Healthy & Easy Meals Toddlers Will Love

It is such a victory when the whole family eats the meal that I’ve prepared, especially when that meal is healthy and easy to make! Here are a few of our family’s go-to meals that are nutritious, delicious, and of course - simple!

 

The second healthy & quick go-to meal for us is Homemade Chicken Nuggets With Sweet Potato.

  • Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground chicken

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potato (or fully cooked and cubed sweet potato)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional; you could also add garlic powder or dried oregano)

  • ½ cup regular or panko-style bread crumbs (plain or Italian-flavor)

  • Directions:

  • Mash together the chicken, sweet potato, salt, and onion powder in a medium bowl with a potato masher or a large fork. Place the bread crumbs into a separate shallow bowl.

  • Form the chicken mixture into 1-tablespoon-size balls and roll in bread crumbs.

  • Flatten slightly (or form into tot-shapes) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optional: Spray or brush lightly with olive oil.

  • Bake for 22-24 minutes at 375 degrees F or until golden brown on the bottom and cooked through.

  • Remove from oven, let cool for a minute or two and serve warm.

  • (To cook in an air fryer, place onto a greased tray or basket and cook for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F. I don't turn over in the middle of cooking.)

The OXO Tot Transitions Straw Cup with Handles is perfect for babies and toddlers! The OXO Tot Roll-Up Bib also helps keep the mess to a minimum!

 

The first is a One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta, who does'n’t love only having to wash one dish? In this recipe I sometimes like to add more yogurt to make it extra creamy!

  • Ingredients:

1 pound broccoli (about 2 medium heads), cut into bite-sized florets

  • 12 ounces dried small shell or ditalini pasta

  • 4 1/2 cups water

  • 1/2 cup whole-milk plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce), plus more for serving

  • Directions:

    Place the broccoli, pasta, water, yogurt, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, if using, and water in a large pot or straight-sided skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat. Continue to boil uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is al dente and almost all the liquid is evaporated, 8 to 9 minutes.

    Remove from the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup cheese. Taste and season with additional salt as needed. Serve in shallow bowls topped with more cheese.

P.S. we LOVE using our OXO Tot Stick and Stay Suction Divided Plates and Bowls. If you have toddlers and babies you know how messy mealtime can get and these are life-savers when it comes to clean-up! We also love that they are dishwasher friendly!

A go-to breakfast and/or snack we love (adults and kids alike), is Mini Egg Muffins with Cheese and Veggies.

  • Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion, peeled and grated (or ¼ teaspoon onion powder)

  • 1/2 cup butternut squash, finely grated (or leftover diced roasted squash, minced broccoli, grated carrot, or minced spinach)

  • 2 eggs lightly beaten

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (drained if needed)

  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease 12 mini muffin cups with nonstick spray very well.

  • Stir together all ingredients in a medium bowl.

  • Spoon into muffin cups, filling about to the brim.

  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until firm to the touch and golden brown around the edges.

  • Let cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before serving to allow them to firm up a bit. Use a paring knife around the edges to help remove them if needed Serve warm or at room temperature.

    I love serving these with fresh fruit and strips of toast!

As a mom it can be hard to ensure your kids are getting all their nutritional needs met, while still having time to run the household. That’s why simple & healthy meals are a staple in our home!

Chesley Tolentino