months old, and it’s an exciting time to explore new flavors and textures in their meals. Finding recipes that are nutritious and appealing to toddlers can make mealtime enjoyable for both you and your child.

With a variety of simple and healthy options available, you can help establish good eating habits early on. You’ll want to choose recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with essential nutrients to support your growing toddler.

1) Pea Purée for 4-6 Months

Pea purée is a great first food for your baby. It’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. You can start offering this yummy puree around 4 to 6 months.

To prepare, you’ll need just two ingredients: peas and water or breast milk. Frozen peas work well since they are already cooked.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 1/4 cup of water or breast milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil some water in a pot.
2. Add the frozen peas and cook for about 3-5 minutes until tender.
3. Drain the peas and place them in a blender.
4. Add water or breast milk.
5. Blend until smooth, adding more liquid if needed.

This simple pea purée has a mild flavor that is perfect for your baby’s first meals. Enjoy!

2) Banana Purée Delight

Banana Purée Delight is simple and perfect for your 12-month-old. It introduces your little one to a smooth, tasty treat. Plus, bananas are nutritious and naturally sweet.

To make this delight, just take a ripe banana. You can slice it and blend it until smooth. If you want, a sprinkle of cinnamon adds extra flavor.

This purée can be served right away or stored in the fridge for later. It’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas too!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the banana.
2. Place the slices in a blender.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. If desired, add cinnamon and blend again.
5. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later use.

3) Homemade Baby Brown Rice Cereal

Making homemade baby brown rice cereal is simple and healthy. This recipe is perfect for your 12-month-old and provides important nutrients. It’s a great start for babies who are ready to explore new flavors.

You only need brown rice and water to make this cereal. Brown rice is full of fiber and is a good option as a first grain.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the brown rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed rice and reduce the heat.
4. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until soft.
5. Let it cool and blend with a little water for a smooth texture.

This cereal is easy to store and can be frozen for later use!

4) Creamy Avocado Purée

Creamy avocado purée is a healthy and simple food for your 12-month-old. It is packed with nutrients and introduces healthy fats to your baby’s diet. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to prepare.

To make this purée, start with a ripe avocado. Cut it in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. You can mash it with a fork for a chunkier texture or blend it for a smoother finish.

If you want to add more flavor, mix in a little breast milk or formula. This helps keep the purée creamy and easy to swallow.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• Breast milk or formula (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
2. Scoop the flesh into a bowl.
3. Mash with a fork or blend until smooth.
4. Mix in breast milk or formula if desired.

5) Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Purée

Oven-baked sweet potato purée is a nutritious option for your 12-month-old. It’s simple to make and packed with vitamins. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and enjoyable for little ones.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and prick the sweet potatoes with a fork. This helps them cook evenly.

Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 60 minutes. They should be soft and a bit wrinkly when done. Let them cool before handling.

Once cool, scoop the flesh into a blender. Purée until smooth, adding a little water or breastmilk if needed for a smoother texture.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and prick sweet potatoes.
3. Bake for 60 minutes or until soft.
4. Let cool, then scoop out flesh.
5. Blend until smooth, adding water or milk as needed.

6) Classic Carrot Purée

Classic carrot purée is a delicious and healthy choice for your 12-month-old. Carrots are sweet and packed with nutrients. This simple recipe only uses fresh carrots.

For making purée, start by washing and peeling the carrots. Cut them into small pieces to help them cook faster. Steam the carrots until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Once cooked, blend the carrots in a food processor or blender until smooth. You can add a little water or baby broth if needed for a thinner consistency.

Let it cool before serving it to your little one. This purée is tasty on its own or mixed with other vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 medium carrots

Cooking Instructions:

1. Wash and peel the carrots.
2. Cut the carrots into small pieces.
3. Steam the carrots for 10-15 minutes until tender.
4. Blend the carrots until smooth, adding water if needed.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

7) Mild Salmon & Spinach Fritters

These Mild Salmon & Spinach Fritters are a tasty treat for your little one. They are soft and easy to eat, making them perfect for toddlers. Plus, they are packed with nutrition.

To make these fritters, you will need salmon and spinach. Both are great sources of healthy nutrients. It’s a fun way to introduce fish into your child’s diet.

Ingredients

• 100g boneless salmon fillet, skinned and finely diced
• 50g fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 20g cornflour
• 30g cheese, grated
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon, spinach, egg, cornflour, and cheese.
2. Mix all the ingredients well.
3. Heat a bit of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
4. Spoon small amounts of the mixture into the pan.
5. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Let them cool slightly before serving.

8) Sweet Potato & Chicken Croquettes

These Sweet Potato & Chicken Croquettes are a tasty option for your 12-month-old. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. Your little one will enjoy them as a finger food.

To start, you need to cook the sweet potatoes until soft. Once cool, mash them and mix with minced chicken, spring onions, and some spices. Shape the mixture into small croquettes.

Next, coat them in panko breadcrumbs for a nice crunch. Bake or fry until golden brown. These croquettes are perfect for little hands and can even be frozen for later use.

Ingredients

• 150g sweet potatoes
• 300g minced chicken
• 4 spring onions
• 20g panko breadcrumbs
• 30g beaten egg

Cooking Instructions

1. Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave for 8 minutes until soft.
2. Let them cool, then mash 150g.
3. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potato, minced chicken, chopped spring onions, and panko.
4. Shape the mixture into small croquettes.
5. Coat with beaten egg and more panko if desired.
6. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until golden.

9) Mac ‘n’ Cheese Veggie Muffins

Mac ‘n’ cheese veggie muffins are a fun and tasty way to get your little one to enjoy vegetables. They are easy to make and hold well, making them perfect for snacks or meals.

You can pack these muffins with hidden veggies like spinach and shredded carrots. The cheese adds a creamy texture that kids love.

To make them even more appealing, try adding a crunchy topping. Your little one will love these muffins, and you’ll feel good knowing they are eating healthy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked macaroni pasta
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cooked macaroni, cheese, spinach, and carrots.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk, then combine with the pasta mixture.
4. Spoon the mixture into muffin tins.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Enjoy!

10) Cherry Tomato & Mascarpone Delight

This Cherry Tomato & Mascarpone Delight is a tasty recipe for your 12-month-old. It’s simple to make and full of flavor. Plus, it cooks in under 25 minutes!

You start by cooking your pasta of choice until it’s soft. In a pan, heat halved cherry tomatoes until they burst. Then, mix in some mascarpone cheese for creaminess.

Add your pasta to the pan and stir everything together. You can leave out salt and pepper for little ones. Serve it warm, ensuring it’s a perfect texture for your toddler.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of pasta
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of mascarpone cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. In a pan, gently heat the cherry tomatoes over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C) until they burst.
3. Stir in the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
4. Combine the pasta with the tomato mixture.
5. Serve warm, ensuring it’s suitable for your child.

11) Avocado Toast for Little Ones

Avocado toast is a tasty and healthy meal for your little one. At 12 months old, your baby can enjoy this simple recipe packed with nutrients.

To make it, start with some whole grain bread. Lightly toast a slice to your desired crispness.

Next, mash a ripe avocado and spread it on the toast. You can mix in a little lemon juice to add flavor and help keep the color bright.

For extra fun, cut the toast into small shapes or sticks. This makes it easier for your child to hold and eat.

You can also top it with soft scrambled eggs for added protein.

Ingredients

• 1 slice whole grain bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Soft scrambled eggs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the slice of bread until golden brown.
2. Mash the avocado in a bowl.
3. Add lemon juice if desired, and mix well.
4. Spread the avocado on the toast.
5. Cut the toast into small, manageable pieces.

12) Peanut Butter & Banana Empanada

Peanut Butter and Banana Empanadas are a delicious snack for your little one. They combine sweet banana with creamy peanut butter, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. These empanadas are simple to make and are great for little hands.

You can prepare them in advance and freeze them for later. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready for a quick treat. This recipe is easy and fun!

Ingredients

• 1 large banana
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 package pastry dough
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pastry dough and cut into circles.
3. Place a spoonful of peanut butter and banana on each circle.
4. Fold and seal the edges with a fork.
5. Brush with beaten egg.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

13) Nut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

Making a Nut Butter & Jelly Sandwich is simple and quick. This dish is a favorite for many toddlers. You can use any type of nut butter your child enjoys, like peanut or almond.

Start by taking two slices of whole grain bread. Spread a thin layer of nut butter on one slice. On the other slice, add jelly or fruit puree for sweetness.

Press the slices together gently, then cut the sandwich into small pieces or fun shapes that your child can easily hold.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of whole grain bread
• 1 tablespoon nut butter (like peanut or almond)
• 1 tablespoon jelly or fruit puree

Cooking Instructions

1. Take two slices of whole grain bread.
2. Spread nut butter on one slice.
3. Spread jelly or fruit puree on the other slice.
4. Press the slices together.
5. Cut into small pieces or shapes.

14) Green Pea Risotto

Green pea risotto is a tasty and healthy option for your 12-month-old. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with nutrients. This dish is simple to make and full of flavor.

You will need arborio rice, fresh or frozen green peas, vegetable broth, and a bit of cheese for creaminess. Cooking it is straightforward and requires only a few steps.

Start by heating the vegetable broth in a pot. In another pan, sauté onions until soft. Add the rice and toast it briefly. Gradually add the warm broth, stirring frequently.

After about 20 minutes, mix in the green peas and cook for a few more minutes. Finish with cheese to add richness and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (like parmesan)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat vegetable broth in a pot.
2. Sauté chopped onion in a pan until soft.
3. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add broth, stirring often, for about 20 minutes.
5. Mix in green peas, cooking for 3-5 more minutes.
6. Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.

15) Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Chicken pot pie casserole is a warm and comforting dish perfect for your 12-month-old. It combines tender chicken, veggies, and a creamy sauce. Topped with buttery biscuits, this dish is sure to please both you and your little one.

Start with cooked chicken, carrots, and peas. You can use frozen veggies for convenience. The creamy sauce adds flavor and keeps everything moist.

You can make the crust using crescent rolls or puff pastry. Bake it all in the oven until golden. It’s an easy way to provide a delicious meal for your family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1 package crescent rolls or puff pastry
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken, carrots, peas, and cream of chicken soup.
3. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
4. Top with the crescent rolls or puff pastry.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.