Do you hate the constant battle at meal time with your picky toddler? Stop the arguing about what’s for dinner and start serving healthy foods that they’ll love!
Don’t beg your child to eat healthy food. Don’t give in to unhealthy fast food! It’s not worth it-believe me, I’ve been there and done that.
It sure isn’t an easy thing, but getting your picky toddler to eat your home cooked meals, but it can be done. You can make a healthy meal for them that they will like.
Here are 25 toddler meal ideas that your child will not push away!
Toddler Meal Ideas
1. Nachos
Nachos as a meal? Yes! This recipe gives your child both protein and vegetables.
2. Mashed Potato with Sausage, Gravy, and Steamed Vegetables
This one is easy! Remember to offer lots of veggies, aim for half a plate.
3. Banana Pancakes
Bananas are an easy food to give a child, so this recipe may go over well.
4. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets seem to be kids favorite meal. They are a perfect finger food that they can dip into their favorite sauce. Try making homemade chicken nuggets so you can avoid the harmful ingredients in fast food chicken nuggets.
5. Pita Pizza
Use a whole-wheat pita bread + pizza sauce + shredded cheese and warm it up in the oven at 325 F for only 6 mins. Presto! Instant pizza!
6. Hummus Wrap
Spread hummus on a tortilla and roll up or fold. Add some sliced carrots if they will eat it.
7. Quinoa Blueberry Pancakes
Make some healthy quinoa pancakes and either cooked blueberries in the waffles, or have on the side. You could even make a fruit bowl and include other fruits.
8. Kid Fried Rice
Just take fully cooked rice, add shredded cooked carrots, scrambled eggs and soy sauce and mix together.
9. Fruit +Veggies and String Cheese
Just putting all the good stuff on a plate works just fine.
Offer a dip to make it fun like:
- Salad dressing
- Whipped cream
10. Scrambled Eggs and Fresh Fruit
Scrambled eggs are an easy meal for toddlers. Add some fresh fruit for variety.
11. Almond Butter and Bananas Toast
Think Elvis! Almond butter and banana is a great combination and a fun breakfast meal that toddlers enjoy.
12. Pasta with Parmesan Cheese and Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are simple. Just chuck them in the oven with some olive oil sprinkled on top. Serve over pasta.
13. Yogurt, Granola, and Fresh Fruit
Yogurt by itself thats not loaded with sugar might not appeal to a toddler. Top it with granola and fruit to make it tasty.
14. Hummus and Carrots
I’ve found that kids really like hummus. Make it yourself for a healthy version so you know whats in it.
Try this 5-minute humus recipe .
15. BROCCOLI TOTS
Yep. I said broccoli. Just mix them in a food processor (I love this brand) and form into a tater tot form and bake up. They reheat in minutes!
16. RICE AND BEANS
Simple rice and beans will satisfy your toddler’s belly. Make a big batch of rice and pair it with canned beans and warm up whenever you need it. Freeze the rest for later.
17. Macaroni and Cheese and Veggies
What kid doesn’t like Mac n Chs? Make it homemade and mix some veggies in it and they won’t even know.
18. Smoothies
We love smoothies! It’s the best way to get in veggies and fruits. Use an alternative milk like coconut milk.
Smoothies are great for any meal.
19. Nut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Use the nut butter of your choice and maybe even make your own healthier jelly!
20. Grilled Cheese and Turkey
Make an old fashion grilled cheese and add turkey lunch meat.
21. Fruit and Pretzels
Offer fruit and pretzels for a simple meal.
22. Cheese Pizza Rolls
Try these spinach mini pizza rolls that are fun and bite sized.
23. Quinoa with Peas
For the vegetarian, this recipe will do!
24. Simple Pizza
Pizza is an easy way to get a picky toddler to eat. Just take whole grain pita bread, tomato sauce, cheese and pinto or black beans.
25. Waffle with Ricotta Cheese
Yes! Try it and be surprised that your child will love it.
Deliciously Deceptive: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food
If that wasn’t enough recipes, this book gives you a ton more toddler meal ideas. Jessica Seinfeld will make your life easier when it comes to feeding your little one.
I love that she uses healthy recipes that your toddler won’t even know they are eating!
Yes, they are going to taste that good.
Bonus Tips to Deal With Picky Eaters
- Hide foods that they won’t eat. This works well with smoothies!
- Give them a choice between two things you WANT them to have. Like, “Would you like peas or carrots for dinner?”
- Prepare foods differently. Sometimes they’ll eat it only when cooked a certain way (carrots must be steamed and not cooked in soup)
- Let your child help prepare their meal. All ages of kids feel more connected to our food when we prepare it themselves.
