15 Baby Food Recipes for Happy & Healthy Little Eaters

Making baby food at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can control ingredients and introduce new flavors by creating nutritious and delicious meals for your little one. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can provide healthy options that your baby will love.

In this article, you will find a range of simple recipes designed for babies at different stages of their development. These recipes are easy to follow and help you offer your child the best start to healthy eating. You’ll find inspiration for everything from smooth purees to chunkier meals as your baby grows.

1) Sweet Potato and Carrot Purée

Sweet potato and carrot purée is a nutritious and tasty option for your baby. It combines natural sweetness and vibrant colors, making it appealing for little ones.

To prepare this purée, you will need just a few ingredients. The smooth texture makes it easy for babies to eat. It is perfect for those just starting on solids.

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 2 medium carrots
• Water (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel the sweet potato and carrots, then chop them into small pieces.
2. Boil or steam the vegetables until they are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain any excess water and transfer the vegetables to a blender.
4. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
5. Let it cool before serving to your baby.

2) Avocado and Banana Mash

Avocado and banana mash is a simple and healthy option for your baby. This mix provides a creamy texture and natural sweetness that most babies enjoy. Plus, both ingredients are packed with nutrients.

To make this mash, choose ripe avocados and bananas. These fruits are easy to digest and full of healthy fats and vitamins. You can even add a little breast milk or formula for a smoother consistency.

This recipe is perfect for babies starting solids. It’s quick to prepare and can be a great first meal.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 ripe banana
• A little breast milk or formula (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cut the avocado and banana into small pieces.
2. Mash them together in a bowl using a fork.
3. For a smoother texture, mix in some breast milk or formula.

3) Apple and Pear Sauce

Apple and pear sauce is a delightful and healthy option for your baby. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s great for introducing new tastes to your little one.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh apples and pears, which are sweet and full of nutrients. This sauce can be served as is or mixed with other foods.

Ingredients

• 2 apples
• 2 pears
• 1/2 cup of water

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the apples and pears thoroughly.
2. Peel and core the apples and pears, then chop them into small cubes.
3. Place the chopped fruit in a pot with 1/2 cup of water.
4. Cook over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) until the fruit is soft, around 10-15 minutes.
5. Mash or blend the mixture until smooth. Let it cool before serving.

4) Pea and Mint Purée

Pea and mint purée is a delightful first food for your baby. This smooth blend of peas and a hint of mint offers a fresh taste that’s easy to prepare.

To make this purée, start with fresh or frozen peas. Boil them until soft, then blend until smooth. Adding mint gives your baby a new flavor to enjoy.

This dish pairs nicely with proteins like chicken or fish and can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s nutritious and simple!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1-2 mint leaves (optional)
• Water (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Add peas and cook for about 3-5 minutes until soft.
3. Drain the peas and place them in a blender.
4. Add mint leaves, if using, and blend until smooth.
5. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.

5) Butternut Squash with Cinnamon

Butternut squash is a great choice for homemade baby food. It’s naturally sweet and packed with vitamins. Adding a pinch of cinnamon enhances its flavor and makes it extra delicious.

To prepare, start by peeling and chopping a medium butternut squash. Steam the pieces until they are soft, usually about 15 to 20 minutes.

Once cooked, mash the squash in a bowl or blend it for a smoother texture. Stir in a little cinnamon to add warmth to the dish.

This recipe is simple and very nutritious, making it perfect for your little one.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Water for steaming

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the butternut squash into small cubes.
2. Steam the cubes for 15-20 minutes, or until soft.
3. Mash or blend the squash until smooth.
4. Mix in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
5. Serve as is or store for later use.

6) Quinoa and Blueberry Blend

This Quinoa and Blueberry Blend is a tasty baby food option. Quinoa is rich in nutrients and works well with the natural sweetness of blueberries. Together, they create a healthy meal for your little one.

To start, you will need cooked quinoa. Blueberries can be fresh or frozen. The combination is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins.

You can easily adjust the texture based on your baby’s age. Blend it until smooth for younger babies, or leave it a bit chunky for older ones.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup blueberries

Cooking Instructions

1. If using fresh blueberries, wash them thoroughly.
2. For frozen blueberries, thaw them in warm water.
3. Blend cooked quinoa and blueberries together until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

7) Zucchini and Potato Mash

Zucchini and potato mash is a creamy and nutritious option for your baby. This dish is simple to make and is a great way to introduce new flavors.

Start by peeling and chopping the zucchini and potatoes into small pieces. Boil the potatoes in water until they are tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes at 212°F (100°C).

In a separate pan, sauté the zucchini until it’s soft. This should take around 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Once both vegetables are cooked, mash them together with a little olive oil for added flavor.

Feel free to adjust the consistency by adding breast milk or formula if needed.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups zucchini, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in water for about 15 minutes until tender.
2. Sauté zucchini in olive oil on medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
3. Mash the cooked potatoes and zucchini together until smooth.

8) Spinach and Sweet Potato Purée

This Spinach and Sweet Potato Purée is a tasty and nutritious option for your baby. Both ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals that support healthy development.

Start by preparing your sweet potato. Scrub and slice it into thin pieces. The thinner the slices, the quicker it will cook.

Next, cook the sweet potato slices in boiling water at 212°F (100°C) until they are tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes.

Once the sweet potatoes are soft, add ¾ cup of finely chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Finally, blend the mixture until smooth. You can add a little water if it’s too thick.

Ingredients

• 1 sweet potato, scrubbed and sliced
• ¾ cup fresh flat-leaf spinach leaves, finely chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Add sweet potato slices and cook until tender.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth.

9) Lentil and Vegetable Dill Mash

This Lentil and Vegetable Dill Mash is a tasty and nutritious meal for your baby. It blends lentils and veggies to create a smooth and creamy texture that’s packed with flavor.

You’ll start by cooking lentils until they’re soft. Meanwhile, sauté some onions, carrots, and a touch of garlic in olive oil until tender. Add in fresh dill for a bright flavor that your baby will love.

Once everything is cooked, mix it all together and mash until you get the desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can puree it with a blender.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 2 cups water
• Salt (optional, for adult tastes)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and add them to a pot with 2 cups of water.
2. Cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes until soft.
3. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Sauté onions and carrots until they are tender.
5. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Mix in the cooked lentils and fresh dill.
7. Mash or puree until you reach the texture you want.

10) Cauliflower Cheese Purée

Cauliflower cheese purée is a simple yet tasty option for your baby. It combines the mild flavor of cauliflower with creamy cheese, making a delicious dish that babies often enjoy.

To start, wash and chop a small head of cauliflower. Steam it for about 8-10 minutes until it is tender. You can then blend the cauliflower with milk and cheese until smooth.

For extra flavor, you might add a bit of butter. This puree can be a great base for adding other flavors, such as herbs or spices, as your baby gets used to new tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cauliflower
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (like cheddar)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the cauliflower into florets.
2. Steam the cauliflower for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Combine steamed cauliflower, milk, cheese, and butter in a blender.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Serve warm, and enjoy!

11) Mango and Coconut Cream

Mango and coconut cream make a delicious and creamy treat for your baby. This recipe is simple and packed with flavor.

To prepare, start by peeling and chopping a ripe mango. Blend the mango with coconut cream until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding a bit of water if needed.

This creamy mix can be served as is or frozen into popsicles for a fun treat. Your baby will love the sweet taste and smooth texture.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• Water (optional, for consistency)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the mango into small pieces.
2. Place the mango and coconut cream in a blender.
3. Blend until the mixture is smooth, adding water for a thinner consistency if desired.
4. Serve immediately or freeze in molds for popsicles.

12) Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry

Red lentil and sweet potato curry is a delicious and nutritious meal for your little one. Packed with vitamins and protein, it makes a great baby food option. This dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

To start, you need some basic ingredients. The sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness while the lentils add protein and fiber. Together, they create a smooth texture suitable for babies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp oil (rapeseed or olive)
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in diced sweet potato and lentils.
4. Pour in vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Mash or blend to desired consistency before serving.

13) Broccoli and Cheese Purée

Broccoli and cheese purée is a tasty and nutritious option for your baby. It combines the goodness of broccoli with the creamy texture of cheese. This dish is perfect for introducing new flavors.

To make this recipe, you will need fresh broccoli, cheese, and some water. The cheese adds a rich taste while keeping the puree smooth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
• Water (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the broccoli under cool water and chop it into small pieces.
2. Steam the broccoli until it is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Transfer the broccoli to a blender. Add the cheese.
4. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

14) Strawberry and Banana Purée

Strawberry and banana purée is a wonderful baby food option. It’s sweet, healthy, and easy to make. Fresh strawberries and ripe bananas combine for a tasty treat your baby will love.

To prepare, gather your ingredients. You can choose to mash the banana and strawberries together or blend them for a smoother texture. For older babies, leaving some small lumps can be a great way to introduce new textures.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 large ripe strawberry

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel the banana and cut it into small pieces.
2. Remove the stem from the strawberry and chop it.
3. Mash the banana and strawberry with a fork or blend them in a food processor until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Serve fresh or store in the refrigerator for later use.

15) Chickpea and Spinach Blend

This Chickpea and Spinach Blend makes a nutritious baby food option. It’s packed with vitamins and protein. Perfect for babies who are ready for stage 2 foods.

To prepare, you will need cooked chickpeas and fresh spinach. Blending these two ingredients creates a smooth texture that’s easy for little ones to eat.

You can serve this blend with toast as a fun finger food. It’s also great mixed with other veggies for variety.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1 cup fresh spinach, steamed

Cooking Instructions

1. Steam the spinach until tender, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Combine the cooked chickpeas and spinach in a blender.

3. Blend until smooth. Add water if needed for the desired consistency.

4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.