Learn how to make more vegetable recipes for kids with my go-to kid-friendly dishes—and you might just be able to increase the chances that the kids will actually eat what you cook for them!

vegetable recipes for kids in grid of 6.

Vegetable Recipes for Kids

I’m always recommending that the best way to get our kids to eat more vegetables is to make sure that they taste good to us. These vegetable recipes for kids hit that mark and are great places to start if you’re looking to introduce new veggies—or veggies that you’ve previously tried—in new ways.

Because while we all know that kids need their veggies for so many aspect of their health, they are often so reluctant to actually eat them. So thinking about how to make them easy to eat and yummy is one way to try to help the situation.

Remember that it can take kids upwards of 20 times of seeing a veggie to be brave enough to actually try it. Which absolutely does not mean you need to keep track, but is just to remind you that this is a process of learning. So keep modeling enjoyment by eating these foods yourself, offering it in small portions without pressure, and having the foods you want them to eat around regularly.

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Kids Vegetables List

I should say that this is not a comprehensive list of recipes (that would be epic!) but it’s a perfect place to start if you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your kid’s diets.

I will note any potential issues with choking hazards for toddlers, cooking tips, and flavor profiles for each recipe to give you a head start with trying some of them out.

This list of vegetables include sides, main dishes, snacks, and breakfast ideas.

how to make oven roasted asparagus

Asparagus Recipes

During the spring and throughout the year, asparagus is always a favorite vegetable to share with the family

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

When I learned how to cook asparagus in the oven, it was like a lightbulb went off. This method is so easy because all you do is to toss the asparagus with a little oil, sprinkle, with salt, and let the heat from the oven soften up the stalks.

Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Transform fresh asparagus into the most delicious oven-roasted asparagus with this simple and fast method. (I'm using medium asparagus with about a dime-size diameter here. If you have super skinny pencil-like asparagus, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.)
Get the recipe
how to make oven roasted asparagus
Pureed Asparagus baby food in bowl with cooked asparagus stalks on the side.

Asparagus Baby Food

They even get a little sweet as they roast and are easy to blend into baby food.

Favorite Asparagus Baby Food
Learn the easiest way to make flavorful Asparagus Baby Food with a method that makes both baby-led weaning asparagus and asparagus puree. Plus: Find storage and serving tips.
Get the recipe
Pureed Asparagus baby food in bowl with cooked asparagus stalks on the side
boiled-beets-in-green-bowl

Beets Recipes for Kids

Beets are a good source of fiber and antioxidants. They have an earthly flavor which some kids love…and others may not.

Easy Boiled Beets

Beets are naturally pretty sweet, when cooked they have a soft texture that’s easy for kids to eat, and they taste ridiculously good with a little butter and salt. This boiled beets recipe takes about 30 minutes and is mostly hands off—and it’s a good one to make-ahead to reheat later!

Easy Boiled Beets
You can use golden or red beets in this recipe. If using red beets, once they're boiling, you'll want to cover the pot with a lid slightly askew so some steam can escape and to prevent red splatters from getting all over the stove. Serve as an easy vegetable side, as a BLW food, or as a beets baby food pureed in the blender.
Get the recipe
boiled beets in white bowl on countertop
beet-hummus-with-crackers-on-blue-plate

Beet Hummus

Boost the nutrition—and the color!—in your next batch of homemade hummus by adding beets.

Easy Beet Hummus
This brightly colored hummus is a delicious spread for crackers, toast, or sandwiches. Or it can be served as a dip. You can omit the tahini if needed for an allergy.
Get the recipe
beet hummus on blue plate with crackers
skillet-stuffed-peppers-in-adult-and-kid-bowl

Bell Peppers Recipes for Kids

Older toddlers and kids may love raw bell pepper sticks since they tend to be sweet, especially the red, yellow, and orange varieties. They can be hard to chew for kids under 3, so keep that in mind.

Bell peppers, which are sweet and not spicy, come in a range of colors and are delicious raw and cooked. They’re also a good source of Vitamin C.

roasted-red-peppers-on-white-plate

Oven-Roasted Red Peppers

With a simple sheet pan method and pantry spices, you can learn how to Roast Red Peppers in the oven to use in tacos, sandwiches, and just as a simple side. You can season them with just salt or add cumin and a dash of chili powder for a Mexican take.

How to Roast Red Peppers in the Oven
Try these oven-roasted peppers in tacos, sandwiches, and just as a simple side.
Get the recipe
roasted-red-peppers-on-white-plate
kid portion of stuffed pepper skillet.

Easy STuffed Peppers Skillet

With the classic flavors of easy Stuffed Peppers, but much less work, this skillet version cooks up in just 20 minutes for a healthy family dinner option. You can use a mix of colors of peppers for a bright and fun visual.

Easy Stuffed Peppers Skillet
You can use whichever type of rice your family likes best. We rotate through short grain brown rice, basmati, and jasmine. Adults may want to top their portions with shredded fresh basil and/or crushed red pepper.
Get the recipe
skillet-stuffed-peppers-in-adult-and-kid-bowl
Broccoli fritters on white plate with dip on side.

Broccoli Recipes for Kids

Broccoli is often seen as the holy grail of veggies when it comes to kids, and while I love to try serving it in all sorts of ways to see what the kids like, it’s okay if the kids are still learning.

homemade broccoli tots.

Broccoli Tots

With a handful of accessible, healthy ingredients, you can bake  broccoli tots that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. And…they kind of taste like broccoli tater tots! You can even make them ahead and store them in the freezer for later.

Homemade Broccoli Tots (Better Than the Freezer Aisle!)
Crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, these tots are a seriously fun way to serve broccoli. You can cook the rice up to 5 days ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake the tots.
Get the recipe
homemade broccoli tots
broccoli-cheddar-soup-in-white-bowls

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli, cheddar, and split peas team up in this healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe that’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber—and is a great family meal alongside crackers or muffins. It also freezes wonderfully!

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
With plant-based protein, veggies, and cheese, this soup is a wonderful way to serve up healthy comfort food to the whole family. (Adapted from FamilyFun magazine.)
Get the recipe
broccoli cheese soup recipe
Roasted frozen broccoli on pan.

Roasted Broccoli

When my oldest kiddo was little, she went to a daycare that served roasted broccoli regularly and all the kids devoured it. (Really!) It gets slightly sweet when roasted, which is a plus. Try to cut the florets to the same size for even cooking.

Roasted Frozen Broccoli
Roast a bag of frozen broccoli to make cooking easier and serve up the most delicious side dish. This is particularly great topped with grated Parmesan cheese!
Get the recipe
Roasted frozen broccoli on pan.
broccoli-pesto-pasta-on-pink-fork

Broccoli Pesto

A fun riff on classic pesto that’s a perfect pair for pasta!

Easy Broccoli Pesto (for Pasta and Pizza)
This will likely make enough for two meals. You can freeze the leftovers for a future meal. (This recipe was updated to improve the taste and method in April 2019.)
Get the recipe
broccoli pesto on spaghetti in blue bowl with pink fork

Broccoli Puree

Try this with babies as an easy way to introduce and serve broccoli.

Best Broccoli for Babies (Puree and BLW-Style)
Learn how to make nutritious Broccoli Puree and a super easy method for baby led weaning style broccoli. Both start with the same technique, so you can do either (or both!).
Get the recipe
broccoli-puree-in-white-bowl-with-baby-spoon
shredded-brussels-sprouts-with-parmesan

Brussels Sprouts Recipes for Kids

This veggie can be bitter at times, so look for a recipe that has acid in it (like lemon juice) or that caramelizes them, like what happens during roasting—both of which can help balance the flavors.

shredded-brussels-sprouts-in-white-bowl

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Honey

Try this quick Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Honey for a simple side for dinner. It’s slightly sweet and pleasantly nutty, and not a bit bitter!

Sauteed Shredded Brussel Sprouts
Try these quick Shredded Brussels Sprouts for a simple side for dinner. It's extra flavorful from lemon and Parmesan and is also slightly sweet and pleasantly nutty. Your kids might (they might!) just surprise you by eating it up! (If not? More for you!)
Get the recipe
shaved brussels sprouts
brussels sprouts on plate as puree and BLW style.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This method for making Brussels sprouts may be on that your kids love. In my house, I have one kiddo who loves them and one who doesn’t so keep trying if the first time isn’t a success!

Favorite Brussels Sprouts Baby Food
Learn the easiest way to make flavorful Brussels Sprouts Baby Food with one simple method. Plus: Find storage and serving tips.
Get the recipe
brussels sprouts on plate as puree and BLW style.
sauteed-carrots-on-blue-dot-plate

Vegetable Recipes for Kids: Carrots

Carrots last forever in the fridge, are a good source of Vitamin A, and are super versatile. Here are some of our favorite carrot recipes.

carrot-fries-on-white-plate-with-ketchup

Easy Baked Carrot Fries

These are easy to prepare (you basically just need to slice them). They cook in just about 20 minutes (with no stirring or tending required). And they are totally delicious dunked into ketchup.

Easy Roasted Carrot “Fries”
These baked carrot fries are a simple side to go with burgers or chicken and pair perfectly with ketchup.
Get the recipe
baked carrot fries
sauteed-carrots-on-blue-dot-plate

Quick and Easy Sauteed Carrots

So easy and fast, this is one of our favorite veggie side dishes.

Easy Sauteed Carrots
These simple Sauteed Carrots are one of my go-to veggie recipes to make for my family. They're ready from in under 20 minutes from start to finish, and the end result is tender, naturally sweet carrots.
Get the recipe
sauteed carrots on a plate
carrot-pancakes-in-stack-with-pear-slices

Carrot Pancakes

Like carrot cake, only healthy and appropriate for breakfast!

Fluffy Carrot Pancakes (with Yogurt!)
These hearty Carrot Pancakes pack nice natural sweetness from the carrots and applesauce. This can be a thicker pancake batter, so know that you can thin it slightly, if desired, by adding a few tablespoons of milk.
Get the recipe
carrot-pancakes-in-stack-with-pear-slices
carrot-hummus-on-plate

Carrot Hummus

Add some veggies to a basic hummus for a nutrition boost.

Easy Carrot Hummus
Taste the hummus and adjust for salt as needed. You may need more depending on whether or not you started with canned beans, and sometimes after the hummus sits in the fridge, it needs another sprinkle of salt. 
Get the recipe
Carrot hummus in bowl with sides for dipping.
zucchini-carrot-muffins-on-pooh-plate

Carrot Zucchini Muffins

Double veggies for double flavor!

Easy Zucchini Carrot Muffins
I prefer to grate my own carrots to ensure that the texture is finer and isn’t very noticeable in the baked muffins. See the Notes for allergy substitutions.
Get the recipe
zucchini-carrot-muffins-on-yellow-plate
carrot-babt-food-in-containers-with-spoon

Carrot Puree

Turn fresh carrots into a simple, nourishing baby food with this easy method…no special baby food makers required.

Easy Carrot Baby Food (Puree and BLW-Syle)
Turn fresh carrots into a simple, nourishing baby food for baby with this easy method to make Carrot Puree. Read the Notes for additional flavor options and storage information.
Get the recipe
carrot-baby-food-puree-in-bowls
carrot-cake-oatmeal-in-teal-bowls

Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Make the easiest Carrot Cake Oatmeal and serve up a dose of veggies for breakfast in a kid-friendly form everyone will love! This is such a great way to start the day with a nutritious breakfast packed with fruits and veggies.

Easy Carrot Cake Oatmeal
With the flavors of carrot cake, this Carrot Cake Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast to share with the kids. It's a good source of whole grains, fiber, and yummy flavor.
Get the recipe
carrot-oatmeal-in-blue-bowls
carrot-smoothie-in-cups

Carrot Smoothie

This easy Carrot Smoothie is bursting with freshness—and Vitamin C. It’s made with carrots, mango, and orange and is such a nice breakfast or snack component!

Favorite Carrot Smoothie
Bursting with vitamin C from citrus, mango, and carrots, this carrot smoothie is a delicious way to offer veggies to the kids. (The key to this smoothie is blending it super smooth, so don't be afraid to let the blender run for 30-60 seconds!)
Get the recipe
carrot-smoothie-in-cups

easy cauliflower mac and cheeseKid-Friendly Cauliflower Recipes

Cauliflower, which is in the same family as broccoli, has nutrients including fiber and Vitamin C. Here are some favorite ways to prepare it.

quick cauliflower with cheese

Cauliflower with Parmesan

It’s simply steaming the cauliflower florets and then tossing with flavorful enhancements—butter or olive oil (if you need dairy-free or just prefer olive oil) and cheese. (We usually find that cheese helps almost any veggie go down easier.)

Quick Steamed Cauliflower
This quick Steamed Cauliflower is easy and delicious—and a perfect vegetable side dish to share with the kids. Use as much cauliflower as you need to feed your family. Store any uncooked florets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Get the recipe
steamed cauliflower on blue plate with spoon.
cauliflower tots on plate with ketchup

Cauliflower Tots

With just 6 simple ingredients, these Cauliflower Tots are a healthy homemade finger food the kids (and the parents) will enjoy. Bonus: They reheat from frozen beautifully!

Homemade Cauliflower Tots
With quinoa, cauliflower, and cheese, these healthy little tots are a great finger food for kids. This recipe makes about 20 tots, which is 4-6 servings for toddlers—or 1-2 servings for adults.
Get the recipe
cauliflower tots on white and red plate
cauliflower mac and cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

With a simple cheese sauce that has cauliflower right in the mix to help thicken, this healthy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a fast weeknight lunch or dinner option for toddlers.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese (5-Ingredient)
With a simple cheese sauce—no standing and stirring over the stove here!—a solid dose of veggies, and a super creamy final result, this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a fast lunch or dinner option for toddlers. (And the rest of the family, too!)
Get the recipe
cauliflower mac and cheese on teal spoon
veggie-nuggets-on-blue-plate

Homemade Veggie Nuggets

This simple veggie nugget recipe is made with quinoa, cauliflower, and some cheese, so they have a nicely cheesy texture and flavor.

Homemade Veggie Nuggets (with 3 Veggies!)
I like to prep the veggies and rice ahead of time so that the process of making the nuggets is a little quicker. You can of course do it all at once though!
Get the recipe
veggie-nuggets-on-blue-plate
two glass cups with strawberry smoothie and straws

Strawberry Smoothie with Cauliflower

Cauliflower, when fresh or frozen, makes smoothies nice and creamy!

Strawberry Smoothie with Veggies
Make the simple base recipe or try one of the variations with a veggie and more nutrient-dense add-ins. All are delicious! Freeze the banana ahead of time.
Get the recipe
strawberry-smoothie-in-cups-on-counter
strawberry-muffin-lunch

How to Serve Cucumbers to Kids

Cucumbers are filled with hydration and are a fairly neutral flavor, which the kids may prefer. Pair with a favorite dip as you like.

Raw Cucumbers: You can of course make cucumber salads and such, but this is a good veggie to serve raw. Peel and chop into small pieces for younger toddlers until you know they can handle the texture and chewing skills needed to handle larger pieces.

Vegetable Recipes for Kids: Edamame (Soy Beans)

Steamed or Boiled Edamame: Buy a bag of frozen edamame in the pods and cook according to the package directions. (It’s usually boiling or steaming them for 5-10 minutes until the beans are soft). Sprinkle with salt and show the kids how to pop the beans out from the pods.

You can also serve the beans chilled as a simple snack.

sesame green beans on polka dot plateVegetable Recipes for Kids: Green Beans

Green beans have potassium, fiber, a little iron, and protein, and are a really versatile veggie. be sure to cook them soft so they’re easy for the kids to chew.

sesame green beans on polka dot plate

Sesame Maple Green Beans

These green beans are slightly sweet, a little bit salty, and it’s a perfect side dish to meat, chicken, eggs, or even beans. And they’re quick to make!

Sesame Green Beans
With flavors of garlic, ginger, and soy, Sesame Green beans are a fast side dish for busy weeknights. You can prep the beans ahead and cook them up in less than 15 minutes. And: They're SO good.
Get the recipe
sesame green beans on polka dot plate
boiled-green-beans-in-white-bowl

Quick and Easy Boiled Green Beans

These are perfectly tender and only take about 5 minutes to cook.

Best Boiled Green Beans
You can break or cut these into any size you prefer. I usually just break them in half.
Get the recipe
boiled-green-beans-in-white-bowl

How to Bake Kale BitesVegetable Recipes for Kids: Kale

Kale is loaded with nutrients and while it can be a more challenging flavor to love, here are some more kid-friendly ways to prepare it.

How to Bake Kale Bites

Cheesy Kale Bites

These Cheesy Kale Bites are basically a meatball with shredded kale in place of meat. They have tons of flavor from the cheese, and they taste really great when dunked into ketchup or salsa.

Cheesy Baked Kale Bites
You can use curly kale or flat kale in this recipe—both work well.
Get the recipe
How to Bake Kale Bites
cheesy-spinach-on-kids-plate

Quick and Easy Cheesy Greens

You can use almost any leafy green you like (though baby kale and spinach will be one of the softest/easiest to manipulate for younger eaters) and you can vary the cheese according to what you have on hand. These are lightning fast and easy to make in small or larger amounts.

Cheesy Baby Spinach
This fast side dish is a delicious way to serve spinach to kids. Use baby spinach, regular spinach, baby kale, or lacinato kale (sometimes called dinosaur kale) for best results and easy chewing.
Get the recipe
cheesy greens on divided plate with pink fork
green-smoothie-in-glass-jar

SIMPLE GREEN Smoothie

Tuck some kale into a smoothie with fruit to balance the flavors with natural sweetness.

Simple Green Smoothie
Frozen bananas give the smoothie a creamy, naturally sweet base, though you can make this with a fresh banana as long as the other fruit is frozen. It’s easy to add whatever berries or fruit you have on hand, so customize it for your kiddo. 
Get the recipe
green-smoothie-in-glass

spinach pesto pasta recipeKid-Friendly Recipes with Peas

Keeping a bag of frozen peas in the freezer is such a simple way to always have a veggie on hand to add to easy recipes—or to just serve on the side.

spinach-pesto-pasta-in-blue-bowl

Spinach Pesto Pasta with Peas

Easy and a nice way to serve vegetarian protein!

Spinach Pesto Pasta with Peas
This bright green pesto is cheesy and mild, making it a perfect sauce for a quick dinner of pasta and peas!
Get the recipe
pesto pasta with peas in multiple bowls.
mac-and-cheese-with-peas

Mac and Cheese with Peas

We have a tradition of having boxed mac and cheese for one weekend lunch and I always add some frozen peas to the mix. I find that my kids have no complaints about veggies in their mac and cheese since they love mac and cheese so much!

Mac and Cheese with Peas (Fav Shortcut Toddler Meal)
With an easy method and a yummy, satisfying result, this quick toddler meal is one of our go-to shortcut kids meals.
Get the recipe
mac-and-cheese-with-peas
pea-puree-on-teal-spoon

Pea Puree

A slightly sweet and super simple puree to share with the kids.

Easiest Pea Puree
The serving size for baby food can vary widely based on the age and appetite of the baby, so follow baby’s cues for being done—they will close their mouth and/or turn their head or start to fuss. End the meal when you see those things happen.
Get the recipe
pea-puree-on-teal-spoon

make-ahead-mashed-potatoesPotato Recipes for Kids

Potatoes come in a whole range of colors, but even the white ones have nutrients including fiber, potassium, and more.

make-ahead-mashed-potatoes-in-white-bowl

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

I love these so much since they reheat beautifully!

Easy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, easy to make, and so delicious, these Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes are a favorite for holidays and family meals. (I prefer to use Yukon Gold potatoes in this recipe. They are usually widely available at grocery stores.) Double or triple this recipe as needed.
Get the recipe
make-ahead-mashed-potatoes
mashed-potatoes-with-broccoli-in-bowl

Healthy Mashed Potatoes with Broccoli

With just one pot and 4 ingredients, these potatoes are creamy, filling, and flavorful—and they have broccoli for an added nutritional punch too.

Healthy Mashed Potatoes with Broccoli
If you want to make these creamier, live it up and add more sour cream and butter!
Get the recipe
mashed-potatoes-and-broccoli-in-bowl
potato ham soup in white bowls

Baked Potato Soup

I know some kids are hit or miss about soup, but this one is way more fun from the added toppings!

Veggie-Packed Potato Ham Soup
Since the saltiness of your ham may vary, taste at the end and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. You can add more ham if you prefer more.
Get the recipe
potato ham soup in white bowls
sheet pan nachos with salsa

Healthy Baked Sheet Pan Nachos

These healthy baked nachos have a tender potato base and are topped with black beans, cheese, salsa and (optional!) spinach.

Baked Sheet Pan Nachos
These Baked Sheet Pan Nachos have a tender potato base and are topped with black beans, cheese, salsa and veggies. They're a total family dinner hit. (You can add some of the ingredients to some of the areas—leaving the spinach off, adding more salsa or spice—to customize for everyone at the table.)
Get the recipe
healthy loaded potato nachos

spinach muffins on a plate with fruitSpinach Recipes for Kids

Spinach, whether baby or full size leaves, is versatile and easy to add to everything from smoothies to muffins and stir fries.

spinach-muffins-on-pink-plate

Spinach Banana Muffins

Serve up greens in a sweet and easy to eat format with these simple muffins.

Sweet Spinach Muffins with Banana
These healthy muffins taste like a delicious banana muffin, but with the added nutrition of a big handful of spinach. These store well, so you can make them ahead of time and pull them out of the fridge or freezer to serve.
Get the recipe
spinach banana muffins on pink plate
spinach pesto in jar

Easy Spinach Pesto

This Spinach Pesto is one of our go-to sauces. I like it because the color stays bright green, the ingredients are straightforward, and it packs a serious punch of vitamins and iron from the spinach. This is, hands down, my favorite way to serve up greens to my kids.

Easy Spinach Pesto
Try this healthy pesto with your favorite pasta or in place of pizza sauce on pizza!
Get the recipe
spinach pesto in jar
green-smoothie-in-glass-jar

Simple Green Smoothie

With just a few ingredients, you can make a healthy smoothie that has spinach and lots of natural sweetness from fruit.

Simple Green Smoothie
Frozen bananas give the smoothie a creamy, naturally sweet base, though you can make this with a fresh banana as long as the other fruit is frozen. It’s easy to add whatever berries or fruit you have on hand, so customize it for your kiddo. 
Get the recipe
green-smoothie-in-glass
cheesy-spinach-on-kids-plate

Cheesy Greens

Introduce your kids to the deliciousness of quickly cooked greens in this Cheesy Baby Spinach Recipe.

Cheesy Baby Spinach
This fast side dish is a delicious way to serve spinach to kids. Use baby spinach, regular spinach, baby kale, or lacinato kale (sometimes called dinosaur kale) for best results and easy chewing.
Get the recipe
cheesy greens on divided plate with pink fork
pizza-rolls-on-kids-plate

Mini Spinach and Cheese Pizza Roll

These fun pizza rolls are packed with nutrition—and even greens!—but the cheese, and silly spiral shape makes them much more appealing to toddlers and big kids!

Favorite Pizza Rolls (with Spinach and Cheese)
Be sure to grease your pan well and roll the dough up fairly tightly around the fillings for best results. (But it's okay if they don't look perfect when they go into the pan!) 
Get the recipe
pizza-rolls-on-kids-plate
spinach-grilled-cheese-on-plate-1

Spinach Grilled Cheese

This is a veggie-packed variation on the classic sandwich that’s just so delicious. (This favorite kids sandwich is equally appealing to adults too!) It’s also easy to make and packed with iron…which is a nice bonus.

Easy Spinach Grilled Cheese
You can also do this with full size spinach if that's what you're able to find. Just discard any stems before starting the recipe.
Get the recipe
spinach-grilled-cheese-on-plate
snap-peas-for-kids-on-blue-plate

Vegetable Recipes for Kids: Snap Peas

Snap peas, especially in the spring, are a fresh and yummy veggie to share.

raw-snap-peas-on-blue-plate

Raw Snap Peas

For older toddlers (closer to 3 and up), raw snap peas are often a big hit since they are crunchy and so naturally sweet. Younger toddlers may have a hard time chewing them, so keep that in mind.

butternut squash risotto for babiesWinter Squash Recipes for Kids

If you’re looking for ways to use butternut, kabocha, or another winter squash, here are some easy options.

butternut-squash-risotto-in-white-bowls

Shortcut Butternut Squash Risotto

This Butternut Squash recipe involves roasting the squash, pureeing it into a sauce, and simply stirring it together with cooked short grain brown rice. Easy—and with steps you can do ahead.

Shortcut Butternut Squash Risotto
You can cook the rice ahead of time and do Step 1 ahead. Or make the whole dish ahead and warm to serve when needed.
Get the recipe
butternut-squash-risotto-in-white-bowls
butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese-with-shell-pasta

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

The beauty of this recipe is that the squash adds that classic orange color and nutrients, but the kids just get the cheesy pasta flavor and texture that they love. Pick up a bag of precut butternut squash and you literally just need to fill a pot with water to get this recipe started!

5-Ingredient Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Use your family’s favorite shape and type of pasta in this recipe. (We like elbows or mini shells!)
Get the recipe
butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese-with-shell-pasta

Roasted Butternut Squash

Simply cut up butternut squash (into fun shapes if you want!) and roast them up in the oven. With a little salt, they’re a naturally sweet side dish to share with the kids.

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash
Learn the easiest method for how to roast butternut squash. You can cut the squash into cubes, shapes, or "fries" based on what your kids may like to make this easy veggie side dish fun (yet still simple).
Get the recipe
cubes of roasted butternut squash on baking pan.
butternut squash and quinoa baby food

Roasted Butternut Squash with Quinoa

With simple ingredients and lots of nutrition, this is a less messy way to serve grains to little kids—and a vegetarian side dish packed with fiber and Vitamin A.

Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Baby Food
Try this as a transition food for an older baby or a healthy side dish for a family meal.
Get the recipe
butternut squash and quinoa baby food
butternut-squash-muffins-on-wire-rack

Butternut Squash Muffins

With a dose of butternut squash and apple butter, these flourless Butternut Squash Muffins pack a lot of flavor and moisture (and nutrition!) in one easy to eat package.

Butternut Squash Muffins
These moist muffins are great on their own or topped with butter, honey, or apple butter. Try them for breakfast, snack, or as a side for dinner.
Get the recipe
butternut-squash-muffins-on-wire-rack
butternut-squash-puree-in-containers

Butternut Squash Puree

This is packed with Vitamin A and C, plus fiber, and has a naturally sweet taste that little ones enjoy.

Butternut Squash Baby Food Puree
You can make this puree to feed to a baby or toddler, or as a simple side dish for the whole family to share.
Get the recipe
Butternut squash baby food in three glass jars.
butternut squash hummus on plate with cucumbers

Butternut Squash Hummus

Try this simple hummus recipe for a veggie-packed dip or spread to serve with crackers, veggies, or bread.

Easy Butternut Squash Hummus
You can use canned squash or whole squash that you’ve roasted and pureed.
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butternut squash hummus on plate with cucumbers
butternut-squash-oatmeal-in-teal-bowls

Oatmeal with Butternut Squash

Make healthy baby oatmeal (or toddler oatmeal!) for kids that features whole grains, fiber, and veggies. Plus, you can make this quick breakfast recipe in just 5 minutes and it tastes sort of like pie!

Butternut Squash Oatmeal
This makes a nice size portion for a child, though it may be too much or not enough for your child depending on their hunger. Adjust as needed for them!
Get the recipe
butternut squash oatmeal in blue bowls

Sweet Potato Recipes for Kids

We love sweet potatoes—which are rich in Vitamin A as well as fiber—and there are so many sweet and savory ways to serve them to the kids.

sweet-potato-baby-food-on-blue-towel

Sweet Potato Baby Food

With one SO simple cooking method, you can roast sweet potato wedges to serve one of three yummy ways—BLW, mashed, or pureed into classic sweet potato puree.

Favorite Sweet Potato Baby Food
You can serve this as wedges, a thick mash, or a thinner puree to your baby or toddler. (Adults will love the wedges, too!)
Get the recipe
sweet-potato-baby-food-three-ways
healthy mashed sweet potatoes

Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Silky, smooth, and dairy-free, these Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are SO darn good as a holiday side or a weeknight veggie. They have fiber, Vitamin A, and naturally sweet flavor.

Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Silky, smooth, and dairy-free, these Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are SO darn good as a holiday side or a weeknight veggie. Bonus: These sweet potatoes are a super delish baby food!
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bowl of healthy mashed sweet potatoes.
crockpot-sweet-potato-puree in teal bowl

Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes

This sweet and creamy version is made with such a simple method in the slow cooker and makes the best mashed sweet potatoes every single time. I honestly don’t bake sweet potatoes much anymore now that I know how foolproof the crock pot method is!

Easy Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes
With an almost fool proof method, these Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes mash up into silky smooth baby food or a side. You can also skip the mashing and serve them as you would baked potatoes if preferred.
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sweet-potato-puree-in-white-bowl
chicken-sweet-potato-nuggets-on-plate

Chicken Nuggets with Sweet Potato

You can make homemade chicken nuggets easily and add way more nutrition by tucking in mashed sweet potato. So smart and yummy!

Homemade Chicken Nuggets (with Sweet Potato)
Crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, these Homemade Chicken Nuggets are both easy and delicious. You can prep the sweet potato up to 5 days ahead if that's easier for you, too. Try serving these with ketchup, ranch, or marinara sauce.
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Chicken nuggets on baking sheet after cooking.
sweet-potato-hash-on-two-plates

Roasted Sweet Potato Hash

With an easy sheet-pan method, this is a delish breakfast-for-dinner option for kids.

Roasted Sweet Potato Hash
Try this easy breakfast-for-dinner idea the next time you need a super easy and nutritious family dinner.
Get the recipe
sweet-potato-hash-on-two-plates
Sweet potato smoothie in 2 glasses with straws and reusable pouch.

Sweet Potato Smoothie

This tastes like pie, but is full of healthy ingredients.

Favorite Sweet Potato Smoothie
This quick smoothie is an easy way to serve up a veggie-packed breakfast or snack. Plan to make the sweet potato ahead of time so you can pull this together in minutes.
Get the recipe
sweet potato smoothie in four glasses, two empty.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

These healthy Sweet Potato Pancakes are made with whole grains, taste naturally sweet, and they are a yummy way to pack a veggie into breakfast

Favorite Sweet Potato Pancakes
Plan to have your mashed sweet potato ready to go so these come together quickly. Serve with any pancake topping you prefer—applesauce, maple syrup, or nut or seed butter.
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sweet-potato-pancakes-on-plates
chicken-sausage-meatballs-on-pink-kids-plates

Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Potato

Combine 4 simple ingredients to make healthy Baked Chicken Meatballs with a veggie tucked right inside!

Healthy Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Potato
These healthy Chicken Meatballs are flavorful and have a veggie right in the mix. (Plan to cook your sweet potato ahead of time. See the Notes at the end of the recipe for options!)
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chicken-meatballs-with-sweet-potatoes-on-two-plates

easy marinara sauce in jar on towelTomato Recipes for Kids

Whether raw or cooked, tomatoes are an easy veggie to make regularly in the kitchen.

Raw Tomatoes: Chopped up, raw tomatoes (bigger ones or diced cherry or grape tomatoes) are a good way to offer tomatoes. Yellow or orange ones are often sweeter—such as the Sungold variety.

easy marinara sauce in jar on towel

Veggie-Packed Marinara Sauce

Add extra veggies to your next pot of marinara sauce for more nutrition and flavor—but the comfort that your family expects!

Easy Marinara Sauce with Extra Veggies
Serve this sauce with 1 pound of your family's favorite pasta for an easy and healthy dinner.
Get the recipe
easy marinara sauce in jar on towel
vegan tomato soup in white bowl

Creamy Tomato Soup with Sweet Potato

With bright flavors from tomatoes and non-dairy creaminess from sweet potato, this is a simple and nutritious tomato soup. Serve it in a small mug or with a dipper!

Vegan Tomato Soup (5-Ingredients!)
Taste the soup after pureeing and add a little more salt if needed. The sweet potato adds creaminess without dairy—and so much flavor!
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vegan tomato soup in white bowl
baby-pasta-in-four-white-bowls

Extra-Veggie Baby Pasta

Serve up a filling, yummy baby meal with this easy Baby Pasta. It includes a tomato based sauce with extra veggies and beans blended in for an iron-rich meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Extra-Veggie Baby Pasta (with Iron)
Adding beans and extra veggies helps make this easy baby pasta satisfying, nutritious, and yummy. Serve it more or less saucy as you like. (You can even freeze the sauce for easy future meals.)
Get the recipe
baby-pasta-in-four-white-bowls

zucchini egg cups with berries and crackersVegetable Recipes: Zucchini

Zucchini blends in to so many recipes—even muffins, breads, and cookies!

healthy corn muffins

Corn Muffins with Squash and Raisins

With a moist interior, whole grains including cornmeal, and a fruit and a veggie, this Corn Muffin Recipe is a perfect dinner side or breakfast main dish.

Corn Muffins with Yellow Squash and Raisins
You can sub in regular zucchini squash if that’s what you have on hand, though it won’t blend in as seamlessly!
Get the recipe
healthy corn muffins
baked-zucchini-fritters-with-golden-tomatoes

Easy Zucchini Fritters

Baked in a muffin tin, this simple fritter recipe is a great way to serve up zucchini to kids. They’re soft enough for younger toddlers and reheat nicely.

Easy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
We bake these Zucchini Fritters since they are easier to cook and easier to clean up. If you have a lot of zucchini, you can double the recipe to make a full muffin tin's worth!
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healthy zucchini fritters
ratatouille-pasta-in-white-and-kids-bowl

Ratatouille

With lots of veggies in the mix—which you can toss with pasta or even blend up in the blender and then toss with pasta—ratatouille is an easy recipe that can be very family-friendly.

Easy Ratatouille with Pasta
This recipe makes enough for two meals. You can cut it in half if desired, but I like to make the larger batch and keep half in the freezer for a future meal—it's the same amount of cooking effort, so why not!
Get the recipe
ratatouille-pasta-in-white-and-kids-bowl

Zucchini and Cheese Egg Cups

With just a few simple ingredients, you can bake up these mini egg muffins packed with zucchini and cheese to make a healthy breakfast or lunch option for the kids.

Easy Egg Cups (with Zucchini and Cheese)
Feel free to double the recipe to make a full 24 mini muffins! We like to stash these in the fridge to eat all week, so having more is usually helpful in our house.
Get the recipe
zucchini egg cups with berries and crackers
vegan-zucchini-muffins-on-yellow-plate

Zucchini Muffins

Moist, tender, and so good!

Healthy Zucchini Muffins (Vegan)
With an easy method (no squeezing the zucchini required!) and super moist results, these healthy Zucchini Muffins are a yummy breakfast or snack (that you'll enjoy too!). They happen to be vegan and they store well for days.
Get the recipe
vegan zucchini muffins on plate.

Related Recipes


I’d love to hear how your kids like to eat veggies so I can add to this vegetables list, so please comment below to share!

This post was first published December 2018.

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Comments

  1. this is a great article! my kids eat too many junk foods and I now got the idea to slip in veggies to their food. thanks to you.

    1. Agreed to this one! my kids also love junk foods and I don’t Know how to get them to eat veggies.is so important for me, so thanks for this article!

  2. What can I substitute cheese with, or is it okay to leave it out?

    My 1 year old absolutely love vegetables and will not eat any meat (even when I try to hide it in her veggies). She also does not like cheese.

    P.S.: I notice that some of your recipes requires subscription for NYTimes Cooking. 🙁

    Thank you.

    1. Oh sorry, they changed that since I wrote this post. I will update it soon! Which ones specifically are you asking in regards to cheese? The answer will depend on the recipe.

  3. What a thorough list! We were searching for vegetable cooking suggestions for kids to make and this definitely fits the bill. Thank you!

  4. Thank you so much for sharing this master list! Finding creative ways to incorporate various micronutrients for toddlers has been a challenge for us, and these recipes were really helpful. Thank you again!