Cracking the Toddler Culinary Code is worthy of its own Indiana Jones film. They are tricky little eaters and it seems like their preferences change every day! What’s a mom to do?
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Does it feel like your toddler is surviving on Goldfish and fruit snacks? If I’ve learned anything as a mom, it’s that parenting seasons come and go. The same can be said for your toddler’s appetite and preferences. If you’re looking to change things up and try something new, check out these meal ideas.
10 Toddler-Approved Meals
- Avocado Toast & Scrambled Eggs. My daughter was a huge fan of avocados and eggs. She still loves them! Adding toast brings in a crunch element and vessel for the squished avocado. If you’re feeling really bold, introduce your child to “dippy eggs” and show them how to soak up that yoke with their leftover toast!
- Turkey & cheese wraps. Roll up some turkey and cheese, with or without a tortilla. Add some veggie straws or baby carrots on the side for some freshness!
- Veggie ravioli and sauce. Best way to mask some vegetables? Wrap them in noodles and just add sauce! You can find vegetable ravioli in most supermarkets!
- Veggie Mac & Cheese. Check out the recipe here!
- Scalloped Potatoes & Ham. In a strange turn of events, my daughter LOVES ham. She’s also a fan of cheese and potatoes- which makes this the perfect dish!
- Breakfast muffins. Need a morning meal on the go? Breakfast muffins are perfect for kids to grab and gobble. And they kind-of, sort-of remind kids of cupcakes 😉
- Family Pizza Night. If you want your kids to eat their food, start with letting them ENJOY their food! Make a pizza together and let them add the sauce and toppings!
- PB&J-on-a-Stick. Tired of the same old peanut butter and jelly? Make it a shish kabob!
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Maybe it’s a midwestern thing, but my daughter loves ranch. Everyone in my house does! This recipe would be a hit!
- Cheesy Quesadilla. Grilled cheese but make it new and fun! This recipe shows you how to get that perfect melt!
I’ll be honest, in my quest for kid recipes I came across a bunch that wouldn’t work for our family. Black bean soup? My daughter wouldn’t even look at it. Chili dog casserole? She’s going to veto that one real quick. Pick recipes that work for you and build on flavors and food your kid already loves! Let us know what meals worked! What would you suggest for a pick toddler?
Source
- The Lean Green Bean. “Toddler Meal Ideas.” [Online.] Available at: https://www.theleangreenbean.com/simple-toddler-meal-ideas/
- Taste of Home. “44 Toddler Dinner Ideas Parents Will Love, Too.” [Online.} Available at: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/meals-for-toddlers/
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Audrey Mattevi, Reporting