15 Baby Food Recipes for Healthy and Happy Little Eaters

As your little one begins to explore solid foods, making homemade baby food is a rewarding experience. Creating nutritious and delicious baby food allows you to choose the best ingredients for your child’s growth and development. You can introduce a variety of flavors and textures that store-bought options often lack.

In this article, you will discover simple and healthy baby food recipes suitable for different stages of your baby’s journey. Whether you’re starting with purees or moving on to chunkier mixes, these recipes will guide you in providing wholesome meals that your baby will enjoy.

1) Avocado and Banana Puree

Making avocado and banana puree is quick and easy. This recipe is perfect for babies aged six months and older.

Start by peeling one ripe banana and cutting it into small pieces. Next, cut a ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.

Combine the banana and avocado in a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add a little water if needed to make it easier to blend.

This puree is creamy and packed with nutrients for your baby.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 ripe avocado
• Water (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel the banana and cut it into small pieces.
2. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
3. Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl.
4. Combine banana and avocado in a blender.
5. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed.

2) Carrot and Sweet Potato Mash

Carrot and sweet potato mash is a tasty and healthy choice for your baby. It’s simple to make and packed with nutrients. The bright colors make it appealing too!

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh sweet potatoes and carrots.

Ingredients

• 1 sweet potato (about 250g)
• 4 large carrots (about 200g)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the sweet potato and carrots thoroughly.
2. Peel the sweet potato and carrots, then chop them into small pieces.
3. Place the vegetables in a pot and cover them with water.
4. Boil the water and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the veggies are tender.
5. Drain the water and mash the vegetables together until smooth. You can add a bit of water or breast milk to achieve the right consistency.

3) Pea and Mint Puree

Pea and mint puree is a fresh and tasty option for your baby. It’s smooth, mild, and packed with nutrients. The mint adds a lovely flavor that can make this puree more enjoyable for your little one.

To make this simple recipe, you’ll need fresh or frozen peas. If using frozen peas, no need to thaw them before cooking. The mint provides a refreshing touch that complements the natural sweetness of the peas.

This puree can be a great first food for your baby. It’s easy to prepare and can be stored for later use.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• A few fresh mint leaves
• Water (as needed)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender.
2. Drain and transfer the peas to a blender.
3. Add mint leaves and a little water.
4. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed.

4) Apple and Pear Sauce

Apple and pear sauce is a simple and tasty baby food you can make at home. It’s great for introducing fruits to your little one. This puree combines gentle sweetness and smooth texture, making it perfect for babies.

To start, wash and peel the apples and pears. Slice them into small pieces for even cooking. You can steam them for about 10 minutes until soft. Alternatively, you can microwave them with a bit of water in a bowl for about 5 minutes.

Once soft, blend the fruits until smooth. You can add a pinch of cinnamon for flavor if your baby is ready for spices.

Ingredients

• 2 apples
• 2 pears
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Water (for steaming or microwaving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and peel the apples and pears.
2. Cut into small pieces.
3. Steam for 10 minutes or microwave for 5 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Add cinnamon if desired and mix.

5) Spinach and Apple Puree

Spinach and apple puree is a tasty way to introduce greens to your baby. The sweetness of the apple balances the earthy flavor of spinach, making it a delightful meal. This puree is suitable for babies around six months old.

To make this puree, you will need fresh spinach and peeled, chopped apples. You can add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor if you’d like. This dish is a great way to introduce your little one to new tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh spinach, washed
• 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add chopped apple and spinach to the pot.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and apples are soft.
4. Drain any excess water.
5. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed for desired consistency.

6) Zucchini and Pea Mash

Zucchini and pea mash is a simple and nutritious dish for your little one. It combines the mild flavors of zucchini and sweet peas, making a tasty treat.

Start by steaming the zucchini and peas until they are soft. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Next, place the cooked veggies in a food processor. Blend until you reach a smooth consistency. You can add a little water or breast milk if you want a thinner texture.

This mash is perfect for babies starting on solids and can also be a great pairing with other foods.

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Water or breast milk (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Steam the zucchini and peas for 5-7 minutes.
2. Transfer the vegetables to a food processor.
3. Blend until smooth, adding water or breast milk if needed.

7) Pumpkin and Quinoa Blend

This Pumpkin and Quinoa Blend is a nutritious choice for your baby. It combines the health benefits of quinoa with the sweet, creamy texture of pumpkin. Your little one will enjoy this flavorful mix.

To make this blend, you will need cooked quinoa and mashed pumpkin. Both ingredients are packed with vitamins and make a great meal for babies around 9 to 12 months old.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup mashed pumpkin
• Water or bone broth (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine the cooked quinoa with water or bone broth.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until warm.
3. Stir in the mashed pumpkin and mix until smooth.
4. Allow it to cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Your baby will love this healthy and tasty blend!

8) Blueberry and Oatmeal

Blueberry and oatmeal make a delicious and nutritious meal for your little one. This combo is easy to prepare and packed with vitamins. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe.

Start by cooking your oatmeal according to package instructions. Then, stir in the blueberries. You might want to add a dash of cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

This dish can be served warm and is perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can also blend it into a puree for younger babies. Enjoy the natural sweetness from the blueberries!

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water or milk
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring water or milk to a boil.
2. Add rolled oats and reduce heat.
3. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in blueberries and cinnamon.
5. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until creamy.
6. Serve warm or blend for pureed version.

9) Chicken and Sweet Potato Puree

This chicken and sweet potato puree is a nutritious meal for your baby. The combination offers protein and vitamins that are great for growth.

To start, peel and chop a medium sweet potato into small pieces. Cook it until soft, either by boiling or steaming.

In another pot, cook a few chicken thighs until they are fully cooked. Once both are cooked, blend the chicken and sweet potato together. Add a bit of broth for a smoother texture if needed.

This puree is easy to store and can be portioned for meals on the go.

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 2 chicken thighs
• 1 cup of chicken broth (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the sweet potato.
2. Boil or steam the sweet potato until soft.
3. Cook the chicken thighs thoroughly.
4. Blend the cooked sweet potato and chicken together.
5. Add broth for a smoother consistency if desired.

10) Lentil and Carrot Mash

Lentil and carrot mash is a simple and nutritious baby food. It offers a mix of proteins and vitamins that are great for your little one.

To start, cook red lentils and chopped carrots in water until soft. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once cooked, blend the mixture until smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add some breast milk or water to reach the desired consistency.

Let it cool before serving. This mash can be part of your baby’s healthy meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 3 cups water
• Breast milk or water (optional, for thinning)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. Combine lentils and carrots in a pot with water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth.
5. Thin with breast milk or water if needed.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

11) Mango and Banana Blend

Mango and banana blend is a nutritious and tasty option for your baby. It combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the creaminess of bananas. This vibrant puree is great for babies starting on solid foods.

To make it, use ripe mangoes that are soft to the touch. Bananas should also be ripe for the best flavor. You can skip cooking since both fruits blend well.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango
• 1 ripe banana

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel the mango and banana.
2. Cut the mango into chunks and slice the banana.
3. Place both fruits in a blender.
4. Blend until smooth. You can add a little water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
5. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

12) Broccoli and Cauliflower Puree

Broccoli and cauliflower puree is a nutritious option for your baby. This blend is packed with vitamins and minerals, perfect for early eating.

To make this puree, gather fresh broccoli and cauliflower.

Start by washing the vegetables and cutting them into florets.

Steam them until they are tender, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Once cooked, transfer the vegetables to a food processor.

Blend until smooth, adding a little water or breast milk to reach your desired consistency.

Ingredients

• 1 head broccoli
• 1 head cauliflower
• Water or breast milk (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the broccoli and cauliflower.
2. Cut into florets.
3. Steam for 10-15 minutes until tender.
4. Place in a food processor.
5. Blend until smooth, adding liquid if necessary.

13) Butternut Squash and Peach Puree

Butternut squash and peach puree is a tasty option for your baby. This mixture combines the natural sweetness of peaches with the creamy texture of butternut squash. It’s nutritious and full of flavor.

To make this puree, begin by roasting the butternut squash.

Slice it in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes, until soft.

Next, peel and chop fresh peaches.

Combine the roasted squash and peaches in a blender.

Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little water to thin it out.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butternut squash
• 1 cup fresh peaches

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the butternut squash in half and remove the seeds.
3. Roast the squash for 30 to 40 minutes until soft.
4. Peel and chop the fresh peaches.
5. Blend the roasted squash and peaches until smooth.
6. Add water if necessary for desired consistency.

14) Turkey and Apple Puree

Turkey and apple puree is a tasty baby food that combines protein with a bit of sweetness. This mix is not only delicious but also nutritious for your little one.

For the turkey, you can use breast meat or dark meat. Dark meat stays moist and flavorful. Apples add a natural sweetness that balances the turkey nicely.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Steam or boil the apple pieces until tender.
2. In a blender, combine the cooked turkey, softened apple, and water.
3. Puree until smooth. Add more water if needed for the right consistency.
4. Serve at a comfortable temperature.

15) Rice and Apple Porridge

Rice and apple porridge is a nutritious option for your baby. It combines easily digestible rice with the natural sweetness of apples. This dish is perfect for introducing new flavors to your little one.

To make this porridge, simply use homemade rice cereal and fresh apples. It does not require any added sugars, as the apples provide a delightful taste. This meal is suitable for babies starting from six months old.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of rice
• 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups of water or baby broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, bring water or baby broth to a boil.
3. Add the rice and chopped apple to the boiling liquid.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until soft.
5. Blend or mash to your desired consistency. Serve warm.