Toddler Meals: 20 Cozy Family Dinners Picky Little Eaters Actually Finish

Toddler meals do not have to mean a second dinner. Most nights, the easiest win is cooking one family meal and then cutting, mashing or shaping a small portion for little hands. Parents are searching for picky eater ideas more than ever this fall, and the good news is that toddlers love the same cozy food we do: meatballs, mac and cheese, pancakes and soft roasted veggies. Every recipe below feeds the family, with a tip for serving it to a 1 to 3 year old and a gentle trick for picky days. Pull up a high chair and pick tonight’s dinner..

One Family Dinner, Two Ways: Toddler Meals Made Simple

You do not need a separate toddler menu. Serve small portions, offer one new food next to a food they already like, and let them touch, squish and serve themselves. The American Academy of Pediatrics has more tips for picky eaters on HealthyChildren.org. Safety first: cut round foods like grapes and meatballs into small pieces, keep textures soft, skip honey before age 1, go easy on salt, and always have your toddler seated and supervised. Ask your pediatrician about allergies..

You will need: 1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup grated zucchini, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 cups small pasta, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup milk, 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 ripe pear.

How to make it: 1. Bake mini meatballs (recipe below) and cook pasta. 2. Warm pumpkin, milk and cheddar into a sauce and stir into the pasta. 3. Steam broccoli until very soft. 4. Slice the pear thin. 5. Cut meatballs into quarters for little ones. 6. Fill each section of a divided plate.

Mini Turkey Meatballs, the Easiest of All Toddler Meals

Soft, tiny meatballs are one of the best toddler meals, and grated zucchini and carrot melt right in so nobody notices. Bake a big tray: the family eats them with spaghetti, and toddlers get theirs cut into small pieces. They freeze beautifully for busy nights. Picky tip: serve with a little dip, like plain yogurt or marinara. Little ones love to dunk.

You will need: 1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup grated zucchini squeezed dry, 1/4 cup grated carrot, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 400 F and line a sheet pan. 2. Mix everything gently in a bowl. 3. Roll into 1 inch balls. 4. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through to 165 F. 5. Cool slightly. 6. Cut into small pieces for toddlers.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin puree makes the sauce extra creamy and golden, and it sneaks in a little fall veggie. The whole family gets a cozy bowl, and toddlers can eat it with a spoon or fingers. Use small pasta shapes like elbows or shells so they are easy to pick up. Would your little one notice the pumpkin?

You will need: 8 oz elbow pasta, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp flour, 1 1/4 cups milk, 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar, pinch of nutmeg.

How to make it: 1. Cook the pasta until very tender and drain. 2. Melt butter and whisk in flour for 1 minute. 3. Slowly whisk in milk until thick. 4. Stir in pumpkin and cheese until smooth. 5. Add a pinch of nutmeg. 6. Fold in pasta and cool a little before serving.

Sweet Potato Pancakes, Finger Food Toddler Meals

These soft pancakes are a great breakfast or dinner, and they are perfect finger food. Mashed sweet potato adds natural sweetness and color, so you can skip syrup. Make them small, about the size of a cookie. Serve with sliced banana. Picky tip: let your toddler help stir the batter. Kids are more likely to eat what they helped make.

You will need: 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, butter for the pan, banana to serve.

How to make it: 1. Whisk sweet potato, eggs and milk. 2. Stir in flour, baking powder and cinnamon. 3. Heat a lightly buttered pan over medium low. 4. Spoon small rounds of batter. 5. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side. 6. Cool and cut into strips.

Baked Chicken and Veggie Nuggets

Homemade nuggets are easier than you think, and they make freezer friendly toddler meals. Blend chicken with a handful of broccoli or spinach, shape small nuggets, roll in breadcrumbs and bake. The family can dip theirs in honey mustard, and toddlers can dip in ketchup or yogurt. Remember, no honey for babies under 1. Nuggets or nugget dinosaurs at your house?

You will need: 1 lb boneless chicken breast, 1 cup broccoli florets steamed, 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar, 1 egg, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, olive oil spray.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. Pulse chicken, broccoli, cheese, egg and garlic powder in a food processor. 3. Shape into small nuggets. 4. Press into panko on all sides. 5. Spray with oil and bake 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once. 6. Cool and cut for small toddlers.

Soft Zucchini and Carrot Fritters

These golden fritters are a great way to use up garden zucchini. Grated veggies, an egg and a little flour pan fry into soft patties that toddlers can hold. The grown ups can add a dollop of sour cream and some hot sauce. Make them small and keep the outside lightly golden, not hard and crispy.

You will need: 2 cups grated zucchini squeezed dry, 1 cup grated carrot, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 green onions finely chopped, 1 tbsp olive oil.

How to make it: 1. Squeeze the zucchini very dry in a towel. 2. Mix with carrot, eggs, flour, Parmesan and onions. 3. Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium. 4. Drop small spoonfuls and flatten. 5. Cook 3 minutes per side until golden. 6. Cool and cut into strips.

Mini Shepherd’s Pies: Toddler Meals in a Muffin Tin

Shepherd’s pie in a muffin tin is cozy, portable and portioned just right for small appetites. A soft beef and veggie filling sits under a cap of mashed potato. Adults get two or three, toddlers get one, cooled and broken up with a spoon. Picky tip: call them “volcano pies” and watch them disappear.

You will need: 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 1 small onion finely diced, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup low sodium broth, 3 cups mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 375 F and grease a 12 cup muffin tin. 2. Brown the beef with onion. 3. Stir in peas, carrots, tomato paste and broth and simmer 5 minutes. 4. Spoon filling into the cups. 5. Top with mashed potato and cheese. 6. Bake 15 to 18 minutes and cool before serving.

Lentil Sloppy Joes on Mini Buns

Red lentils cook down soft in a tomato sauce that tastes just like classic sloppy joes, and you can use half lentils and half beef if you like. It is cheap, filling and soft enough for new eaters. Serve on slider buns for the family. For toddlers, serve it open faced or with the bun torn into small pieces.

You will need: 1 cup red lentils rinsed, 1 small onion diced, 1 small bell pepper diced, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 cups water, slider buns.

How to make it: 1. Soften onion and pepper in a little oil. 2. Add lentils, tomato sauce, paste, mustard, paprika and water. 3. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring, until lentils are soft. 4. Mash a little for a smoother texture. 5. Spoon onto buns. 6. Cut into small pieces for toddlers.

Veggie Frittata Fingers for Toddler Meals on the Go

A sheet pan frittata is the easiest way to get eggs and veggies into one dish. Bake it, cut it into strips, and toddlers can feed themselves. The rest of the family gets squares with toast. Leftovers keep three days in the fridge. Spinach, peppers or broccoli: which would your toddler pick?

You will need: 8 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup chopped spinach, 1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli, 1 cup shredded mild cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 375 F and grease an 8×8 pan. 2. Whisk eggs and milk. 3. Stir in veggies and cheese. 4. Pour into the pan. 5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until set in the middle. 6. Cool and cut into finger strips.

Hidden Veggie Pasta for Picky Toddler Meals

Blend roasted carrots, red pepper and a little zucchini into tomato sauce and it just tastes like regular pasta sauce. Make a big batch and freeze it in small portions. Toddlers do well with short pasta like penne or rotini, cut in half for younger eaters. Picky tip: keep the sauce on the side if your toddler likes foods separate.

You will need: 1 lb short pasta, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 carrots chopped, 1 red bell pepper chopped, 1 small zucchini chopped, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning.

How to make it: 1. Roast carrots, pepper, zucchini and onion with oil at 425 F for 25 minutes. 2. Add to a pot with garlic and tomatoes. 3. Simmer 10 minutes. 4. Blend until smooth. 5. Toss with cooked pasta. 6. Cut pasta into bite size pieces for toddlers.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Set it in the morning and dinner is ready when everyone is hungry. Slow cooker toddler meals like this one are a lifesaver. Chicken thighs turn so tender they shred with a fork, which is perfect for toddlers. Stir the rice in near the end so it stays soft but not mushy. Kids often like it with a little butter and peas mixed in. Is this your kind of easy weeknight?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken thighs, 1 small onion diced, 2 carrots diced, 3 cups low sodium chicken broth, 1 cup long grain rice, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

How to make it: 1. Add chicken, onion, carrots, garlic powder and broth to the slow cooker. 2. Cook on LOW 5 to 6 hours. 3. Shred the chicken in the pot. 4. Stir in rice and cook on HIGH 30 to 40 minutes until tender. 5. Stir in peas and butter. 6. Cool a portion before serving.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Fingers

Baked oatmeal sliced into fingers is a breakfast toddlers can hold, and grown ups love it warm with a splash of milk. Grated apple and mashed banana sweeten it, so there is no added sugar. Make a pan on Sunday and it lasts most of the week. Picky tip: serve it with a few apple slices so they see the fruit.

You will need: 2 cups old fashioned oats, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 ripe banana mashed, 1 apple grated, 1 egg, 1 1/4 cups milk, 2 tbsp melted butter.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F and grease an 8×8 pan. 2. Mix oats, baking powder and cinnamon. 3. Stir in banana, apple, egg, milk and butter. 4. Spread in the pan. 5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until set. 6. Cool and cut into fingers.

Mini Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Quesadillas are one of the fastest toddler meals there is. Mash black beans with a little cheese, spread on a tortilla, fold and toast. Cut into small triangles for toddlers and serve with mashed avocado. The family can add salsa and sour cream. Picky tip: give toddlers a choice of two dips. A small choice gives them a sense of control.

You will need: 4 small flour tortillas, 1 can (15 oz) black beans rinsed, 1 cup shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 ripe avocado, squeeze of lime.

How to make it: 1. Mash the beans with cumin. 2. Spread beans on half of each tortilla. 3. Top with cheese and fold. 4. Toast in a dry pan 2 to 3 minutes per side. 5. Mash avocado with lime. 6. Cool and cut into small triangles.

Soft Salmon Cakes

Canned or leftover salmon turns into soft, golden cakes that flake apart easily for little mouths. Toddler meals with fish can be tricky, and these are a gentle way to introduce it. Check carefully for small bones and remove them. Serve the family with a lemony yogurt sauce and a green salad, and toddlers with peas and the cake broken into pieces.

You will need: 2 cans (5 oz) boneless skinless salmon drained, 1 egg, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp plain yogurt, 1 green onion finely chopped, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp olive oil.

How to make it: 1. Flake the salmon and check for bones. 2. Mix with egg, breadcrumbs, yogurt, onion and lemon zest. 3. Shape into 8 small patties. 4. Chill 10 minutes. 5. Cook in oil 3 minutes per side until golden. 6. Cool and break into pieces for toddlers.

Banana Oat Muffins With No Added Sugar

Ripe bananas do all the sweetening in these soft muffins, so they work for breakfast, lunch boxes or a snack with dinner. Bake them in a mini muffin tin for toddler sized bites. They freeze well, and a frozen muffin thaws by lunchtime. Blueberries or plain? Looking for more ideas? Our build your own dinners for picky eaters are a hit with kids of all ages.

You will need: 3 ripe bananas mashed, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 1/2 cups oat flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup blueberries (optional).

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350 F and grease a mini muffin tin. 2. Whisk bananas, eggs, yogurt, butter and vanilla. 3. Stir in oat flour, baking soda and cinnamon. 4. Fold in blueberries if using. 5. Fill the cups 3/4 full. 6. Bake 12 to 14 minutes and cool.

Deconstructed Taco Night Makes Toddler Meals Easy

Taco night works for everyone when you serve it build your own style. The family builds tacos, and toddlers get the pieces in little piles: seasoned meat, soft beans, shredded cheese, diced tomato and avocado. Toddlers often eat more when foods are not mixed together. Use mild seasoning and let adults add heat at the table.

You will need: 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp mild chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/3 cup water, small tortillas, shredded cheese, diced tomato, avocado, black beans.

How to make it: 1. Brown the meat in a skillet. 2. Add spices and water and simmer 5 minutes. 3. Warm the tortillas. 4. Set out toppings in small bowls. 5. Let everyone build their own. 6. Serve toddlers small piles of each food with a soft tortilla torn up.

Soft Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Oven roasted sweet potato fries are sweet, soft inside and easy to hold. Cut them a little thicker for toddlers so they stay soft, and skip the extra salt on their portion. They are perfect toddler meals sides next to nuggets, burgers or salmon cakes. Picky tip: try the same fries with carrots or butternut squash for a colorful mix.

You will need: 2 medium sweet potatoes, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp paprika, pinch of salt for the family portion, ketchup or yogurt to dip.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 425 F and line a sheet pan. 2. Cut sweet potatoes into thick strips. 3. Toss with oil and paprika. 4. Spread in one layer. 5. Roast 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once. 6. Cool and serve with a dip.

English Muffin Mini Pizzas

Mini pizzas are the toddler meals little ones love to make themselves. Split English muffins, spread with sauce and let them add cheese and toppings. Five minutes in the oven and dinner is ready. Cut toddler pizzas into small strips. Picky tip: put out one new topping, like diced zucchini, next to the favorites and let them decide.

You will need: 4 English muffins split, 1/2 cup pizza sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, toppings: diced ham, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini or pineapple.

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Toast the muffin halves lightly. 3. Spread with a thin layer of sauce. 4. Add cheese and toppings. 5. Bake 6 to 8 minutes until bubbly. 6. Cool and cut into strips.

Chicken and Veggie Soup for Cold Nights

A pot of chicken and veggie soup is comfort for everyone and one of the coziest toddler meals. For toddlers, scoop out the soft chicken, carrots and noodles and serve them a little drained, or offer the broth in a cup. Always let it cool well first. A side of toast fingers for dipping makes it fun. Do your kids like soup or just the noodles?

You will need: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, 2 carrots sliced, 2 celery ribs sliced, 1 small onion diced, 8 cups low sodium chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups small egg noodles, 1 tsp dried thyme, chopped parsley.

How to make it: 1. Simmer chicken, carrots, celery, onion, thyme and broth for 25 minutes. 2. Remove the chicken and shred it. 3. Add noodles and cook until very tender. 4. Return the chicken. 5. Add parsley. 6. Cool a toddler portion well before serving.

Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels for Lunch

Pinwheels turn a simple sandwich into one of the most fun toddler meals. Spread a soft tortilla with cream cheese, layer turkey and cheese, roll it up and slice into wheels. Toddlers can hold them easily, and they pack well for lunch. Cut the slices small for younger eaters. Will you pack these for tomorrow?

You will need: 2 large soft flour tortillas, 4 tbsp cream cheese, 4 slices low sodium turkey, 2 slices mild cheddar, a handful of baby spinach (optional).

How to make it: 1. Spread cream cheese over each tortilla. 2. Layer turkey, cheese and spinach. 3. Roll up tightly. 4. Wrap and chill 15 minutes. 5. Slice into 1 inch wheels. 6. Cut wheels in half for small toddlers.