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.

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
I’m assuming medium asparagus with about a dime-size diameter here. If you have super skinny pencil-like asparagus (or skinnier!) reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

 

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.
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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.
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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.)
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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!
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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.)
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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!).
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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!)
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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.
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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

 

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Blogs are not written by MNC staff.

Original and complete article can be found here: https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/vegetable-recipes-for-kids/